Rivers crisis escalates, spills to streets

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 61923

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N150

THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

WARRI NORTH CRISIS:

2015: Nwabueze I won't negotiate under .13 P • replies Clark duress — Uduaghan 58

Rivers crisis escalates, spills to streets

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR & JIMITOTA ONOYUME

•Police fire teargas as rival supporters clash •Reps vote to take over Rivers Assembly •NBA, ACN, Agbakoba, Aturu, Keyamo, others react •27 lawmakers back Speaker Amachree •35 Soldiers withdrawn from Rivers Govt House

RIVERS: THE DAY AFTER...

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ORTHARCOURT— THE fracas that erupted Monday over who controls the Rivers State House of Assembly, yesterday, spilled to the streets, leaving several people injured. At the centre are 27 legislators loyal to Governor Rotimi Amaechi and five others belonging to the opposition.

Continues on page 5

•P.29

COLUMNISTS:

Is'haq Modibbo Kawu•P.17 OCHEREOME NNANNA•P.19

Josef Omorotionmwan •P.19

Mr & Mrs

RIVERS—The police fire tear gas as rival lawmakers and their supporters clashed in Port-Harcourt yesterday. Photos: Chijioke Nwankpa. See stories on Pages 5, 6, 7 &49.

Customers issued Doubts over Boko •P.56 Haram ceasefire N166bn dud cheques in 2012 — CBN pact with FG 9 C M Y K

2— Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

C M Y K

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C M Y K

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POCKET CARTOON

Injuries from Rivers

Rivers crisis escalates, spills to the streets Continues from page 1 Yesterday's street fight attracted thugs who descended on proAmaechi supporters, forcing them to retreat into Government House in Port Harcourt.

The seat of government in the state did not prove to be a safe haven as policemen in hot pursuit of the pro-Amaechi suppporters shot several canisters of tear gas into the fence of the seat of power, peppering government officials holed inside the complex. The chaos provoked by the

mayhem forced banks, the state secretariat and the judiciary to hurriedly close shops.

Echoes of the crisis in Rivers State reverberated in the National Assembly with the House of Representatives taking over the legislative responsibilities of the Rivers Assembly while the Police high command said it would investigate activities of its men in the state. The House also adopted a resolution for the removal of the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Mbu Joseph.

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

To achieve success is to live well, to gain the respect of those around us, to fill our niche and accomplish our task, to leave the world better than you met it, to look for the best in others and give them the best one could, for one‘s memory to be a benediction —Bessie Stanley

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

B

E the one who nurtures and builds. Be the one who has an understanding and a forgiving heart, one who looks for the best in people.

Leave people better than you found them —Marvin J. Ashton Silence! The sweetest remedy to a life of balance, beauty and love. This much I do know, you do not have to explain your life to anyone and your true friends always understand and that’s all that matters.

Compassion! A beautiful place to be! It is easy enough to be friendly to one’s friends. But to have compassion for the one who tries to hurt and ridicule is the quintessence of a beautiful heart. Compassion brings the light brighter to shine through whatever is thrown at you!

Love! The greatest of them all. When your heart is full of this beautiful energy of life... it shows in every way, and no matter what anyone tries to do to you. Your light keeps glowing and glowing and your heart is full of beautiful laughter for you and others too. Keeping my heart beautiful. Let your heart feel incredibly beautiful from within.

The Senate, in an equally emotive session, however, stopped short of the resolutions adopted by the House but called on Police authorities to reconcile Mr. Mbu with the state governor, Rotimi Amaechi. Nonetheless, the two factions in the Rivers State House of Assembly remained dogged in their positions yesterday as they clashed for a second straight day.

The clash between supporters of opposing factions in the House near the gate of the Government House led to intervention of the Police who forcibly separated them using tear gas.

Some canisters of tear gas breached the perimeters of the Government House in the melee which led to severe injuries on at least five persons including one person that was reportedly shot.

Evans Bipi who was Tuesday elected by a group of five legislators as new speaker told Vanguard yesterday that he had taken office and was now the presiding officer of the House even as he poured invectives against Governor Amaechi. He was immediately countered by the opposing group of 27 legislators who issued a resolution affirming their continued recognition of Hon. Otelemaba Amachree as speaker.

The legislators in a statement signed by 26 of the 27 members in the group also pledged one hundred per cent support for

Governor Amaechi.

Stakeholders across the country were, however, full of condemnations for developments in the state yesterday.

The Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN however, treaded new grounds in its response as it called on the National Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against President Goodluck Jonathan who the party alleged was fully responsible for the escalating crisis. The party was immediately countered by Dr. Doyin Okupe, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Communications and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP acting national publicity secretary.

Yesterday's violence

The stage for violence was set after the group of five legislators fixed a sitting for yesterday at 8.00 a.m. yesterday while the group of 27 fixed their own session for 10.00 a.m.

As early as 7 a.m., thousands of youths had started milling around the Assembly complex, a situation the Police said forced it to move in to stop the sitting. Commissioner of Police Mbu said he got a letter from the Assembly on Tuesday that the House would reconvene yesterday, adding that his men had to stop the sitting to avoid a breach of peace in the state. Continuing, the Police boss who spoke through the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Angela Agabe said the Police did not seal off the Assembly complex as alleged in some quarters.

"There was a letter to us that the House will sit this morning. There was a crowd of people and this could pose a breach of peace. So, we had to disperse them, and they have been dispersed,“ she said.

The Police barricaded the two ends of Moscow Road leading to the Assembly complex with patrol vehicles and armoured personnel carriers. Motorists and pedestrians were not allowed into the road. Some youths who had gathered on the road before Police moved in were asked to raise their hands up and were frisked by anti-riot policemen before being turned back.

The police spokesperson also reiterated the ban on public processions in

the state. “The Commissioner of Police warns that the ban on public processions is still on.

Any person that violates the law will be prosecuted. The Police will use minimum force on violators of this order,” Agabe said.

Supporters of the two factions in the Assembly openly clashed several times after they were dispersed by the Police. One of the incidents was around the Post Office area, a situation that forced the Police to fire teargas to disperse them.

Vanguard gathered that demonstrators loyal to pro-Amaechi lawmakers marched to the front of the Government House in the morning and started chanting songs denouncing the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Mbu. They also called for his immediate removal.

While this was on, another group of demonstrators loyal to the five lawmakers was also around the Post Office which is about one hundred meters from the Government House, were also chanting anti Amaechi song.

Bipi who was elected speaker of the group of five on Tuesday was with them. He later told newsmen that he was around to resume duties as Speaker of the House of Assembly. He called on his supporters to be law abiding, describing himself as the substantive speaker of the House of Assembly. His words: “I came in today to discharge my duties as Speaker of the House of Assembly but the Police did not allow me to go in.

I was so embarrassed.

Here you can see all my loyalists and followers, sympathizers; they are on the path of truth. I advise my people to be law abiding, peaceful. By tomorrow we will go to the office. The people should disregard whatever they

see on the screen. The truth remains that Rivers people do not want Governor Amaechi any longer. I am duly elected as Speaker of the Rivers state House of Assembly yet Amaechi is using the Police to stop me”, he said.

Victor Ihunwo who is also one of the five lawmakers against Amaechi lawmaker said they came to the assembly to let the world know who the authentic speaker is. Thank God my speaker, Rt. Hon. Evans Bipi is here. We can’t see the other people. If not that governor Amaechi has stopped him with his Policemen, he would have been in his office discharging his duties”, he said. Later the two lawmakers left their crowd of supporters.

The group of 27 legislators loyal to Amaechi, however, debunked the claims yesterday in a press statement signed by 26 of them, in which they reiterated support for Speaker Otelema Amachree and one hundred per cent support for Governor Amaechi. While the two groups of loyalists massed on opposite sides of the road, a fracas soon broke out over yet unknown reasons as the two groups hurled stones at each other; a development that made the Police shoot canisters of tear gas at the two groups.

It was in the process that tear gas was shot into the Government House.

As the tear gas fumes diffused within the perimeters of the Government House, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs Ibim Semenitari was forced to call out for help yesterday, saying that the Police were firing tear gas into the Government House, adding that it was affecting activities in the Executive Chambers.

“Please SOS! Police

Continues on page 49

6—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

Rival youth supporters clash in PortHarcourt yesterday

Reps vote to take-over Rivers House

BY EMMAN OVUAKPORIE, HENRY UMORU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

A

BUJA—THE Senate and the House of Representatives yesterday took steps to resolve the Rivers State crisis. While the Reps made a resolution to take over legislative affairs of the Rivers State House of Assembly, the Senate tried to resolve the face-off between Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and state Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mbu. The Senate rebuffed the resolution adopted in the House of Representatives for the immediate removal Joseph Mbu. The deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha presided over the session. 18 members spoke in favour of the resolution proposed

by Albert Tsokwa, Donga/ Usa Federal Constituency of Taraba State for the House to mandate an investigation into the crisis which he said had paralysed activities of the State House of Assembly.

His motion also prayed the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar to immediately redeploy Mbu from Rivers State on the basis of what he claimed was the ineffectual policing of the state and the state House of

Assembly.

In the motion titled “Motion of Threat to Democracy and inability of the House of Assembly of Rivers State to sit and transact legislate business in the House,” Tsokwa said “the House of Assembly of Rivers State had on previous occasions tried to hold its normal sittings and transact parliamentary business but was unable to do so as a result of the presence of hoodlums in the precincts of the House and the inability of the Nigerian Police to provide the legitimate authorities of the House with Security.

He explained that “the Rivers State Police Command which had pledged to provide security for the sitting of the House watched the violence unleashed on members of the State House of Assembly without intervention.

He said “ in a situation where the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State is alleged to have taken sides, and five out of a 32 members House procured thugs and hoodlums to disrupt the sitting of the House and prevented the State House of Assembly from performing its constitutional functions.”

“Concerned that five out of the 32 members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State purportedly

attempted unsuccessfully to remove the Speaker and Leadership of House of Assembly of Rivers State.

Tsokwa thus prayed the House “to condemn in very strong terms the failure of the Nigerian Police Force, Rivers State Command, to provide security for the Rivers State House of Assembly which has led to the disruptions of the sittings of the House.

“An Ad-hoc Committee should be constituted to visit the House of Assembly of Rivers State on a factfinding mission and report back to the House within seven days.”

But the prayers were amended when Hon Emmanuel Jime, (PDP, Benue) intervened during the debate and proposed an amendment to reflect that: “The House resolves that the IGP should immediately redeploy the Rivers State Commissioner of police for dereliction of duty,” and for the National Assembly to take over the legislative duties of the Rivers State House of Assembly on the fact that the state legislature is unable to perform its functions".

Lamenting the development in the state as a dangerous precedent for the country, Rep EziucheUbani (PDP, Abia) said: “It began as a quarrel, with a party and it is now going beyond that to affect

democracy in our country.

Since the police has shown that they can compromise the security of some people, the IGP should appear before the House tomorrow or today".

Rep Aminu Suleiman, (PDP, Kano State) made a passionate appeal for the House to take over the legislative duties of the state House of Assembly upon the breakdown of law and order in line with section 11:4 of the Constitution Several other members also spoke including Rep Yakubu Dogara, Bauchi, Said Kutigi (Niger State), Nnena Elendu Ukeje (PDP, Abia State), Garuba Datti, (CPC, Kaduna State).

Rep Femi Gbajabiamila, the Minority Leader of the described the events in Rivers State as a democratic coup.

Gbajabiamila said: “Section 1 sub 2 of our constitution describes exactly what has happened in Rivers. In that section lies the offence of treason. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it is a duck. ”What is happening in Rivers is a democratic coup and we should treat it as such.”

Of the 20 members who contributed to the debate only two members, Ken Chikere and Kingsley Chinda opposed the motion.

Both men incidentally

from Rivers State alleged infractions on the part of the Rivers State House of Assembly which they said had become a tool in the hands of the state administration.

Chikere said: ”It is wrong to wake up and sack local government suddenly and nothing is done. Anyone that comes to equity must come with clean hands. If you love Rivers, provide an avenue for settlement”.

Chinda rebuffed insinuations that the group of five legislators provoked the mayhem on the floor of the House.

He said his brother, and member of the House of Assembly, Michael Chinda, who belongs to the group of five was beaten mercilessly by the majority leader of the House, Chidi Lloyd.

“I appreciate the passion with which every member contributed to this motion, I would have done the same. But unfortunately we don’t have the fact and if we had, we would have spoken differently. As I speak, my brother, Chinda, is in coma in the hospital.

He is one of the five,” he said even as his assertions raised muttering among members forcing Ihedioha on the dais to call the House to order.

“The impression we have is that the other five members were the aggressors and we are hinging our prayers on a wrong premise,” he submitted as he urged his colleagues to tread the path of caution".

Following the caution from Chinda many members of the House softened their temper and adopted the amendments proposed

by Jimi that the House take over the legislative duties of the State House of Assembly and urge the redeployment of the Commissioner of Police, Mbu.

Reps to hold consultation with Senate At a briefing House spokesman, Zakari Mohammed said the House was already in consultation with the Senate on activating the constitutional clause on the take over of the legislative duties of the state House of Assembly.

The Reps resolution to take over the affairs of the House was based on Section 11 (4) of the constitution which states thus:

House Resolution "At any time when any

House of Assembly of a State is unable to perform its functions by reason of situation prevailing in that State, the National Assembly may make such laws for the peace, order and good government of that State with respect to matters on which a House of Assembly may make laws as may appear to the National Assembly to be necessary or expedient until such time as the House of Assembly is able to resume its functions "And any such laws enacted by the National Assembly pursuant to this section shall have effect as if they were laws enacted by the House of Assembly of the State".

Senate The debate on the upheaval in Rivers State came by way of personal explanation brought by Senator Magnus Abe, PDP, Rivers State.

The debate on the development inevitably derailed the debate on the Constitution Amendment Bill which commenced on Tuesday.

Before commencement of the debate, the Senate moved into closed door during which argument was made for the Senate to give Mbu a soft landing.

That agreement was, however, almost derailed following the submission by some senators led by Senator Babajide Omoworare, (ACN, Osun East), challenging the subtle ruling by Senator David Mark who presided that Mbu be given a soft landing through an order to the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar to reconcile the commissioner of police and Governor Amaechi.

A

NGERED by the outcome of the vote as announced by Mark, Senator Omoworare bust into tears, alleging rigging, just as he rubbed his eyes, cleaning tears out of his face.

When questioned at the end of the session, Omoworare said, “If I say I am not disturbed I am lying to you. But it’s a step after the other. It’s a process, just like we were disturbed with the election of the Nigerian Governors Forum, when 16 in this part of the world would be greater than 19, we are also disturbed today that when there seems to be majority of nays against ayes, they called for division.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013—7

Rivers State House of Assembly sat yesterday (Tuesday) for its business.

"So, I don’t think it is right even though they have the powers but they were so much in a hurry to exercise that power. I don’t buy the idea at all because it means that in any House of Assembly, three lawmakers can come and cause a fight and the House of Reps will want to take over its functions because of a minority.”

Police keep watch over protesters yesterday.

Outrage greets show of shame at Rivers House

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE, DAPO AKINREFON, GBENGA OKE & DOTUN IBIWOYE

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UESDAY’S show of shame at the Rivers State House of Assembly, yesterday, elicited outrage in the polity.

Most people condemned the mayhem that desecrated what normally should be the hallowed chambers of the assembly, saying that the fracas, processes leading to it and the hard-line stance of the feuding stakeholders portended grave danger to Nigeria’s democracy and the 2015 general elections.

Many of them also described as hasty the House of Representatives’ resolution to take over legislative duties in Rivers.

Agbakoba, Keita express diasppointment Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mr. Olisa Agbakoba, was so disappointed that he dismissed the shameful incident with one word: “Disgrace.”

Elder statesman and Second Republic politician, Alhaji Lawal Kaita, said “what happened in the Rivers State House of Assembly is very bad. It portends danger for our democracy and Nigeria as a whole.”

Faulty federalism — Ikokwu Second Republic politician and Anambra State Chairman of the defunct Nigeria Peoples Party, NPP, Chief Guy

Ikokwu, said what happened in Rivers State has to do with systemic and structural problems plaguing the nation.

He said: “The problem with Nigerian democracy is systemic. The present constitution does not enhance our democracy because it is military oriented as 1999 constitution.

“The House of Representatives certainly has the right under the 1999 constitution to take the action it has taken but if the zone had regional powers then the issue will be a regional matter rather than Abuja and federal matter".

Let Jonathan clarify issues — Balarabe Musa Former Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa said: “The fight in the Rivers State House of Assembly is a continuation of the issues between the president and Governor Amaechi.

"It is unfortunate for the president to allow the issues between him and a governor to get to this level because everyone, either literate or illiterate will assume that the president has a hand in it.

It is unthinkable to say that the president is not involved it this tussle. It is likely that the supporters of President Jonathan and the supporters of Amaechi are the ones fighting. They might be camouflaging in the process of impeaching the speaker, whereas, they are targeting the Governor.

Who knows? “

NBA expresses worry

President of the NBA, Okey Wali, SAN, said the Nigerian Bar Association was very disturbed by the turnout of events in Rivers State.

He said: “The political differences in Rivers State until now have been in the courts, which was the right and proper way to settle disputes in any civilized society and this was why the NBA had refrained from issuing statements on the matter, as they were subjudice.

"But the latest twist of violence is a dangerous dimension that must be condemned very strongly and quickly.

"The NBA therefore appeals to the parties to sheath their swords and return to the courts, where they have been, for adjudication of any disputes between them."

Take over suspicious — Keyamo Human rights activist and lawyer, Mr. Festus Keyamo, said though the constitution allowed the House of Representatives to intervene in such matters, the hasty take over was suspicious.

His words: “The Constitution allows the House of Representatives to take over a State House of Assembly when law and order has totally broken down. But this is not the situation because there are many Houses of Assembly that have broken down.

"This take over is very suspicious because as I speak with you, it was only five lawmakers that were overpowered and taken out of the premises and the

Sad reminder of Ngige’s abduction and removal in 2003 —Uwazurike President of Aka-Ikenga, the Igbo intellectual thinktank, Chief Goddy Uwazurike, noted that the Rivers mayhem occurred on the eve of the 10th anniversary of the puerile abduction and removal of Dr Chris Ngige as governor of Anambra State by thugs.

He said it was pure fantasy for five lawmakers to attempt to impeach the speaker in a House of 32.

He also described the House of Reps intervention as hasty, saying “they jumped the gun because there is no evidence that the Rivers State House of Assembly cannot sit.”

Reps setting wrong precedence— Opara Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Opara, said “ what happened is a clear indication of the highhandedness of Governor Amaechi. Why does he have to lead armed policemen into the State House of Assembly when they are resolving the internal problems? Was there a coup for him to carry armed policemen into the Assembly premises?

"I think this is an indictment on Amaechi and his government and they should hide their faces in shame over the take over of the State House of Assembly by the House of Representatives.

Take over must be within the law — Aturu Rights crusader, Mr. Bamidele Aturu said though he throws his weight behind Reps’ take over, but it must be done within the confines of the law.

He said: “Under the law, they have a right to take over if they think that place cannot be governed in a

peaceful way, but they will need to conform strictly with the constitution".

We suspect a political move — Afenifere However, the Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation alleged political move in the take over. Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Yinka Odumakin said “there is a section in the constitution that allows the National Assembly to take over functions of a House of Assembly where law and order has broken down

completely.

"Given what happened in Rivers State, there is unease in that place but whether it has broken down to a situation where the National Assembly will take over the functions of the assembly within 24 hours, is something else that should be looked at.

"I suspect a political move from the House of Reps given the closeness between Amaechi and Tambuwal for it to have been rushed within 24 hours raises suspicion.”

We 'll investigate role of police in Rivers — IGP zAs 27 lawmakers pledge support to Amaechi, Amachree

BY BEN AGANDE

A

BUJA—INSPECTOR General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, yesterday, said the police high command will investigate the role of the police in the fracas at the Rivers State House of Assembly, saying anybody found to have misbehaved would be held accountable.

He said he had dispatched a Deputy Inspector General of Police to Port Harcourt to investigate the situation.

The Inspector General of police’s position came on the heels of thorough scrutiny by the Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, by his colleague ministers before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House.

35 soldiers withdrawn from Rivers Govt House Meanwhile, a top security source confirmed, yesterday, that 35 military men assigned to protect Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State had been withdrawn from Government House, PortHarcourt.

When Vanguard called the Army Public Relations Officer, PRO, in the state, Major Mike Etete, he referred him to the police PRO, DSP Angela Agabe, who also declined comments on the matter.

27 lawmakers back Speaker Amachree The 27 members of the pro-Amaechi group in the

House of Assembly yesterday, reiterated their unflinching loyalty to the speaker of the House, Otelema Amachree as they dismissed contentions by the group of five that the speaker had been impeached.

In a statement signed by 26 members of the group, they disputed the claim by Evans Bipi that Amachree had been impeached by the group of five members after the fracas of last Tuesday even as they pledged 100 per cent loyalty to Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

They said: “The attention of the undersigned members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have been drawn to the alleged and widely publicized “Impeachment” of the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Otelema Daniel Amachree by five sponsored and disgruntled members of the Assembly.

“We state for the benefit of the public that no such situation existed on the floor of the House. These are mere machinations of the five members desperate to do their masters bidding.

“The purported claim by a member of the Assembly, Evans Bapakaye Bipi to be the new speaker of the State Assembly is outrightly false and hallucinations of the most debased form. We urge members of the public and the press to disregard such claims.

“We hereby declare that we are 100 percent behind our Speaker, Rt. Hon. Otelemaba Dan Amachree even as we are fully in support of our Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.”

8 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

Police parade man who killed, buried wife

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

A

DO EKITI —POLICE have paraded man who allegedly beat his wife to death at Igbemo Ekiti recently, just as the police have exhumed the body of the 39-year-old mother of three for autopsy. according to reports,the man, Mr Adewale Daramola, recently clubbed his wife, Iyabo, to death during a disagreement at Igbemo Ekiti and quickly buried her.

Speaking with newsmen while parading the suspect,the Police image maker in the state, Mr Victor Babayemi, said the suspect allegedly clubbed his wife to death after a disagreement.

Going by the statement of two of their children, the couple had been married for 20 years with three children, saying the rate at which Daramola hurriedly buried the wife gave room for suspicion that he had wanted to obstruct police investigation.

According to Babayemi, the suspect would be charged to court soon after the conclusion of the investigation.

When quizzed by journalists, Daramola denied ever clubbing his wife to death, saying the deceased had fellen sick a year before she finally died.

Police also paraded a 17-year old boy, Tomiwa Aladejebi, a student of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, whom he said was invited for a party by a friend he met on Facebook before being arrested for cultism while about to be initiated into Black Axe Fraternity.

The police image maker said the Police Commissioner in the state would soon meet with the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi and the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Ayodeji Daramola over the modality for the granting of pardon to prisoners.

Babayemi added that though granting of pardon or release of prisoners on compassionate ground falls within the purview of the Governor and Chief Judge, he said “those granted pardon under this circumstance had been found to be the one perpetrating more evil.”

He regretted that the Nigeria Prison Service had not been well structured to be more effective in carrying out its statutory reformatory exercises on inmates, saying this accounted for the reasons why “some of them used to return to criminality after they were pardoned.”

Drug barons abandon N74m cocaine as suspect excretes 54 wraps

BY DANIEL ETEGHE

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AGOS — COCAINE weighing 5.9kg worth N74 million has been abandoned by a suspected drug trafficking syndicate.

The drug was detected by men of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos. The drug which was hidden inside industrial equipment originated from Panama, Central America.

This came as a suspected drug trafficker excreted 54 wraps of cocaine he ingested in Brazil.

NDLEA Commander at the Lagos airport, Mr Hamza Umar, said that the cocaine consignment was left unclaimed. “The luggage was imported from Panama. When nobody came forward to claim ownership, we invited other security agencies and carried out a search. It was in the process of the search that the cocaine was discovered inside the industrial equipment.

"Meantime, a 36-year-old man, Onyema Watson Goodman Nnamdi, was also apprehended in connection with the ingestion of 54 wraps of cocaine weighing 875 grammes. Both seizures weighed 6.775kg.”

The suspect said he wanted to get married with the $4,000 they promised to pay him.

According to Onyema, “I have struggled in my life but I have nothing to show for it.

I was in Cape Verde for six years before I went to Brazil in March 2013. My decision to smuggle drugs was to use the proceeds to marry and settle down.”

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Alhaji Ahmadu Giade, promised to investigate the illegal shipment and expose those behind it.

He said: “Drug barons have no hiding place. This abandoned seizure is an indication that control measures are working and the country is winning the war on narcotics. This case shall be thoroughly investigated and those that are responsible will be exposed and brought to justice.”

He urged members of the public to support the anti-narcotics campaign in the interest of humanity. The suspect will soon be charged to court, he said.

The suspect

ACCIDENT: Barely two weeks after the commissioning of the longest bridge in Oyo State tagged "Transformation Bridge" by Oyo State government, it recorded its first major accident, yesterday when an Okada rider knocked down a hawker at the foot of the bridge.

The victim being conveyed to the hospital by sympathisers while the Okada rider (right) is left to his fate. PHOTOS: Dare Fasube.

Police arrest guard over killing of LAUTECH student

BY OLA AJAYI

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BADAN — THE Oyo State Po lice Command, yesterday, paraded one of the suspects allegedly involved in the killing of a student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Miss Seun Adaramoye.

The remains of the student was said to have been discovered on June 20, this year by a passer-by beside a guest house at Ogbomoso.

The police gave the name of the suspect as Alex Akinyemi, a security man at the guest house.

While speaking with newsmen at the Oyo State Criminal Investigation Department, CID, Iyanganku, Ibadan, Assistant Commissioner of Police, CID Unit, Dansuki Galadanchi, said the suspect was exposed by the closed circuit television, CCTV. He said: “When the owner of the guest house heard about the incident, he called the CCTV engineer to play back the recordings of the camera. He saw where one of his security men named Alex Akinyemi carried the corpse and reported the matter to the police.

According to him, “the security guards, Dauda Aliyu and

Samuel Ojo were arrested. When the film was played, we identified the person in the film as Alex Akinyemi who was in charge of the guest house on the day.

After the arrest of the guard, the police boss said the corpse of the student was later moved to LAUTECH for post mortem examination.

Galadanchi said the other suspect in the case, Charles Segun Aregbesola, who is at large, would soon be arrested.

The suspect, Akinyemi, said: “I have been working as a security guard in this guest house for over two months, and I only know this Segun aka police as a resident of that area before I saw him

dropping the corpse around 8am that day. He threatened to kill me with an axe he was holding that day if I report to the police and promised to give me N500,000, but he did not give me till now.

Also paraded was one Wajud Akande for alleged conspiracy, stealing and conversion of goods worth N1.2 million.

Woman, two men docked over $12,780 theft

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS — A 34-YEAR-OLD woman, Chigozie Luke, and two men were, yesterday, arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate's Court over alleged theft of valuables worth $12,780.

The other suspects are Olajide Balogun, 43, and Ayobami Odunfa, 30. They were docked before Magistrate Demi Ajayi.

The accused who reside at Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos, are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing, preferred against them by the police.

The Police prosecutor, Barth Nwakaoye, said the defendants

conspired to commit the alleged offence on June 1, 2012 at John Gabe Nigeria Ltd, Maza Maza, Lagos.

He said the suspects who were staff of the company stole a bag containing 204 pairs of shoes, cam-coder, jeans shirts, handbags and other valuables.

Nwakaoye said the stolen items worth $12,780 were property of Mrs Ifeoma Oyeoka.

The prosecutor told the court that the goods were sent to her from the United States of America and meant to be transported to Enugu by the company.

According to him, the offence contravenes Sections 285 and 409, Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011.

However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Magistrate A. A Demi-Ajayi granted the suspects bail in the sum of N250,000 each with two responsible sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to September 25, 2013.

Meantime, a 26-year- old bus conductor, Shola Okeseyi, was, yesterday, remanded in prison custody by an Ikeja Magistrate's Court over alleged robbery.

The accused who resides at 22, Odofin Street, Itire, is facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and robbery, brought against him by the police. He was arraigned before Magistrate Dan Oni.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013 — 9

Police declare Virus, 17 others wanted over killing of 11 cops

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

ENAGOA — THE Bayelsa State Police Command has declared wanted leader of the renegade militant group, simply called Virus and 17 others involved in the April gruesome killing of 11policemen along the waterways of Lobia community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.

The police command, according

to a statement, yesterday, by its spokesman, Mr. Alex Akhigbe, said those wanted were found culpable in the killing of the policemen.

Among those declared wanted are Lucky Bakumo alias Blacky, Egedin Godday Sunday alias Community, Young Money alias Virus, Emeka Samuel, Blacky Wikewei, Idowu Matthew, Odobogheonuru Famous and Odenyen Zinikiware.

They are all identified as beneficiaries of the ongoing amnesty programme of the Federal Government.

It was learnt that the indictment of the alleged killers of the policemen was made possible with the arrest of one of the suspects identified as Jackson Feutubobai also known as Jasper.

Jasper, according to security sources, was a drop out of the Law Department in state-owned Niger

Delta University, Amassoma.

The suspect told newsmen, while being paraded at the state police headquarters, that the suspects declared wanted were directly involved in the killing and burning of the policemen.

“Virus disobeyed my instruction and wasted the lives of the policemen,” he told newsmen, adding that the wanted Virus and others left Azuzuama for Port Harcourt and Bakassi after committing the act.

Two suspected pipeline vandals nabbed in Ogun

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

A

BEOKUTA — THE Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, said yesterday that it arrested two suspected vandals in Remo North Local Government Area of the state.

According to a statement by the Public Relations Officers of the coprs in the state, Kareem Olanrewaju, one Sofowora Kazeem, 37, of 24, Itunmoro Street, Ikenne Remo and Oladeinde Adebajo, 34, of 2, Itunraye Compound, Ode-Remo, in Ogun State were arrested with exhibits at the creek pipeline area in Abekoko, Ode Remo after they successfully vandalised a pipeline.

“The suspects had filled several kegs with premium motor spirit (petrol)and loaded them in a Gulf car driven to the scene for that purpose.

“The surveillance arm of the command has monitored their activities so as to prevent them from escaping. They were captured with a motor cycle being used for monitoring security ofBY DAUD OLATUNJI

A

BEOKUTA — PANDE MONIUM broke out in Ogun waterside, yesterday, when officials of Ogun State government stormed J4 Junction in Ijebu East Local Government Area of the state and demolished a filling station, guest house and 22 lock-up shops belonging to a former member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Musa Moruf.

An eye witness told Vanguard that there was confusion as residents and staff of the hotel and petrol station scampered for safety.

Sources said the demolition was carried out while the litigation over the property was ongoing at a state high court in Abeokuta.

Vanguard gathered that the presiding judge, Justice Hezekiah Solanke, had fixed yesterday for hearing in the suit filed by Moruf challenging the decision of the Ogun

ficers especially civil defence officials .

“The suspects in an interview confessed to the crime but claimed that it was their third trip,

adding that some have been doing same regularly without being caught."

Exhibits recovered from the suspects included a black Golf car

with number plate EV 578 LND (Lagos), a Bajaj motor cycle with number plate LAR587 QB (Ogun) and a small hose and other tools suspected to have been used in their criminal act.

Butcher macheted to death in Jos

BY TAYE OBATERU & HOPE OFOBIKE

J

OS – A 30-year-old butcher was, Tuesday, butchered in Gangare area of the Plateau State capital by unknown assailants.

However, one of the suspected assailants has been arrested and is helping the police in their investigations.

The deceased identified as Lawal Bala was said to have just returned home from his business when the assailants who apparently trailed him, entered his house and dealt machete cuts on him.

It was learnt that the attackers fled as his wife shouted for help. They allegedly left a knife driven into the neck of the deceased. The wife was reported to have repeatedly screamed “they have killed my husband.”

He subsequently staggered outside where he eventually died, according to an eyewitness.

Confirming the arrest of a suspect police spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent Felicia Anslem said the command would get to the root of the matter.

10-yr-old boy missing in flooded drainage

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

The suspects

Ogun govt demolishes ex-lawmaker’s property State Judicial Commission of Enquiry on Land Matters asking him to relocate the said property without any compensation.

The plaintiff, a former Chief Whip of the House, had ar-

gued that the judicial panel’s action was arbitrary and unfair.

Reacting to the demolition of his property, Moruf, who represented Ogun Waterside State Constituency in the House said it was carried out by uni-

Part of the demolished property.

dentified people who were escorted by security agents.

The former legislator disclosed that he was in possession of Certificate of Occupancy and other title documents of the said land.

P

ORT HARCOURT— WORRIED relatives and sympathisers are yet to find the body of a 10-year-old school pupil who fell into flooded drains at Mile 1, Port Harcourt following torrential rains in the Rivers State capital city, Tuesday.

The victim simply identified as Ikenna was returning from school in company of his elder sister when he fell into an opened drainage manhole at the Mile Market axis of the Ikwerre Road which was flood covered for several hours.

It was gathered that the manhole in the middle of the road was opened during the heavy down pour to aid the flow of the flood water, but the water overtook the road making it impossible for pedestrians to see the danger it constituted.

Chinyere Woke, Mile 1 Market trader who witnessed the incident said: “The boy was with a young lady identified as his cousin. While attempting to cross the flooded road, the boy fell inside the manhole.

10 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11 , 2013

Akingbola, stockbroker want N47bn theft charge quashed

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

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AGOS — Dr. Erastus Akingbola, former Managing Director of Intercontinental Bank Plc, and a stockbroker, Mr. Bayo Dada, yesterday, prayed an Ikeja High Court, to quash the alleged N47.1 billion theft charge against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. In a Motion on Notice filed by Akingbola through his lawyer, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, he urged the presiding judge, Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo, to strike out the entire charge preferred against him.

Justice Onigbanjo, however, dismissed a similar application filed by Dada’s counsel, Prof.

Taiwo Osipitan, SAN. In his own motion, Akingbola averred that the charge preferred against him by EFCC were unconstitutional, incompetent and illegal on the ground that the prosecutor did not secure the fiat of the Lagos State Attorney-General to bring the charged before the State High Court and that none of the counts disclosed a prima facie case against him.

LASTMA shuts illegal motor-park

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

L

AGOS — Men of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, and the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and other special Offences have shut down indefinitely, an illegal motor garage operating at Ketu/ Ikosi bus stop, area of the state as part of measure to ensure security of lives and property as well as free flow of traffic.

Also, petty traders who had turned the walkways into shops were also dislodged and advised not to return to the area by the team.

Labour shuts bank’s operations over sacked workers The aggrieved labour leaders and activists, displayed several placards with inscriptions such as ‘Federal MinisAGOS — LEADERS of try of Labour and ProductivNigeria Labour Conity, Diamond Bank has closed gress, NLC, its affiliate, Nadoor against workers, do not tional Union of Banks, Insurkeep silent,’ ‘core staff or not ance and Financial Instituwe are all workers of Diamond Bank Plc,’ ‘Equals should be treated equally,’ among others.

The picketing, according to leaders of NLC and NUBIFIE, was prompted by the alleged refusal of the management of the bank to, among others, reinstate the sacked workers, even when the National Industrial Court, NIC and Ministry of Labour and Productivity, advised it to do so.

They were said to have arrived the bank’s head office few minutes past 8a.m., barricaded it and ensured that its operations were crippled.

But in an unsigned statement by the bank, it said “Third party support personVALEDICTORY SESSION: From left, Barrister Kemi Pinheiro, SAN; Hon. Justice Habeeb nel posted to Diamond Bank Abiru; Governor Babatunde Fashola, SAN; Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; have recently had challenges Mr. Ade Ipaye, and Barr. Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN, during a valedictory court session in honour with their Employer –C & M of late Justice Oludare Oladapo, at the high court of Lagos, Igbosere, yesterday.

Exchange. As these issues are yet to be resolved, the third party personnel would like Diamond Bank to intercede to resolve the differences.

BY MONSURU OLOW“Diamond OOPEJO Bank remains concerned about AGOS — LAGOS Government, yesterday, the working consaid the State Contributory Pen- ditions and welfare of its entire sion Scheme, LSCPS, had risen staff, both conto N39.5 billion with 3, 304 tractual and full retirees from the state public time. service benefiting from the re“As such, we tirement scheme. are currently disIt will be recalled that the state cussing ingovernor, Babatunde Fashola, tensely with C & last year, announced that penM Exchange to sion scheme fund had hit N33 ensure they rebillion. solve the issues Director of the LSCPS, Mr. with their emRotimi Hussain, disclosed this ployees in a at the 4th pre-retirement semiswift and amicanar at Alausa, organised for civil ble manner. servants expected to retire from “Please, be asthe state public service between sured that norJuly and December 2013. mal banking opHussein said “a sum of N18, erations continue 031,148,931.06k had been credat our locations ited to the Retirement Saving nationwide.”

Accounts, RSA, of the retirees Speaking, between the said period.”

NUBIFIE PresiThe seminar will, among other dent, Danjuma things, explain the procedures Musa, said the for processing end of service picketing bebenefits and how to ensure that came imperative Retirement Savings Accounts after the manare up to date with payment of agement demoncontributions. strated unwill“The increment is a indiingness to heed cation that the contributory the order of NIC pension scheme is working to reinstate perfectly in the state,” sacked workers.

Hussain said.

BY WILLIAM JIMOH & KELECHI AZUBUIKE

L

tions Employees, NUBIFIE, and other activists, yesterday, shut down the operations of Diamond Bank Plc’s Head Office, and two other key branches in Lagos, over alleged labour infractions, including the sack of 200 union

members and officials.

The Adeola Hopewell Head Office and two other branches considered vital to the bank’s effective transactions were shut, preventing customers and others from gaining access into the bank.

Lagos pension scheme hits N39.5bn

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013 — 11

OIL DEALINGS:

Court blasts Omisore, PDP over ‘frivolous suit’

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

O

SOGBO — A judge of a Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, Justice Babatunde Kuewumi has lambasted the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, gubernatorial aspirant in the state, Senator Iyiola Omisore and the party for instituting what the court

described as a “frivolous matter” before it.

PDP and Omisore had on May 13, 2013 approached the High Court, seeking an order of the court to demolish a billboard sponsored by a member of House of Representatives representing Ife Federal Constituency, Honourable Rotimi Makinde.

Others joined in the suit as defendants were the Inspector General of Police IGP, the DirectorGeneral, Department of State Services and Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command.

Also, included as defendants in the suit were the Governor of Osun State and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

Omisore and PDP claimed that the billboard with an inscription “Tijakadi Ko” depicting a scale with one arm consisting of the state logo and the other arm consist of instruments of violence like axe, gun, cutlass, military cap and glasses.

The PDP claimed that the cap and glasses are insignias of campaign of the Senator.

The party through it counsel, Mr. Kehinde Adesiyan urged the court to order the IGP and Police Commissioner to destroy the billboard and also prosecute the House of Representatives member if found to be the sponsor, saying the court should stop further erection of the billboard.

But counsel to Makinde, Mr. Abiodun Olaide, objected to the suit on the ground that plaintiffs have no cause and right of action against the defendants, adding that the suit is incompetent, having been commenced by a wrong procedure.

SWEARING-IN: Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (4th left), flanked by the new Permanent Secretaries: From left, Mr. Kolawole Ayotunde; Mrs. Sobayo Adesola; Dr. Gabriel Odeniyi; Mrs. Abisoye Olurin; Mr. Adesina Badmus; Mrs. Moyosore Adetoun, and Mr. Adesanya Ayoola, during the swearing-in of the top civil servants in Abeokuta, yesterday

Buhari, others urge prayers for Nigeria at Ramadan

A

S MUSLIMS commenced the month of Ramadan, notable Nigerians have continued to enjoin them to pray for the peace and tranquillity of the country.

On his part, National Leader of the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) called on Muslims to pray for Nigeria to

chart a meaningful way forward.

While he wished the entire Muslim Ummah, a spiritually rewarding month of Ramadan, Buhari in a in a statement by CPC’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Fashakin, said “the Nigerian state is in peril as a result of self-inflicted wounds.

"And we must pray fervently to Allah to grant us the peace to be

able to chart a meaningful way forward.”

Also, the Chief Imam of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Central Mosque, Sheikh Adam Idoko, enjoined Muslims in the country to use the Ramadan period to pray for peace and unity.

Idoko told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Nsukka, Enugu State, yesterday, that with peace and unity, there would be cordial co-existence among the religious groups which Daniel was a card carrying member of the would help the country party, saying that, the party has not is- to move forward.

“With peaceful co-exsued an automatic ticket to the embattled former governor. istence and respect for Speaking on the reason why the party one another among the zoned its ticket to Ogun West, the party religious bodies, Nigeria Secretary said: “Labour Party leaders in will become the best our own wisdom have now decided that country in the world. we are coming to present to the Ogun State “We should all remempeople, that it is the time for Ogun West ber that God has a purpeople to assume leadership in Ogun State and the reason for this is why this pose for puting us together in this country,” conference is being called.

“We want to call for the understanding he said of every right thinking Ogun State person The Imam said that Alto reason along with the Labour Party, join lah would shower special Labour Party and for once correct this blessings and favours to anomaly.

Muslims who dedicated "It is not out of place and it’s a genuine themselves and obeyed demand for Ogun West to produce the next His teaching during and governor of Ogun State come 2015. after the Ramadan.

2015: LP rules out automatic ticket for Daniel

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

A

BEOKUTA — THE Labour Party, yesterday, said that it has zoned the governorship ticket of the party to the Ogun West Senatorial District which has not produced a governor since the creation of the state 37 years ago.

Addressing newsmen at a media parley in Ilaro in Yewa South Local Government Area of the state, the party Chairman and the Secretary Olabode Simeon and Sunday Ogini declared that the party was ready to employ the principle of equal opportunity to correct what the party called anomaly meted out against the people of Yewa/ Awori ahead of 2015 general elections.

The party however, denied that, former governor of the state, Otunba Gbenga

Ogun suspends 2 Baales

I

N A bid to end the chieftaincy crisis rocking the peaceful co-existence of people in Adeagba Community in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, the government has suspended Chief Femi Olatidoye and Chief Ganiu Ogunlalu from parading themselves as Baale of Adeagba community till further notice over dual claims of approval of certificates of appointment issued to them by different traditional rulers in Egbaland.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Basorun Muyiwa Oladipo after meeting with concerned parties in Abeokuta, said that the chieftaincy crisis was complicated by the claims of approval by the two from the two royal fathers.

Ondo communities protest proposed merger

BY DAYO JOHNSON

A

KURE — VARIOUS groups from the oil rich communities of Ugbo kingdom in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, have protested against plans by government to merge it with Mahin community on dealings with oil companies operating in the state.

Numbering about 500, the protesters with placards of various inscriptions invaded the Governor’s Office to register their grievances against the moves to merge the two kingdoms.

They called on the state governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko to intervene before the matter gets out of hand.

Spokesman of the groups, Sola Ajisomo expressed the groups' displeasure towards merging the two kingdoms and said that the Ugbo kingdom had been dealing directly with the oil companies in their domain before now and would not subscribe to a merger with Mahin kingdom.

ALLEGED RAPE OF EX-CORPS MEMBER:

Judge keeps mum on judgement date

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

O

SOGBO — FOR the second time, Justice Oyejide Falola of an Osun State High Court, yesterday, failed to announce the date for the final judgement in the case of rape instituted by an exCorps member, Miss Helen Okpara against a traditional ruler in Obokun Local Government Area of the state, Alowa of IlowaIjesha, Oba Adebukola Alli as a result of what the judge gave as ‘two reasons.’

At the resumed sitting, Justice Falola said, “For two reasons, I will not give a date of judgement because almost a day to the earlier judgement, the media were awash to the date of the judgement, they now started calling my lines and disturbing me.

"Therefore, this case is adjourned indefinitely for judgement and the date is to be communicated to the parties through hearing notice.”

12— Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013 —13

2015: Nwabueze replies E.K. Clark zSays advising Jonathan ‘not to run is in national interest’

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

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AGOS—ELDER statesman and Chairman of The Patriots, Professor Ben Nwabueze, SAN, has described as gratuitous, comments attributed to leader of the South-South Assembly, Chief Edwin Clark referring to him as a person “camouflaging (his) political ideas and ambition with intellectualism ”and an “unpatriotic saboteur of the democratic process.”

The legal icon, in a statement noted that he served under the regime of General Ibrahim Babangida and not Sani Abacha, adding that there was nothing unpatriotic or undemocratic in his advice to President Goodluck Jonathan not to contest the 2015 election and focus his attention on the nobler task of leading Nigeria out of danger.

He said: “I only advised that the President, in exercising his Godgiven will and democratic/constitutional right, should not seek reelection in 2015, in order to be able, unconstrained by political interests, forces and considerations, to pursue the nobler object of leading Nigeria, as one united people, out of the present quagmire in which it finds itself.

“There is nothing ‘unconstitutional’ about the advice, as it leaves the President entirely free to decide for himself. My advice was given in all sincerity as what I would personally do if I were in the President’s position. But of

course, as I said in the statement in which I gave the advice, he shall never be me, nor will I ever be him. He and I are created different human beings, with different visions, outlooks on life and passions.

“I do not wish to exchange vituperative words with a former student of mine, whom I am proud to have taught Law in

London in the 1960/61 and 1961/ 62 academic years, except only to say, by way of correction, that I served as Minister under the regime of General Babangida, not General Abacha.

“I hope he will, as a mark of respect properly due to me from him as his former teacher, change his mind and attend the Uyo National

Summit, now postponed to August 26, 27 and 28, 2013 especially as Mr. President himself has indicated his intention to be at the summit personally. I urge that we all get together at the summit to put our heads together in a joint effort to find solutions to the problems and challenges facing our country.”

DEDICATION: From left: Chief Pilot, Arik Air, Capt. Adetokunbo Adekunbi; Director, Air Worthiness Standard, Arik Air, Mr. Benedict Adeyileku, wife of Arik Air Chairman, Dame Mary Arumemi-Johnson; officiating minister, Rev. Fr. Julius Ekah and Senior Vice President, Operations/Deputy Managing Director of the airline, Capt. Ado Sanusi, at the dedication and introduction of the new aircraft to Arik fleet in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

Fear grips Bayelsa community over gas leakage

BY SAMUELOYADONGHA

Y

ENAGOA—FEAR has gripped indigenes of Ikarama community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, over the strange odour in the area, caused by alleged discharge of large volume of a mixture of crude oil and gas into the air from an oil facility.

It was learnt that the leakage which occurred within Agip’s

onshore oil field close to the Taylor Creek oil well was noticed by members of the community on Monday.

Spokesmen of Ikarama Development Committee, Washington Odoyibo, yesterday, in Yenagoa, said that the community noticed the development on Monday and regretted that the oil firm was yet to stop the leakage.

“The sound from the spill

site could be heard even from our community, especially in the night where the community is relatively quiet. This confirms that it is really a serious spill. It was on Monday that one of our community ladies returned from the bush and told us that there was a very serious oil spill spraying like gas into the air from an Agip pipeline.

....As Govt releases N230m for Agge seaport

BY SAMUELOYADONGHA

Y

E N AG OA — B AY E L S A State Government has presented a cheque for N230 million representing 50 per cent of the consultancy fee to Scot Wilson and Arup to conduct feasibility studies on the proposed Agge Deep Seaport in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state within a period of nine months.

Vanguard learnt that the deep seaport, when completed will accelerate development not only in Agge on the Atlantic shore but the entire Ekeremor and communities in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area on the coast line.

Presenting the draft to a representative of the company, Mr. Lai Are in Yenagoa, Governor Seriake Dickson, described the Deep Sea Port as a key investment infrastructure geared towards reducing the state’s dependency on oil and gas revenue.

The governor, who noted that government had sought the approval of the Federal Government to declare the Deep Sea Port a Trade Free Zone for oil and gas, said government would collaborate with the private sector for the realisation of the project.

Dickson also remarked that the Nigerian Army had already surveyed an area of over 15,000 hectares with the intention of designating the zone a Port City to enable Bayelsa reap the benefits of being a littoral state.

He said: “As we speak, we have already surveyed an area of over 15,000 hectares, which will give us a wonderful port city. I have commenced application for that area to be designated as oil and gas trade free zone and have received assurances of the President that that request will be looked into and I am aware that it is being processed.”

“On the cause of spill, you can see that it is not easy to get closer to the spill point because of the way the whole environment is covered with crude oil fume. Hence, one cannot even guess the cause,” Odoyibo said.

He said members of the community were avoiding the leakage site for safety reasons as they were all concerned about an outbreak of fire and inhaling the toxic gas.

Reacting to the incident, Head of Environmental Rights Action, ERA, Field Operations in Bayelsa, Mr Alagoa Morris, urged the oil firm to lessen the pressure on the pipelines to reduce the discharge into the atmosphere.

He said that ERA had conducted a field trip to the impacted site and noted that the environment had been negatively affected by the incident, stressed the need for a Joint Investigation of the incident by the operator of the oil field, community representatives and oil industry regulators as well as the clean up of the impacted site.

Primary school teachers end strike in Edo

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM & GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

B

ENIN CITY— STRIKING Primary School teachers in Edo State under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, yesterday, called off their strike action.

The teachers had on June 1, this year, gone on strike to press home their demand for the full implementation of the 27.5 percent Teachers’ Special Allowance, TSA from the 17 percent, which the state government had offered.

NUT Chairman in the state, Mr Patrick Ikosimi, announced the suspension of the strike, after a meeting with the government in Benin City.

Ikosimi said having reached an agreement with the national body of NUT on what the state government presently pays and on the continued discussion on how to pay the balance, “the strike is hereby, called off and all teachers are hereby, directed to report at their duty posts from Thursday, July 11.”

NASS 2015: Urhobos assured of cooperation

W

ARRI—MR. Meyiwa Erewa, pioneer Chairman of People Democratic Party, PDP, Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State, has assured that he would carry the people along if supported by the Urhobos of Warri and was elected to represent Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, .

He pledged to carry the Urhobos of Warri along in his programmes and policies if elected.

Erewa, when he met and declared his intention to run for the position before the Urhobos of Warri, said he was going to serve and represent the interest of the people of the constituency, adding that it was painful that after 14 years of uninterrupted democracy “it is only one primary school that we have to show as constituency project by our representative.”

14 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

A

BUJA—THE Federal Government has lamented the negative perception foreign bodies have on degrees awarded in Nigeria due to the incessant strikes by unions in universities and polytechnics and advised the unions to embrace dialogue as a more productive alternative to strike.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, in an address at the retreat for Governing Councils of federal universities in Abuja, lamented the

FG decries negative perception of degrees awarded by Nigerian varsities incessant strike by unions in institutions of higher learning in the country.

Senator Anyim said the situation was worrisome and should be addressed to restore confidence in the degrees awarded by Nigerian universities, adding that the frequent downing of tools by staff unions had led to instability of the Nigerian university system.

He said: ‘This inability not only has a negative effect on the parents/guardians and the students, but the

perception of Nigerian degrees by foreign bodies.

The SGF said the Federal Government believed that high quality governance in universities would only come about if Governing Councils, universities senates and vicechancellors performed their roles with skill and efficiency.

Anyim, who was represented by a permanent secretary, said government was conscious of the nature and kind of universities that would

deliver on its goals for national development and had painstakingly chosen members of the Governing Councils that were expected to drive its aspiration to fruition.

He said: "It is one thing for government to appoint members of Governing Councils; it is another for the councils to function as expected. This is where the individual and collective responsibilities of members come to play.”

The SGF, however, advised members of the

Governing Councils not to interfere with the day-today running of the universities but focus on policy issues, adopt best practices, monitor institutional projects and source for support for the universities outside the usual government subventions.

Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’I, said governance at the university level should not be treated with kid gloves, adding that it was the responsibility of the

governing council to ensure academic programme, in line with the core mandate of the universities.

The minister, who regretted that convocations in the universities had been turned into mere rallies, as a result of the underserved honorary degrees awarded to some personalities with questionable characters, announced that crisis in University of Abuja would soon be over.

The retreat was attended

by Vice-Chancellors of universities, chairmen and members of Universities Governing Council including the Editor-inChief and General Manager, Publications of Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye .

Court vacates order restraining Metuh from PDP convention

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

A

BUJA—AN Abuja High Court, yesterday, struck out the order barring former National Publicity Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olisah Metuh, from re-contesting the office at the special national convention of the party slated for July 20.

Justice O.A. Musa who had on July 4 issued the order restraining Metuh from participating in the convention, discharged it yesterday consequent upon the withdrawal of the substantive case by the plaintiffs, Keneth Enemuo and Chief Chisata Okoye.

Enemuo and Okoye had filed the case on behalf of the Emma Mbamalu- led Anambra State Executive Committee of the PDP. When the case came up for hearing, the lawyer to the plaintiffs, Mr Daniel Osiagor, filed a motion for the discontinuance of the suit.

The defendants in the case which included the PDP, its National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Olisah Metuh, Col Austin Akobundu (retired) and Chairman of the Convention Committee, Prof. Jerry Gana, did not raise objection which eventually necessitated the striking out of the case by Justice Musa.

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013—15

Kabiru Sokoto disowns Boko Haram zSays I'm a member of 'Shurah Council'

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI BUJA—THE alleged mastermind of Christmas day bomb blast that killed about 44 persons and wounded 75 others at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State, in 2011, Kabiru Umar, a.k.a Kabiru Sokoto, yesterday, told a Federal High Court in Abuja that though he was a high profile member of the Islamic “Shurah Council” in Nigeria, he never joined the Boko Haram sect.

Sokoto, who testified as his own witness, told the court that though he initially had sympathy for the organisation, his elder brother whose name he gave as Suleiman Aliyu Sokoto, persistently warned him not to get himself involved with the sect.

Speaking through an interpreter, he said: “I am a member of the Shurah Council but not under Boko Haram. I did not participate in any bombing.”

Asked by the prosecuting council, Mrs Chioma Onuegbu, if it was true that he got his orders from Abu Shekau, Sokoto said: “As we all know, Shekau is a leader of Boko Haram but not the Shurah Council and it is not true that when I escaped from police custody, I spoke to Shekau on phone.”

Asked if he was aware that it was Shekau that gave orders regarding where bomb attacks should be carried out and that the sect had so many sections, including a wing in charge of armed robbery, the accused replied: “My lord, it can be so, I don’t know but so I have been hearing.

“I am not also aware that there is suicide attack and bombers section inside Boko Haram. What I know is that any society or group must have sections. The prosecution lied against me when it said I was the leader of the sect in Sokoto State. If the government has such evidence against me, then let it bring it before the court.

“During the time crisis started in Maiduguri in 2009, my elder brother. His name is Suleiman Aliyu Sokoto. He accommodated me for some days, then we held a discussion and he told me to stay away from Boko Haram or anything that will cause trouble for me.

“It was not true that I ran into the forest to escape arrest when that crisis started. I was arrested in my house. If I had the intention I would have attacked the police and not wait for them to arrest me right inside my house.”

Asked by the prosecutor if it was not true that he got four credits from the Secondary School Examination Council, SSCE, with English being one of the subjects, Sokoto said: “Yes, it is true that I have four credits, I can’t remember the subjects but it is English language. I sat for the exam in 2003.”

The prosecutor asked him: “Then

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which language did you use in writing the exam?” Sokoto told the court it was English language.

After the accused person closed his case, Justice Adeniyi Ademola adjourned the matter till October 7 for the parties to adopt written addresses.

It will be recalled that Sokoto had on Monday, told the court

that he was innocent of the charge against him, insisting that he was tortured by the police to admit that he was a member of the Boko Haram sect.

Sokoto, who is answering to a two-count charge preferred against him by the government had, through his lawyers, led

by Mr. Hassan Lukman, maintained that the

government failed to establish a prima-facie case capable of warranting his conviction.

Praying the court to discharge and acquit him, Sokoto contended that none of the six witnesses that testified against him in court was able to establish a nexus linking him to commission of the alleged terrorist act.

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BRIEFING—From left: PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and Hajia Zainab Maina, Minister for Women Affairs and Social Development during a ministerial briefing in Abuja. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Nigeria, China sign deal on financial co-operation, others

Nigeria has low drugs manufacturing capacity — NAFDAC DG

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BY VICTORIA OJEME

BUJA—DIRECTOR GENERAL, National Agency for Foods, Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Dr Paul Orhii, yesterday, said less than 30 percent of essential medicines used in Nigeria was produced locally.

Dr Orhii said this when he received a delegation of Sierra Leone foods and drugs regulators in Abuja.

He said: “One of the factors that encourage fake and substandard drugs in Nigeria is that we have low manufacturing capacity.

“What I did when I came in was to encourage our local manufacturers to increase production and also to upgrade facilities to meet international standards and most of them responded.”

He, however, informed that a few of the pharmaceutical companies in the country might obtain World Health Organization’s, WHO, prequalification before the end of this year.

HOCSF directs perm secs to pay entitlements of civil servants

BY HENRY UMORU

BY BEN AGANDE

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan and his Chienese Counterpart, Xi Jinping, yesterday, presided over the signing of five agreements to boost financial, trade, economic, technical and cultural relations between Nigeria and China.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, said the agreements, which were signed after bilateral talks between the two leaders, include the framework agreement on comprehensive financial cooperation in support of Nigeria’s economic development and a preferential buyer credit agreement for Nigeria’s four airports expansion project.

Others were a new agreement on economic and technical cooperation between Nigeria and China; an agreement on mutual visa exemption for

holders of diplomatic and official passports from both countries and an agreement for the prevention of the theft, illicit import and export of cultural property.

Speaking before the commencement of the talks, President Jonathan thanked President Jinping and the people of China for the warm reception accorded him and the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan since their arrival in Beijing.

The President assured President Jinping that the Federal Government was fully committed to sustaining and developing the strategic partnership between Nigeria and China for the mutual benefit of the two countries and their people.

He said in spite of the many positive developments in bilateral relations between the countries in recent years, there was still ample scope for increased trade and direct

investment from China in Nigeria.

President Jinping assured President Jonathan that China would continue to work with Nigeria in all possible areas in furtherance of the development agenda of both countries.

Dr Abati said President Jonathan had earlier met and invited senior executives of several Chinese conglomerates to initiate fresh investments in Nigeria or increase existing ones, saying that the Federal Government was committed to doing all within its powers to expand Nigeria’s domestic manufacturing capacity.

Those the President met with included top executives of Huawei Technologies Limited, China Great Wall Industries, ZTE Corporation, the State Grid Corporation of China, the NIC/ SINOPEC/CGC Consortium, the China Railway Construction Corporation and the China Harbour Engineering Corporation.

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BUJA—HEAD of the Civil Service of the Federation, HOCSF, Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji, has directed permanent secretaries to commence discussions with labour unions in their ministries and work out modalities for payment of entitlements due to civil servants.

Aji said this when he met with executive committee members of the Joint Union Negotiating Councils and their representatives in all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government.

In a statement by the Director (Communications) in the HoS office, Mr. Tope Ajakaiye, Aji explained that the accumulation of unpaid entitlements was responsible for the short-fall in fund allocation to MDAs, which could also be attributed to the prevailing economic situation in the country.

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16—Vanguard, TUHRSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

Pray for your leaders, Shettima urges Muslims

BY NDAHI MARAMA

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VISIT: From left: Head, E-Channels, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Chuks Iku; Executive Director, Commercial Banking/Public Sector, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Gbenga Ademulegun; President/CEO, Windcor Nixdorf, Mr. Eckard Heidloff, and Head, Corporate Planning and Strategy, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Tajudeen Ahmed, during a courtesy visit to the bank by the management of Windcor Nixdorf in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

AIDUGURI— GOVERNOR Kashim Shettima of Bornu State, has called on Muslims to use the holy month of Ramadan to pray for God to touch the hearts of the nation’s leaders at all levels to be committed to providing the basic needs of the citizens.

The governor named these needs to include security of lives and property, sound educa-

tion, excellent healthcare, potable water, decent jobs among others.

The Governor who made the call in a Ramadhan message, said what was needed at different levels of the leadership was strong passion to better the lives of citizens, noting that with good leadership, most of Nigeria’s problems would be solved.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Communication, Isa Gusau, Shettima said: “As citizens, we no doubt have

the individual, group and institutional rights to make criticisms when we see things going wrong at any level of governance but I believe we also have an obligation to pray for our leaders at the local government, state and federal levelst to either develop the passion where there is none or to sustain the passion where there is.

Prayer will help bring about positive changes in the areas they administer, because criticisms alone cannot solve our problems.”

NHRC flays killing of students in Yobe

BY IKECHUKWU

NNOCHIRI

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BUJA—THE Na tional Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has described killing of innocent students and a teacher of Government Secondary School Mamudo, Yobe State, by armed groups operating in the area as “dastardly and horrific.”

In a statement in Abuja, yesterday, Executive Secretary of the commission, Prof. Bem Angwe, said it would continue to work with the relevant authorities

in the country towards bringing peace and reconciliation in the region to avoid further violations of people’s rights.

In a statement, NHRC Director of Public Affairs and Communication, Muhammad Ladan said: “Against this background, Prof. Angwe expressed the readiness of the commission to continue to work with the relevant authorities in the country towards bringing peace and reconciliation in the region to avoid further violations of people’s rights.”

SURE-P: RTEAN distributes vehicles to members in Abuja

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BUJA—ROAD Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, RTEAN, has distributed brand new cars to its members in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, as part of the FCT Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, SURE-P programme of empowering Nigerians.

President of RTEAN Alhaji Musa Shehu Isiwele, who distributed the cars, warned the drivers to “be serious and committed in ensuring that this very rare life changing opportunity has the desired result in your finances.”

Beneficiaries of the vehicles, which will eventually increasesd to 1000 are expected to pay a monthly deposit of 63, 000 for three years as part of a revolving scheme.

He said: “This is just phase-one of the programme and if we succeed in this, more of the vehicles will be released.

This has never happened before in the history of our organisation.

So, I call on our beneficiaries to stay off alcohol and concentrate on the business because if you pay returns, we collect the car and give it to serious people.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013— 17

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here has also opened a new front of conflict within the politics of Kwara state as presented in the undeclared war between Bukola Saraki and Prof. Oba Abdulrahim, C M Y K

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HIS week the Kwara State House of Assembly held a public sitting on a proposal to re-name the four-year old Kwara State University, after late Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki, the politician that bestrode the state's political terrain like a colossus for over three decades. By the end, Saraki (father) literally willed the state, almost like a feudal fief, to son Bukola, former governor and now senator representing Kwara Central. The decision to re-name the university was proposed by the governing Council, headed by Muhammed Sha'aba Lafiagi, former governor and Senator, and long-term Saraki acolyte. But in that matter, Bukola had cast a long shadow, because he has perfected the use of sidekicks to introduce laws meant to satisfy his personal preferences. He did that when he rammed through the supine Kwara House of Assembly, a pension package just for his own creature comfort, at the end of his eight-year tenure as governor.

The controversy generated by the renaming proposal had been muted (because of the prevailing atmosphere of oppressive silence and fear in Kwara!), but it came to the fore at the public sitting in Ilorin. Leading lights of the political opposition in Kwara, like Iyiola Oyedepo (himself a former legislator and lawyer) and state chairman of the CPC, Alhaji Suleiman Buhari, argued against the university re-naming. Oyedepo for instance reminded that: "truly, the late Waziri was elected a senator and a senate leader from 1979-83, what landmark development did his leadership at the Senate bring to the state for that period?" From a neutral perspective, let me remind that the late Saraki gave significantly to educational causes around the state over the years of his hegemonic control; but can that be enough reason to name the state university after him? Besides and unfortunately, those defending the name change did not even posit an edified line to defend their decision.

The Tertiary Education Commissioner, Muhammed Lade, canvassed an argument that affronts the human dignityof Kwarans: "if it is possible to rename Kwara state as Olusola Saraki State, I think Baba Saraki deserves it.

All of us sitting here today and those of us not here, Baba has contributed one way or the other to what we are today (SIC)". These are thoughts befitting of a modern slave not a decent, self-respecting citizen!

In truth, there is a frightening Saraki personality cult, but an even more virulent variant has been deliberately constructed around Bukola Saraki, since his father's death. Those who claim him as "leader" have become a mob running riot against whoever disagrees with their "sovereign". None could dare to think that in eight years of power, Bukola made good in Kwara.

It would have been an expression of gratitude to plough some of his stupendous wealth back to our community by building a private university, named after his father, Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki. However, in Bukola's political nether world, the state must continue to give him and the university name change decision is merely another piece in the jigsaw of political conquest of Kwara by this overly ambitious young man. The likely scenario is that the "Sarakite" mob will achieve the university re-naming, because Bukola must get whatever he desires from Kwara. That is the written and unwritten rule! But the future is also not too far away, because a renaming can also be reversed, when freedom finally spreads its wings like a bird over Kwara state!

The peculiar absurdities of Kwara politics PDP machinery from him, while they also want to knock him off the perch of his controversial senate seat.

There is disquiet in Bukola Saraki's camp, even as his s i d e k i c k s c o n t i n u e releasing abusive texts and tendentious articles against Professor Oba.

Kwara State University, to be renamed.

Chairman of the Federal Character Commission. When Abdulrahim's tenure came up for renewal, Bukola opposed it, as always, never wanting a citizen of the state, but especially an Ilorin indigene, to be in a prominent position for long. However, a new calculus entered the political equation.

The presidency has become completely exasperated with Bukola's undisguised opposition. His preferred candidate, former Senator Ahmed Muhammed was rejected and Prof.

Oba was re-apointed, to Bukola's chagrin. He then mobilised the PDP machinery in the state to protest Oba's re-appointment and he is poised to ambush Prof.Abdulrahim's clearance in Senate. But the presidency is also taking the battle to Bukola, with rumoured plans to seize the Kwara

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ut the most difficult problem that Bukola faces today is the deep anger of the Ilorin elite, organised in the Ilorin Emirate Descendants' Progressive Union (IEDPU). Bukola had enacted very unpopular land laws, which alienated the rights of Ilorin people from their ancestral land. Not brought up in Ilorin, and never identifying with the community's history and aspirations, Bukola imposed a blatantly capitalist regime on land, which the people resent and the anger has threatened to boil over, in the past two years. Things were not helped when he allegedly challenged IEDPU to square up with him on the field if it was contemplating entering politics, during an Umrah pilgrimage. IEDPU's anger mirrors the increasing frustration

The likely scenario is that the "Sarakite" mob will achieve the university re-naming, because Bukola must get whatever he desires from Kwara. That is the written and unwritten rule! But the future is also not too far away, because a re-naming can also be reversed, when freedom finally spreads its wings like a bird over Kwara State!

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of people in Kwara with the arrogance of this young man who deludes himself as "leader". The build up of forces, local and national, is increasingly threatening to demystify Bukola Saraki. No longer able to strut the national space as he did under Umaru Yar'adua, when he and his partner, James Ibori, literally ruled the roost, the space of his suzerainty has narrowed to his hegemonic bear-hug on Kwara state. But people are becoming more conscious and the politics of manipulation of poverty to retain control, long his dynasty's preferred style, is dissembling. Our pretentious emperor is being found out to be naked! Bukola Saraki has a loyal mob around him that continues to shout to the roof top that he is "leader" and they are willing to forcefully coral others to join their hysteria, but deep down, the young man knows that he faces the political battle of his life in the coming months and years. So when all is said and done, Bukola Saraki should take of his stupendous riches, show gratitude to a state he has taken so much from (and continues to take, with the juicy pension package), to build a private university, then express a son's love for his father, by naming the university after the late Dr. Olusola Saraki; they should leave the state-owned university alone.

Northern teachers and the incubation of illiteracy

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AST week, the DG of the National Teachers Institute (NTI), Kaduna, Dr. AminuLadan Sharehu noted that less than 20 percent of teachers in the North are qualified to teach. He attributed this to a lack of motivation.

"You need to train and re-train teachers because NCE is just a starting point".

Similarly, Kaduna governor, Muktar Ramalan Yero, also pointed out that "only 50 percent of teachers on the government's payroll are qualified to teach". Dr. Sharehu argued that: "there is need for an increase in teachers' salary, continuous increase in their remuneration to make them better".

Beyond remuneration, which is absolutely vital, the basic qualification to impart knowledge is woefully inadequate. If 80 percent of our teachers are unqualified, then a lot is wrong!

The depressing statistics emerged when over 10 million children are out of school; the largest population of outof-school kids on earth. And to underline the poignancy of the situation, the Boko Haram insurgency has increasingly targeted school infrastructure; killed students and teachers thus further threatening enrolment in societies where there is an extant problem with schooling.

There is no alternative to opening up opportunities to enroll millions of

children in schools all over Northern Nigeria. This is simply because an illiterate people cannot be part of modernity; and as things stand today, we are generations removed from advancements made in the south of Nigeria. Our ruling elite must make a revolutionary leap for education and decisively defeat the pull of misplaced tradition. Islam must no longer be excuse for refusal to go to school, because the religion valorises learning and knowledge; there is a well-known Hadith where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), said the ink of scholars is superior to the blood of martyrs! That emphasises the superiority of knowledge and it is remarkable that in the Seventh Century, our Prophet encouraged Muslims to search for knowledge, even if it was in China!

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here is an example closer to home. Growing up in the Nineteen Sixties, there was as much suspicion of Western education but perhaps because of proximity to Western Nigeria, there was a spike in enrolment in schools in the Ilorin Emirate. We went to Western schools but at the same time, didn't abandon Islamic learning. It was a combination that makes it almost impossible to find a person of my generation in Ilorin who has completed Western education and

has also not mastered the Qur'an. It worked well both ways for us and we have made the best of both worlds. We were also lucky that the Northern Regional government of the Sardauna, put in place a fabulous educational infrastructure as well as an incentive package: we had a school meal each day; were supplied milk and wheat meal to supplement the inadequate diets in poor families; were taught using the educational resources of Radio Nigeria through rediffusion boxes and had well-trained and motivated teachers who kept up a high standard and tickled our search for knowledge.

This is the tradition that has gradually eroded.

School infrastructure has deteriorated and for example, only four schools were rehabilitated in Kwara between 2003 and 2011. All over the North we continue to grapple with an education crisis; that young people who manage to go through the hardship associated with learning today, end up without decent jobs, has further dampened the enthusiasm for education. Yet, it is the basic prerequisite for advancement in the knowledge-driven world of the 21st Century. We need qualified teachers so as not to continue incubating illiteracy; ignorance; anger and the associated violence.

18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013 THE menace of herdsmen all over Nigeria is spreading like wildfire. The consequences are igniting conflicts in the country. Hardly a day passes without their unsavoury activities being reported in the media.

From Benue to Imo, Rivers to Delta and from Ogun to Oyo States, the story is almost the same. Cattle minders simply run their livestock through farmlands, all year round; they graze on them and destroy what they cannot eat, consigning farmers and host communities to starvation and poverty.

Attempts by these farmers to protest the activities of these rampaging vandals often end in bloodshed because the cattle rearers are always armed with sophisticated assault rifles such as AK 47. They have moved from bows, arrows and daggers of a few decades back.

Apart from damaging farmlands, they also invade villages, kill and steal as well as rape women. Reports to the law enforcement agencies often fall on deaf ears, and villagers and their traditional rulers are forced to cry out to state governors for protection with little succour.

These herdsmen clearly violate the African

Rampaging Herdsmen concept of cohabitation between guests and hosts, which says, “May my visitor never bring me harm, and on his way home may he never develop a hunchback”.

Communities are being forced to fight in the absence of protection from the authorities.

They are arming their youth vigilantes with equally dangerous weapons to fight back.

If the law enforcement agencies do not rise up to their duties and disarm illegal arms bearers, cattle rearers would cause more challenges in the country’s charged security situation. Illegal grazing should be punished; that the situation has been allowed for years does not mitigate the damage it does and the security problems

for the communities. Proliferation of dangerous weapons in rural communities would result in destabilisation.

Farmers and herdsmen are important to the economy. Both should co-exist symbiotically. That has been the arrangement for ages. The new tendency for the nomads to exhibit terrorist and invasive traits must be curbed before it gets worse.

It is time we designed cattle grazing pathways all over the country or better still, reorient the animal farmers to modern options and confine their animals to designated camps. If they insist on being nomads, they must stay away from farms and commit themselves to the rule of civilised conduct and the law.

The National Assembly made a feeble effort at a grazing pathway law. It should be concluded. We are mindful of the dangers and possibilities of religious terrorists infiltrating new areas of the country as rogue herdsmen to extend their bloody campaigns.

If the security agencies act fast, they would avoid more upheavals across Nigeria at minimal costs.

OPINION BYOSELOKA ZIKORA

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HEN Chinedu Nebo, then a ministerial nominee spoke of casting out witches and demons during Senate screening, he must have thought that he was deploying an innocuous metaphor which any reasonable person would ordinarily decipher. He was mistaken. He unfortunately did not reckon with the notorious nature of human mischief.

Since then, the venerable gentleman has been spurned and lampooned not by a few vintage Nigerian public commentators mostlyposturing to belong to an exclusive club of knowledgeable power experts from which the distinguished Professor is an alien. Whereas the frustration and anger of Nigerians concerning the abysmal power situation in the country is understandable, yet it begs reason to engage in scapegoating simply to score cheap points or put a fall guy in the hangman's noose.

Take, for instance, the recent Nebo bashing by IjeomaNwogwugwu, in July 1, 2013 ThisDay. In a piece entitled "Of Nebo and His Demons", Ijeoma dealtwhat can be considered the most virulent unkind cut thus far. For Ijeoma, "the problem with Nebo is that he hasn't got the foggiest clue of how to manage the power sector".One of the specifics for the sweeping use of hyperbole was that a certain foreign-based analyst opinedthat Nebo having come from an institution with less than $15m in annual budget "is a cold feet in corporate boardrooms, and may not articulate financial, legal and maximally productive arguments/scenarios to entice and appease, C M Y K

Between Nebo and vindictive criticisms while appealing to investors to take Nigeria's power sector seriously."

According to our wise foreign-based analyst, the Wisdom of Solomon has become a function of how much cash you are in control of or managing.Perhaps that must explain why the heavily rich Republicans still hold poor Barack Obama in enduring disdain, insisting that he is messing the US economy big time. Of course, David Cameron can now understand why despite his efforts, Britain is reported at this instant to be in the danger of having power blackouts and power rationings once every four years, down from a record of once every 47 years. You know these men didn't have prior experience of handling big corporations before becoming managers of world leading economies. Of course it wouldn't matter if a man like Warren Buffet, arguably the world's richest man was quoted as saying: "In looking for people to hire, look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if they don't have the first one, the other two will kill you." In a world where integrity is in short supply, it wouldn't matter too that Nebo is reputedly in excess supply of that scarce commodity.

It does seem that as long as Nebo remains Power Minister, he must be 'foggy clueless'.

And please discountenance the fact that he was Professor of metallurgy and materials engineering before becoming a Vice Chancellor; it must be that his intelligence

quotient and energy levels have diminished overtime. Otherwise, how can the man not understand that "the transmission grid has not been upgraded in lockstep with electricity output" andworse still has failed to do something about that.

Come to think about it, the system operator Manitoba Hydro is also not able to do anything about the continuing system collapse under their watchbecause their hands are tied. Some people are stopping them from using copters to monitor the sub stations and transmission lines to keep them at the best optimum performance. You know the people, don't you? The Power Ministry officials, theTCN Board, the Vice President, Bureau of Public Procurement and the Attorney General who don't just like the face of these oyibo men from Canada.

Certainly some highfalutin conspiracy theories!The argument is that Manitoba Hydro should be left completely to do as they seem fit; government should not attempt to monitor their work. We just have to hand over our patrimonial multi-million dollar assets to the very efficient Canadians on trust without any form of direct oversight. Bravo, that is how wise investors operate in corporate boardrooms! f course Nebo must still be blamed for inadequacy of gas supply to the thermal power stations. The Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, is chastised for her 'tolerance of the indiscriminate closure of gas facilities for

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maintenance'; and that is 'indicative that she is not on top of the issues in the sector she superintends.' I am not too sure Madam Minister shouldn't be heading to the supermarket to buy boxing gloves to whip those gas producers into line. Or she may, realising that these gas producers are so dumb,just sweet-talk them into realising that continued indiscriminate closure of their gas facilities means continued depletion of revenue which would have accrued to them to cover for their heavy investments.

Back to Nebo, he should have clairvoyantly seen in 2011 that he was going to be made Minister in 2013 and advised the President on capital budgetary allocations for the Ministry. He must also take the rap for the PHCN labour issue that started with the issue of PHCN privatization; after all, he lacks his predecessor's fighting spirit. The venerable professor should, therefore, go get some sparring lessons, please!

Following interventions to solve the recent system hiccups, actual power generation capabilityhas climbed back to between 4100MW and 4400MW-facts obtainable from Nigerian System Operator website.

Meanwhile, the NIPP projects are fast completing with expected additional thousands of megawatts to improve power supply with new sub stations and transmission lines to stabilize the grid system. *Mr. Zikora, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Abuja.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013— 19

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LITTLE over six years ago, Jigawa State was rated by the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, as the poorest state in Nigeria. At a public lecture in Kaduna, former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Prof Charles Soludo, after reviewing the figures from across the North, reached the sad conclusion thus: “Poverty is still a Northern phenomenon”.

I had the opportunity of touring the state in June 2007, paying particular attention to the rotten educational facilities and infrastructure. Six years later, after many postponements due to security uncertainties in the North, I returned to the state to assess the situation. I can comfortably report that Jigawa State is not only in a new world, it is also in a world of its own.

It has almost completely overcome its infrastructural deficits, especially in the areas of roads, education, water supply and health. Though surrounded by terrorism flashpoint states such as Kano, Bauchi and Yobe, Boko Haram staged only one raid in the Ringim area and it was a clear hitand-run raid, as the anarchists

have no home base in the state.

An official of the state government who explained the reason the terrorists have not found a breeding ground in the state, said Governor Sule Lamido runs a government of total inclusion. No section of the state is left out from the benefits of governance, and this includes non-indigenous residents.

The Jigawa State government is welfarist. It is the only state where beggars are paid monthly stipends to keep them away from the streets though al majiris are still noticeable around eateries. In Jigawa, every certified handicapped person of the state’s origin is paid N7000 per month. Education is free for girls to close the huge gap between males and females in the state, while the boys enjoy partially free education.

The Fulani nomads have also been brought into the care system.

The perennial conflict between them and farmers is almost a thing of the past because government established windmills all over the state. These draw water into surface tanks from the aquifers as the wind blows. It provides water

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for people and their cattle and reduces communicable diseases which result from drinking water from unsafe sources. Pastoralists and their cattle have been granted safe passage corridors along all federal and state roads to prevent livestock from stomping through farmlands. During our visit over the past weekend, emirs and chiefs were undergoing a seminar on conflict resolution in the state capital.

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n Jigawa State, villages are frequently evacuated to create room for development. For instance, the natives of Ngullo village near Dutse, the state capital, were evacuated to make way for the new international cargo airport. But the state government first built modern huts for them in their new village and

Let who is dying die quickly

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E see aspects of misinformation, and sometimes, outright disinformation, in the Edo hanging row. When we woke up on Tuesday, June 25, 2013, the newsstand was awash with the news, "Four death row prisoners - Chima Ejiofor, Daniel Nsofor, Osarenmwinda Aigbokhai and Richard Igagu - in Edo State, were, yesterday, executed, despite their pending appeals at the Court of Appeal."

The veiled impression is created here that the cases of these suspects were hurriedly terminated at the High Court level and they were led to the gallows, without exhausting the judicial remedies of going to the Courts of Appeal and the Supreme Court. The truth is that the cases went through the thorough judicial process from the High Court to all the appeal processes and the verdict everywhere was death sentence. This was 16 years ago.

Lately, though, the Legal Defense and Assistance Project, LEDAP, approached the Federal High Court, Benin City, on behalf of the condemned felons, arguing that "to execute them after 16 years of trauma, suspense and imminent death would amount to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment." They asked the court to order the Edo State Governor to commute their death sentences to life imprisonment.

However, judgment was delivered against the felons by Justice A.M. Liman for lack of sufficient facts to substantiate the relief sought. LEDAP proceeded to the Court of Appeal in Benin City to appeal against the judgement and also to ask for stay of execution, pending the determination of the appeal.

Meanwhile, all the death row prisoners in the country (Association of Felons?) are, in the case of Godwin Pius & ors Vs. Governor of Abia State & ors, challenging the decision

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of the state governors to sign their execution warrants. LEDAP is representing the inmates in both appeals.

People must understand the division of the labour arrangement inherent in every execution exercise: State governors do not execute anybody. The courts determine the criminal status of the individual; in the case of condemned felons, the Governor as the Chief Security Officer of the State, signs the death warrant; and it is the prison authorities that carry out the execution. This clarification has become necessary against the backdrop of insinuations that the Edo condemned felons were executed by the Governor.

Those who sit in judgement also stand in judgement. Even the most humane and "nonbarbaric countries" of the world, the home countries of the human rights activists, still visit the death sentence on certain classes of crime. This is where the stance of the human rights advocates, particularly Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, soon borders on meddlesomeness for trying to prevent the execution of the judgements of the courts of competent jurisdiction.

As at now, any governor who refuses to sign a warrant of execution for a duly condemned felon reneges on his duties in just the same way that a chief executive who refuses to implement a law duly passed by the legislature commits an impeachable offence.

In the Edo hanging row, the human rights community may as well be fighting a good fight - that capital punishment is barbaric in this age. This column has argued relentlessly along the same line. But the human rights advocates are clearly in the wrong battle field. The best time to prevent a death sentence and its execution is before the sentence is pronounced, not when the

condemned felon is already being led down the alley, destined for the guillotine.

C a p i t a l punishment is not yet abolished in Nigeria. All those against it must proceed to the national and state assemblies with a view to getting them to change the law so that capital punishment can be abolished. To that

,

Jigawa in a new world

The whole of the Jigawa landscape is green and crawling with intense agricultural activities, with governmentsponsored oxendrawn carts (6,000 in all) putting as many idle hands as possible to profitable work

still paid them compensation.

They are living happily in their new abode and the airport project is going at a break-neck pace, giving officials reason to believe that a Hajj flight will take off from there this year.

Inclusion is also evident in the spread of amenities. The major roads in all the headquarters of the 27 local government areas have been constructed with drainage channels and street lights powered with solar energy. The housing bonanza also benefits all strata of government workers – from junior to senior civil servants, from commissioners to ministers and from the Deputy Governor to the Governor. The emirs of Dutse, Hadejia, Gumel, Kazaure and Ringim, have luxury plazas built for them in a section of the state capital. Lamido made a rule that every top government functionary must own a comfortable house in Dutse to avoid the temptation of straying back to Kano or getting stuck in Abuja.

What impressed me most was the Jigawa Academy, a model school for gifted children in Bamaina, the Governor’s hometown. It currently has 160 students drawn from all parts of the state, with one student each from 17 of the 19 states in the North. Admission is strictly on merit and once a student gains admission he or she is on full scholarship. We were told that due to the strict merit-based admission, none of the children of the top officials of the state government – including the Governor and Deputy – is studying there. In compliance with the prompting of President Goodluck Jonathan, the school will open its gates to students from the Southern states in the next academic session.

Governor Lamido paints a

When a person takes the law into his hands and brutally terminates the life of another, the system has a duty to bring the offender to justice; this should also be of great concern to human rights advocates

,

extent, too, we see the current LEDAP battles raging at the Federal Courts of Appeal in Lagos and Benin City as wrongly situated.

Capital punishment cannot be abolished through the back door.

M

eanwhile, the human rights advocates are clever by half. They stick to the rights of the deviants without caring about what happens to the human rights of the innocent members of the lawabiding public whose right to life and the achievement of their potentials under the law are savagely terminated by the deviants.

The human right advocates must have in their fold, victimologists who will constantly remind them of the need to create a balance

picture of his political history with the way he is building up Dutse.

There is the Aminu Kano Triangle, the Jigawa equivalent of Eagle Square, Abuja. Inside, there is the Sawaba Monument, set up to honour the eight founders of Northern Elements Progressive Union, NEPU, who, in 1948, met and issued the Sawaba Declaration for the liberation of the masses (Talakawa).

These were: Abba Maikwaru, Musa Kaula, Magaji Danbatta, Mudi Sipikin, Abdulkdir Danjaji, Bello Ijumu, Abubakar Zukogi and Babaliya Manaja.

Also, near the “three arms zone” is a housing estate named after the G.9, the group that met in 1998 and demanded General Sani Abacha to hand over power to civilians when it was clear he was poised to succeed himself through his five registered political parties.

Each of the nine chalets in the estate is named after Alex Ekwueme, Bola Ige, Iyorchia Ayu, Jerry Gana, Francis Ellah, Adamu Ciroma, Solomon Lar, Abubakar Rimi and Sule Lamido.

Lamido is a disciple of the Aminu Kano NEPU/PRP ideological school and a founder of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. But from all indications, he is running a NEPU/PRP government.

The whole of the Jigawa landscape is green and crawling with intense agricultural activities, with government-sponsored oxendrawn carts (6,000 in all) putting as many idle hands as possible to profitable work.

By the time the airport comes alive Jigawa will no longer be in the back waters. It will come to the centre stage as a rapidly developing state in the country.

between criminology and victimology because there are human rights issues to be satisfied on either side.

When a person takes the law into his hands and brutally terminates the life of another, the system has a duty to bring the offender to justice. This should also be of great concern to human rights advocates. It is the only way to reassure the victims' families that the law is fighting for them, thus averting the propensity for self-help and leaving the strong moral message that crime does not pay.

Justice delayed could be justice denied. It is still difficult to understand why the condemned felons have remained on death row for 16 whole years. There are aspects of double jeopardy here: instead of promptly executing the felons, you must first punish them in prison for 16 years before presenting them to the hangman, eh?

Again, this is reminiscent of the overall rot which Oshiomhole inherited in Edo State. Rather than attract opprobrium, the signing of the death warrants should portray the Governor as a man who is truly on a rescue mission; and a man who realises that in the process, the hard decisions must also be taken. After all, this is not the first of its kind - those educational institutions that have now been revamped had been comatose for more than 30 years before his arrival, while those fantastic road networks that now adorn the entire state constituted death-traps.

Truly, the execution of a death sentence in Nigeria is not time-barred. But if the punishment for an offence is death, after due process of trial, let who is dying die quickly!

20 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

*The new, well-lit Carter Bridge at night

After years of darkness, light shines again on Carter Bridge

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

N

OT long ago the Lagos State Government was more or less forced to declare that it is alive to its responsibility to the people of the state following an alarm raised by residents and motorists on the precarious state of the Igando-Ay-

the bridge and slip roads is expected to enhance safe driving at night, thereby preventing road accidents, improve safety and promote economic activities as well as reduce the fear of attack by hoodlums which, hitherto, was a common occurrence around the bridge.

,

,

It is a laudable project but my worry is, is there any plan by the state government to maintain this facility and also protect it against vandals and thieves?

obo wooden bridge.

So it came as no surprise when at a recent and an elaborate ceremony, Governor Babatunde Fashola commissioned the first ever cable-styled bridge, code named Admiralty Link Bridge, linking Lekki-Ikoyi axis of the Island. Government did not stop there. It had also on Sunday, June 30, 2013, commissioned the newly installed lighting project on Carter Bridge. This was received with cheers by many motorists and other road users in the state.

The first of such lighting project was done earlier in the year along Ikorodu Road.

But while commissioning the lighting project during his 50th birthday celebration, Governor Fashola stressed that it was part of a deliberate policy of the state government to ensure provision and maintenance of basic amenities for the teeming people of the state.

The restoration of lighting on C M Y K

One of the unique features of the project is that all the lightings are connected to the Island Power Expansion Project, IPP, an independent power source which has its sub-station under the Carter Bridge. This elimi-

nates the tendency of intermittent power failure as is the case with the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN.

According to the Lagos State Electricity Board, LESB, General Manager, Mrs. Damilola Ogunbiyi, the public lighting

project is one of the state’s street lighting projects being implemented through the board. She added that the lighting project comprises 156 poles, starting from the Idumota area, to Ijora Olopa and covers underneath the bridge, Iddo Terminus and towards Third Main land bridge, Marina, Adeniji, Ebute Ero and Ofin.

The project also covers all the walk-ways along the Carter Bridge and underneath the bridge. According to Ogunbiyi, this is so “because of the horrendous crime that have been reported under the bridge”, adding that “under bridge lighting will also be used for aesthetics as it was designed to reflect under and on the water.”

Commending the state government on the project, Mr. Abiola Lawrence, a banker and resident on the Island, however, tasked it on strict monitoring and maintenance of the facility.

He said: “It is a laudable project but my worry is, is there any plan by the state government to maintain this facility and also protect it against vandals and thieves?”

Mrs. Judith Akpan, a trader at Idumota and resident on the Mainland also expressed same fear, urging government to put proper machinery in place to protect the facility in the interest of the entire public.

HISTORY OF CARTER BRIDGE

T

HE Carter Bridge built in 1901 is one of three bridges connecting Lagos Island, Lagos to the mainland, the other two being the Third Mainland and Eko bridges. At the time of its construction, this was the only bridge connection between the mainland and Lagos Island. The bridge starts from Iddo on the mainland and ends at the Idumota area of Lagos Island.

The Carter Bridge was originally constructed by the British colonial government, prior to Nigeria’s independence

in 1960. After independence, the bridge was dismantled, redesigned and rebuilt during the late 1970s. The Alaka-Ijora flyover, on the Iddo end of the span was completed in 1973.

The parking of vehicles on the bridge resulted in both severe road congestion over the years in addition to contributing to its rapid deterioration.

In 2003, the Nigerian Institute of Structural Engineers noted that the parking of vehicles along the span may result in

collapse if left unaddressed.

Therefore, to quickly address the issue, the Lagos State government imposed a N50,000 fine for offenders parking their vehicles along the span. Additionally, in April 2006, the then state Commissioner for Transportation, announced that all commercial vehicles would be banned from entering Lagos Island by way of the Carter Bridge to keep buses and other vehicles from parking on the bridge.

For distressed children, a reason to celebrate with Fashola @ 50

By DAPO AKINREFON

A

S part of activities to mark the 50th birthday of the Lagos state governor, Babatunde Fashola, the state executive of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, at the weekend visited homes for physically challenged children. The party officials led by the deputy state chairman of the party, Alhaji Abiodun Sumola visited the Heart of Gold Children Hospice, Surulere and the Modupe Cole Memorial Homes, Akoka. Both homes cater for children with special needs.

The visit was in line with the Governor’s directive to his well wishers to use the day to reach out to the less

privileged members of the society.

Fashola had opted for a quiet celebration to mark his birthday.

Receiving the delegation at the Heart of Gold Children Hospice, the founder of the home, Mrs Laja Adedoyin said the hospice caters for children who are born with various deformities, adding that most of these children are not likely to live to adulthood.

Adedoyin, who hails from Oro in Kwara State said: “The children came from different parts of the country, because Lagos is the melting pot of the country.

However, 90 per cent are from Lagos.

They bring them here because there is nobody to care for them. The home is made up of children, who are likely to

live up to adulthood. It is not an orphanage.” She urged the members of the party to always visit the home with or without gifts, as what is important is for them to visit the children.

The founder poured encomiums on the Lagos governor for providing them with the building where the hospice is presently housed.

According to her: “He came to our old home, a two bedroom bungalow that was catering for 38 children. He built this place for us. He did not it for political reason.”

She added that “at the end of my time, the house will go to the Catholic Church, so that the legacy will continue. If we give to the individual , people will fight over it.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013 —21

OPEC’ll lose market share to shale oil next year further growth in the United States. The U.S. shale boom has already curbed imports from OPEC members such as Nigeria and Algeria. OPEC expects U.S. oil output to rise by 560,000 bpd next year - the biggest rise among nonOPEC countries - to 11.33 million bpd.

O

PEC ’S share of the world oil market will shrink in 2014 as rising supply of U.S. shale oil gives the exporter group little comfort from the fastest growth in world demand in four years. In a monthly report, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries forecast demand for its oil in 2014 would average 29.61 million barrels per day (bpd), down 250,000 bpd from 2013 and 770,000 bpd less than it produced in June.

“This would imply a further build in global crude inventories, which currently stand at high levels,” OPEC said in reference to the market outlook for next year.

The report is a further illustration that technology for extracting oil and gas from shale is reducing dependence on OPEC. Rising output will make it harder for the 12member group to keep its own output at high rates without risking a drop in prices below $100 a barrel, its preferred level. OPEC also forecasts a recovery in demand next year as economic growth gathers pace. World oil use will expand by 1.04 million bpd in 2014, the strongest growth since 2010, it said.

But non-OPEC supply, the source of two in every three barrels, is expected to increase by 1.14 million bpd, more than demand, led by

DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYA KRONA SDR

CIBN to deepen competence in banking industry

-2.75

2,150.00

-29.00

16.35

0.02

107.48

+0.05

103.36

+0.22

154.76 236.303 200.6154 163.0082 1.5562 0.2881 231.5465 25.2413 41.266 26.8858 231.9698

155.26 237.0665 201.2635 163.5349 1.5612 0.2981 232.2946 25.3233 41.3994 26.9727 232.7192

meeting, on May 31 in Vienna, the group’s oil ministers spent some time discussing the issue and set up a committee to study it.

OPEC’s report is the second of this month’s trio of oil supply and demand forecasts to emerge.

From left: Chairman, New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), Chief Chris Ezeh; representative of Guest Speaker, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mr. Joseph Makoju; First Vice Chairman, NEPAD, Mrs. Nike Akande and Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Ogun State, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, during the Business Lunch by NEPAD Business Group Nigeria, in Lagos.

120.5

CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL

“The outlook in 2014 is supported by anticipated healthy onshore tight oil developments, aided by rising investment,” OPEC’s report said.

“In 2013, oil drilling activities continue to improve.” After initially downplaying shale, OPEC is looking more closely at its impact. At its last

SELLING 155.76 237.8299 201.9117 164.0615 1.5662 0.3081 233.0427 25.4053 41.5327 27.0595 233.4687

CBN Exchange rate as at 10/07/2013

BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

P

RESIDENT, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, Mr. Segun Aina, has disclosed that the institute is set to introduce new certification programmes to help deepen competency in Nigeria’s banking industry.

He stated this while addressing new inductees into the institute in Lagos.

According to him, “the competency framework recently rolled-out by the CBN

and bankers committee requires bankers to attain necessary competencies to stay abreast of global developments. The institute under the competency framework is the accrediting agency for all training service providers within the banking industry.

“To this end and to deepen competencies and promote expertise, the governing council of the institute recently approved sixteen new certification programmes with specialised courses for the various activities in the financial services industry.

All the certification examinations are planned to commence latest in April 2014.

Some of the

certification programmes would be provided solely by the institute while others would be conducted in collaboration with reputable organisations locally and abroad that have carved niches for themselves in their specific areas of expertise,” he said.

He added that, “all the initiatives are geared towards placing the institute in the frontline in the achievement of stability, competency, ethics & professionalism in the banking & finance industry.”

He, however, enjoined the newly inducted members to strive for professionalism and remain relevant to the advancement of the banking and financial sector.

Kaztec, Shell sign N13.52bn pipeline contract

By KUNLE KALEJAYE & AYOMIDE BABATOLA

K

AZTEC Engineering Limited, KEL, has concluded the formal signing of Package 1 of the EPC Trans-Nigeria Pipeline Loopline Project for Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company of Nigeria, SNEPCO, to the tune of N13.52 billion ($84.5 million) The project is the first major project to be executed by Kaztec Engineering Limited for Shell.

The objective of the project, according to Kaztec, is to construct a 3-inch, 58kilometre loopline from the Ogale manifold to Bonny Terminal, in the South-South region of Nigeria.

Recall that SNEPCO had been experiencing challenges with the current Trans-Niger Project that led to a recent shut down and reopening of the pipeline due to the nefarious activities of pipeline vandals in the region.

As an emergency project, SNEPCO said it will be divided into three packages, selecting Kaztec Engineering is to undertake Package 1, having been chosen on the strength of its recent track record in the oil and gas sector.

Speaking at the signing of the contract in Shell’s head office in Port Harcourt, the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Kaztec Engineering Ltd, Ikechukwu Okpala, assured SNEPCO of KEL`s delivery on time and quality, promising them that they would get a taste of the “KAZTEC Magic”.

The signing of the contract was done by the General Manager, Offshore and Shallow Water Projects, SNEPCO, in the person of Mr Toyin Olagunju, and the Executive Chairman, KEL, Sir Emeka Offor,and witnessed

by Chioma Ogunuka, Contracting and Procurement Lead Pipeline Projects of SNEPCO, and the COO of KEL, Ikechukwu Okpala.

At the conclusion of the signing ceremony, the General Manager, SNEPCO, Toyin Olagunju, remarked that he looked forward to the successful completion of the project.

22 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

CBN licence not needed by bank agents — Sanusi *Unveils geo-spatial map of financial services outlets

By BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

G

OVERNOR, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Lamido Sanusi, yesterday said that the license of the apex bank is not required for agents appointed by banks and other financial institutions under the agency banking policy.

Meanwhile, the CBN in collaboration with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) has unveiled a map that contains information of all bank branches, microfinance banks, ATMs and other financial services outlets in the country. Addressing journalists at the sidelines of the launching of the map in Lagos, Sanusi said that the apex bank observed that banks and other financial institutions are yet to license anybody as agents, and this is because it is believed that such agents must also obtain license from the CBN before they operate. He said this is however not the case.

“We have not had any agent registered. It appears they are having some confusion. People believe that the central bank needs to actually license individual banking agents. We are going to issue clarification that if you have got a banking license, a microfinance license; you are allowed to appoint an agent who complies with our

guidelines. I believe once we issue that clarification we are likely to see an improvement in the take up of agents”, he said. Commenting on the geospatial mapping of financial services outlets, he said the initiative is part of efforts of the CBN and the BMGF to achieve target of the National Finan-

cial Inclusion Strategy. The target, he said is the reduction of the number of adults excluded from access to financial services from 46.3 per cent in 2010 to 20 percent in 2020.

He said, “It is important to note, that Financial Inclusion efforts rely largely on data based evidence which is why

tracking the progress of our National Financial Inclusion Strategy needs to be data driven. This tool as developed by BMGF will go a long way in providing the necessary support for gathering, monitoring and analysing data as we move to the implementation of the Strategy.

From right: Group Head, Marketing and Communications, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Plc, Mr. Ikechukwu Kalu presenting the FCMB Sponsored Best Top 10 Team for “Strategy and Sustainable Projects” airline ticket to students of Tai Solarin University of Education during the 2013 edition of the FCMB sponsored ENACTUS National Competition for students on youth and community development project. With them is Public Affairs Officer of the US Embassy, Dehab Ghabread.

Heritage Bank to partner BDAN on capacity building H

ERITAGE Bank has pledged to partner with the Bank Directors Association of Nigeria (BDAN) in the achievement of its objective of capacity building in the industry. BDAN is the umbrella body of non-executive directors of banks and was established to provide a forum for improving the knowledge and competence of bank directors thereby promoting honourable practice within the banking industry in Nigeria.

The Association recently organised a luncheon to welcome new members from Heritage Bank, Jaiz Bank, FSDH Merchant Bank and Rand Merchant Bank.

The Heritage Bank team was led by the Managing Director/ Chief Executive of the Bank, Mr. Ifie Sekibo. The team included Executive Director, Enterprise management, Robert Mbonu and Alhaji Jani Ibrahim, a non executive director of the bank.

Speaking at the luncheon, a C M Y K

director of Heritage Bank, Alhaji Jani Ibrahim commended BDAN for its leadership role in the banking industry, saying Heritage Bank would partner with the association in its various activities to achieve its objectives. “I want to thank everybody and also to give the support of Heritage Bank to

the association. The Managing Director of Heritage Bank has asked me to assure you that we are going to be very good partners in progress as you forge ahead in the administration of BDAN. I also assure you that we would also help to galvinise other members, because it is when members sup-

port the association that the association will continue to wax stronger”.

He advised the leadership of BDAN to design programmes and activities that addresses issues of public interest. “I think this is where we need to make our mark and also prove our mettle.

Standard Char tered to invest $2bn in ‘Power Africa’

S

TANDARD Chartered has committed to financing more than US$2 billion in energy projects under the Power Africa Initiative, a five-year partnership between the United States, six African governments and the private sector. The partnership represents a coordinated crossborder effort to build the regulatory, economic and policy foundation in order to double access to power in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The governments of Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Liberia and a group of private-sector firms are taking part in the initiative to improve access to clean, reliable power in Africa. Power Africa will add more than 10,000 megawatts of cleaner, more efficient electricity generation capacity – equivalent to 250 percent of Nigeria’s current power generation - increasing access to electricity by more than 20 million new households and businesses.

Standard Chartered is committing US$2 billion of new financing, more than 20 percent of the initial private sector contribution to Power Africa, alongside the US Government’s provision of US$7 billion of financial support.

“More than two-thirds of the population of sub-Saharan Africa is without electricity, and more than 85 percent of those living in rural areas lack access,” the White House said in a statement. “These countries have set ambitious goals in electric power generation and are making the utility and energy sector reforms to pave the way for investment and growth.”

IMF trims global forecast growth to 3.1% T

HE International Mone tary Fund, IMF has trimmed its global growth forecast on Tuesday for the fifth time since early last year due to a slowdown in emerging economies and the woes in recession-struck Europe.

In its mid-year health check of the world economy, the Washington-based lender also warned global growth could slow further if the pull-back from massive monetary stimulus in the United States triggers reversals in capital flows

and crimps growth in developing countries.

The IMF shaved its 2013 forecast for global growth to 3.1 percent, as fast as the economy expanded last year and below the Fund’s 3.3 percent projection in April. It also lowered its forecast for 2014 to 3.8 percent after earlier predicting a 4 percent expansion.

The Fund has trimmed its growth forecast for 2013 in every major report since April 2012 after initially projecting the global economy would expand by

as much as 4.1 percent this year, a sign of the unexpectedly bumpy recovery from the global financial crisis. In an update of its World Economic Outlook report, the IMF said it underestimated the depth of the recession in Europe, and had not expected the United States to go ahead with growthstunting spending cuts.

Emerging markets, which had previously been the engine of the global recovery, added to the overall subdued picture in the latest outlook, entitled

“Growing Pains.” The IMF cut its 2013 growth forecast for developing countries to 5 percent, including a lower forecast for China, Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa, often called the BRICS. The Fund said China’s slowdown was a particularly big risk, as the world’s secondlargest economy navigates a shift to consumption-led growth. Any slowdown could hit commodity exporters, as China is one of the world’s biggest energy consumers.

Vanguard, THURSDAY , JULY 11, 2013—23

Manufacturing sector at bottom of business confidence — LCCI

BY FRANKLIN ALLI

BY FRANKLIN ALLI

S

T

HE manufacturing sec tor of the economy has been ranked lowest on Business Confidence Index (BCI) with a paltry five percent, according to data released by Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI. BCI is an economic indicator designed by LCCI to measure the degree of optimism on the state of the economy that business leaders are expressing through their activities of investing and spending.

Decreasing BCI is a pointer to slowing economic activities because business owners are likely to decrease their investment. The more confident entrepreneurs feel about the business environment, the more likely they are to make new investments, create job and impact on the economy.

LCCI in its third quarter 2013 aggregate Business Confidence Index (BCI) reported that while the financial sector recorded the highest business confidence of 35 percent followed by Hotel & Restaurant and Telecoms & Postal sectors 29 percent, the agricultural sector scored 18 percent and the manufacturing sector trailed behind with 5 percent business confidence level.

Muda Yusuf, Director General of LCCI, said: “All the sectors recorded positive confidence except the manufacturing sector. This

From left: Mr. Thomas Dub, Czech’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom and Director of Trade, Mr. David Adejuwon during the visit of the Czech Republic official delegation to the ministry in Abuja.

implies that expansion and new investment in the Nigerian manufacturing sector remains largely held down by the linger-

ing challenges confronting business environment in the country.”

He stated that in spite of the recurrent factors such

M

ANUFACTURERS Association of Nigeria, MAN, arm of the Organised Private Sector, OPS, has requested the Federal Government to bar Chinese nationals from engaging in distributive trade in the country.

Distributive trade is a form of middlemen services that involves distribution of goods or products to consumers via retailing and wholesaling.

Recall that earlier, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) raised the alert over the increasing number of Asians sweeping Nigerians out of distributive trade and called on government to quickly address the

as poor access to credit, security situation and the dwindling public power supply business confidence went up across most

the sectors by 24 percent from 16.5 percent and 10.5 percent recorded in first and second quarter of the year, respectively.

Nigeria to stop importing raw materials soon — RMRDC

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

R

AW Materials Research and Development Council, RMRDC, says the country would soon stop importing raw materials for production activities following the discovery of

774 raw materials across the country by the Council.

RMRDC Director General Prof. Peter Onwualu, who disclosed this during a public forum in Abuja, said that the Council has discovered 774 raw materials and would soon

OPS urges action against Chinese involvement in distributive trade

BY NAOMI UZOR

Why we burn bad products — SON

problem in order to protect local industries and existing jobs in the sector.

“While we appreciate Chinese investments in the country, we do not think they should be allowed to venture into distributive trade. We therefore urge the Federal Government to look into this situation,” said Chief Kola Jamodu, MAN President.

Speaking during the 41st Annual General Meeting of MAN in Lagos, Jamodu pointed out: “In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed some investments by Chinese investors in Nigeria, which span across many sectors such as manufacturing, telecommunication, energy etc. This is commendable, but a wor-

risome development is the incursion of Chinese into small vendor businesses such as retail trading, textile, electronics, etc. ”More worrisome is the faking and passing off that are carried out in the process of importing their wares. This is gradually taking businesses out of Nigerians.” ” Currently, we believe the expenditure on infrastructure needs to be stepped up so that the nation can catch up with countries that have set standards by prioritising their expenditure to favour development of infrastructure, which correspondingly have put them in the league of industrialised nations,” he said.

start processing them for use by local industries.

Based on this, he, therefore, called on the National Assembly to ensure speedy review of the law to guarantee the protection of local producers of raw materials. He said that that a new raw material law is in the offing and when it is launched it would offer a lot of cover to local content and entrepreneurs.

“If we have people that could put our technology into use, we will stop importing raw materials. I

request you to assist us to reach your governors to work with us because when we pool fund together, we will achieve more.

“We are soliciting the assistance of law makers in the review of our law. Under the review, we think that something can be done to protect local producers of raw material “we are presently working on fruit juice concentrate, medicinal raw materials. In addition, by next ten years, we will be independent in fruit juice

TA N DA R D S Organisation of Nigeria, SON, has explained reasons why it continuously burn bad products that are locally manufactured or imported into the country.

The agency made this defence amidst public sympathy when it set aflame bad products valued at N2 billion at Sagamu dumpsite in Ogun State, recently.

“There’s no alternative to burning them because if you don’t burn them scavengers will pick them and return them to market. They are economic waste and are dangerous for human consumption,” said Engr. Bede Obayi, Head of Inspectorate and Compliance.

The items (cable wires, cigarettes, tyres, decoders, stabilisers and other household appliances) were seized by the Enforcement Unit of the Agency from borders, warehouses and markets within Lagos and Ogun State.

Obayi also maintained that destruction of these items was in line with the agency’s zero tolerance policy to substandard and fake products.

On the choice of Sagamu dumpsite, he said that it was because of the green nature of the environment. “It’s safe here; smoke from the burning is easily absorbed by trees,” he said.

He explained that after the goods have been seized they were tested at the laboratory but failed to meet the parameters for quality’. Thereafter, appropriate court order is obtained to burn them.

Lagos donate buses to communities in LFZ for Commerce and InBY MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

T

HE Lagos State Government has donated Hiace buses to four communities hosting the Lekki Free Zone and Lekki/Epe International Airport.

The beneficiary communities include: Abejoye, Abomiti, Yeguda and the Lekki/ Epe Airport community.

Speaking during the presentation of the buses, Commissioner

dustry, Mrs. Olusola Oworu, said that that the presentation of these buses to the communities was to complement some fleet of vehicles previously donated by the authorities of the zone to the host communities. She stressed that the gesture was a practical demonstration of commitment and determination of the state government towards meeting the yearnings of the affected people as

well as ensure they were adequately compensated.

According to the Commissioner, the LFZ is a long term project that required adequate planning, consultation and funding.

She, therefore, pleaded with the community leaders to embrace the development plan of government in that axis by cultivating a true communal spirit that will encourage foreign investors.

24—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

Minister slams APM Terminals, says examination bay filthy, inhuman

BY GODFREY BIVBERE

M

INISTER of National Planning, Dr Shamshudeen Usman, over the weekend in Lagos, described the space provided for examination of imported goods at Apapa port by the management of APM Terminals as filthy and unfit for humans to work.

The Minister who is the chairman of Monitoring and Implementation committee of the National Council on Privatisation, called on the management of APMT to do something about the present examination bay.

The minister and members of the committee were in Lagos to tour the ports to assess the level of development after the concession exercise.

According to him, “Whilst we have seen considerable improvements in other areas of

their operations, this area for physical examination leaves much to be desired.

“We have said to the terminal operator, A.P. Moller that these are almost sub-human conditions. You cannot have Customs personnel and clearing agents working in a place like this. They must do whatever is needed urgently to make this place really habitable; you cannot even keep goods in this area.

“Clearly we are going to take it up strongly with the terminal operator in charge of this place. You have seen the sub-human conditions; this is unacceptable within the terms agreed with the terminal operators.”

He however commended terminal operators who took charge of the ports after the concession exercise for their efforts which resulted in increased cargo through-

put.

Usman noted that the development of the various terminals and the provision of modern cargo handling equipment has helped to reduce the ship dwelling time at the nation’s ports.

He further pointed out that there are still some areas that the terminal

operators needed to improve on.

Responding, Chief Commercial Officer of APM Terminals, Neil Fletcher, said the condition at the examination bay though regrettable, is only a stop gap because the Apapa Customs Command rejected the space provided for that purpose.

Fletcher explained that they are working on a permanent solution for examination of goods and that it will be a three storey building. However, he said for the short term, they would hold discussions with the customs to find a way of making the working conditions of the bay better.

Mr. Hassan Bello, Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers’ Council welcoming Mr. Alhassane Dia, representative of Director-General of Niger Shippers’ Council to Nigerian Shippers’ Council.

Solar Sailing: Green Boats Keep Air Air,, Wat er Clean ater

A

NYONE who has ever scanned the sea’s horizon for a fuel station recognizes the key advantage of solar-powered boating: solar-powered (or green) boats eliminate boaters’ dependence on gasoline. Solar-powered boats are better for the environment, not to mention beautiful (often encased in glass to support the panels and preserve the view), quiet and potentially safer.

Though a boating safety course from Boaterexam would still be beneficial for newcomers, personal solar-powered boats travel much slower than their gasoline-powered counterparts, making them less prone to accidents.

Below are three exciting developments in the field of green boating.

Culled from World Maritime News

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013—25

Bits

ed in the mid-term evaluation report of Mr President, on the 27th of May 2013.

The programmes and associated achievements provide useful experiences for member states that are desirous for growth and development. We have made progress in the implementation of a national employment roadmap in key sectors with marked increase in the employment creation.

We are on the verge of a review of the roadmap in line with current economic development and growth.”

Anambra laments youth unemployment

A

Labour, Education ministry shun poly lecturers strike

F

OR over three months, lecturers in the various polytechnics across the country have been on strike over issues related to conditions of service, rating of students degrees, etc.

The issue of certificate rating for of graduates of polytechnics has remained unresolved for some time.

President Olusegun Obasanjo made an attempt to place polytechnic graduates at par with university graduates when he directed that graduates of polytechnics can rise to the highest level in the civil service.

Since the strike commenced about two months ago, students have remained idle, yet the Ministry of Education issued cut-off marks for new entrants.

The Federal Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Education for reasons best known to them have remained silent on the issue.

Perhaps, the union of the polytechnic lecturers need to declare a trade dispute.

Tasks ILO on capacity building, others Leader of delegation and Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu (right) and other members of Nigeria's delegation to the 102nd ILC, in Geneva, Switzwerland

Nigeria seeks ILO’s technical support on job creation, retention

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

T

HE just concluded 102nd International Labour Conference, ILC, did not only afford Nigeria an opportunity to showcase her job creation initiatives among others, to the world, it also provided her an avenue to ask for adequate and equitable regional representation and distribution of all resources, including the recruitment of personnel of the developing nations at all levels of the International Labour Organisation.

Addressing ILC’s General Assembly, leader of the Nigerian delegation and Minister of Labour and Productivity, Emeka Wogucommended ILO’s Director General, Mr. Guy Ryder for his report on the activities and programmes of the ILO since assuming office a year ago.

Wogu recalled the issues raised in the report in view of their relevance to the core mandate of the ILO in addressing the challenges of social justice, employment creation, social dialogue and tripartism, including the promotion of the fundamental principles and rights at work as encapsulated in the Decent Work Agenda.

He said Nigeria agreed with the seven areas identified with regards to their impact on the world of work and the challenges they present for the next centenary, saying “these transformational forces in the world of work present to us several and diverse challenges which may pose obstacles to our vision of becoming one of the most 20 technologically advanced countries in the world by the year 2020. Prominent amongst these challenges that need to be quickly addressed include; the provision

of productive and decent jobs for the teeming youth population in an environmentally sustainable manner, the provision of adequate minimal social security protection systems for the aged, unemployed, women, children, vulnerable members of society including the provision of adequate system of labour protection, the provision of relevant and adequate skills to march global developments in ICT, the raising of national pro-

,

NAMBRA State Gov ernment has said the high level of youth unemployment in the country is the key element fuelling crime, insecurity and frustration in the country. It described as unique the high educational population of those who are jobless but have the added problem of having no employable skills even when the job is available.

Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Oseloka Obaze, spoke in Awka, the state capital, while receiving in audience, a delegation of the south-east zonal office of the National Directorate of Employment, NDE. The NDE delegation was led by the Director in charge of the NDE operations in the south-east states of Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo, Mr. Benjamin Onuoha.

Mr. Obaze said Governor Peter Obi had left no stone unturned in attracting national and international investments to the state as part of the job creation strategy and the overall development of the State.

proaches are encapsulated in the “Transformation Agenda” of Mr President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. The Agenda articulate policies and programmes directed at infrastructural development, especially power, transportation, tourism, agriculture, security of lives and property, revival of the real economic sector, employment creations and social security for the citizenry, transparency in governance and accountability in the use

We have made progress in the implementation of a national employment roadmap in key sectors with marked increase in employment creation

ductivity competitiveness in order to address the issue of poverty, employment, inequality and wages differentials, the provision of good governance systems ensuring developments in democratic and representative institutions, especially at work and in the larger society, the changing nature of work and work conditions in view of the global implications for development and inclusiveness.

FG’s Job creation initiatives

Speaking on efforts by President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to create jobs for unemployed Nigerians, the Minister said “my country in the last two years embarked on several policies, projects and programmes in various sectors of the economy in order to address these issues. The ap-

,

of national resources.”

He added, “In the Labour sector, the transformation agenda encompasses Key National Performance Indicators of various policies, programmes and projects which are aimed at:- Employment generation and wealth creation, Improving national productivity and competitiveness, Improving health, safety and welfare of the workforce, Enhancing industrial harmony and improving labour education and skills, Provision of social security protection and mitigating vulnerability at work, Enhancing skills development and certification, Improving the regulatory environment and application of international labour standards.

“There is no doubt that the Nigerian government has achieved several milestones in the above areas as highlight-

According to Wogu “With the experiences gathered in the implementation of policies, projects and programme over the years, the following recommendations are relevant for the ILO to effectively cope with the challenges of the next centenary. ILO should focus on building the capacity of its tripartite constituency in order to play a leading role in policy coherence at the multilateral levels of the UN system.

Enterprise development should still remain the cornerstone of ILO strategy for promoting job growth and poverty reduction.

There is need to support member nations to improve vocational training, skills acquisition and upgrading to enhance labour intensive growth.

Thus ILO tripartite constituent should take greater interest in monitoring and evaluating of field projects to ensure that they are directed at the critical areas of the people’s need.

There is urgent need to develop the informal economy as a major source of employment generation in view of the limitation of the formal sector. The Decent Work Agenda should be extended to this level of the economy especially through social protection, training and retraining of the actors as well as facilitating access to finance through rejuvenated cooperative societies.”

He noted that “ while Nigeria supports the on-going reforms in the ILO to help reposition the organization within a strong UN system, we wish to appeal for adequate and equitable regional representation and distribution of all resources, including the recruitment of personnel of the developing nations at all levels of the agency.”

While commending ILO for its support to the Nigeria government and its social partners, Wogu pledged Nigeria’s support to reposition the ILO to meet the challenges of the next centenary.

26—Vanguard,THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

Why we support amendment of Pension Reform Act, 2004 —PenCom O

N Friday, June 28, the National Pension Commission, PenCom, submitted a position paper to the Senate Committee on Establishments and Public Service and the House Committee on Pensions, at the joint public hearing on the Bill for an Act to repeal the Pension Reform Act 2004 and enact the Pension Reform Act, 2013, to make provision for Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS, and for connected matters. For record purposes, beginning from this edition, Pension and You, will publish the presentation of PenCom, the regulator in the Pension industry.

1-0 Introduction 1-1The National Pension Commission (“the Commission” or “PenCom”) expresses its profound appreciation to the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service and the House Committee on Pensions for the opportunity to appear before the Committees at this Public Hearing to provide further clarifications regarding the Bill for an Act to Repeal the Pension Reform Act 2004 and Enact the Pension Reform Act 2013 to Make Provision for Contributory Pension Scheme and for Connected Matters (HB 13.04.487). Indeed the Commission acknowledges the tremendous support of both Committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives

Acting Director-General of PenCom, Chinelo Anohu-Amazu

in the establishment and consolidation of the Contributory Pension Scheme in Nigeria.

1-2 A memorandum clarifying the objectives and focus of the PRA 2013 Bill as well as the position of the Commission on the provisions of the Bill becomes imperative especially against the backdrop of the recent unwarranted negativities and misrepresentations from certain quarters following the submission of the Bill to the National Assembly by His Excellency, Mr. President. Accordingly, the Commission

seeks to provide a succinct explanation on the genesis, objectives and scope of the PRA 2013 Bill as well as make further submission to the National Assembly for consideration.

1-3 It is apposite to commence with the background information on the reasons that necessitated the review of the Pension Reform Act 2004 (PRA 2004). During the early period of implementation of the PRA 2004, certain challenges were identified by the Commission. There were also calls and agitations on the need for the Commission to address emerging issues that had come to the fore due to changing socio-economic realities of Nigeria. At that time, the Commission took the position that any amendment of the PRA 2004 should be deferred until after its full implementation in order to fully benefit from the lessons learnt from implementation.

1 - 4 Accordingly, in May, 2009 the Commission in conjunction with the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service and the House Committee on Pensions, jointly organized a National Stakeholders Conference on the Review of the Implementation of the Pension Reform with the following objectives: Determine the suitability and/or adequacy of certain provisions of the PRA 2004; Identify ways to fully in-

tegrate the informal sector, States and Local Governments into the Scheme; Examine ways to diversify pension fund investments to provide adequate returns while guaranteeing safety of the pension assets; Draw lessons from other jurisdictions on how to promote best practices in the pension industry; and harvest inputs from all stakeholders and professionals with a view to conducting a comprehensive review of the PRA 2004.

1-5 Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members, PenCom is delighted to state that the above objectives were largely achieved. A comprehensive review of the implementation of the pension reform in Nigeria was undertaken, challenges identified and recommendations made by experts and stakeholders. The PRA 2013 Bill which is being examined at this Joint Public Hearing today is a product of an exercise initiated not only by the Commission but also by the National Assembly and all Stakeholders in the pension industry. The Bill has, in the main, captured the recommendations of the National Conference.

To be continued next week

Rights group urges Osun to pay retirees

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

C

AMPAIGN for Democratic and Workers’ Rights, CDWR, has called on the Osun State Government to immediately commence the payment of outstanding pension and pension arrears of retirees in the state, lamenting that some of the state pensioners have not been paid a kobo in the last r six months .

CDWR in a statement by its Osun State Secretary, Kola Ibrahim, claimed many of these pensioners were forced to retire through a dubious policy introduced in 2009 by the government of Olagunsoye Oyinlola, but implemented by the current government since 2010.

The statement read “This is calling on the government of Rauf Aregbesola in Osun State to immediately commence the payment of outstanding pension and pension arrears of retirees in the state. Currently, some sections of the retirees have been processed without being paid a dime, while several others such as retirees from primary schools have not even been processed at all, thus putting their fate in the balance. Many of these retirees who have retired for more than six months now are struggling to survive, especially as the harsh economic situations have continued to bite harder. If government is campaigning for virtuous behaviour

Some pensioners lamenting their plight during a protest

among its workforce, it should ensure that their lives after service are not made miserable through willful neglect by political officers.”

“Many of these pensioners were forced to retire through a dubious policy introduced in 2009 by the government of Olagunsoye Oyinlola, but implemented by the current government since 2010.

This policy compelled all workers who have put in close to 30 years in service to compulsorily retire if they are to be enrolled in the government’s pension scheme; otherwise they are condemned to the

contributory pension scheme that deduct from workers’ salaries but only ensure meager pensions that are fractions of what government will pay. Worse still, based on the instability of the financial and business markets coupled with the profit-driven agenda of private pension mortgage and banking organizations, the pensions from contributory system can be manipulated.

Continuing, the group allged that “ many workers were forced to retire in order to get a government secured pension.

Unfortunately, more than six months after, pensions are still unpaid. This is simply unfair, especially when viewed

against the background of the enormous amount committed to salaries, allowances and other official perks of political officers.

The governor, during the last May Day said the government had commenced the payment of pensions; it seems this assertion is a mere political statement. It is only virtuous for the governor to translate his statement to reality by paying the retirees promptly.

Many of them still have dependants, including children who are still schooling.”

“Labour unions, not only in Osun State, but across the country should take proactive measures to fight for these retirees.

They are part of the working class, which labour movement is morally and historically bound to defend. Pension union should also stop playing the ostrich by using the excuse that these retirees have not been integrated into the payroll as alibi for not defending them. This is simply shallow. Interestingly, labour leaders are members of a pension committee setup by the government some months ago, yet, many retirees are still suffering. Workers have an inalienable right to living pension without any deduction from their salaries.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2013 — 27

Etisalat, AAF flag off Lagos Photo Festival 2013 F

ROM October 18 to November 7 2013, art enthusiasts especially lovers of photography will be thrilled in a spectacular way as activities for the 2013 LagosPhoto Festival, the first international art festival of photography in Nigeria kicks off. This was disclosed by the organisers AAF and major sponsors, Etisalat and Eko Hotels and Suites while announcing the start of this year’s activities in Lagos last week . The activities include, the official Launch of LagosPhoto Festival 2013, the 2013 edition of Etisalat Photography Competition and the official launch of the LagosPhoto Mobile App. Speaking at the event, Azu Nwagbogu, Director of African Artists' Foundation (AAF,)disclosed that the festival sponsored

by Etisalat Nigeria and Eko Hotels and Suites, and organised by the (AAF) is part of an on-going project designed to use art in public spaces - “art reclaiming public spaces” - as a medium for increasing societal awareness. The festival which is held annually started four years ago and is aimed “to utilize the talents we have in Africa” and it features emerging photographers alongside established photographers.

On his part, Mr. Steven Evans, Chief Executive Officer of the most innovative Telecommunications Company in Nigeria, Etisalat, disclosed that the company has once again thrown its weight behind the African Artists’ Foundation (AAF) for the 2013 edition of the Lagos Photo Festival with theme: ‘The Megacity and noncity.

Lagos major event Mr. Steven Evans stated that the company was delighted to be part of the Lagos Photo festival as it has increasingly become a major event Lagosians, Nigerians and indeed Art Aficianados around the world look forward to every year. On the company’s involvement in the Festival, Mr. Evans said both Lagos Photo Festival and Etisalat share intrinsic attributes, one of which is to provide a platform to communicate ideas, innovate, nurture talent and promote passions.

Speaking further, Mr. Evans said, “Etisalat is committed to sharing in the passions and aspirations of our customers, whether in sports, music and arts; and will continually explore other laudable projects such as the Lagos Photo to be a part of.”

On what this year’s festival will deliver, Joseph Gergel, Co-Curator, LagosPhoto Foundation said the theme: The Megacity and the Non-City, will look at both the development of urban centers in Africa and the influences of technology, through the Internet, digital revolution, and examine how they have transformed photography and our sense of place in a globally connected world. She also disclosed

,

By JAPHET ALAKAM

Lagos Photo Festival and Etisalat share intrinsic attributes, one of which is to provide a platform to communicate ideas, innovate, nurture talent and promote passions

,

a new partnership with World Press Photo, a preeminent international competition and exhibition that features the best of photojournalism worldwide, which will bring its annual exhibition to Lagos sponsored

by Etisalat to be showcased alongside the festival from October 18th to November 7th 2013.

Following on the theme for this year, Head of High Value Events and Sponsorships Ebi Atawodi, announced the launch of the Official LagosPhoto Mobile App. She said, “We partnered with LagosPhoto to build the official festival app - the first of its kind in Africa. The app will serve as an ultimate guide to the festival, exhi-

es fr *One of the imag

om previous ph

bition locations and most importantly a showcase of entries for the Etisalat Photography Competition. Etisalat will also work together with LagosPhoto to include innovative digital installations which demonstrate the importance of social media and digital content in our lives today.

Part of the event was the official announcement of Etisalat Photography Competition by Wunikan Mukan, Brand Director, LagosPhoto Foundation. According to her, in its bid to nurture and develop emerging photographic talent talent in Nigeria, Etisalat and LagosPhoto 2013 present the Etisalat Photographic Competition themed: The Megacity, for interested amateur photographers are required to capture the city of Lagos in their own unique

oto festival

visual language.

Launched in 2010, Lagos Photo is the first and only international arts festival of photography in Nigeria. In a month long program, events include exhibitions, workshops, artist presentations, and large scale outdoor prints displayed throughout the city with the aim of reclaiming public spaces and engaging the general: public with multifaceted stories of Africa.

This year’s edition will open with a fundraiser themed ‘Observation No Be Crime’ in September at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island after which the official exhibition and Grand Opening Ceremony will take place on the 26th of October. Call for entries for The Etisalat Photography Competition will begin from the 5th of July and end on the 31st of August.

Nigeria's Tope Folarin wins 2013 Caine Prize

By JAPHET ALAKAM with agency reports

A

NOTHER Nigerian, Tope Folarin has won the 2013 Caine Prize for African Writing, described as Africa’s leading literary award, for his short story entitled ‘Miracle’ from Transition, Issue 109 (Bloomington, 2012).

The Chair of Judges, Gus Casely-Hayford, announced Tope Folarin as the winner of the £10,000 prize at a dinner held Monday evening at the Bodleian Library in Oxford.

‘Miracle’ is a story set in Texas in an evangelical Nigerian church where the congregation has gathered to witness the healing powers of a blind pastor-prophet. Religion and the gullibility of those caught in the deceit that sometimes comes with faith rise to the surface as a young boy volunteers to be healed and begins to believe in miracles.

Gus Casely-Hayford praised the story, saying: “Tope Folarin’s ‘Miracle’ is another superb Caine Prize winner – a delightful and beautifully paced narrative, that is exquisitely observed and utterly compelling”.

Writing fellowships Tope Folarin is the recipient of writing fellowships from the Institute for Policy Studies and Callaloo, and he serves on the board of the Hurston/Wright Foundation. Tope was educated at Morehouse College, and the University of Oxford, where he earned two Master’s degrees as a Rhodes Scholar. He lives and works in Washington, DC. The 2013 shortlist comprises:Elnathan John (Nigeria) ‘Bayan Layi’ from Per Contra, Issue 25 (USA, 2012); Tope

Folarin (Nigeria) ‘Miracle’ from Transition, Issue 109 (Bloomington, 2012); Pede Hollist (Sierra Leone) ‘Foreign Aid’ from Journal of Progressive Human Services, Vol. 23.3 (Philadelphia, 2012); Abubakar Adam Ibrahim (Nigeria) ‘The Whispering Trees’ from The Whispering Trees, published by Parrésia Publishers *Tope Folarin (Lagos, 2012) and Chinelo Okparanta (Nigeria) ‘America’ from Granta, Issue 118 (London, 2012). The panel of judges is chaired by Dr. Gus Casely-Hayford, art historian and broadcaster, who presented the eight part documentary series ‘Lost Kingdoms of Africa’ on the BBC. Alongside Gus on the panel of judges this year are awardwinning Nigerian-born artist, Sokari Douglas Camp; author, columnist and Lord Northcliffe Emeritus Professor at UCL, John Sutherland; Assistant Professor at Georgetown University, Nathan Hensley and the winof the Caine Prize in its inaugural year, Leila Aboulela. This is the first time that a past winner of the Caine Prize has taken part in the judging. Once again the winner of the £10,000 Caine Prize will be given the opportunity to take up a month’s residence at Georgetown University, as a Writer-in-Residence at the Lannan Center for Poetics and Social Practice and will be invited to take part in the Open Book Festival in Cape Town in September.

28 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

Yetunde Arebi’s day of double honours

By PRISCA SAM-DURU

F

OR the past few weeks, Vanguard’s Deputy Woman Editor, Yetunde Fashina Arebi’s book which is perhaps, the latest offering to the world of literature, titled, “Youth, Sex and Well Being” has been talk of the town. Arebi’s book has gained much publicity at a very short period due to its content which without reservations, lays bare the intricacies of sexual relationships amongst the youths with the aim of availing them of vital information that would enable them protect their future.

And in a very colourful celebration organised by Vanguard Media, Publishers of Vanguard Newspaper, held last weekend at the Afe Babalola Auditorium, University of Lagos (UNILAG), the well documented master piece was presented to the public.

The well attended event also doubled as occasion for the 20th anniversary celebration of the author’s column “Human Angle”, a weekly column pub-

able to every youth because “There are so many books in circulation as well as social media which expose the intricacies of married life to the youths at their detriment.”

He noted with regrets that the manner in which career mothers abandon their duties at home so as to meet up with the present harsh economic realities in the country, has led to dysfunction of family life and “the result is that the children are not properly guided through adult life.”, emphasising that, “This makes the book worth reading.”

His words, “Sex life should be discussed in the family, it is so good that Yetunde has documented the intricacies about sex life which will properly guide the youths through adulthood. And I pray that the book will get to the nooks and cranny of the country for it to achieve its aim.”

Vanguard Publisher, Mr Sam Amuka who was represented by the General Manager/Editor in Chief, Gbenga Adefaye commended Yetunde for converting

,

Sex life should be discussed in the family, it is so good that Yetunde has documented the intricacies about sex life which will properly guide the youths through adulthood

lished on Vanguard Newspaper. Describing “Youth, Sex and Well Being” as indispensable, the Chairman of the occasion, Justice George Oguntade (RTD) emphasised the need for the book to be made avail-

,

into permanent form, invaluable articles from her years as Vanguard staff, for the development of the society. The book he noted, talks more about education adding that sex education is not just about sex but

how to manage general life style, health and relationship.

He posited that a man who manages his sex life well, lives a successful and decent life.

Reviewing the book, Professor Ajike Osanyin said that Yetunde has done well by drawing from her years of expe- *Lagos State Deputy Governor, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (5th from left) rience at Van- with other dignitaries during the book launch guard, adding that the author’s firm be- mercy of neighbours, friends, event added flavour to it as lieve that youths are not prop- peers and social media. She he made the most of the situerly tutored on sex related is- pointed out that exposures to ation, supplying ice breakers sues which often exposes them uncensored information avail- that cooled the nerves of to problems arising from “in- able on the social media only many at the launch. Also, Kvolvement in all kinds of abus- provide information that impact Star entertained with late es, sugar daddies and mum- negatively on the youths.

Whitney Houston’s “Greatest mies, rape and illegal aborShe however enjoined par- Love of All”, bringing back tion”, birthed the priceless ma- ents to be “available, useable fond memories of the legendterial. According to her, “The and sustainable" to their chil- ary American pop singer author offers explanations with dren for proper parenting.

Roll call at the well attendpractical examples of human ed event include; Vanguard’s anatomy, used right terminol- Uncensored Editorial Chairman, Ikedi ogies to drive home crucial information Isiguzo; Senator Musiliu points on touchy and sensitive Obanikoro, First Lady of Bauissues concerning youths and And as a proof of her readi- chi State, Hajia Yuguda; Rev. sex and this makes it a must ness to continue to partner the Dele Babalola, Alh. and Hajia read for all.” author and of course Vanguard Kola Animasaun; Vanguard In her detailed speech, the Media in the campaign for AGM brands, Fred Odueme; Lagos State Deputy Governor, proper sex education as well Vanguard Editor, Mideno Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefu- as good parenting, Orelope- Bayagbon; Hon Ayo Obiderin; lire, lamented how parents Adefulire gave a copy of the the Katsina State Commissionhave abandoned their primary book to each student who was er for Information, Honorable duty of properly guiding their present during the launch.

Sani Batagarawa who reprechildren through adult life Vanguard Sports Editor, sented the Katsina State govthereby, leaving them at the Tony Ubani who anchored the ernor and a host of others.

GT Bank supports display of Meshac Gaba's work at Tate Gallery

G

uaranty Trust Bank plc has once again demonstrated its commitment towards the promotion of African Arts with the recent acquisition of art works by the legendary Meshac Gaba titled; “Museum of Contemporary African Art 1997– 2002”.

The collections by the Republic of Benin born Artist will be displayed in a 12-room installation at the Tate Modern Gallery throughout summer. The concept explored by the Artist seeks to blur the boundaries between art and everyday life with the use of paintings, sculptures and drawings.

The resulting twelve rooms constitute a ‘museum within a museum’, combining the aesthetics of the art gallery with that of a West African market place.

The bank also showed its commitment to the arts industry by exhibiting its continuous support to Tate

sive twelve-room installation that questions the nature of the museum and perceptions of African art.

This free exhibition will be the first time it has been shown in its entirety in the UK As earlier announced in 2011, the partnership *Meshac Gaba Museum of Contemporary Art between Guaranty Trust Bank and Tate includes the establishment of an Modern; an institution committed to Acquisition Fund to enable Tate the building of a truly international Modern Gallery enhance its holdings collection of arts, showing African of works by African Artists, the creation artists as part of a global history of of a dedicated curatorial post at Tate modern and contemporary art. This Modern to focus on African art, and latest support to Tate Modern is the execution of Annual projects. dedicated towards the acquisition of Speaking on the acquisition, ManMeshac Gaba’s artwork; “Museum aging Director of Guaranty Trust Bank of Contemporary African Art 1997– plc; Mr. Segun Agbaje stated that the 2002” which showcases an immer-

benefits of GTBank’s partnership with Tate have become apparent with the exhibition platform created for African Artists internationally. He said that the acquisition fund provided by the Bank will also provide financial gratification to the Artist and serve as motivation for the next generation of African Artists.

Guaranty Trust Bank plc has maintained a defined Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy since its inception. The Bank actively supports numerous programmes across Africa that positively affects child healthcare, education, the Art, Community Development and environmental sustainability.

Its most recent projects in art include the sponsorship of Yinka Shonibare’s Art Exhibition in West Yorkshire, UK and a film project titled “African Metropolis” aimed at promoting short films across Africa.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013 — 29

learning@vanguardngr.com

FG has neglected to fund varsities — FALANA

By DAYO ADESULU

L

EGAL luminary and one of Nigeria's foremost human rights activists, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) has stated that the present ASUU strike is of great concern to him.

He said,"the Federal Government has over the years consistently neglected to adequately our universities. "We are involved in the present ASUU strike because ASUU is trying to re-build the universities, force the people in power to fund our universities.”

Falana who traced neglect in funding of the sector to frivolous spending on the part of our leaders said; “Money that should be spent on education is allocated yearly to sponsor people to Mecca and Jerusalem. And many parents are happy that they are part of that delegation going to Mecca to be Alhaji or Alhaja. ‘Alhaji’ (means a stranger). Show me in the holy Quran or Bible where it is stated that a gov-

ernment must sponsor citizens to Mecca or Jerusalem? ”I have read the Bible in detentions not less than five times (the only book left to read in prison), I have not come across anywhere it is stated that a christian shall perform any pilgrimage in Jerusalem.

That speaks volumes of the reasons they say no money to fund education, because we waste money on frivolous

things.”

According to him, the injunction on pilgrimage trip is that if you are able and you are physically sound and have the fund, you can go once a year.

“Some people who have looted the wealth of our country go to Mecca every Friday to pray," he added. Recalling what was obtainable in the university system years ago, Falana noted that there was massive in-

vestment in education, aided by religious institutions and communities. In 1976, he said, fees that were charged in secondary schools were easily affordable as tuitions were abolished in the universities.

He said; “When I entered university in1977, to pay for our accommodations and feeding, we were getting loans and bursaries from the Nigerian state.

Loans from Federal Government and bursaries from state governments. ”What we were paid then was enough to sustain us while on campus. Our feeding allowance was 50k per day in 1977.

10k was spent on breakfast, 20k for lunch and 20k for dinner.”

He explained that for your 10k, a student was sure of eight slices of bread that you eat to your satisfaction. Besides, undergraduates were also fed with rice and chicken twice a week - on Sundays and Wednesdays as a full chicken was served for four students including ice cream and other beverages. We had

Continues on page 30

Boko Haram attacks spell doom for education in the North —Page 30 From left: Mr. Emeka Mba, Community Affairs Manager, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited; Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), guest speaker; Mrs. Stella Ngwoke, Assistant Director, Drug Abuse Preventive Education, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), guest speaker; Ms. Bisi Aweda, Communications Officer, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited; and Mr. Agbo Agbo, Managing Partner, Synthesis Communications at the 11th Coca-Cola/NBC Limited/The Nation's Campus Life Correspondents’ workshop, in Lagos.

Why National Gender Policy must be implemented now

BY INWALOMHE DONALD

A

CTING ViceChancellor of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Professor Cordelia Agbebaku, has advocated the enactment of specific laws that will compel governments at all levels to implement the National Gender Policy in order to ensure the protection of women’s rights and gender equality in Nigeria.

She noted that the stoppage C M Y K

— AAU Vice-Chancellor of all forms of cultural and traditional discrimination against women was key to the realisation of Vision 20:2020, adding that no nation desirous of achieving meaningful development can afford any shade of gender imbalance in the management of its public affairs.

She spoke at a lecture on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality: A Case of Universality or Culture Relativism at the 44th inaugural lecture of

the university in Ekpoma.

Agbebaku stressed the need for the National Assembly to repeal laws that discriminate against women such as the laws on inheritance, divorce under customary law and others.

Lamenting poor access to training, quality education and self-improvement as the major reason for women’s lack of empowerment, she noted that if this is ad-

dressed, the country will be a better place.

According to her, women constitute half of the population in Africa and their underrepresentation in social, political and economic spheres must be addressed if Africa is to leverage fully on the promise and potential that it holds, adding that about 30 per cent of women participate in economic activities, often in very Continues on page 30

Congenital syphilis, cause of most deaths in Nigeria - Page 35

Poor science enrolment impedes Nigeria’s technological devt —Page 32

30 —VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

Boko Haram attacks spell doom for education in the North

BY LAJU ARENYEKA ‘Western education is a sin.’

T

HAT is what Boko Haram means in the English language. Little wonder, the sect has unmercifully punished those deemed perpetrators of that sin; like the 29 students, and one teacher who were murdered last weekend in Yobe state, or the nine students killed in a private school in the Jajeri suburb of the city of Maiduguri last month.

Painfully, the list goes on and on. In June, 13 people, including secondary school students and teachers, were killed when Boko Haram gunmen attacked a boarding school in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe state. Boko Haram has so far burnt down more than a dozen primary schools in northern Nigeria. In addition, in late April, more than 16 people were killed in attacks on two Sunday services at Bayero University. The administrative block of Gombe State University was destroyed during an earlier attack.

After losing his 10 and 12year-old sons to terrorists’ bullets last weekend, Mallam Abdullahi, a farmer, swore to withdraw his remaining three children from a neighbouring school. “It’s not safe,” he told journalists. “The gunmen are attacking schools and there is no protection for students despite all the soldiers.” For Abdullahi, the grief of losing two children out of five, by far surpasses the heart wrenching statistic that one in five Nigerian children is out of school.

No doubt, these recent killings are already beginning to take a toll on the already depreciating educational sector in the north. Governor Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe State, reacting to the recent massacre had in a statement directed that "all secondary schools in the state be closed down from Monday July 8, 2013 until a new academic session begins in September.”

September is two months from now; about the same amount of time between when Yobe was declared a state of emergency, and last Saturday’s attacks.

Human Rights group, Youth and Conflict Resolution Initiatives, (YCRI), in a release by its Director of International Relations, Mr. Efemena Agadama, said; “This is Yobe State that is so educationally disad-

vantaged that the Federal Ministry of Education had to give the state two (2) as cut-off mark while Anambra has 139, yet, you find some group of people kill the few innocent children who love education. It’s a shame for such to happen in such a state and in a democratic nation like Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, the Education rights Campaign (ERC) boss said that "these attacks on students in the north are bound to reverse the efforts by the government to achieve education for all by 2015.

However, it is very likely that 10 years from now, the government will blame the poor level of education in the north on terrorist sects, forgetting that before these attacks, the government already had a lack-

Why National Gender Policy must be implemented now Continues from page 29

From right: Nasiru Abrahim Junju, Minister of Youth and Development; Mrs Adenike Adeyemi, Lagos State NYSC Coordinator, and Special Assistant to the Minister during his courtesy visit to the 2013 Batch B Corps members at Ipaja Orientation camp, Lagos.

FG has neglected to fund varsities Continues from page 29 laundry department that took care of our cleaning.

"Falana who urged stakeholders to jettison claims that no government can fund education alone, rhetorically asked, "what will the government fund if not education.? The only thing being funded by our government is poverty," he posited.

Talking to The Nation’s campus journalists drawn from across tertiary institutions in Nigeria at a two-day seminar organised by NBC in Lagos, Falana said; “When we had good educational structure, students were sure of jobs as undergraduates. In our final year, we had employers of labour coming to interview us for job. And while you are undergoing your NYSC year, you also have another set of employers waiting to employ you.

luster approach to funding the education sector.”

Only last week, a recent report held that about 80 per mcent of teachers in the north are not qualified. This, coupled with the threat on teachers' lives, foretells a bleak future for education in the north. The National President, Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Michael Alogba said; “For the education sector, this is sure to take a negative toll. It is threatening to increase the level of decay in the sector. We as a union are becoming really worried that no one is safe in this country. Innocent children are being killed for no just cause.

Teachers face constant threat to their lives. We would like to call on the authorities to provide leadership in this area. These killings must be investigated and the perpetra-

tors brought to book. The government should also ensure that the family of the teacher that was killed in the last attack is not left to suffer.”

With the highest number of out-of-school children in the world - 10.5 million - it is not farfetched why the international community is worried about these unfortunate events.

Lucy Freeman, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Africa told newsmen shortly after the attack, that “the protection of children’s lives is paramount, and the Nigerian government has a duty to ensure that the country’s educational sector is not further threatened by the killing and intimidation of students and teachers and the destruction of school buildings. Such attacks violate the right to life and undermine the right to education for thousands of children in northern Nigeria. They must stop immediately.”

So, when you are leaving the camp, you would have gotten two or three jobs that you will have to select from and consider the one that will probably give you car loan or house loan. Also, as undergraduates, we had vacation jobs in the ministry and in other sectors.

"At that time, even as a secondary school leaver, all you need do in Ikeja, Lagos was for the Ministry of Labour to register you. Any time there was vacancy in the industry, you are sure to be called upon through functional post offices.

That was the situation up to 1980.”

Falana who maintained that when you destroy the university system, you have ruined the country, pointed out that in those days, knowledge was truly impacted to students unlike today when we have brain drain.

On UK education which has become the safe haven for many people, he stated, “to go to London as an undergraduate, you needed about N200.

Some who went did because they were getting loans and bursaries from the state. ”You will be termed as a mad man if you say you want to stay there in the UK after a visit or after graduation. Stay there to do what? ”In those days, those who went abroad for studies were those who did not have five credits to access Nigerian universities. The day you completed your studies overseas, your parents have already arranged how you will come back to Nigeria.”

Going down memory lane, the SAN said, "coming out of law school as a lawyer, if you needed a car, all you need do is to go to an auto company

with your certificate, you will get a car loan and arrange how you will gradually pay back because your certificate serves as a collateral for the loan."

The human rights activist however, lamented that due to the gross mismanagement of the economy by our leaders in the early 80s, all the dreams of our youths have been shattered; we then began to have graduate unemployment.

He reiterated that because the Nigerian ruling class was short-sighted, selfish and irresponsible, they mismanaged the economy of Nigeria and the whole thing collapsed on our head.

His words; “For the past 14 years, unemployment has resumed in an unprecedented dimension in our country, peace and stability of our country have been sacrificed.

We have never witnessed the level of grand corruption that blossoms now.

limited ways.

Agbebaku further stated that economic empowerment of women is an important issue and should be taken seriously by families, communities, organisations and nations.

“Women must have access to training, higher education and self-improvement in order to aspire to higher paying jobs. It is believed that continuous academic improvement by women significantly determines how far they can rise even much more than their male counterparts,’’ she added.

"Empowering women provides more choices for women and creates female role models and mentors in places where economic opportunities have historically been limited.

I have noted that the elusiveness of attaining gender equality and protection is not as a result of a dearth of legislations geared towards redressing gender inequality. Indeed, gender equality continues to be central themes in global treaties, conventions and declarations. In spite of these efforts, gender discrimination against women still looms large in Nigeria. By way of recommendations to stem this tide, I wish to suggest the following: An effective and efficient enforcement mechanism to ensure compliance should be provided for international, regional and municipal laws guaranteeing and protecting gender rights. Legislations that discriminate against women should be expressly repealed. e.g. laws on inheritance, divorce under customary law etc."

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013—31

TEACHING MANDARIN AT UNILAG:

Experience of a Chinese teacher

BY QI WEN

I

WOULD say that I have been fortunate to experience the Nigerian environment and society. The mere fact of daring into a society hitherto unknown to me has also made me stronger and braver for a lifetime.

I came from China last year to teach Chinese Language (Mandarin) having been delegated by HANBAN in collaboration with the Confucius Institute (CI) at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to teach the language at both the local primary and secondary schools in Lagos and the Centre here in UNILAG. Before my arrival, I had decided not to read any articles in order to be informed of the people’s standard of living and way of life generally. In spite, of the fact that this was my first time in Lagos, I had made up my mind to experience the real Lagos myself.

My trip to Nigeria would certainly not be termed a “summer in wonder land” given that the weather in Lagos is as hot as summer in China especially for a ‘Northerner’ like me. I have been suffering from the heat and ‘hot’ rain, resulting in the recurring malfunction of my digestive system. My skin has also kept reacting to the type of water we use. I had rashes both on my legs and arms; while some bumps have kept popping up on my face. Not forgetting the unstable power supply, which has caused irreparable damage to my computer and phone chargers. Yet, the unfolding events have only

yielded a higher payoff: the significance of living in an unfamiliar environment.

One month ago, the Chinese learners in UNILAG took the HSK Exam (Chinese Language Proficiency Test). The results came out really well. One lady from my class got full mark, which definitely astonished me. It is thrilling to know that someone from my class could achieve the highest level among the beginners. Another student, Song Fu, was very special. He had always been far behind his classmates that it seemed he may not pass the exam. However, in the last two weeks preceding the exams, he came to the office every day,

being much more serious with his work and making inquiries with all the Chinese instructors available. And to my utmost surprise, he managed to get decent grades in the HSK Exam.

Last month, the Confucius Institute held the 2nd Chinese Culture Month in Nigeria essentially to attract university students and introduce them to Chinese culture. CI instructors designed various programs such as cultural lectures, Taichi Kongfu classes, and Chinese Language Corner. Song Fu, one of the Chinese language learners (also a student of UNILAG) and other students assisted CI a great deal, espe-

cially with decorating the theatres, introducing CI to students on campus, and offering advice on the performances. Without their contributions, the Chinese Culture Month activities would not have been held successfully.

Again, this is another positive side of Nigerians. They are always committed to whatever they are doing and willing to give it their best shot.

I am so glad that I can develop my career as a Chinese teacher in Nigeria. It is honourable to teach in a place where teachers are highly respected and most students are willing to learn. The experience of living in Lagos is so challenging but definitely valuable to me. It changed so much of my attitude towards life, adversity and prosperity. I really appreciated that I could ever come to Nigeria.

T

HE Director, Avial Inter national Consult Limited, Mrs Bola Agunbiade has stated that vital courses that can contribute to technological leap are either not offered in Nigerian education curricular or lack local technology to have an optimised studying or learning impact. She disclosed this at Ikeja, Lagos while marking her second anniversary.

According to her, “Technological advancement of our great country will be realised if adequate programmes are structured by the government to mobilise brilliant and beautiful minds to learn these new and evolving technologies in the best places C M Y K

BY GAB EJUWA

A

MEMBER of All Africa Stu-dents Union Hallof Fame and the winner of 2011 Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Award in Youth and Educational Development, Mr. Billy Ofesi is prepared to redeem the pledge he made to All African Students Union (AASU).

It could be recalled that Mr. Billy Ofesi, Chief Executive Officer of Biloritz Nigeria Limited, made the pledge of two scholarships to AASU annually in the year 2011 during his award and induction into AASU Hall of Fame.

In a chat with our correspondent, the Nigeria Country Representative of AASU, Comrade Yinka Dallas described Mr. Billy Ofesi as an uncommon patriot of the Nigerian nation, a reliable and indefatigable pillar of education that has done a lot in his private capacity.

Dallas noted that before the Jonathan transformation agenda can be taken with all seriousness by AASU, the likes of Mr. Ofesi must be recognised in the list of the National Merit honour.

Prestige Club awards 10 scholarships *Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Management, University of Lagos, UNILAG, Prof. Duro Oni (middle), cutting the tape to open the new Airtel Service Point at the university last Thursday. He is supported by Lagos Regional Director, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Adebayo Osinowo (left); Dean, Faculty of Arts and Chairman, Faculty Board, UNILAG, Prof. Mopelola Omoegun (2nd left) and Prof. Florence A. Osanyin, HOD, Art and Social Sciences (2nd right).

‘Vital courses to technological devt missing in curricula’

By MUSBAUDEEN SHEKONI

Ofesi to redeem scholarship pledge to AASU

available and adapt them to various fields of endeavour in the country’s technological and business terrain.”

Agunbiade who lamented the deplorable state of the sector, said that due to many factors, Nigeria has not been able to build enough capacity both in content and structure to match the educational needs of students seeking admission into higher institutions yearly which is in excess of one million.

She noted that her passion for students made her organise educational seminars, scholarship evaluations, free admission process and visa counselling from June 26-August 30 to mark Avial's second anniversary. She explained that most students who seek admission from her consultancy firm into

tertiary institutions abroad was due to frustration in getting admission into Nigerian universities.

Said she; “We will be assisting students who come to the seminar obtain scholarships and tuition reductions to study abroad. We are aware there are academic gurus out there who do not know the way out of their predicament, this is the time to come for free evaluation.”

Agunbiade reiterated her firm's willingness to also assist students to write impeccable personal statements as this is essential to scholarship applications. According to her, institutions from abroad have been invited to attend to students’ needs and inquiries as well as give spot admissions to qualified students.

•Mrs Bola Agunbiade Asked what qualified Avial to address these needs, Agunbiade noted that not only is AVAIL a duly registered company in Nigeria, it is saddled with the mandate of recruiting students for universities and colleges in the UK, US and Canada. Moreover, she said, “Avail excelled as the award winner ‘Agent of the year 2012 from NAVITAS – foremost group in students’ recruitment to institutions in UK, USA, Canada and Australia.

I

T was a rewarding day for students of Agidingbi Junior Grammar School Ikeja as a social group, the Prestige Country Club (PCC), gave scholarships to 10 brilliant but indigent students of the school.

The presentation had in attendance teachers and all pupils of the school who also got free exercise books, courtesy of the club.

Speaking at the presentation of scholarships, Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Education, Otunba Fatai Olajide Olukoga, represented by the Director of Lagos State Scholarship Board, Mrs Yetunde Jegede noted that scholarships, over the years, had been a credible source of motivating helpless bright minds in the consistent pursuit of education, adding that selfless actions such as that of the PCC help steer the mantle of education and development in the state.

President of PCC, Mr Olumide Osiyoye, noted that the group plans to make this gesture a yearly event and the awardees would be closely monitored and supported through higher levels of education if need be.

32 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013—33

‘If you sustain your environment, it will sustain you’

By MUSBAUDEEN SHEKONI

T

HE knowledge of health, safety and environment is no longer the practice of only adults or engineers working in factories or in construction companies as the consciousness has been transferred to students as well.

This is a yearly practice at Corona Secondary School, Agbara as it celebrated its 2013 Health, Safety and Environment Day with the theme; Think, Eat and Save to reduce your food print.

Addressing the students and teachers from Corona and other invited schools, the Chairman, Dr Diran Ajayi stated that everyday, children below the age of five die as a result of lack of food. Similarly, he noted that about 1.3 million tons of food are wasted yearly because conscious efforts are not made by people to avoid waste.

He said; “Every time someone wants to Director of Corona Secondary School, Agbara, Mrs Folashade Adefisayo (middle), throw food away, tell him that he can turn Prof. Olarewaju Fagbohun and his wife (left), and staff of the school during an it to better things. Before you eat, think and inspection of trees planted on campus at Agbara, Ogun State. ask yourself if after your meal, you will be leaving something that will harm your environment.” ment. tion forward and make a change. “The Ajayi enjoined individuals to always ask Adefisayo who urged participants relationship between you and your envithemselves some questions before and after to be agents of transformation around they eat: “How often do you waste food, how them said; “When you take care of ronment is reciprocal,” he said.

Fagbohun disclosed that if the economy often do you finish your food, if you have a your environment, your environment of our nation must improve or grow, our lot, do you donate to people who do not will take care of you.” environment must be taken care of, have?

On his part, Professor Olarewaju According to him, if you bought more than Fagbohun of Nigeria Institute of adding; “All you need is provided by the environment.” He explained that the you need, it is advisable to save.

Advanced Legal Studies, University problem we have with climate change is Speaking earlier, the Director of Corona of Lagos campus who was the guest Secondary School, Agbara, Mrs Folashade speaker said he loves people who because we are putting burden on the Adefisayo in her welcome address said the can use their initiative to do what is environment. “Everything about you is essence of the health programme was how right. According to him, "when you your environment and the environment we and our environment could be healthy. can think, you will discover some is everything about you. More than She said it is also to sustain our environ- things that will help move the na- 20,000 children under the age of five die of hunger yearly,” he said.

Second summer semester begins at AUN

By EBELE ORAKPO

T

HE American Univer sity of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, is set to begin the second summer semester. According to a release made available to Vanguard, the state of Emergency imposed by the Nigerian Government has not in any way affected academic or social activities in the university.

Already, more than 250 students have registered and more are expected as over 600 students attended the first summer session.

The varsity’s President, Dr Margee Ensign said the aim of the summer school is for “students to conduct independent study and pursue innovative research such as the unique Jatropha sustainability project led by Professor Charles Reith, AUN’s Director of Sustainability and Interim Provost.”

The Registrar, Monique Davis, noted that the summer classes are very popular because of the unique opportunity for students and faculty to learn in a closelyknit environment.

34—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

EDO TEACHER’S STRIKE:

Matters arising O

N Monday, June 4, the nation woke up to the reality that her school children will again have to face the daunting experience of having to stay away from the classroom following calls by the teachers under the aegis of the National Union of Teachers, NUT, to embark on an indefinite strike. The call, the body reasoned, became inevitable due to the delay by some states, Benue, Borno, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Kogi, Ogun, Sokoto and Zamfara, to meet teachers’ demands in paying the minimum wage and or the Teachers Enhanced Allowance, TSA. In particular, the teachers are asking for the full implementation of the minimum wage and 27.5 per cent Teachers Enhanced Allowances, TSA. Since then, the children, mostly primary school pupils as it is the case with Edo State, have been at home as efforts by well meaning stakeholders have not yielded any positive result. But in justifying the strike, Michael Olukoya, NUT national president told the nation that governments of the states mentioned have shown no inclination towards sorting out the vexing issue. “While some state governments, after much struggle, have come to terms with the provision of the agreement, it is regrettable that five years after, nine states are still in their season of prevarications,” he said. But if available information is anything to go by, it appears certain that Olukoya may not have been well briefed on the true situation in some of the states listed. The case in Edo State is instructive.

G

enerally, it is not in any doubt that some of the states where teachers are on strike have substantially met the NUT demands. In particular, Edo State has and the facts speak for themselves.

Indeed, besides being the first among the 36 states to fully pay the new N18,000 minimum wage, it also paid 17.5 per cent of the TSA having negotiated that full implementation will commence as quickly as it is able to sort out challenges facing its revenues. It is important to note that as part of that arrangement, secondary school teachers refused to join the strike action. As was well reported in the media, the state government recently approved the full payment of the allowance to them leaving only their primary counterparts who refused to go back to the classC M Y K

room.

A lot has been said by leadership of the striking teachers in the state about what they assume is going on.

Unfortunately, most of their claims are geared towards giving the impression that the state government is to be blamed for their continuous refusal to go back to the classroom. Specifically, the state is not serious about ending the strike as it has refused to hold any discussion with the teachers. For them therefore, it is certain that the state officials deliberately want children in the state to be out in the street since their own children are not affected, one

,

By ERNEST OMOARELOJIE

It is not in any doubt that some of the states where teachers are on strike have substantially met the NUT demands

,

way or the other. But for a state that has invested so much to revamp its education sector, that claim cannot but be a mischief calculated to blackmail, particularly, the governor.

T

he truth of the matter is that besides the governor ’s avowed commitment to his position that every worker must be paid all entitlements, the state government has consistently called on the striking teachers to sheathe their swords for the purpose of meaningful negotiation that will result in the full payment of all their entitlements. In calling for a negotiated settlement, the state exercised no hesitation in literally putting its cards on the table by explaining the circumstances leading to the delay in paying the remaining 10 per cent. Thus far, the teachers have refused all entreaties. This refusal has led some observers to reach the conclusion that the aim of some of the union’s leadership is simply to blackmail the governor. The reason is that teachers in some of the

affected states have called off the strike after reaching an agreement to be paid 15 and 16 per cent respectively, less than the 17.5 per cent currently being paid by Edo State.

It is instructive to note that before the present disagreement, the state government had no problem paying the 27.5 per cent TSA. The challenge came when it was compelled to pay the N18,000 minimum wage. In agreeing to pay the minimum wage, it also had to contend with a higher TSA which is based on teacher’s percentage earnings.

For instance, if the salary of a teacher is N15,000 and 10 per cent is to be paid as TSA, it means that N1,500 which is 10 per cent of his salary, will be added to his take home. By the time his salary increases to N20,000, his take home will move from N16,500 to N22,000.

The immediate implication, as the case is with Edo State is that the money that paid the full 27.5 per cent before the new wage bill came into force could now only pay for 17.5 per cent.

The situation was further compounded when another federal directive forced the states into reducing taxes.

Thus, besides the reduction in revenue brought about by increased expenditure (increased salary), internally generated revenue also went down. The only reasonable option was to negotiate an understanding with workers, including the teachers, to exercise patience. But asking for their understanding was only to the extent that the state will begin payment of the balance as soon as its revenue improved.

T

o underscore its seriousness to the education sector and indeed, the teachers themselves, the Edo State Government pays its teachers before any other of its employees. In addition, an average teacher in the state earns more than any of its other employees. That is besides the massive investment it laid out for improving the education sector in terms of better and quality academic environment.

For all intents and purposes, no government will commit as much investment if the overall desire is not to create a better deal for both the teachers and those they are employed to mentor. This alone, ought to impose on the teachers the need for a reciprocal obligation by, at least, exercising patience as the state government requested. In doing so, they would have created the impression that they have no intention of allowing selfish pecuniary considerations overshadow the general quest for the well being of the state itself. That much they owe to themselves and the children under their tutelage.

Fashola hopeful on quality of education

By ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH & IJEOMA NATHANIEL

G

OVERNOR Babatunde Fashola (SAN) of Lagos State, has said the state government will not be derailed from its set goals for the people of the state, in spite of the daunting problems facing the nation.

This was coming as the Governor commended the efforts of Old Students Association of Anwar-ur Islam College, Agege, (ACAOSA) for not resting on their oars towards development of the school. He noted that with the little they (old students) were doing, the standard of education in the state will get a boost.

Fashola, who decried the state of security in the nation, noted that so much resources have been channeled to provision of adequate security and welfare packages for the people, which he said ate deep into resourses meant to cater for provision of infrastructure for the people.

Speaking as a guest of honour at the programme organised by the old students association of the collegein Agege, to mark the 65th anniversary and reunion of the old students, Fashola commended their efforts in supporting government to provide qualitative education for the pupils.

Represented by Dr. Idayat Adegbule, one of his special Assistants, the governor said; “I congratulate you once again for not leaving the school behind and not relenting on the development of the school and education in general. ”This is quite commendable because we know as government, we cannot do it alone, that is why I call you partners in development.”

Adegbule said the state government is not sparing any move to ensure that public schools in the state are rated high and compete favourably with other good schools on the continent.

In his remark, the chairman of the occasion, former Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Bola Ajibola (SAN) noted that Muslims must regard every progress recorded in the school and other Muslim schools as “progress for us all. He, therefore, charged the alumni to be up and doing in the restoration of the old glory of the college.

World Bank lauds Ogun on education standards

By DAYO ADESULU

T

HE 22 per cent allocation of Ogun State budget to the development of education has been lauded by the World Bank, describing it as the right step in the right direction.

The officials of the World Bank team led by Dr. Tunde Adekola disclosed this while speaking during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Barrister Segun Odubela in Ogun State.

He pointed out that the renovation and construction of dilapidated blocks of classrooms, provision of free textbooks and exercise books and other instructional materials to students in the public schools is a commendable gesture.

According to Adekola, the World Bank is not coming to the state to hijack its developmental projects, but to partner with it in the area of “World Bank assisted projects” adding that the world financial institution does not assist for assisting sake, but such assistance should yield the expected result at the end of the day.

His words; “World Bank is just like a missionary, what we like most is information sharing and knowledge and also bringing together our knowledge and information about what we know and see how we can use it to assist the state.

“Education is a game changer for all individuals and that is why the bank is very much interested in assisting states and countries on how best to improve education standard.

“The relationship between the bank and the state government would be a long-term support.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Barrister Segun Odubela expressed the state government's readiness to partner World Bank towards improving the hitherto moribund facilities which the immediate past administration left behind.

He noted that despite the huge investment of the present administration in the sector, a lot needed to be done in the area of school infrastructure, learning facilities, capacity building and other incentives to teachers to enable them impact the students positively.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013—35

Rivers promotes Maths among students

BY DAYO ADESULU

T

HE Rivers State Government says it will promote study of Mathematics among pupils and students across the schools in the state. The Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dame Alice Lawrence-Nemi stated this while receiving the students that represented the country at the 2013 Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO) at the National Mathematics Centre in Abuja. The Rivers State representatives won the National Mathematics Competition which entitled them to represent the country at the PAMO. The students took the third position in the continental competition which was won by Coted’Ivoire.

“I want to use this medium to re-affirm the State Government’s commitment in improving the study of mathematics in the state.

Mathematics is the pathway to academic excellence and the need to promote the study of the subject among students will lead to technological development in the state,” she said.

The commissioner revealed that the state government will continue to retrain mathematics teach-

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ers in the state. She noted that the National Mathematics Centre trained over 100 mathematics teachers last year. She said the newly recruited mathematics teachers will undergo special training so as to meet up with the demands of the subject in the state. “Last year, over 100 mathematics teachers were trained by the National Mathematical Centre on the new methodology in the subject. The newly recruited

mathematics teachers will also undergo special training so as to meet the demands of the subject in our schools," she stated.

She disclosed that the huge investment in education by the Amaechi administration has started yielding dividends as students in public schools are now representing the state in international competitions. She praised the students for making the state proud.

One of the students, Ogho

Blessing from Government Secondary School Elekahia, Port Harcourt commended the state government for transforming the education sector in the state. Ogho who was crowned as Mathematics Queen at the PAMO Competition also thanked the Dame Alice Lawrence-Nemi and the Permanent Secretary Rivers State Ministry of Education Dr.Richard Ofuru for the opportunity given

to them to participate in the competition.

She stated that they will continue to do their best to be better students that the State can be proud of. The other students who also took part at the competition are Victory Friday, Oba Godsplan and Nwanochi Joyce all from the Ambassador Nne Furo Kurubo Model Secondary School, Eleme, Rivers State.

Coca-Cola, NBC celebrate campus writers

BY DAYO ADESULU

I

N recognition of the effort of the media toward towards nation building, CocaCola and NBC have in the past seven years been equipping and celebrating campus journalists to fulfill their aspired dreams in the industry.

This was brought to the fore when Coca-Cola/NBC held the11th Coca-Cola/NBC Limited with The Nation Campus Life Correspondents’ Workshop.

Speaking on the occasion, the Community Affairs Man-

ager, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Mr. Emeka Mba said: “Our motive for this partnership with the Nation Newspapers two years ago was to celebrate writers and recognise their effort towards nation building. Every year there is an award to distinguish writers.”

He said to keep these writers writing for publication, its firm had to introduce a biennial workshop designed to sensitised the writers, adding that the two-day residential workshop includes all paid expense trip for campus journalists from all over the na-

tion.

To the writers, Mba said the gesture would give them an opportunity to meet with those they had been reading their articles or story in the newspapers. And to provide an environment for students to be taught the basic writing skills and ethics of journalism.

He said: “We want to impact in them so that they can be change process that we crave for.

“Besides the annual award night, another way of encouraging the students is give them an incentive package.

We sit to recognised and inspired those who have distinguished themselves in journalism over the years. We give them prizes ranging from laptops, galaxy tabs with airtime paid for a period of six months or one year. The Nation also created other platform for them to ventilate their thoughts on national discuss."

Going down memory lane, Mba said: “In the last seven years when we set out for this programme, the objective was to create a platform that will serve as an enabler for the Nigerian youth. It was a critical demo-graphical factor.

36—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

Ashafa tasks academia on indigenous languages in schools

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

L

AWMAKER representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Gbenga Ashafa has called for a concerted effort by the private sector and individuals to complement government's efforts at salvaging the nation’s indigenous languages from going into extinction.

The lawmaker stressed this in his address at the 5th year anniversary and the commissioning of the Eyes on the Future Schools’ new hostel at Oko Oba, Agege, Lagos.

While giving his remarks at the event, Ashafa commended the Chairman, Engr. Peter Omotosho and his wife, Mrs. Sally Omotosho, the proprietress of the school for a job well done in the area of languages.

While stressing on the importance of indigenous languages, Ashafa disclosed that a bill he sponsored at the Senate on indigenous languages had passed the second reading as his own way of playing quota towards reviving indigenous languages in schools and the society at large from going into extinction.

According to him, the bill if passed into law, will provide

the platform to establish a National Agency for the Promotion and Preservation of 774 local languages in order to implement and harmonise the overall educational and cultural policies of the Nigerian state.

The lawmaker also used the mediumt o make an endowment of N1.2 million donation to the school’s library.

The endowment according to him, would be used to equip the library with all indigenous languages’ textbooks for the students to be able to acquire basic knowledge of their local languages.

Ashafa promised that at every prize-

giving day of the school, there will be a handsome reward for the best three outstanding students in the three basic local languages in Nigeria which include Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa on yearly basis.

The senator, therefore, congratulated the management of Eyes on the Future Schools International, Chicago, USA which was led by the President, Mrs. Aziel Gebrehiiwet and her husband.

He encouraged the management and all members of teaching and non-teaching staff of the school not to relent on their efforts, stressing that “the only reward for hard work is more work.”

2013 Batch B corps members at the orientation camp, Ipaja, Lagos.

No industrialisation without arts, sciences – Don

BY DAYO ADESULU call has been made to management of tertiary education to recognise the contributions of art courses to the development of the nation and avoid programme translocation so as to save the disciplines in the Arts from extinction.

Ola Oloidi, Professor of Art History and Art Criticism of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, made this call while delivering the 6th Annual Lecture of the School of Environmental Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure recently held at the CCE Hilltop Auditorium of the institution. He titled his lecture Knowledge Scientification in Nigeria’s Tertiary Institution: Implication for Art and Technology. He canvassed for synergy and cross fertilization of ideas between the arts and sciences.

Professor Oloidi said; “In modern technology, sciences and arts are inseparable. Scientists produce the means, while artist/designers produce the form; making art the flesh and science the soul of not only

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modern technology, but also industrialisation.”

Lamenting the negative effect of the scientification process in the arts or art-related disciplines, he said Fine or Applied Arts also known as Visual Arts which has impacted positively on every area of human endeavour, especially manufacturing, has been most dangerously affected at the expense of creativity and design

technology. This has reflected in the systematic initiation of those Arts courses into the elitist cult of science.

Speaking further on the importance of art-related disciplines in the contemporary society, the don quoting The New Book of Knowledge, said; “art is one of humanity’s oldest inventions. It existed long before a single farm was planted, before the first villages were built."

*Professor Adedayo Fasakin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Federal University of Technology Akure, (2nd left); Prof. Ola Oloidi, Prof. of Art History and Art Criticism, University of Nigeria Nsukka, (2nd right); Prof. Deji Ogunsemi, Dean, School of Environmental Technology, SET, (left); and Dr (Mrs). Modupe Ajayi , Registrar, at the 6th annual lecture of the School of Environment Technology, SET, in Akure, Ondo State.

The Altitude Determinant

W

HAT determines your acceleration to the top or your deceleration to the bottom? What determines your performance in the game of life? What determines your inward stability through life in this unstable world? What will take you farther than having mere talent or experience and determines your success in life? What determines if your circumstance will improve or not? What determines the quality of your relationships and your home? What determines the outcome of every challenge you face in life? What is the little difference that makes the big difference between succeeding and failing? Our attitude is the world within that creates the world without. I’m in love with Charles Swindoll’s observation, “The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, gifted ability, or skill. It will make or break a company, church, a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace from that day. We cannot change our past, we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing that we can do is play on the one string that we have and this string is, attitude. I am convinced that life is ten percent what happens to me and ninety percent how I react to it. And so it is with you...WE ARE IN CHARGE OF OUR ATTITUDES” Attitude is an inner impression which reflects in our outer expression. Attitude is an expressed feeling or emotion and a reflector of our thoughts; it is our inner self that defines our outer self. I love Zig Ziglar’s definition, “Attitude is a mental outlook-a frame of mind. It’s how you think based on what you know to be true. It is a reflection of your faith, a sign of your confidence that life is not about you, nor even about your happiness or success. It is about God and His plan for your life”. There are two kinds of attitudes; Positive Mental Attitude and Negative Mental Attitude. Positive mental Attitude is thinking; preparing and expecting the best. Negative Mental Attitude is thinking; preparing and expecting the worst. Positive attitude is right thinking channelled towards a constructive purpose. Negative attitude is wrong thinking channelled towards a destructive purpose.

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hat happens to us is determined by circum stances; what happens in us is determined by our attitude and our attitude is determined by our environment-mental, emotional, physical and spiritual which ultimately determines our altitude in life.

Positive attitude mixed with adequate skills, training, hard work and abilities produces optimal results. Positive attitudes combined with little or no skills, training and abilities leads to frustration. Adequate skill, abilities, intelligence and hard work combined with negative attitude is the gateway to outright failure. Positive attitudes will not make you smarter but rather will make you better. Positive attitudes will not do anything for you but rather it will make you become everything you set your mind on.

Positive attitude with right actions is what produces maximized destinies.

Our perception of life determines our perspective in life and our perspective in life determines our disposition and our disposition determines our position in the game of life. Life relates to us based on our perspective. When our attitude towards life and people are positive then life will treat us well.

An individual with a positive attitude is an optimist who sees opportunities in every problem; sees triumph in every trial; sees the best in people; sees the successful outcome of every project and sees unlimited possibilities in the present and future. And what you “see” determines your behaviour and your behaviour determines how far you will go in life.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013 —

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'More professionals should be encouraged in arbitration practice'

37

SANs, lawyers hail Justice KekereEkun’s elevation to Supreme Court

— Page 38

— Page 39

JUDICIAL CLEANSING:

How far can NBA's Anti-Corruption Commission go?

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

I

T is no longer news that Transparency International’s Global Corruption Barometer 2010/ 2011, ranked the Nigerian judiciary among the most corrupt institutions in the country.

The news however is that in its determination to ferret and weed out corrupt elements within the justice sector, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has set up its own anticorruption commission.

Perturbed by the level of professional decadence and judicial impunity that has characterized both the Bar and the Bench in recent times, the NBA under the current leadership of Chief Okey Wali, SAN, at the end of its National Executive Council meeting held in Asaba, Delta State, inaugurated its in-house antigraft body.

The principal mandate of the new body is to identify practitioners who carry out corrupt activities in the justice system and forward their names and evidence of corruption practices to the relevant agencies for prompt action and prosecution.

Nevertheless, how far this commission, which is headed by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Yusuf Ali, can go towards actualizing this apparent daunting task remains

•CJN, Justice Aloma Muhktar

•Okey Wali, SAN, NBA president

two-day seminar the newly constituted judicial anti-corruption commission organized in Abuja on July 1stand 2nd, stressed that “anticorruption war in Nigeria is like a gun-war being fought with bows and arrows, it is a war that can turn its fighters into victims and those being fought into heroes.”

According to the CJN, “It is a war

Judicial corruption empties the judicial office of its essence. Corruption is the antithesis of the judicial office.

Corruption is a crime which the judiciary ought to punish, not partake in

,

to be seen.

How far can a commission comprising of about fifteen members go towards sanitizing an organization with about 100 branches across the federation?

In her succinct assessment of the herculean task the NBA has saddled itself with, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Aloma Mariam Muhktar, at an epochal

,

that both sides manipulate to gain personal and political points; it is a ‘ world’ of controversies, politics, extensive debates and high public expectations. It follows that it is a war that all hands must be on deck,” she added.

While acknowledging that corruption has amassed enormous ground within the judicial landscape, Wali, SAN, maintained that the NBA,

“through its anti-corruption commission and other organs and programs, is determined to intervene decisively in the fight against corruption.”

He said the association has concluded plans to set up a ‘Name’, ‘Shame’, and ‘Tame’ program.

Explaining the program, Wali, argued that “By a whistleblower mechanism, NBA will encourage lawyers and litigants to report corrupt judges and lawyers through an anonymous phone-in service.

“Under ‘Shame’, NBA will investigate the reports, not for accuracy but for reasonable viability, and submit its findings to lawenforcement agencies for follow-up action, which it will encourage and monitor.

“The naming and shaming stages will lead to a gradual sanitisation of the Bench and the Bar.” Highlighting need for the judiciary to regain its integrity, Wali, said: “The worst kind of corruption is judicial corruption. It is the specie that signals final decay. It is the genus that suggests societal suicide.

Of the three estates of the realm, only the judiciary occupies a priestly

office.

“The judiciary is entrusted with the near-divine office of deciding life and death, of adjudicating-finallycontroversies and disputes among constituents of society, including the other estates of the realm. For those other estates, corruption is a crime, for the judiciary, corruption is a sin; corruption is abomination-it is class suicide.

“Who will judge the judges?

Judicial corruption empties the judicial office of its essence.

Corruption is the antithesis of the judicial office. Corruption is a crime which the judiciary ought to punish, not partake in.”

Besides, Wali queried the realism of past efforts to cleanse the judiciary, saying, “What is the judicial branch of the Nigerian government doing to fight corruption? How is it contributing to this national struggle?

“The Legislature has done their bitpassed anti-corruption law; and the Executive has EFCC and ICPC. What is the Judiciary doing? Your obvious answer- that they adjudicate anticorruption criminal litigation- sounds hollow. They do so, yes, but they allow litigation to continue indefinitely while criminals walk and the people forget.

“They insensitively invoke their ‘neutral’, ‘referee’, and ‘umpire’ mantras to derail, frustrate and inhibit agile prosecution. They descend into an orgy of ‘plea bargaining’-an anomalous, amorphous, and amoebic piece of witchcraft aped from the United

Continues on page 37

EDITORIAL TEAM Dayo Benson (Editor) Innocent Anaba Wahab Abdulah Ikechukwu Nnochiri C M Y K

38 — V anguard AY, JUL Y 11, 2013 Vanguard anguard,, THURSD THURSDA JULY

'More professionals should be encouraged in arbitration practice'

BY INNOCENT ANABA

M

R Momoh Kadiri, is a Nigerian lawyer based in the United Kingdom. In this interview, he spoke on the plan by the National Assembly to regulate the practice of Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR in Nigeria and the need for the Arbitration and Conciliation Act Cap 18A Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 to be amended, so that people don’t easily challenge arbitration awards in court, with the sole aim of frustrating same.

Excerpt: The National Assembly is considering a bill for a National Arbitration Commission which seeks to regulate arbitration in the country. As an international arbitrator and solicitor in England, how is ADR regulated there?

When you refer to

ADR, that is alternative dispute resolution, you refer to arbitration, mediation, conciliation, expert determination and general adjudication, and so on.

Generally speaking, and as for regulation of arbitration in England, you have the Arbitration Act 1996 which provides for the practice and procedure as far as domestic or arbitration seated in that jurisdiction is concerned in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Of course you also have the chartered institute of arbitrators and many other bodies that are involved in championing the use and have also developed their rules for the conduct of arbitral proceedings so long as parties have agreed to such rules.

So to that extent the regulation of arbitration is substantially statutory as contained in the Arbitration Act 1996, but

Mr. Momoh Kadiri, a lot of the practice has been largely developed and sustained by practitioners, various institutions and also the courts who would be hesitant to nullify and arbitral award on grounds lacking in merit. With regards to mediation, there are provisions under the Civil Procedures Rules, CPR, for the use of

mediation either as part of the pre-action protocol or even when proceedings have been initiated. The very recent reforms of Justice Jackson are geared towards encouraging the use of ADR, particularly mediation, as a way of reducing costs both for parties and the government.

There are also many

How far can NBA's Anti-Corruption Commission go?

Continues from page 37 States.

“If you steal a goat or a thousand naira, you go to jail. But if you steal oil or a billion naira, you plea bargain and walk- a sublime piece of mysticism and nonsense!

“What is the judiciary doing in the fight against corruption?

Some of them take bribes. From the worship of their

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worships at the magistrates’ courts, to the overlordship of their lordships at the high courts, we have elevated our judges to demi-gods. And some have arrogantly welcomed their deification.

“Such judges run their courts with despotism, even impunity. They come to court late, leave early, are absent for days on end. Corruption thrives in an environment of

indiscipline and lack of accountability.”

On his part, chairman of the NBA anticorruption commission, Ali, SAN, said the rationale behind the seminar which has the theme “Practical ways to combat corruption in the justice sector in Nigeria,” was to harp on the urgency for a proper selfintrospection within the profession, “From my privileged and vantage position as a member of the Legal Practitioners

Disciplinary Committee, I have come to see the urgency of a thorough and comprehensive sanitization of our profession. It is now public knowledge that within a few months of the reconstitution of the LLPC, five of our esteemed colleagues, whose cases were concluded, have been debarred, while two others were suspended for five years each.

“This clearly shows that the rot within our profession is very deep indeed,” he added.

bodies that are very effective and visible in the use of mediation. You have the Civil Mediation Council, CMC of which I am a member. You also have ACAS (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) which deals with largely employment disputes; you have many organizations that are very actively involved in promoting, training and development of mediation and ADR practice. In the light of the above, you have a combination of statutory provisions as well as the marked growth developed by many institutional bodies involved in the regulation of ADR in England.

It has been observed that while arbitration practice is open to all professionals in the United Kingdom and other places, in Nigeria, it is practiced mainly by lawyers. How can this trend be reversed?

I do not agree that arbitration practice is the exclusive preserve of lawyers. I know that most trained and practicing arbitrators in Nigeria also know that quite well.

However, I agree that in Nigeria, the legal profession and indeed lawyers dominate arbitration practice. You are right that in the UK and some other jurisdictions, professionals that are non-lawyers are involved in arbitration. In the UK, Quantity surveyors, engineers, architects, accountants and others are very actively involved in arbitration. In fact, in the construction industry, the use of such professional non-lawyers is fundamental as they have the technical

expertise which is very crucial in resolving such disputes.

In terms of the trend in Nigeria, I know few non-lawyers who are fellows of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

But I think that more professionals who are non-lawyers need to be encouraged, welcomed and trained in arbitration. Nigeria is currently undergoing significant development in various infrastructural sectors and the technical know-how of engineers, surveyors, architects, accountants and others cannot be over emphasised. The contribution of professionals and their expertise are critical when matters turn on expert evidence in arbitration. In England, we now use and talk about ‘hot tubbing’which involves experts from the same discipline, or sometimes more than one discipline, giving evidence at the same time and in each other’s presence.

Arbitral awards get so easily challenged in Nigerian courts. How can this problem be addressed, so that after an arbitral award, parties will not go to regular courts to wait for years to determine such cases?

Firstly, I think this is one area where reform is needed. The Arbitration and Conciliation Act Cap 18A Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 needs to be revisited and amended to bring it in line with other jurisdictions where arbitration is working as an effective dispute resolution mechanism. It seems to me that the current Act allows too much room for unmeritorious or suspicious potential unsuccessful party to ‘play’ the rules and to delay and frustrate the potential successful party from reaping the benefits of an arbitral award. Second, I think the culture and attitude of lawyers and litigants need reorientation. It strikes me as if many lawyers and their clients in Nigeria are generally averse to arbitration or ADR in general.

In a dynamic and globalised world of today, Continues on page 39

Vanguard, THURSD AY, JUL Y 11, 2013 — 39 THURSDA JULY

Nigeria Bar Association NBA, held a two-day seminar of the newly constituted Judicial Anti-corruption Commission in Abuja last week. Below are some of the legal personalities at the event.

SANs, lawyers hail Justice Kekere-Ekun’s elevation to Supreme Court

By BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

S

A cross section of the participants at the seminar.

Chief J.K. Gadzama, SAN, Niyi Akintola, NAN, among other SANs at the NBA seminar on AntiCorruption Commission.

CJN and Chairman of NBA Anti-corruption Commission Yusuf Ali, SAN.

CJN and guest speakers at the seminar.

ENIOR Advocates of Nigeria and other lawyers have hailed the appointment of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as a justice of the Supreme Court, describing her as a firm believer of substantial justice.

According to a renowned Constitutional lawyer, Professor Itse Sagay SAN, Justice KekereEkun would not substitute the substance of the law for technicalities. He said, “I have read a few of her judgments; she is very sound in law. In other words, she suppresses technicality and allow substance to prevail. She has that equitable spirit of trying to do justice.”

Mr Tani Molajo SAN, on his part, noted that the transfer of Justice KekereEkun’s virtues to the Supreme Court is a cause for celebration, saying “this jurist has risen quickly through our judicial system by sheer dint of diligence, scholarship and uprightness. I daresay that I speak the mind of the entire profession when I say that the transfer of all those virtues to our highest court in the person of Justice KekereEkun is cause for celebration. I congratulate her and wish her many more years in the service of this nation’s judiciary.”

However, Mr Lanre Ogunlesi SAN, opined that the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloma Muktar, has now assembled a very good team at the Supreme Court and the quality of judgments being turned down would begin to stand the test of time.

“Justice Kekere-Ekun is a very hard working jus-

tice, so her being a justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria is well deserved.

She is a very brilliant justice. She is the type this country needs; incorruptible and very hardworking” Ogunlesi said.

Chairman, NBA Ikeja branch, Mr Monday Ubani, commended the Senate and the Presidency for preferring merit in the singular appointment of Justice Kekere-Ekun to the apex court.

According to him, “It is a healthy development and encouragement to

hard-work and integrity.

Her wisdom and sound judgments while at the lower benches are well known. She is one not tolerant of technicalities. She is known and a firm believer of substantial justice. We pray that she maintains her integrity and not allow any variable to make her lose focus while on that exalted seat.”

Meanwhile, a human rights lawyer, Chief Morah Ekwunoh, pointed out that although Justice Kekere-Ekun narrowly

Lagos CJ assigns judges to sit during vacation

By BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

L

AGOS State Chief Judge, Justice Ayotunde Phillips, has assigned atleast 10 judges to sit at the Ikeja and Lagos division of the Lagos State High Court, during long vacation of judges in the state.

In a statement by the acting Chief Registrar, Mr A. O. Isaacs, the CJ approved July 15 to September 10 as vacation dates, pursuant to Order 45 Rule 4 (D) of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Proce-

dure) Rules 2012, as September 23 marks the beginning of a new legal year for judges in the state.

The sitting judges at the Lagos Division are: Justice G. M. Onyeabo (July 15 to July 26), Justice O. H. Oshodi (July 29 to August 9), Justice J. O. Pedro (August 12 to August 23), Justice O. A. Dabiri (August 26 to September 10), while the substitute judge is Justice O. Ogala.

Judges also expected to sit at the Ikeja Division are: Justice M. A. Okikiola (July 15 to July 26), Jus-

tice B. A. Oke-Lawal (July 29 to August 9), Justice J. E. Oyefeso (August 12 to August 23), Justice O. A. Williams (August 26 to September 10) and Justice G. A. Safari as substitute. ”Notwithstanding the long vacation, the Criminal Division of the High Court of Lagos State may sit throughout the period of the vacation. Where a judge of a Criminal Division in the state is on vacation, a vacation judge may be assigned to deal with all urgent pending criminal cases in the court” the statement added.

'More professionals should be encouraged in arbitration and developed legal practice' major disparities and which are seemingly professions. Whereas

Continues from page 38

The CJN, Justice Aloma Mariam Muhktar and NBA National President, Okey Wali, SAN.

•Justice Kekere-Ekun

missed the elevation in 2010 to another shining star in the judicial firmament, Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, her approval by the Presidency as a Supreme Court judge is both salutary and significant. ”She stands out for the purity of her legal mind, calm and contemplative mien, for which reason she spoke less, even at the heat of passion, while listening and reasoning more, during proceedings. ”These uncommon attributes not only combine with her exceptional knowledge, distillation and synthesis of law and facts, for societal goods only, but facilitated her quick sprint through the judicial ladder. From the Magistrate- where the stay was brief, the High Courtwhere she spent 8 years, the Court of Appealwhere she spent 9 years, and now to the Supreme Court-most deservedly” Ekwunoh added.

especially in commercial disputes, parties seek more control over outcomes, and best practice dictates that arbitral awards need to be respected, except there are valid and reasoned grounds of challenge. I also think that the courts in Nigeria can adopt the practice in England where they are quite hesitant to overturn an arbitral award on grounds

coated as meritorious but purely devised to frustrate the successful party and prolong matters. On the international level, this problem has been addressed under the New York Convention on Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards.

You are licenced to practice law in Nigeria and the UK. Given your experience in both jurisdictions, what would you say are the

what can Nigeria learn from the UK, where it inherited the profession from?

I think there are many good comparable similarities between the legal professions in Nigeria and the UK. I also think that it may be a bit unfair to compare Nigeria with the UK in terms of the general administration of justice. Nigeria is a developing country and the UK has arguably one of the most advanced

you have barristers on the one hand and solicitors on the other, the legal professional seems to thrive due to the high standard of practice demonstrated by practitioners. Regulation of Barristers by the Bar Council and Solictors by the Law Society and the Solicitors Regulation Authority is very strict. Indeed, the era of technicality is gone.

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40 — V anguard AY, JUL Y 11, 2013 Vanguard anguard,, THURSD THURSDA JULY

The Supreme Court’s approach to locus standi L

OCUS Standi refers to the legal capacity of a person to institute an action in a court of law. It is a preliminary issue and is distinct from the merits of the case. The rules on locus standi are the creation of the common law.

This paper examines the approach of the Supreme Court on the issue of locus standi. The relevant case law on the subject in Nigeria and England are also examined. In the important case of Chief Gani Fawehinmi v. Akilu and Togun, (1987) 4 NWLR, 797, Supreme Court of Nigeria had to resolve questions which would have widespread repercussions on the issue of locus standi in the Nigerian legal system.

The case related to the death of Mr. Dele Giwa, a journalist and Editor in Chief of the magazine Newswatch, who was killed by a parcel bomb at his residence in Ikeja in Lagos State. On the 3rd of November 1986, late Chief Gani Fawehinmi (“the Appellant”), friend and former legal adviser

to Mr. Dele Giwa, presented to the Director of Public Prosecutions of Lagos State, a document based upon his own investigations.

In that document, Fawehinmi claimed that two army officers, Col. Akilu (Director of Military Intelligence) and Lt. Col. Kunle Togun (Deputy Director of the State Security Service), were responsible for the death of Mr. Dele Giwa.

Pursuant to section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Law of Lagos State.

Fawehinmi, acting as a private prosecutor, requested that the Director of Public Prosecutions exercise the power vested in him to prosecute Col. Akilu and Lt. Col Togun for the murder of Mr. Dele Giwa, or alternatively, to endorse a certificate stating the same on the basis of the information submitted to him.

Such a certificate would have enabled Fawehinmi to bring a private prosecution against Col. Akilu and Lt. Col. Togun for murder. The Director of Public Prosecutions declined to come to a

his duty under the Criminal Procedure Law. Fawehinmi appealed against this decision but

,

BY LAWRENCE ATSEGBUA

•CJN, Justice Aloma Muhktar decision with respect Fawehinmi’s request until he had received the official report from the police investigation into the affair.

In response, Fawehinmi filled an application to the High Court of Lagos State for leave to apply for an order of mandamus compelling the Director of Public Prosecutions to decide whether or not he was going to bring proceedings against Col. Akilu and Lt. Col. Togun, and in the event of deciding not to prosecute, requiring him to certify that he had seen the information put forward

by Fawehinmi but had decided not to prosecute as public instance.

Attached to Fawehinmi’s application was the proof of Evidence. The application was dismissed on the grounds that: 1. The Director of Public Prosecutions had not actually refused to fulfill the obligations imposed upon him under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Law; and 2. The evidence submitted was insufficient to compel the Director of Public Prosecutions to perform

The right to bring private prosecution has existed for many years and has formed part of the law of many countries

his appeal was dismissed by the Court of Appeal holding that he lacked locus standi to bring the application for mandamus. He then appealed to the Supreme Court which set aside the decisions of the lower courts and granted the application for leave to apply for and order of mandamus against the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The case of Chief Gani Fawehinmi v. Akilu and Togun raised important questions in relation to locus standi and the capacity of the private individuals to initiate proceedings against suspected criminals.

Provisions for such actions is to be found in Section 342, of the Criminal Procedure

Nigeria's development dilemma (3)

BY CHRIS EKPENYONG

case, where is the enabling environment for self employment - venture capital, power, and other equally vital infrastructure that drive entrepreneurship?

Y

OU want to ask: what really is wrong with us? How come our leaders, past and present, are unable to get it right despite all kinds of nebulous? Development plans such as NEEDS, vision 20-2020, etc?

Why have our economic experts failed so woefully?

Of what use is the Federal Housing Authority, the Federal Mortgage, the primary mortgage institutions, etc if Nigeria still has to grapple with 18 million housing deficit?

How come Russia is running their steel industry well whereas Ajaokuta steel plant, despite all privatization efforts, is not working?

Why is our Aluminum plant at Ikot Abasi mired in unnecessary controversies between two contending foreign firms that have no interest of our nation at heart beyond their profits? Which C M Y K

Chris Ekpenyong altruistic government would sit back and watch such sabotage without speedily calling the bluff?

It has been admitted in various fora that unemployment is perhaps our greatest scourge. Nothing can be more frustrating than for a child to finish school and 2, 3 to 5 years after he is hopelessly searching for a job. Our leaders are saying these young minds should think of self employment. How many of us serving the government today took to self employment when we finished school? In any

The CBN has removed every risk, a bank as a business concern could take, by making sure every loan is double-backed by collateral. Where will the starter get the collateral to raise a loan? The YOUWIN programme is a good idea and one that is free from our national god father mentality, but N10 million to 1,700 winners a year is a drop in a mighty sea of unemployment. The SURE-P? Just recently I saw Gombe state SURE-P bid advert. Out of 373 projects listed for bidding, none addressed employment programmes. And this is the norm at the federal, states and local governments where scant attention is paid to direct employment generation activities. To us, develop-

ment is all about big government houses and egoistic infrastructure that do not connect to programmes that generate employment.

Little wonder that 20 years after this country started talking about industry cluster, not one has been built anywhere in the country. Our world bank economists and development experts know that Turkey, for instance, plied the industry cluster route to debut a vibrant economy that has been growing at an average of 4.5% per annum in the last 7 years, providing employment for its work force and representing one of the latest growth poles in Europe (compare this to Nigeria’s 6.5% growth rate).

Let us summarize by saying that our leadership has to mend its ways. As E.W.Kenyon (2000) said, “there is no crime among all the crimes in the realm of

Law, upon, which Fawehinmi based his application to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

wrong like the murder of love”. We need altruistic leadership and patriotic followership. Collective growth must replace excessive individualism and psychotic proclivity for wealth, the I-me-andmyself mentality. We have curried our intellectual class in order to increase in quantum the technological content of our economy. Our president, governors, local government chairmen must draw the line between politics and governance, administration and development. We have to re-order our development priorities and strike a thoughtful balance between modernization and development and drop eye catching television focused projects for employment and income generating activities. We cannot continuously overlook the overbearing bureaucracy, despotic executive governance and mercantile legislators.

,

Section 342, provides that, “The registrar shall receive an information from a private person if: (a) It had been endorsed thereon a certificate by a law officer or Crown Counsel to the effect that he has seen such information and declines to prosecute at the public instance the offence therein set forth…”

The right to bring a private prosecution has existed for many years and has formed part of the law of many countries. In Halbury’s Laws of England, 4th Edition, Vol. 11, para 97, (1976), it is described as: In the absence of statutory provisions to the contrary any person may of his own initiative, and without any preliminary consent, institute Criminal proceedings with a view to indictment; but there are some statutes which require that certain criminal proceedings should be undertaken only by a judge, or by the direction, or with the consent, of the Attorney General, the Director of Public Prosecutions or some other official person or body.

Private prosecution is generally undertaken only in the most exceptional circumstances but provides an alternative for those who believe that he competent authorities have wrongfully refused to bring a prosecution. In the earlier case of Adesanya v. the President, 1981) 2 NCLR 358 the capacity of the private individual to bring proceedings in a court of law was discussed in depth.

Professor Atsegbua is Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Benin.

To be continued

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013 —41

Death penalty: No regrets standing by the Constitution —Oshiomhole

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM &

GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

B

ENIN CITY—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, has said that he would apply fully the Nigerian constitution, which he subscribed to and not the laws of European nations or foreign activists, who are not conversant with the Nigerian constitution.

The governor, who said that the international community cannot dictate to Nigeria on which value s it should adhere to, said there was so much hypocrisy by the international community on the issue of human rights.

Speaking in Abuja at a seminar on the Role of the Public Complaints Commission in a Democratic Government in Nigeria, Oshiomhole, said Nigerian as a sovereign country, has a right to define its national values.

The governor said: “Nigeria is a sovereign country, we have a right to define what we regard as our national values. No national interest is defined by others. As wespeak, n ations and humans are involved in the battle of ideas on the basis of different value system and it will be abuse of my value system if someone chooses to assume that

his values are superior to my values.

“I am part of the international community and my views should carry as much weight as the views of any other person in the same international community and where we have not counted the votes, we cannot assume that the views from London are shared

by Abuja.

“As a Catholic, I am more fanatical about the sanctity of life. The foundation for human right is the rule of law, not rule of resolution, rule of communiqué or rules of recommendations. When I was sworn in, I subscribed to the oath that I shall obey the constitution of Nigeria. There is no sugges-

tion that I shall obey the United Nations or resolution of the European Union that has not been domesticated by the Nigerian Government. I do understand that there is no such thing as universal values.”

Oshiomhole argued that Nigerian values are not less elegant

From left: Executive Director, Ml & CS, NIMASA, Mr Callistus Obi; Mr. Anthony Ogadi, Eastern Zonal Coordinator, NIMASA and Vice President, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Mr. Bunu Francis, at a seafarers function.

NYCN leader cautions Bomadi youths over inflammatory comments B

OMADI—CHAIRMAN of National Youth Council of Nigeria, Bomadi chapter, Delta State, Mr. Keneke Godbless has cautioned youths to desist from

making inflammatory remarks that would heat up the polity in Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency.

Godbless, while addressing

youth groups in Bomadi, said that the recent skirmishes by youths in Bomadi were between two youth groups over timing and necessity of a planned protest to ex-

Monarch restates commitment to devt

U

BY FESTUS AHON

GHELLI—THE Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom, HRM Matthew Egbi, Owahwa II, has said that he was committed to repositioning the kingdom towards becoming one of the most

formidable kingdoms that would compete with other great kingdoms across the world.

The monarch who spoke when he played host to the newly elected Ughievwen union executive, promised to work with

2015: Women back Mutu

B

OMADI—Women in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, have re-echoed their support for the member representing Bomadi/Patani federal constituency, Mr. Nicholas Mutu in his bid to re-contest the seat come 2015.

Fere-ere Gbe, President; Biripu Flora, Secretary; Mietoru-omi Sylvia, Organising Secretary, who spoke under the aegis of Vibrant Women in Politics, said that the lawmaker has delivered in the areas of human and social development in his constituency.

The women highlighted some of Mutu’s achievements to in-

clude yearly award of scholarship to science students across the constituency, provision of fishing gears to women, youth empowerment programmes as well as massive infrastructural development in Bomadi/Patani local government areas.

They also commended the dynamic and purposeful leadership style of the party chairman, Mr. Pius Labo; the Woman Leader Mrs. Kano-ere Kios of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bomadi council, for the exceptional way they have handled the party’s affairs.

the union and charged its members to reach out to everyone with a view to moving the kingdom forward.

Speaking on behalf of the union , Maj. Gen. Unuode (rtd), reaffirmed the union’s stand that Ughievwen was a united indivisible kingdom, adding “we have come to pledge our loyalty to you, as our royal father.”

He assured the monarch and his council of chiefs of the union’s preparedness to build bridges of unity that would bring Ughievwen sons and daughters on board with plans of developing the kingdom.

Speaking with newsmen moments after, the Senior Palace Chief, Chief Alfred Okoro, said that the kingdom cannot afford to split “now that Ughievwen unity is most needed.” He advised the people of the kingdom to work for the unity of Ughievwen kingdom, saying that “unity they say is strength.”

press their dissatisfaction over certain policies of the state and has no political undertone as being insinuated in some quarters.

The youth leader enjoined the youths to always show good behaviour as leaders of tomorrow and shun all forms of violence capable of jeopardising their future, just as he tasked politicians in the area to desist from hiding under the guise of youths to utter public statements against fellow politicians that would encourage acrimony in the political arena.

The NYCN boss, who explained that the people now have confidence in the electoral process in the country, urged the masses to elect credible leaders of their choice and not to fight over who to represent them in 2015.

He noted that youths in Bomadi have always played their role in the prevailing atmosphere of peace enjoyed in the area, advising them not to allow themselves to be used by politicians or groups to perpetuate lawlessness in order to advance their selfish interests.

He said: “You owe yourselves and the society a duty to be law abiding citizens of this country.

Therefore, you must show yourselves to be reasonable. You must protect the future and to do so, you will lead by the good conduct you exhibit.”

Police arrest 7 chiefs over Oghara crisis

BY GODWIN OGHRE

S

APELE—FOLLOWING the leadership tussle rocking Oghara Kingdom, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, two Octogenarians, the Unugbrogodo of Oghareki, Chief Monday Magini, and his counterpart, the Unugbrogodo of Ogharefe, Pa Samuel Erubami, have been arrested.

Also arrested by security opreatives were five other chiefs of the community, allegedly on the orders of the state police commissioner, Mr. Ekechukwu Aduba.

The chiefs were allegedly picked up from their homes on Monday and detained at the Ogwashiuku prisons.

They were all arrested on allegation of being behind the lingering leadership crisis and insecurity in the community.

Pa Samuel Erubami, aged 82, was, however, released to go home on grounds of ill health, but was asked to report frequently to the police.

Others arrested include, Chiefs Omokaro, Secretary to Oghareki Council of Chiefs; Dominic Ajueshi, Johnbull Ikaje, Ezekiel Dadi and Major Isaac Ibierebor, rtd.

Meanwhile, a socio cultural group in the community, Ukokore EjeOgharayomah Forum, has condemned the arrest of the chiefs, and exonerated them, adding that the arrest was uncalled for as it was capable of aggravating the crisis in the already tensed community.

Retreat

T

HE VINCENTIAN Retreat Centre, Ojodu-Ikeja, commenced its three-day monthly retreat, yesterday, with the theme: My month of Restoration.

The event which ends on Friday, July 12, will feature confession, stations of the cross, adoration, vigil and holy mass.

The retreat is hosted by the Vincentian Fathers.

42 — VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

2015:

Why ACN is jittery — Senator Akinyede

ERSTWHILE chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes, Senator Sola Akinyede represented the Ekiti South Senatorial District between 2007 and 2011. Akinyede was a member of the Constituent Assembly that drafted the 1989 Constitution, a delegate to the National Political Reform Conference and subsequently, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the Federal University of Agriculture, Umudike. He responds to issues affecting the polity and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in this interview with UJU MBANUSI. Excerpts:

I

S the APC a threat to your party, the PDP? Let us go back a little bit in history. In 1999 the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and the All Peoples Party (APP) entered into a political alliance which saw Chief Olu Falae running with Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi against President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Obasanjo was elected with 18.7 million votes (63%) while Falae got 11.1million votes(37.2%) In 2011 there was a spirited attempt by the Congress for Progressive Change and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to forge an alliance against the PDP. The alliance did not work.

However, in that election PDP had 22.5 million votes (59.6%) while the combined votes of both CPC and ACN was 14.3 million votes(37.8%) Why is this so? PDP is the only truly national political party in Nigeria. PDP won 23 States plus Abuja in 2011 as against others.

CPC won 12 States all in the North and was not able to get the constitutionally required minimum of 25 per cent of the votes in any of the 17 southern states, while the ACN won just 1 State.

Minority regional political parties It is obvious that CPC and ACN are minority regional political parties deluding themselves and believing that a merger will give them a national outlook. PDP is the only party that has all the major ethnic groups as well as the minority ethnic groups in the North and South substantially represented. So if ACN and CPC are to merge today as APC, history tells us that APC is not likely to poll much more than that 37%. APC will be lucky to score 40% of the votes in 2015.

But your party, the PDP is in crisis?

Politics is dynamic and that dynamism involves a perpetual jostling, and contest for power, positions and ideas. In the process cleavages are created.

What you call crisis are cleavages which are natural occurrences in any dynamic political system especially in a developing democracy like ours.

The most important thing is the ability to manage these cleavages like the Italians have done. Since

1999 the PDP has demonstrated its ability to manage its differences.

How do you react to claims that the PDP is marginalizing the Southwest?

There are provisions in our Constitution that ensure that every part of the country is assured some measure of participation in governance.

The American political scientist Harold Dwight Lasswell defined politics as ‘Who gets what , when, and how’. That ‘who’ does not necessarily refer to an individual, but to a group of people. The reality of politics is that when you are not in the room where decisions are being taken, you are more likely to get the minimum rather than the maximum.

In 2007, the South-West was in that room in the person of Hon Dimeji Bankole and the South West got its due. But in 2011 the situation changed . In spite of the fact that the PDP zoned the Speakership to the South-West, the ACN a Yoruba party with some sprinkling of some nonYoruba people voted against the southwest candidate, Hon Akande-Adeola to ensure that a South-West person did not enter that room. Some people were surprised by this action, but those of us who know the ACN very well know that their politics is

•Akinyede driven more by the private and personal interests of their leaders rather the collective interest of the South-West.

It is imperative that the SouthWest ensures that they are inside that room by not only voting

massively for the PDP but by ensuring that their votes are not rigged by the ACN. How is your party on ground in Ekiti State?

There is a widespread

misconception that the ACN is completely in control in the South-West. The reality is that in a free and fair and well monitored election ACN will lose in most South-West States. Don’t forget that the loss of Oyo and Ogun States by the PDP in 2011 was self-inflicted. Where the election is not well-monitored, the ACN governors ruthlessly deployed their thuggery and rigging machine.

Before the Ondo State governorship election, a colleague of mine in the Senate had asked me what would happen. I said Labour will win, PDP will come second and ACN last. This is what happened. If ACN was that popular, at worst it would have come second.

Coming to Ekiti, since the court awarded the governorship seat to the ACN in 2010, the PDP has been intact. I can count on one hand the number of PDP leaders who have decamped to the ACN. On the contrary it is the ACN that is jittery. A few months ago, a chieftain of the ACN in the State Mr Ayo Jeje had concluded plans to decamp to the PDP. He was murdered on the eve of his decampment. The State Chairman of ACN Chief Jide Awe and others have been charged to court for the murder.

In a free and fair and wellmonitored election PDP will win.

PDP’s h ypocritical antics in Ekiti hypocritical

BY AKINTOLA BENSON

A

PPARENTLY anxious to divert attention from the many internal crises ripping the party apart and daily rendering it more vulnerable in the forthcoming 2015 elections, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has launched a mischievous and utterly misleading attack on the National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The PDP has seized on the recent fence-mending mission of the party leadership to Ekiti State to describe Tinubu as a despot bent on imposing a choice on the people of Ekiti.

There is neither rhyme nor logic to this baseless accusation. In the first place, what moral right has the PDP to accuse anybody of despotic tendencies?

This is a party that wanted to impose

a chairman on the Nigerian Governors' Forum in the person of Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State and when this failed, it suspended the winner of the NGF election, Governor Rotimi Amaechi from the party for enjoying the support of majority.

A party that ordered a sitting governor not to seek re-election of a voluntary association like the NGF is now preaching the tenets of democracy to others. How ridiculous! This is a party that has made it so obvious that it is bent on harassing, intimidating and preventing anybody from challenging President Goodluck Jonathan for the PDP presidential ticket in 2015.

Towards this end, members of its National Executive Committee (NEC) are removed and replaced at will. Its National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, remains in office against the will of

majority of its NEC members all because of his willingness to manipulate intra-party processes in favour of Jonathan towards 2015.

All national chairmen of the party since inception have all been imposed and removed at will by the presidency- Solomon Lar, Barnabas Gemade, Audu Ogbe, Vincent Ogbulafor and now Bamanga Tukur. The so called National Conventions that produced President Umaru Yar’Adua and later Goodluck Jonathan were clearly manipulated to arrive at pre-determined outcomes.

We can all recall how former Governor Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa State was brazenly prevented from asserting his right to seek re-election as the party’s governorship candidate while the favoured candidate of the presidency, Seriake Dickson was foisted on the party and is today the Governor of Continues on page 43

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013 — 43

2015: I

'll be the bridge in Delta politics — Idonor

COMRADE Daniel Ovwigho Idonor, an all-round accomplished Journalist and Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Social Works And Geriatric, has over 25 years working experience, 10 years of which was spent in covering the activities of the Presidency in Aso Rock, the Nigerian seat of power. Mr. Idonor was until last year, the Chairman of the State House Press Corps, Presidential Villa, a position he successfully occupied for 5 years.

Mr. Idonor was also a Student Union activist. He rose to the position of President of the Student Union Government (SUG) of the University of Jos. He was also the Secretary of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi State Chapter. Mr. Idonor was one time Assistant Secretary of the National Association of Niger Delta Professionals. The Urhobo born seasoned Journalist and Politician, in this interview with newsmen in his country home in Ughelli, says he has all it takes to build a bridge of trust among all interest groups in the State to promote the much needed unity to move Delta State to the next level especially as 2015 draws close. Excerpts:

BY FESTUS AHON

possibly become your greatest asset and strength in Delta Politics?

My interest and strength in Delta politics is based on the fact that I represent the bridge between the weak and strong, the rich and the poor, the low and mighty, the rural and urban dwellers, the organized private sector (OPS) and public sector, the governments at both the state and federal levels, and the masses. I also represent the bridge between the Urhobos and the Itsekiris, Aniomas, Ijaws and Isokos. And above all, I represent the bridge between Deltans and non Deltans.

Finally, how would you react

I

F you become governor, what would be your focus on health and education?

(Laughs) Well, to be fair to the State Governor, His Excellency Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has put in place good developmental agenda that are capable of taking the State on the path of economic recovery and industrialisation.

For instance with what his administration is doing, Delta would emerge as the only state in Nigeria with two international airports at Asaba and Osubi near Warri. The Warri industrial park, the Delta Beyond Oil initiatives to mention but a few are all good developmental programmes by the current administration.

Supposing I become the Governor of Delta State after His Excellency, Dr. Uduaghan,

,

My interest and strength in Delta politics is based on the fact that I represent the bridge between the weak and strong, the rich and the poor

Infrastructural development I will build on the current efforts of the government, there is the urgent need to open up the entire state in terms of infrastructural development; make every community accessible with motorable roads and water.

This will curb rural-urban drift that has over the years overstretch existing infrastructures in the urban areas.

You are a green horn as far as politics is concerned are you ready for the murky waters and for the skeleton in your cupboard to be exposed?

I don’t agree with you that I’m a green horn in politics. To the extent of seeking for an elective position outside my professional bodies and student union elections, yes, I am a new comer.

But don’t forget that I’ve

•Idonor: I am the bridge for all Deltans contested many elections and won especially at the level of student’s union and professional bodies. As a journalist who has reported from the peak of the seat of power, Aso Rock, to that extent, I’m not new to politics and politicians. By the grace of God, I’m opportuned to have close relations with many leaders and I am also close to many people at the grass root. I have no doubt that this will help me to wade through what you call murky waters. And as for skeletons in my cupboard, I don’t know what you mean but I don’t have anything to hide. My records are

there for all to see.

Nigerian politics is still money based, who are your godfathers and financial backers and how do you intend to avoid settling political commitments after you get into office?

The people are my backers, once they want me to serve them; I know the means of achieving it will come from them by God’s grace. I believe that it is possible to apply the Obama model in Nigeria where the high and the low contribute to the overall success of the candidate as long as you get the acts right.

What would you say could

to the recent but sudden death of Senator Pius Ewherido?

It will take us the people of Ewhu kingdom, Ewhu axis and Ughelli South; and indeed the entire mourning Urhobo nation a long time to overcome the rude shock and utmost disbelief that the passage of Chief Akpo Pius Ewherido has brought.

Ewhu and Urhobo people will forever remember “Ogogorogo” (Ewherido’s nickname), a political icon who brought to bear so much vibrancy in politics, particularly at the Delta State House of Assembly as a member representing Ughelli South, where he served as a Deputy Speaker and Acting Speaker for several years. His political career blossomed and peaked when he won the last election as Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District. We also

PDP’s h ypocritical antics in Ekiti hypocritical Continues from page 42 the state. In Kogi State, aggrieved PDP candidates who were manipulated out of contrived governorship primaries are still in court seeking justice. We can go on and on citing instances why the PDP has no moral right to preach intra-party democracy to anybody.

But then, let us come to the substance of the PDP’s baseless allegation. How true is the claim that Asiwaju Tinubu is despotic and disdainful of democracy?

remember him for his doggedness in the well researched Corporate Manslaughter Bill, which he initiated and presented to the National Assembly..

To me, I will miss him so much because as a young politician, I chose Chief Ewherido among three politicians in Nigeria that I admire so much and promised to learn from them. In fact, we were very close but many people didn’t know.

Chief Ewherido taught me in Orere Secondary School when his father was the pioneer Principal of the school. I reconciled him with Olorogun

In the first place, Asiwaju Tinubu was not in Ekiti State in his personal capacity. He was on a delegation of the national leadership of the ACN, which included the National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, the leader of the party in Ekiti State, Chief Niyi Adebayo and a prominent member of the party from Ekiti, Mr. Dele Alake among others.

The position forcefully articulated by Asiwaju Tinubu at the Ekiti parley was, therefore, that of the party. Again, the fact that the party leadership

expended time, energy and resources to go to Ekiti to settle internal disputes and put its house in order towards next year’s election is indicative of a party that respects the electorate and refuses to take them for granted.

It shows that the party, despite Governor Kayode Fayemi’s outstanding performance in office, is approaching the next elections with all seriousness.

And the logic of the ACN leadership is impeccable. Why do parties exist and why do

candidates seek office? In a healthy democracy, the purpose is to fulfill the party’s manifesto and pursue the greatest welfare of the greatest number of the people. Now, if an incumbent is widely acknowledged as delivering on this mandate, why should a party dissipate energy on intra-party contests?

Shouldn’t such energy be better saved to confront the opposition in the general election especially given the desperation of the PDP to regain a foothold in the South West?

,

Ima Niboro, the former spokesman to Mr. President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, following a quarrel over lack of communication.

After listening to both of them separately; I discovered that a fifth columnist had penetrated them. Perhaps, my regret is that I failed to do same to bring Ewherido and one or two other persons who had similar frosty relationship, together before his heroic exit.

Frosty relationship Only recently my neighbour in Ughelli called me that I should thank Ewherido for buying a brand new car for him. As I was about calling him, my phone rang, and when I looked at it, it was another person who also wanted me to thank Chief Ewherido for assisting him with something worth N3.5 million.

I just pray that the great politician had up to N5 Million in his bank account before his passage, because he was a generous man.

On behalf Ewhu and indeed Urhobo people, I want to thank the Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan over his show of an uncommon love and fatherly role towards the recovery of our late Senator. He alone knows why. May his gentle soul rest with the lord, while his vision and what he stood for rest with those of us he left behind. Adieu, My Distinguished Senator!

44—Vanguard , THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

Community leaders caution pipeline vandals

W

ARRI—COMMUNITY leaders from two oil producing communities in Delta State have cautioned youths in the areas against pipelines vandalisation, assuring Chevron Nigeria Limited of the protection of its facilities from vandals.

Mr. Godwin Olufemi, a community leader in Benikrukru community and Humphrey Bibogha, in Kenyangbene community, all in War ri South-West Local Government Area of the state, warned youths in the two communities to desist from pipelines vandalisation or be ready for unpleasant consequences.

Olufemi said: “We want to make it known to our youths that leaders of both communities will no longer tolerate pipelines vandalisation any more as this is giving us a bad image.”

Bibogha said: “Pipelines vandalisation is a serious offence and all those involved should desist as we are not going to spare any effort to fish out the bad elements bent on tarnishing our

Urhobo Movement lauds Uduaghan

A

BY SIMON ADEWALE

pressure group in Delta State, Urhobo National Youth Movement, UNYM, has lauded Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State on his developmental strides and provision of good school structures, roads, airport and other social amenities to boost the economy of the state.

In a statement by its National President, Mr. Alex Idu, UNYM said that Uduaghan was determined to make life better for the people of the state.

He added that the governor had been able to do a lot in the state because of his administrative qualities.

SAMSUNG: From left— Mr. Ali Nuhu, Brand Ambassador; Mr. Emmanouil Revmatas, Director, Hand-Held Products; Ms. Kate Henshaw and Mr. Olubankole Wellington, AKA Banky W, both Brand Ambassadors, all of Samsung Electronics, West Africa, at the media launch of Samsung’s Galaxy Mega Smartphone and Tab 3 Series in Lagos. PHOTO: Bunmi Azeez.

Delta cabinet reshuffle not over— SSG

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

A

SABA—SECRETARY to Delta State Government, Mr. Ovuozourie Macaulay, has

called on members of the State Executive Council to see the recent dropping of the Finance Commissioner, Mr. Bernard Okumagba, as normal admin-

istrative function.

He charged them to brace up to the challenge as the reshuffling was not yet over.

Macaulay gave the counsel

Uloho, Obielum mourn Ewherido

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—A chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State, Chief Austin Uloho, has described the death of Senator Pius Ewherido as a great loss to Urhobo, Deltans and Nigerians at large.

Also, a governorship aspirant in Delta State, Chief Godwill Obielum, has described the death of Senator Ewherido as a national loss.

Obielum, who spoke in Asaba, described the late

senator as a great leader and true democrat that truly represented Delta Central Senatorial District.

Uloho, who spoke with Vanguard yesterday in his country home, said the news of the death of Ewherido came to him as a shock, adding “Ewherido is one of the strong upcoming politicians and a voice of Urhobo.

“Ewherido is one representative that has given us good representation in the Senate. We are going to miss him.

“He was a source of joy to us

Contractor gets deadline on hospital project

C

ONTRACTORS handling the construction of Ibom 20th Anniversary Specialist Hospital, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, have been given till March 2014 to complete and hand over the project to the Akwa Ibom State Government.

Governor Godswill Akpabio, who gave Messrs Ghito and NAIRDA the deadline while on inspection visit to the site, said: “This project must be completed and we must have a time line.

“The March 2014 time line should be sacrosanct.”

Akpabio noted that the hospital, which is 70 percent complete, had suffered setbacks and delays, thus becoming a major concern to the state govern-

ment.

“I am interested in this project and whatever we need to do must be done to ensure it becomes a reality.”

in Delta Central. My heart is with the Ewherido family, wife, Doye, the aged mother, children, the Urhobo nation in this our time of grief.

“I pray God to comfort and give us the fortitude to bear this great loss.”

Obielum said: “Pius Ewherido was a good friend, who epitomised humility, trust, honesty leadership strength, an astute politician and above all a pragmatist that related with all manner of people.

“His death is a shock. He gave a very good account of himself in the political landscape and left a king-size shoe in Delta State.

“I enjoin Delta people, especially Urhobo nation, to bear the loss and take solace in his contributions to the development of Delta State and mankind during his short but eventful life.”

when he hosted commissioners in the state to a party at his official residence in Asaba.

He said: “Political office holders and Deltans should see the minor cabinet reshuffle and what would happen as a normal process.

“Those of us that have been fortunate to be re-appointed in the second tenure of the Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan administration should be grateful to the governor for the opportunity to serve the state.”

Authoritative sources hinted Vanguard that a major reshuffling was in the offing and might be announced before next week, thus eliciting anxiety.

Meantime, the Chairman, Coalition of Registered Political Parties and pioneer chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council, Mr. Christian Abeh, has said that the total overhauling of the cabinet was long overdue.

He said in a statement that “Deltans quite appreciate the governor ’s partial executive dissolution, but will celebrate if he sacks his entire executive, including the special advisers and the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB.”

Rebuild Itsekiri villages, graduates tell FG

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ARRI—ITSEKIRI graduates in Nigeria and the Diaspora have called on the Federal and state governments, and other relevant agencies to immediately put machineries in motion to rebuild Itsekiri communities recently razed by suspected Ijaw youths from Egbema clan in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The students said that it was the only way “to forestall further agitations and possible reprisal attacks.”

In a statement, yesterday, the Itsekiri graduates, under the auspices of National Association of Itsekiri Graduates, NAIG, described the recent attacks as “senseless, barbaric and unprovoked,” wondering how the youths

got such “sophisticated weapons.”

The statement, by Alero Tenumah and Collins Edah, NAIG's President and Secretary, respectively, said: “Over seven years after the protracted Warri crisis, neither the Federal nor state governments has done anything to rebuild the Itsekiri towns and villages that were destroyed.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013—45

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46—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

Mark hails JAMB over partnership with Holland, Kenya

NYSC urged to stop postings to troubled states

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

BY OKONKWO EZE

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B U J A — S E N AT E President, David Mark, has commended the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, for establishing relationship with intercontinental examination bodies as CITO of the Netherlands and Kenyan National Examinations Council, KNEC. Mark, who made the commendation while commissioning the new zonal office of JAMB in Markurdi, Benue State, also commended the newly introduced Computer Based Test, CBT, saying the new examination regime would reduce examination malpractice.

Mark advised the Board to ensure that it continued to improve and build on the foundation it had built to make the nation proud in the education sector.

He said: “I must congratulate JAMB because for the Netherlands and the Kenyans to send people here, particularly Netherlands that started the Computer Based Test, CBT, and Information Communications Technology, ICT, I think it is kudos to the Minister of Education and JAMB. “However, as you have laid a very solid foundation, you must continue to improve and build on this foundation and there is always room for improvement.

You must modernize and continue to make Nigeria proud".

Man docked for alleged theft

BY IJEOMA NATHANIEL

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AGOS—A man, Nurudeen Shode, and others now at large, were yesterday brought before an Ikeja Magistrate Court for allegedly conspiring to commit felony to rob N 1, 500, 000.00.

The suspect, docked before Magistrate A. A. Demi Ajayi, are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and robbery preferred against them by the police.

Police Prosecutor, Supol. Barth Nwaokenye, told the court that the defendant and others now at large did commit the offence on June 20, 2013, at Araromi Bus stop, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos.

He said the defendant conspired with others to rob one Olawale Mojeed of his N 1, 500, 000. 00.

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From left: Chief Richard Lamai and American Civil Rights Activist, Reverend Jesse Jackson during a meeting in Chicago, United States of America, to drum support for President Goodluck Jonathan's second term bid.

Ex-minister warns against Nigeria's break-up

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH ORMER Minister of Science and Technology under General Abacha regime, Major General Sam Momah (rtd), has warned against break-up of Nigeria, saying the effect of such would be too disastrous to contain.

Momah, who was also Adjutant-General of the Nigerian Army, made it clear that it was better for Nigeria to remain a united country, despite its many contending tribal, ethnic and religious entities.

Momah spoke at the presentation of his book, entitled

F

“Nigeria beyond Divorce” in Abuja last weekend. He pointed out that although the country managed to survive a civil war, it would not be able to survive disintegration.

Momah said: “A disintegrating Nigeria is an unthinkable prospect.

However, if it is embarked upon, the war that would ensue may last for over 50 years like that of Sudan, which is about 58 years.

"But the glimmer of hope is that since Nigeria has survived for 100 years, what is required is for her to build on that success utilising her enormous resources. In doing so, Nigeria

would restore hope, gain her pride and respect in Africa and the rest of the world.”.

Momah, in the 227-page book, pondered the contradictions that had dogged every facet of the nation’s life, pointing out that Nigeria remained the only place where $16 million could be spent on electricity, with the nation still wallowing in darkness.

He also said it was an irony for the country to be spending a fortune in security vote only to reap more security challenges.

He lamented that the nation was planning a centenary celebration jamboree while its N640 billion textile industry remained comatose.

Agbaso's case suffers setback

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

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WERRI—THE suit filed by the former Imo State deputy governor, Sir Jude Agbaso, challenging his impeachment suffered a setback yesterday, following a letter written by the defence counsel, Mr. Adeniyi Akintola, SAN, for adjournment.

Opposing the application for adjournment, counsel to the former deputy governor, Prince Ken Njemanze, SAN, told the court presided over by Justice Nonye Okoronkwo, that the matter was time sensitive.

He said: “My Lord, office of the deputy governor is tenured and cannot be extended. Any day lost is a minus for the claimant.

“The defendants can afford to play for time because they have absolutely nothing to lose if the matter is delayed unnecessarily”.

He said the defence appreciated the fact that the matter must be dealt

expeditiously, if the miscarriage of justice sought to redress won’t be overtaken by events.

“The application for a long adjournment is in bad fate. It is not proper for counsel to ask an October date for this matter. We only needed to adopt our briefs today and allow the court to do what it knows best”.

Vanguard recalls that Agbaso

is seeking 16 declarations from the court, among them that his purported removal on March 28, 2013, as deputy governor by the State House of Assembly, despite the pendency of suit HOW/178/ 2013, was deliberate disrespect for judicial process, rule of law and breach of the right of fair hearing and accordingly null and void.

Tantalizers remodels

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EADING fast food organisation, Tantalizers Plc, yesterday, said it was remodeling its stores in a bid to serve its customers better.

The company said in a statement by its promotions manager, Mr Toluawa Oyetayo, that work was already ongoing in three outlets in Ibadan and two in Abuja, adding that the revamping exercise underlines the company’s drive to give her customers the best in terms of ambience, quality meals and

services.

The statement said following completion of the revamping exercise in Victoria Island, Akoka and Lekki stores, the interiors now carried an attractive cozy and exciting look.

It added that revamping work was on-going in outlets spread across Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Akure, Ondo, Ado Ekiti, Ilorin, Ijebu Ode and Abeokuta, while new grounds would be set in the next few months.

NITSHA—FEDERAL Government has been called upon to stop posting corps members to the three troubled states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe which are currently under a state of emergency, as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency.

Anambra State Commander of Crisis Action Control Squad, CACS, Engr. Lordson Ikeakor, made the call in an interview with newsmen.

He argued that such posting at this time, when the three states were under emergency, would be suicidal for the fresh graduates as their security might not be guaranteed in those states.

He stated that history had shown that in the past, most victims of such violence in the affected states were corps members and called on the authorities to consider the safety of such corps members before sending them out.

Sir Nwosu for burial

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IR Raleke Mbofu Nwosu, 78 years of Umuomukwe, Amakwa, Ozubulu in Anambra State is dead. He was the founder of Loral International Schools.

His body will be received

by Igwe Ozubulu, HRH Igwe Nnamdi Okeife on July 10 to be followed by wake keep/service of songs at his residence.

He will be buried today at his country home after a funeral service at All Saints Anglican Church, Amakwa.

The family outing service will hold on Sunday.

He is survived by wife, children, grand children among other relations.

Late Sir Nwosu

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48—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

NLC shuts bank in Bauchi

Imoke, Oshiomhole task Muslims on sacrifice

BY SUZAN EDEH

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AUCHI—THE Ni geria Labour Congress, NLC, Bauchi State Chapter alongside its affiliate, the National Union of Banks and Financial Institutions Employees, NUBIFE, yesterday, shut down the operations of a new generation bank in the state, over alleged unfair practices including sack of over 200 workers and union officials.

The protesting labour leaders prevented customers and workers from gaining access to the bank, vowing that the bank would not operate until the management reinstates the sacked workers.

Chairman of the Bauchi State NLC, Hashimu Mohammed Gital, said NLC joined NUBIFE to picket the bank nationwide to compel the management of the bank to do the right thing and re-instate the sacked workers.

Gital said: “We will continue this protest for three days to put pressure on the management to rescind its decision by reinstating the sacked workers."

Fayemi, Babalola for ISMN conference

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AGOS—EKITI State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi and legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) are among dignitaries expected to grace this year ’s national conference of the Institute of Strategic Management, Nigeria (ISMN).

The conference, with the theme “Strategy and Leadership: Panacea to our National Malaise” is scheduled for July 10-12 at the LCCI Convention Centre, Alausa, Lagos.

In a statement jointly released by the institute’s President, Dr Otive Igbuzor and the Registrar/Chief Executive, Mr. Adeyemi Mapaderun, the theme was chosen to underscore the critical importance of strategic management and leadership in arresting the perennial drift in Nigeria and pointing the way forward to national greatness.

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FEC MEETING—From right: Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; Head of Federal Civil Service, Alhaji Goni Bukar Aji and Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Ogiadomhe, during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the State House, Abuja, yesterday.

Taraba Gov sacks commissioners, SSG over N400m flood relief fund

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH

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ALINGO—TARABA State Acting Governor has wielded the big stick against eight top government officials for allegedly embezzling the N400 million given the state by the Federal Government to cater for the victims of last year ’s ravaging flood.

Those sacked by the Actig Governor Garba Umar were, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Anthony Jerason; Commissioner for Women and Child Development, Charity Green; Commissioner for Water Resources, Rabo Usman; Commissioner for Education, Yakubu Agbaizo and the Sec-

retary to the State Government, Mr. Emmanuel Njuwa.

Njuwa was the chairman of the state flood relief management committee, which was investigated by the state House of Assembly and indicted.

Also relieved of their duties by the governor were the head of the state Emergency Management Agency and two special advisers to the governor.

The sack of the top officials followed the submission of the findings and report of the committee set up by the lawmakers to look into how the flood fund was spent.

The committee turned in its report on Monday and the

state governor acted at once firing the officials from their offices.

The sack was announced via a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Acting Governor, Kefas Sule, in Jalingo, the state capital.

Vanguard learnt that natives of the state had raised alarm that the amount released by the government to cater for flood victims had been seized by some people, forcing the governor to order a probe.

Before then, the officials had defended their management of the funds, claiming that all the money was judiciously expended to provide comfort for the victims.

Dethroned Olofa heads to Supreme Court

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI

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LORIN—THE Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye, who was ordered to vacate his stool by the Federal Court of Appeal sitting in Ilorin, yesterday, filed a notice of appeal against the judgment to the Supreme Court.

The prominent monarch was removed on Tuesday when the court set aside last year ’s judgment of a Kwara State High Court which up-

held his appointment and installation by the government.

In the notice filed by his counsel, Lawal Rabana & Co, the Oba and his Anilelerin Ruling House are asking that the kingmakers of Offa, Prince Adegboyega Keji, who was asked to be installed king by the Appeal Court; the Attorney General of kwara State and the Governor be refrained from executing the Appeal court

judgment.

He also sought three reliefs from the court to wit; an order setting aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division delivered on July 9, 2013 which nullified his selection, appointment and installation as the Oloffa of Offa.

Also, the Oba is praying for an order of the Supreme Court allowing his appeal as well as any further order or orders that the apex court may deem fit to make.

AGOS—AS Mus lims world over begin the annual Ramadam ritual, Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke, and his Edo State counterpart, Adams Oshiomhole, have urged them to demonstrate Prophet Muhammed’s teaching of sacrifice to one another.

Oshiomhole urged the Muslim faithful in the state to pray for the continued peace and prosperity of the state as they undertake the Ramadan fast.

Imoke, who spoke through his Special Advisor on Religious Matters, Pastor Eyo EkpoEne, said “at times like this, we are reminded of the lesson of all great faiths, including Islam that we do unto others, as we would have them do unto us.

Oshiomhole in his Ramadan message to the Muslim Ummah, by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, said “as the faithful undertake personal restitution, piety and renewed commitment to Allah, they should also remember the poor and needy in the society.”

Future Edge donates to Ogun School

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AGOS—AS part of its contributions in developing education in Ogun State and alleviating challenges in public schools across the nation, management of Future Edge International School, Arepo, Ogun State has donated chairs and desks to Obafemi Owode Local Government Primary School, Ogun State.

At the presentation ceremony which had in attendance Zonal Education Officer of the LGA, Olu Aikulola, the proprietress of Future Edge, Victoria Kafaru said the presentation was part of the school’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY11, 2013—49

Rivers crisis escalates, spills to the streets Continues from page 5 are shooting tea rgas into Government House, Port Harcourt. We are unable to conduct business in the executive chambers," she alleged in a text message.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations officer, DSP Agabe said she got a text message and quickly rushed

to the area, adding that there was nothing as such. “There is nothing like that. I got the same text and rushed to see things. But there was nothing like that”, she said. Special Adviser to the Speaker of the House, Mr Jim Opiki on his part said the House had to postpone its planned sit-

ting yesterday when it became clear that the security situation was not conducive.

Banks, state secretariat, judiciary complex affected

The fracas forced banks at the state secretariat to shut down. Also affected

was the judiciary complex as workers hurriedly closed for the day. As at 11 a.m. most staff of the state secretariat had gone home. Some of them who were still around when Vanguard visited said they were on their way home too. They said the actions of the youths had sent fear down the spine of

most staff of the secretariat.

When contacted for comments on the clash, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Angela Agabe said she was aware, adding that the Police moved in to rescue the situation. At press time there was heavy presence of heavily armed anti-riot policemen in front of the Government House gate. Two ar-

moured personnel carriers and patrol vehicles were also on standby.

Meanwhile debate continued in Port-Harcourt yesterday as to the number of maces in circulation. It was alleged that as many as three maces were available to the squabbling lawmakers during the fight of last Tuesday.

Vanguard gathered that one end of the mace that was broken was in the custody of the state Police command. The police could not say if the part they had was from the authentic mace.

Vanguard gathered that there was shooting around Diobu area of Port Harcourt yesterday afternoon. A source who gave her name as Franca Alloysius said she had to run for safety while the shooting was going on.

She could not say if it was from security operatives or hoodlums. Meantime, there had been increased Police patrol in the state capital, Port Harcourt.

ACN blames Jonathan, calls for his impeachment In its reaction, the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, blamed the ongoing crisis in Rivers State on President Goodluck Jonathan and asked the National Assembly to immediately commence impeachment proceedings against him, for breaching his oath of office to uphold the 1999 C o n s t i t u t i o n .

The party in a statement signed yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, condemned alleged Jonathan’s abhorrence of the rule of law and majority rule, as well as "his unmistakable support for a group of renegade lawmakers who are fomenting trouble in Rivers State".

"Under President Jonathan’s watch and with his tacit support, a few lawmakers dictated to majority of the members of the Ogun State House of Assembly, which was locked for a long time.

Under President Jonathan’s watch, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF, was sabotaged by his minions who declared a governor with 16 votes winner over the one who scored 19 votes. This is injurious blow to the concept of d e m o c r a c y .

"And under his watch, five lawmakers - out of 32 have become the majority and, simply because they have the backing of the presidency, are now being given police protection to disrupt the proceedings of the House."

50—Vanguard 50—Vanguard,,

THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

YOUR LUCK TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 AQUARIUS: This is the wrong time to gamble either with your physical cash or your source of income. Take nobody for granted. Take love more seriously.

PISCES; Partnership related issues are becoming more important and if you try to sweep anything under carpet now, it’ll back-fire sooner than expected. Take your love life more seriously than before.

ARIES; Hard work will not go unrewarded if not today very soon. Important development coming through your working arena soonest will place you at advantage position. The more practical you are the better.

TAURUS; Love, romance and sentimental things can not be ignored completely today unless you want your concentration to waver .Be more enterprising in the business world Anyway success indicated for you today..

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

...Let me ask you few questions – If you are asked to go and hunt for an elephant on top of a tree, will you go? If you are asked to go and fish in the desert, will you go?

And if you are told a

Beware of false prophet ship has berthed in the desert, will you believe? If your answer to the above questions are no respectively, then why will you believe prophecies that do

not seem to agree with your natural chemistry, do not agree with the word of God, do not agree with Quranic provision (in case you are a muslim) and seem to lack basic

TERROR MUDA in “Never say goodbye”

element of truth and integrity?

There are prophets and there are prophets. But every prophecy must be tested against the spirit, the word of God and the integrity of the vessel.

Think about it!

By Lanre Kehinde

GEMINI; Happenings within your base of operation (both at home and at work) must be taken more seriously now, more especially as there’ll be Solar eclipse in Virgo tomorrow.

CANCER; Both your mood and element of luck may not be as friendly as you’ll like.. Matters of the heart may top priority lists of some of you. But mind you your mood will change tomorrow.

LEO; If financial success is your priority you’ll need to redouble your efforts today and tomorrow. Be protective of your possessions and personal family.

VIRGO; Placement of the Moon gives you the needed opportunity to assert yourself to the admiration of other people. You can make it a romantic day. Experiment with your personal ideas.

LIBRA; Here is your day when element of luck will work favourably for you. Secret lovers are in for an exciting and memorable day. Keep your secrets please.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Princess Shii’

By Andy Akman

SCORPIO; If you wait till tomorrow before you make an important move ,you may be disappointed , because tomorrow’s influence will bring you more challenges than you can rightly anticipate now. But greater success indicated for you today.

SAGITTARIUS; Very soon there’ll be important development along your career line. But today will offer you best of opportunity and good luck to achieve your desired results. Be more ambitious now CAPRICORN; Here is a loving day for those of you willing to give priority attention to matters of the heart.

Planning for both immediate and far future’ll not be out of place. And it’s good to think money.

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,

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

What’s my social life?

Dear Joshua, I want your analysis and tell me about my social life, luck and the time I am likely to have my much desired break-through in life; kindly tell me about my social life and luck Jinadu Ilorin,

Dear Jinadu, What you will find here-under will answer your questions.

Social life will always bring you attention good luck envy opposition and possibly fame. Aquarius and Leo are two most active social Star signs. And you will notice that your natal Venus in Taurus, Moon in Aquarius and Uranus in Leo formed T-Square aspects putting Venus as point-focus, meaning that the best way for you not to be constant loser in the social world is to always study situation practically and know that your finance will not suffer (if it can not be beneficiary) from the setting before taking responsibility.

As for influential friends you will have them but never always take them for granted.

Yes you can be a self made man but it is indicated that there will be times when both human and divine assistance will lift you up. You will have more to gain by your being spiritual .Saturday born people are favoured by BLACK and golden colours.

Sudden SUCCESS will come your way during your 34th year on earth and will serve as a break-through year you can build great foundation of endless success on. But the same 44th year will bring love related challenges you must manage with all maturity or else it will linger till after your 46th year on earth.

Home and Abroad

by Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013— 51

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52— Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

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Vanguard, THURSD AY, JULY 11, 2013 — 53 THURSDA

Want good skin? Eat mangoes

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

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HEY are so good to eat, people for get that mangoes - also known as the king of nuts - are also healthy!

Antioxidant compounds in mango fruit protect against colon, breast, as well as leukaemia and prostate cancers. The high levels of fibre, pectin and vitamin C help to lower serum cholesterol levels, specifically LDL (the bad proteins).

Mango is rich in vitamin A, which promotes good eyesight and prevents night blindness and dry eyes. It also helps to maintain the alkali reserve of the body.

But there is always more than one good reason to reach for a mango. The sweet, juicy fruit offers a host of benefits to the skin. One of the best proofs of the benefit of mangoes is their rich source of beta carotene (vitamin A) and also Vitamin C, which is a strong antioxidant.

Mangoes contain collagen which helps in making the skin smooth and taut, thus reducing premature ageing.

It is moisturising; has high hydration power, makes skin smooth and soft.

Eatinging mangoes regularly makes the complexion fair and the skin soft and shiny.

But that is not all. Eating mangoes helps in regeneration of skin cells and in restoring the elasticity of skin. Mangoes ensure that dry skin is moisturised and helps prevent wrinkle formation.

The fruit helps shield the skin from clogged pores and sun damages.

Mango is great for clearing skin from unwanted pimples and clogged pores.

You can see these health benefits by eating mangoes and making into a paste to apply directly on your skin.

If you have never tried a mangobased skin care recipe, now is the time to do it. You can prepare your own mango face cleanser . Simply mix the pulp of mango with flour and honey to make a thick paste. Let it stay on your face for about 15 minutes and wash by scrubbing gently. It cleanses your face

and also helps to remove all impediments when used regularly.

You can also prepare your own mango body scrub (to make skin soft): Just get one mango, one spoon of honey, two spoons of milk and half-a-cup of sugar.

Blend the ingredients thoroughly and scrub on your body while bathing. Rub vigorously all over your body and rinse with warm water, followed by cold water. Your skin will feel smooth and supple.

• Mangoes offer great benefits to the skin, inside and outside.

NewsExtra

Men have more cancers because they are taller — STUDY

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ANCERS at most anatomic sites occur more frequently in men compared to women. Differences in occupation, lifestyles, and sex hormones have been proposed as reasons for this difference. Researchers followed over 65,000 adults aged 50 to 75 years old enrolled in the Vitamins And Lifestyle Study (VITALS) between 2000 and 2009.

Overall, men had a 55 percent higher risk of cancer at shared anatomic sites. 34 percent of the excess cancers were explained by differences in height between sexes.

For melanoma, hematologic (blood), and kidney cancers, height accounted for 57 percent, 50 percent, and 91 percent of the excess risk of cancer in men compared to women.

The authors commented that men are taller than women on average. Excess height and size means that there are more cells that might develop into cancer, more cells are dividing at any one time, and more cells are exposed to hormones and other factors that influence growth in men compared women. It turns out that estrogen, testosterone, and other natural hormones are key regulators of bone health and breakdown.

COMMON SEXUAL PROBLEMS AND THEIR NOVELTY BASED SOLUTIONS (ADVERTORIAL)

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ELLO everybody and welcome. Today is a day of huge significance. I have finally found that ultimate supplement that I have been searching for, and I have been searching for a long time. For many years now, we have dealt with common male sexual problems such as lack of erection and stamina, premature ejaculation, low semen quantity, a small sized penis and lack of intense sexual enjoyment. We deal with these issues every week and try to recommend the best available solutions that we can find for people in need. To tackle all of the above problems, one will need three or four different supplements and novelties, making it a bit expensive for the buyer. But today, we now have that one super supplement that does it all. That’s right. We found it and it is called MaXtremeZen 2000. I cannot even begin to explain all that this supplement can do. If your erection is weak, it strengthens it. If you cannot get an erection at all, MaXtremeZen 2000 will give you a powerful erection. If you experience premature ejaculation, MaXtremeZen 2000 will enable you last longer. If you have no energy for multiple rounds of intercourse, it will give you superb energy for days. If your sperm is small in quantity and light, it thickens it and increases the volume as well. If you don’t enjoy sex or want it that much, MaXtremeZen 2000 will make you want it all the time and finally, if you want a bigger penis, it enlarges your penis and makes it longer and thicker. Is there anything else that a man can possibly want from a sexual supplement? I bet if you need a visa to fly to London, it will get it for you as well.

MaXtremeZen 2000 is the most powerful supplement I have ever come across, thanks to scientific breakthroughs in modern medicine and that is not all. All you need is one capsule a week. That’s all. One capsule stays in your system for one whole week to do all of the above and starts to work within one hour of taking it. MaXtremeZen 2000 is 100% natural, is doctor designed and suitable for adult men of all ages. It

is not available in large quantities but for now we have it. So, if you are lucky enough to use it, write us and tell us all about it. Your testimonies are important because right here, we only care about what works for people.

And not to forget the women, we have three new vibrators that will put a big a smile on their faces. They are the Waterproof Turbo Glider, the Temptress Leopard Massager and the Miracle Massager Wand. All three vibrators are affordable toys of high quality and are dependable if multiple orgasms are what you are looking for. Let us now answer one or two questions from our readers.

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Do you know of anything that might help? Thanks – Ugonwa Dear Ugonwa, a good arousal gel will make all these problems go away. Get the Mood Tingling Gel. It lubricates and sensitizes the clitoris when used, making stimulation and sexual enjoyment easier. It also makes for pain free intercourse – Uche Good day sir. I hear that there is a way of maintaining my erection even after quick ejaculation. Please is it true? Akpan Yes it is true. You can achieve that through the use of a Cockring. A Cockring has the unique ability of retaining blood within an engorged penis in order for a man to maintain his erection for up to twenty minutes, even after ejaculation. So what you hear is true – Uche That’s it for today. The names of the people featured here have been changed for their privacy. Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 07086754515 or 08051924159 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com.

Zee Virtual Media delivers to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries, send your emails to custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

54 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

Basis of Nigeria’s foreign policy, by Emeka Anyaoku Prince Emeka Odukomaiya in this piece informs that former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku's new book will be presented to the public on Sunday

Sen. Chris Ngige

BY PRINCE HENRY ODUKOMAIYA

W

HAT is the Com monwealth of Nations? When and where was it inaugurated and by whom?

Are there any obligations and advantages inherent in membership of the organisation? Answers to the above questions and many clarifications on the basic plank of Nigeria’s foreign policy since the country gained political independence from Britain in 1960 will be provided to the congregation of Archbishop Vining Memori- •Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Commonweath al Church Cathedral, Ikeja, scribe on Sunday, July 14, 2013, at a lecture decorations from Nigeria (CON, CFR beginning at 4.00 pm. On hand to and a recipient of one of 50 special give the lecture will be one of Africa’s awards to mark Nigeria’s 50th indepenbest-known international civil servants dence anniversary), and the highest and the first African Secretary-Gener- national civilian honours of Cameroon, al of the Commonwealth, 80-year-old, Lesotho, Madagascar, Namibia, RepubChief Eleazar Chukwuemeka An- lic of South Africa and Trinidad & Tobayaoku. Born at Obosi, in Anambra go’s Trinity Cross (TC) as well as an State, Chief Anyaoku was educated at honorary knight of the Grand Cross of the University College, Ibadan, where the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO) from he studied as a college scholar, grad- the Queen of England in 2000. The freeuating with a London University ho- dom of the City of London was also nours degree in classics in 1959. Three bestowed on him in 1998. years later, he married Miss Ebunola In 2003, the University of London esOlubunmi Solanke; the union is tablished a professorial chair in his blessed with four children. name, the Emeka Anyaoku Professor of Chief Anyaoku was Nigeria’s Exter- Commonwealth Studies at its Institute nal Affairs Minister in 1983 before a of Commonwealth Studies. He is a military junta seized power from Pres- holder of 32 honorary doctorate degrees ident Shehu Shagari at the end of that from universities in Britain, Canada, year. Among the highlights of his 34- Ghana, Nigeria, the Republic of Ireyear service to the Commonwealth of land, Switzerland, South Africa and 54 nations was his role in making the Zimbabwe.

Commonwealth an active agent for promoting democracy and human Groundbreaking rights and his seminal role in the pro- achievements cesses leading to peace and democracy in Zimbabwe, Namibia and, in parHis publications include The Missing ticular, South Africa.

Headlines (by Liverpool University

International exposure Chief Anyaoku has had extensive international exposure and service.

Among many positions held by him are: distinguished visiting fellow at the Centre for the Study of Global Governance at the London School of Economics (2000/2002); president of the Royal Commonwealth Society with headquarters in London (2000/2006); president of the Royal Africa Society with headquarters in London (2000/ 2007); international president of the World Wide Fund for Nature with headquarters in Switzerland and operations in over 100 countries (2001/ 2009).

He is currently the chairman of the Presidential Advisory Council on International Relations in Nigeria; a trustee of the British Museum and patron of the Nigerian Museum; chairman, Orient Petroleum Resources Plc in Nigeria. Besides, he has received

Press in 1997); his memoirs: The Inside Story of the Modern Commonwealth (by Evans Brothers Limited in 2004); and The Racial Factor in International Politics (by the Nigerian Institute for International Affairs in 1977).

A biography of Emeka Anyaoku, The Eye of Fire, written by the Canadian author, Phyllis Johnson, was published

by Africa World Press Inc. and reprinted in Nigeria by Spectrum Books Limited in 2000.

Among his many ground-breaking achievements, Emeka Anyaoku, as Commonwealth Secretary-General, was the first African Chief Executive of a global inter-govermnental organisation, long before Boutros Boutros-Ghali and Kofi Annan at the United Nations; the first African international president of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), an office previously held by Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh; the first African to have a professorial chair named after him in a British university; and the first African trustee of the British Museum.

Chief Chris Uba

Ten years after Anambra Liberation Day

BY OKEY MADUFORO, Awka

This is the concluding part of this piece which was first published yesterday.

A

N army of hoodlums took on the state and hell was let loose. The army unleashed horror on the land and it became lawful to be lawless. Public and private property became victims of arson which was executed with relish. But the stoicism at which Dr. Chris Ngige took this irritating challenge was a marvel to both his friends and foes and when the thick cloud of trepidation that enveloped Anambra State was settled, he summed it up with “Dilinda el Cakago”, the carthage must be destroyed, Carthage Anambra state.

Ngige was, however, not cowed by the Carthaginian war against Anambra people, hence he liquidated backlog of pension arrears, salaries and allowances and brought succour to the rural areas through community primary health care, while the general hospital Onitsha was up-graded to the status of a federal medical centre.

He took a swipe at the state of the civil service in Anambra and ultimately instilled discipline, vigour and focus in public service, while education also benefited from the bounties of good governance. At the pick of these avalanche of accomplishment, the state election petitions tribunal delivered judgment, thereby nullifying his victory at the 2003 election. But the judgment merely enhanced his doggedness in the familiar terrain of controversy as he trudged on.

Awka tribunal judgment But his days became numbered while the Enugu appeal court looked into his appeal against the judgment of the lower tribunal and on March 16, 2006, the doomsday that has continued to be postponed came to pass and he became the victim of that embattled Rev father that refused to bow to the orders of an Emperor in Graham Greens Power and the Glory.

Ngige the then governor left office in March 16th 2006 following the Appeal Court judgment that upheld the Awka tribunal judgment heralding the emergencies of the incumbent Governor Peter Obi. Be that as it may, Anambra celebrates with nostalgia the ten years anniversary of the abduction of their governor, Dr. Chris Ngige, who according to them, almost laid down his life for the liberation of Anambra State. The decade has been a decade of stuck taking for a great number of Anambra people who feel that the liberation was a master struck that brought about gigantic socio economic development that has never been witnessed in the annals of its creation. Across section of Anambra people are of the view that had it been it was not a governor made in the mould of Dr.

Chris Ngige the state would have had a dangerous nose dive of an unimaginable proportion. They still insist that the sudden end to Ngige’s administration to a great extent slowed down the acceleration of economic development in the state occasioned by the change in calendar of governance.

According to the coordinator Anambra Rainbow coalition, Chief Ben Oranusi, Ngige's tenure has remained on equaled till date. “There is no basis for comparison at this point. When you look at the quality of basic infrastructure that Ngige put in place while in office, you would discover that it has remained strong compared to what we are seeing today. When you talk about road construction, you can agree with me that the liberation affected our road network. When you talk of the civil service you would also discover that he revived the service and injected fresh blood into the system. Have you ever asked yourself why people still want Senator Chris Ngige to return to Government House Awka seven years after he had left office? That shows that there are still so many things lacking in the governance of Anambra State.

Ngige still commands the admiration of ninety present of Anambra people and it was his refusal to dance to the music of the enemies of Anambra State that brought him close the heart Map of of the people”.

Anambra State Chief Mbazurike Amaechi the first Republic Minister for Aviation who could not speak due to ill health and was in the hospital when this reporter called, had earlier recalled how the then President Olusegun Obasanjo delegated him to resolve the matter between Ngige and his traducers and on July 10, 2003 when a reconciliation meeting was fixed the traducers struck and abducted the governor. “I felt bad about it. They could not respect an elder states man like me. They just took their stand but it all failed. Possibly the incident may have vindicated Ngige and made him loved by the people of Anambra State, But it is said that we shall look on and watch a sitting governor removed without recourse to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. One day they would want to do similar thing to the President."

Former Anambra Governor Chukwuemeka Ezeife was of the view that Ngige had the courage to stand his ground to the growth of Anambra State. Ezeife further noted that Ngige's management of the lean resources at his disposal was encouraging and opened a new vista for Anambra.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013 — 55

Egypt orders arrest of Brotherhood leader E

GYPT’S prosecutor ordered the arrest on Wednesday of the leaders of ousted President Mohamed Mursi’s Muslim Brotherhood, charging them with inciting violence in a clash that saw troops shoot 55 Mursi supporters dead.

A week after the army

toppled Egypt’s first democratically elected leader, bloodshed has opened deep fissures in the Arab world’s most populous country, with bitterness at levels unseen in its modern history. Brotherhood spokesman Gehad El-Haddad said the announcement of

charges against leader Mohamed Badie and several other senior figures was a bid by authorities to break up a vigil by thousands of Mursi supporters demanding his reinstatement.

This week’s unrest has alarmed Western donors and Israel, which has a

1979 peace treaty with Egypt. Washington, treading a careful line, has neither welcomed Mursi’s removal nor denounced it as a “coup”, which under U.S. law would require it to halt aid including the $1.3 billion it gives the army each year.

Brotherhood Leader, Badie The Brotherhood leaders were charged with inciting violence in Monday’s shootings, which began before dawn, when the Brotherhood says its followers were peacefully praying. The army says terrorists provoked the shooting by attacking its troops.

Haddad said the Brotherhood leaders had not been arrested and some were still attending the protest vigil at Rabaa Adawiya mosque. The charges against them were “nothing more than an attempt by the police state to dismantle the Rabaa protest”.

In addition to Badie, prosecutors ordered the arrest of others including his deputy, Mahmoud Ezzat, and outspoken party leaders Essam ElErian and Mohamed ElBeltagi. Khairat El-Shater, another senior leader, was held last week.

The prosecutor also ordered 206 Brotherhood activists arrested after Monday’s violence to be detained for a further 15 days on accusations of involvement in the killings. It released 464 others who had been detained, on bail of about $300 each.

US bankrolled anti-Morsi activists — Report

P

RESIDENT Barack Obama recently stated the United States was not taking sides as Egypt’s crisis came to a head with the military overthrow of the democratically elected president.

But a review of dozens of US federal government documents shows Washington has quietly funded senior Egyptian opposition figures who called for toppling of the country’s now-deposed president Mohamed Morsi.

Documents obtained by the Investigative Reporting Program at UC Berkeley show the US channeled funding through a State Department programme to promote democracy in the Middle East region.

This programme vigorously supported activists and politicians who have fomented unrest in Egypt, after autocratic president Hosni Mubarak was ousted in a popular

uprising in February 2011.

Mandela ‘responding to treatment’ — Zuma

N

ELSON Mandela is responding to treatment but remains in a critical condition, South African President Jacob Zuma said after visiting him.

South Africa is preparing to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 95th birthday on 18 July The former president and global statesman, 94, has been in hospital battling a recurring lung infection since 8 June.

President Zuma’s statement urged the public to continue “providing support and showering him with love”. People who have seen him say he remains responsive. The head of Mandela’s Thembu tribe, King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, told the AFP news agency on Wednesday that he was “conscious” when he visited his hospital in Pretoria.

56—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

Customers issued N166bn dud cheques in 2012— CBN

BY BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE & WILLIAM JIMOH

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday, said banks’ customers across the country issue N166 billion worth of dud cheques in 2012.

Commonly referred to as bounced or dishonoured cheques, dud cheques are cheques that banks cannot honour because there is no money in the account of the customer that issued it.

To curb this malpractice, CBN said that henceforth, it would forward the names of customers that issue such cheques three times to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The apex bank disclosed this in a circular issued yesterday, signed by Acting Director, Financial Policy and Regulation department, Mr. A.B Duniya.

It was entitled Re: Circular to Banks and Other financial Institutions on Dud/dishonoured cheques.

Reps reject NNPC's N384.9bn loss statement

BY EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

A

BUJA—HOUSE of Representatives Committee on Finance, yesterday, rejected N384.9 billion operational loss recorded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, between 2009 and 2011.

The committee, which was probing Federal Government’s agencies’ remittances of surplus to the Consolidated Revenue Fund, CRF, within the period under review, expressed dismay that NNPC demanded to be exempted from remitting certain parts of its operating surplus to the CRF. NNPC had argued that the

exemption should be on the basis that it had never made profits, saying that it lost crude oil to vandalism totalling 2,316,281 barrels in 2010; 6,391,311 barrels in 2011 and 3,045,625 barrels in 2012.

The total barrels lost between 2010 and 2012 was put at 11,753,217.

According to NNPC, financial losses recorded in the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors amounted to N298 billion in 2009, N110.9 billion in 2010 and N37.6 billion in 2011.

Group Executive Director, GED, Finance and Accounts, Beard Otti, who addressed the committee, said that the NNPC was not in any position to remit any surplus amount to the CRF. He said: ”Quantum of

losses are indicative of crude and pipeline vandalism and unrecovered subsidy claims.

“It seems as if we are only working for thieves and vandals. Our business model defies description.”

However, the Abdul Jubrinled committee questioned the integrity of the report as it was entirely internally computed without any input from external or a credible professional auditing firm.

The Committee further noticed inconsistent figures in the 10 percent gross margin presented against the breakdown that overshot the 10 percent by 1.17 percent.

While expressing its readiness to employ the services of professionals to investigate the NNPC’s report, it requested the corporation to finish it with details of its tax

remittances.

The Committee asked the corporation to furnish it with details and sources of how it had been meeting its operational costs since it had always been operating at a loss.

It asked the corporation to account for what it did with the left over of daily domestic crude allocation, in addition to how it gets funds for the repair of vandalised pipelines since there was no appropriation for it.

The Chairman said: “Apart from issues of vandalism and oil theft presented by the NNPC, are we looking at the issue of inefficiency on the part of the corporation?”

The director ’s appeal for three weeks to turn in the corporation’s response to the queries was also turned down by the committee.

Arik aquires new Airbus A330-200

BY LAWANI MIKAIRU

A

RIK Air has acquired a new Airbus A330200, twin-engine aircraft to enable it develop and service its new longhaul destinations.

This is one of the four A330 aircraft ordered and due to be delivered to the airline before the end of this year.

Unveiling the new aircraft yesterday in Lagos, Arik’s Senior Vice President, Operations, Captain Ado Sanusi, said it would be used to service its Bilateral Air Service Agreement ,BASA, designated routes.

Commenting on the introduction of the A330, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the airline, Dr. Michael ArumemiIkhide, said: “We constantly review our fleet requirements to ensure that the services we offer to our customers remains competitive and highly qualitative."

MEETING: From left— Dr. Gabriel Okenwa, Deputy General Manager, Zenith Bank Plc; Mr. Segun Aina, President/ Chairman of Council, Chatered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN; Senator David Mark, Senate President; Deacon Segun Ajibola, 2nd Vice President, CIBN, and Mrs. Rukayat Yusuf, Group Head, CIBN National Secretariat Annex, Abuja, during a meeting with the Senate in Abuja, yesterday.

$15m: Judgment on Delta vs FG for Sept 20 A

BUJA—FEDERAL High Court, Abuja, has set September 20 for judgment in a suit filed by Delta Government against Federal Government over ownership of $15 million.

The money is alleged to belong to a former governor.

Justice Gabriel Kolawole gave the date, yesterday, after counsel to the parties adopted their addresses.

The respondents in the suit are Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. Kolawole said the parties had 21 days within which to file the addresses, while the plaintiff (Delta State Government) had another 14

days to respond to issues bordering on point of law.

He said: “In the circumstance, therefore, the judgment is reserved for September 20.”

Delta State had approached the court to claim ownership of the $15 million.

Adopting his address, Chief Charles Ajuyah, the Attorney-General of Delta State, submitted that the idle money belonged to the state.

He said the state had sought the return of the money because “the money was taken from the coffers of the state government.”

Ajuyah argued that the plaintiff had reflected, in its

affidavit, possible sources where the money could have been taken from.

He said: “My Lord, precedence has been set by the decisions of several courts at various times when monies recovered from former governors of Plateau and Bayelsa states were repatriated to the respective states.

“In fact, EFCC and the Federal Government are not in court to claim the money because the respondents are aware that the money belongs to Delta State.

“My Lord, we are taken aback that the money, which is a source of controversy, was not listed as exhibit and placed before the court.”

In adopting his address, Mr. Rotimi Jacob (SAN), the counsel to the EFCC, said the plaintiff failed to trace the source of the money to the state.

Jacob submitted that the allusion made to the recovered Plateau and Bayelsa states’ monies by Ajuyah was wrong, because the two states were able to convince the court and the sources of those monies were traced.

He said: “In the case of Delta, no convincing traces have either been captured in their affidavit or orally presented before the court.

“It is our conviction that the plaintiff has no proof of ownership and therefore must be denied access to the money."

Vanguard , THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013—57

Doubts over Boko Haram's ceasefire

by NEF, Arewa Youths, CAN

BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North & SAM EYOBOKA

A

BUJA—THE Northern Elders’ Forum, NEF, and Arewa Youths Forum said, yesterday, that they had taken the declaration of a ceasefire

by Boko Haram sect with some caution, given the antecedents of such groups in the past.

The umbrella body of Christians in the North, the Northern Christian Elders Forum, also appears to be unimpressed by the reported ceasefire agreement reached between the Federal Government and the militant Islamist group.

Secretary-General of NEF, Professor Ango Abdullahi, and National President of Arewa Youths Forum, Alhaji Gambo Gujungu, expressed their doubts in separate interviews with Vanguard in Abuja.

Abdullahi noted that while the group received the announcement with some level

of happiness, it was too early to be too optimistic about its workability given the fact that there were many factions of the sect.

The former Ahmadu Bello University Vice Chancellor said: “Perhaps, we should accept the pronouncement as the truth for now and begin to see if it will work in the next few weeks and months.

“My fear is that perhaps, we are dealing with many Boko Harams because while one group is rooting for peace the other is causing more havoc.

“For now, we should take the optimistic view that it will work and be on the watch out.”

On his part, Gujungu doubted the sincerity of the Federal Government Amnesty Committee in bringing about a workable and lasting peace in the North.

Gujungu said that the Amnesty Committee was not sincere and could not bring about the required peace in the region. He asked Federal Government to disband the committee.

The AYF leader said: “I strongly doubt if the claims of ceasefire is genuine.

“I would advise the government to take steps to stop the killing of people in the north and to address the monumental underdevelopment and poverty in the region instead of deceiving people with unworkable ceasefire.”

Spokesman of Northern Christians, Elder Sunny Oibe, said: “For us in the North, we know that there are some factions within the ranks of the sect.

Which faction has reached the agreement with government?”

He, therefore, called for caution and urged the Goodluck Jonathan administration to be mindful of fifth columnists within his government.

July 12 for judgment on NLNG's sacked workers A

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

BUJA—SUPREME Court will, tomorrow, deliver judgment on an

appeal that was entered before it by 15 sacked workers of Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Limited, NLNG. A five-man panel of justices of the apex court led by Justice Walter Onnoghen, had on April 15 slated judgement on the matter for July 12, after it heard arguments from all the parties.

T h e plaintiffs, who were hitherto

employed as security officers by the company, through their counsel, Chief Ledu Mitee, approached the court, praying it to determine whether it was proper for the defendant to summarily terminate their employment without recourse to due process.

The workers contended that the company relieved them of their duties despite the pendency of their suit.

They told the court that though the High Court of Rivers State had on December 7, 2005 ordered their immediate reinstatement, the company refused to either comply with the judgment or pay their entitlements.

The high court had issued “an order directing the first defendant, its servants and officials to pay to the plaintiffs their accrued entitlements in the sums respectively computed in favour of each plaintiff.”

Glo marks 10th year with Phonelord

BY PRINCE OSUAGWU & WINIFRED IMONLUAMEN

G

LOBACOM, yesterday, launched a new product tagged GLO Phonelord.

The telecom company said the new product is to recognise the patronage of its teeming subscribers as it marks 10 years of operation in Nigeria.

Phonelord will enable the network’s subscribers earn rents like a landlord just for housing the Glo SIM on their phones.

It enables subscribers to receive N50 rental bonus everyday, which amounts to N1,500 on monthly basis.

According to the Co-Ordinator, marketing of the company, Mr. Niyi Olukoya, “it is gratifying to note that since Globacom came into the Nigerian telecommunications market in 2003 as the nation’s second national operator, subscribers have been so loyal to us.

"We in turn have been providing world-class telecommunications services at affordable rates to all market segments in Nigeria.”

CAN ratifies Oritsejafor's re-election

BY SAM EYOBOKA & CALEB AYANSINA

A

BUJA—IN line with the constitution that established the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, the body’s National Assembly, yesterday, ratified the re-election of Pastor Ayodele Oritsejafor to pilot the affairs of the umbrella body of Christians in the country for the next three years.

This is just as the reelected boss called for a review of understanding of Christianity in the country.

In May, a five-member electoral committee, headed by the Executive Secretary of Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, NCPC, Mr. John Opara announced the incumbent president, Pastor Oritsejafor as winner, having polled 80 votes.

His only opponent and the President/Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Baptist Convention, Rev. Samson Ayokunle, got four votes.

Other officers are expected to be appointed in due course in accordance with the constitution of the august body.

Asked by reporters for his response to the recent reports of a ceasefire between the Federal Government and the Islamist militant group, Boko Haram, the returning CAN National President made it clear that he is not averse to such moves by government.

He said: “In the past we have read about some of the factional leaders denying ever reaching any agreement with people who had claimed to negotiate on behalf of government.”

According to him, governance is all about transparency, adding that there will not be misgivings among Nigerians if government officials put their cards on the table for every Nigerian to appreciate what they are doing.

He also urged the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, to leave Christian religious bodies alone, arguing that churches were registered under Act C, which is for non-governmental organisations, while CBN’s demand is for Act F, which obtains for business organisations.

58—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

WARRI NORTH CRISIS: I won't negotiate under duress — Uduaghan •Brokers peace between Itsekiri/Ijaw leaders •Delta SSG didn’t castigate Warri Journalists—Ogeah, Information Commissioner

BY EMMA AMAIZE & EMMA ARUBI

W

ARRI—DELTA State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, yesterday, warned that he would not accept anybody putting pressure on him to negotiate for anything, whether elective or appointive positions in Warri North Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Uduaghan, who spoke at a stakeholders’ conference with leaders and representatives of Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic Delta State Commissioner for Information, Barr. Chike Ogeah flanked by Mr. Emma Amaize, Vanguard groups to proffer solutions to the South-South Regional Editor and Mr. Linus Chima, Press Secretary to Delta State Government, Warri, crisis that broke out, July 2, de- during a press briefing with Journalists yesterday at the Government House Annexe in Edjeba-Warri. scribed the Egbema Radical Photo: AKPOKONA OMAFUAIRE. Group, ERG, the militia responsible for the crisis as hooligans.

He said: “I said the issue of appointment Former chairman of Warri North, Mr. Meanwhile, the state Commissioner for as a governor, I am deeply involved in it, Michael Diden, who also spoke blamed Information, Mr. Chike Ogeah, has denied both at the state and federal levels and I the crisis on oil thieves and sea pirates, reports that the Secretary to State Governsaid I can help in that area. But for elective saying the crisis had nothing to do with ment, SSG, Mr. Ovuozorie Macaulay, castioffices, I do not have power over elective political marginalization of Ijaws in the the gated journalists in Warri for allegedly writoffices, so the Ijaws and Itsekiris in the three area as alleged by the attackers. He said ing irresponsibly and escalating the crisis.

Warri local governments should meet be- some Ijaw and Itsekiri leaders had met Ogeah, who spoke on the crisis said: “I was cause if that is not done, it could happen before the present debacle and told the boys there at the meeting. The SSG did not castithat Itskekiri might not even have a council clearly that they were criminals. gate the press that they are reporting irrechairman in any of the three Warri counDiden said government, police, army, sponsibly. SSG will not do that. He did not cils.” Uduaghan said as governor, it was not navy and DSS should assist the Ijaw and do that. his duty to convene such a meeting and Itsekiri leaders to fish out the criminals, and urged leaders of the ethnic groups in Warri not direct some selected leaders, who are Strategy to stop to address the matter. not law enforcement agents to bring them Chairman of Warri North, Mr. David Edun, out. His words: “It is not a political strugthe fight who gave a brief account of what happened gle, it is about oil bunkerers. They started at the meeting, said: “Before this very inci- with kidnapping, we called them, they left Meantime, Ijaw and Itsekiri leaders, who dent, there was a related incident in which it and went into political struggle, they now were at the stakeholders’ conference, corthree persons were kidnapped, but on July burnt Sunny Jero Zion. If we really mean roborated the claim of the governor that the 2, at 7 am, some Ijaw boys came to Gbokoda to stop this action, everybody must be inmilitia members were oil thieves and sea with speedboats, 12 of them. They told the volved.” pirates. three boys they met at the jetty to lie down, Itsekiri youth leader, Mr Ayiri Emami, Uduaghan said: “I am doing the best I can, went into the community and started shoot- who stressed the need to differentiate crimbut nobody, I repeat, nobody should put a ing. They killed five persons, moved from inality from political struggle, said before gun on my head to negotiate for anybody. there to another place, burnt other houses, the incident, security agencies were alertYou will not blackmail me to negotiate, nokilled three more persons.” ed, but they did not do much to stop the body has two heads. We all have one head crisis. He said some of the security chiefs each and you can decide to use your head Attack by Ijaw boys assured that they would take care of the positively or negatively. In this case, what situation and did nothing, until the boys happened is that some people decided to on July 2 struck. use their heads negatively. I do not want to Egbema Ijaw youth leader, Ezekiel Akhear about ERG. I plead with the media to Edun said a man, his wife and son were stop giving them attention. People who go also killed, while the rampaging boys burnt pasubowei, agreed with his Itsekiri colto the internet to send statements should not down Ebohimi. At Eghoro they killed three leagues that the Ijaw boys that carried out be given publicity for whatever they say. That persons and burnt houses. The council the action were criminals, who were fightis what is emboldening them. chairman said he contacted the Command- ing for selfish ends. He said the criminals “When the crisis started, our first strategy ing Officer, Army, in the area and other se- were threatening him and other Egbemawas to stop the fight, it was not to run to the curity chiefs, but while Itsekiri victims of the Ijaw leaders for saying that they were hoovenue of the fight. First thing was to see attack fled the communities, the hoodlums ligans.

Commissioner of Police, Delta State, Mr. how to calm things down. I am an Itsekiri. If invaded one of the communities, Ureju, and I run to the creek first, it will send a wrong looted their property. Asked by the gover- Ikechukwu Aduba and Brigadier General signal, I had to be above board in managing nor what was the present situation in the Patrick Ake, in charge of 4 Brigade, Benin City, Edo State said they were taken aback the situation and I did not want to do anyarea, he said normalcy had returned. thing that will aggravate the situation on Ijaw leader, Chief E. Ebimami, said the by the allegation by the leaders that secuground.” crisis was orchestrated by some youths who rity agencies did not live up to expectaHe said since the crisis had simmered had been advised not to take the issue of tion. Brigadier-General Ake said the army down, government would do a thorough aspolitical positions as an opportunity to cause confronted the militia and destroyed a milsessment of the situation and in collaboraviolence in the state, but they refused to lis- itant camp they set up in the creek sometion with the Delta State Oil Producing Arten to good counsel. He said that the Egbe- time ago, and was on a hot trail for them, eas Development Commission, DESOPAma-Ijaw leaders were not in support of the even at the time of the meeting.

Mr. Aduba also said the police had obDEC, to ascertain the assistance to offer havoc wreaked on the Itsekiri people and those whose property were damaged. commended them for their understanding. tained information on identities of the gunOn the issue that led to the crisis, which Chief Ebimami said he was surprised that men, which he read out openly, and called the governor and leaders from both ethnic while Egbema-Ijaw leaders told the boys not for concerted efforts to track them down. groups agreed was not political, but crimito do anything that would cause trouble in He said no group of gunmen should be nal, Uduaghan said he met with leaders of the state, they went into the creek to form allowed to hold people ransom in the state both groups sometime before the current cricamp and from there, launched attack on and security agencies need cooperation of the people to fish them out. sis, where matters of elective offices and apItsekiri communities on July 2. pointments in Warri North was raised.

Chime approves construction of new rural roads

BY TONY EDIKE

E

NUGU—ENUGU State Government has completed arrangements for reconstruction of three rural roads, in partnership with the five local government areas of the state that benefited from the roads project.

The approval for the reconstruction of the three roads was given at the State Economic Planning Commission meeting, chaired by Governor Sullivan Chime and attended by the 17 council chairmen in the state.

Briefing the press at the end of the meeting, Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chuks Ugwoke, said that in the execution of the road projects, state government will contribute seventy percent of the total contract sum, while the benefiting council area will pay thirty percent.

The roads include the 18 kilometre Amokwe junction – Umabi, Ehuhe Achi – Nkpokolo Achi Court road – within Udi and Oji River and the Afor Ugwu Health Centre - Aguobu-Owa – Ekeagu – Obeleagu Umana junction in Ezeagu local government council.

Similar approval Mr. Ugwoke said the commission gave similar approval for the construction of 12 km Orie Emene - Nkwubor Nike - Ugwuomu - Godfrey Okoye University road and added that the State Ministry of Works will scope the road, estimate the cost and carry out the necessary design before final award of contracts for the construction of the roads.

Ugwuoke, who was accompanied during the briefing by chairman of Udi local government council, Mr. Chinedu Iloeje, his Nkanu East and Igbo-Eze South counterpart, Pastor Sam Iyogwe and Festus Ozioko, said the commission used the occasion of the meeting to evaluate the progress of work done by the various local government councils in the state.

He noted that Governor Chime thanked the council chairmen for the various accomplishments in their distinct local government councils and implored them to ensure speedy completion of projects of the rural areas.

The meeting was attended by the local government council chairmen and commissioners for ministries that make up the commission.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013—59

Continued from yesterday

By EMMA NNADOZIE, Crime Editor

I

NVESTIGATIONS: After the incident, we commenced work by firstly, investigating the slain Commissioner himself so as to ascertain the motive. We extended our investigation to Kwara State where he was said to be having a land dispute, no clue, we went to his village where they said he may be involved in chieftancy dispute, no clue, we interviewed both the wife and children for hours to find out if there were any family problem, no clue. We now started working on local criminals, all known robbers, both those that were detained, released or on bail.

We even went for those on the wanted lists.

We then decided to trade freedom for information about those on the run. We even went to the prison where we discovered, to our shock, that they make use of mobile phones freely. In fact, we found out that they use phones to contact their gang members outside who carry out criminal operations. We concentrated on finding out the type of arms used by members of different gangs and cultists in and around Enugu.

“

•The CP’s bullet-ridden car

LATE CP ASADU:

How remanded criminals plot operations with cell phones in prison R-E-V-E-A-L-E-D

•Late CP, Chinwike Asadu

Criminal colleagues “One ugly incident nearly hampered our efforts during the investigation. One of our principal informants who played major role in rounding up these suspects and recovering the AK47 stolen from the police aide to the slain CP escaped death by the whiskers. He was shot by unknown gun men in daylight on a street in Enugu.

•Ugokwe Johnpaul

•Ogechukwu Collins

spent a lot of money treating him.

“After that, we now started gathering information on the type of guns used by the differ-

,

After their arrests, we now started investigating their other criminal activities, we were able to find out that they have embarked on series of killings, robberies kidnappings and rapes in Enugu and it’s environs

We later found out that it was masterminded by those suspects we earlier remanded in prison custody over the case.

We reliably gathered that after they were remanded in custody, they phoned their criminal colleagues outside and informed them about the role of the informant.

Their colleagues now went for the head of the informant and traced him to where he went to buy something in one street. They shot him on the head and he was badly hit but we made sure he survived by quickly rushing him to a hospital where police authorities

,

ent gangs we were able to identify. We got useful information about those that use English rifle (Air rifle) which was the one they used in killing the CP. We retrieved the pellets from his body.

We also were able to find out those that use AK47 and that was how we were able to recover the one stolen from the CP’s guard. We recovered it from one of the arrested suspects. That was how we rounded up those suspects we charged to court.

Crack team from Abuja Our

operations

were

•Chekwube Enete

made easier by the crack team sent down to Enugu by the IGP. One Assistant Commissioner of Police in-charge of Intelligence, Innocent Okeanonife and homicide detectives in Enugu led by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Elvis Wayemeru, were very instrumental to assisting the detectives on the ground led by the Assistant Commissioner of police guard. They started opening up.

Most of them pointed accusing fingers on the fleeing kingpin, Mbala whom they said is their leader. Significantly, they are all cultists for they confessed to being members of different confraternities in Enugu.

Criminal exploits “After their arrests, we now started investigating their other criminal activities. We were able to find out that they have embarked on series of killings, robberies, kidnappings and rapes in Enugu and it’s environs. For instance, on the 28th of December, 2012, at about 8pm, members of the gang invaded a beer parlor at

•Ugochukwu Nnaji

Amandure-Otuku in Emene, a suburb of Enugu and shot three young men, Sunday Ugbor, Ifeanyichukwu Ohagwam and Izuchukwu, dead.

A six-year-old boy was hit by their stray bullet as they were escaping from the scene. The shells of their bullet is still with the police. They did not collect anything from the drinking joint. Earlier, we found out from police records that between April, 15, 2012 and 21st February, 2013, they conspired among themselves to commit series of armed robberies.

In the same vein, on February 15, 2013, at Mount Avenue close to Idaw River in Enugu North, members of the gang robbed one Offia Nonso of one Toyota Yaris with registration number, MUS 139 BC, two ATM cards, one wallet, two mobile phones, wedding rings, wrist watch, drivers licence, traveling bag and the sum of N160,000.00.

They also reportedly robbed one Desmond Eze and his customers of mobile phones, cash, wallets and wrist watches on February 21, 2013. The gang further robbed one Okoh Chris-

•Chukwuma Okwuosa tian of his Infinity SUV with registration number DQ 460 FST valued at N2.1million and other items on April 27, 2012.

Other robbery exploits were traced to the gang by police detectives on various dates in the same Enugu and the case was also charged to court. Interestingly, it was discovered that the gang uses the same defense counsel each time they are in police net.

During the course of our investigations, it was not possible to speak with the suspects individually as both the police and prison authorities insisted that it was only the court that can grant such request.

However, it was also gathered that detectives are frantically combing every part of the country and beyond in search of the fleeing leader of the vicious gang, Mbala, who is also suspected to be engaged in criminal operations with other hardened criminals both outside and inside prison. It is believed that his arrest will open the key to other puzzles that surrounded the death of the amiable and unassuming Commissioner of Police.

60 — VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

FIFA U-20 W/Cup: 10-man France stop Ghana A

brace from Florian Thauvin secured a 2-1 victory for 10-man France over Ghana in a World Cup Under-20 semifinal encounter at the Ataturk Stadium in Bursa, Turkey on Tuesday evening.

A second half stunner from Ebenezer Assifuah was not enough to help the Black Satellites to their second final in four years.

Ghana, with most of the home support backing them were unable to continue their good run in the tournament and went down for a second time to European heavyweights France.

Les Bleuets beat the Ghanaians 3-1 on the opening day of the competition.

France had the lion’s share of opportunities at goal during the first half of the encounter, testing Ghanaian keeper Eric Antwi on countless occasions.

French young player of the year Florian Thauvin proved to be a particular thorn in the side of the Black

Satellites and it was he who opened the scoring in the 43rd minute of the game.

Thauvin played a neat one-two Jean Christophe Baheback before shaking off his marker, rounding the keeper and sticking the ball into the back of the net.

Ghana nearly found an immediate equaliser on the stroke of halftime through Frank Acheampong.

The midfielder though could only manage to head his attempt from close range over the crossbar.

France who had a total of 20 attempts at goal in the first stanza went into the break, deservedly in front thanks to a goal from Thauvin.

Drogba turns down Mourinho’s offer I

VORY Coast and Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has reportedly turned down an offer by Chelsea new boss Jose Mourinho to return to Stamford Bridge.

Madrid set to make Ronaldo World’s highest-paid player

R

EAL Madrid are reportedly set to make Cristiano Ronaldo the highest-paid player in the world as they try to wrap up a new contract with the 28y e a r - o l d .

Ronaldo—who is currently making £215,000 per week according to The Sun— confirmed earlier this

•Ronaldo

France hero, Thauvin beats the Ghanaian defence to score the opener in yesterday's match

week that his immediate future remains with Real Madrid.

He emphasized that he would not be leaving the club over the summer transfer window (per ESPN).

And according to The Telegraph, Madrid are now reportedly prepared to reward Ronaldo with an exuberant weekly salary as part of a new contract at the club.

Real Madrid bought Ronaldo from Manchester United in 2009 for £80 million, making him the most expensive player transfer in the world (per BBC Sport). Thus, if anyone were likely to match Eto’o’s incredible salary, it would be the P o r t u g u e s e international—especially given his 201 goals in 199 appearances for Los Blancos.

Drogba according to his agent Ceylan Çal??kan as reported on the Turkish football official website has turned down a return to Chelsea to remain at Galatasaray. Çal??kan in a statement confirmed the refusal of Drogba to reunite with the man who brought him to Chelsea in 2004.

“Jose Mourinho called Drogba and told him he would like to see him back at Chelsea.

“Drogba and Mourinho have a great relationship, they both respect each other very highly however, Drogba is very happy at Galatasaray and informed his former coach that he has no intentions of leaving the club,” Çal??kan said on turkish-football.com The striker who joined Galatasaray from Shanghai Shenhua in January, scoring five goals and making six assists in the Lions Turkish Süper Lig title winning season was signed by Mourinho to Chelsea in 2004 for €24 million and the pair went on to win two Premier League titles and a FA Cup together.

Real ready to ruin Arsenal Suarez bid

R

•Mourinho

•Drogba

C

EAL MADRID are ready to hijack Arsenal’s bid to land Luis Suarez.

The wantaway Liverpool striker yesterday revealed he has “two or three options” but scoffed at reports he is about to join Chelsea.

Real president Florentino Perez is set to offer Liverpool a whopping £40million for the Uruguayan - just days after the Reds turned down a £30m bid from the Gunners.

Suarez declared: “My agent is in charge, he knows what I want.

“It is good to know I am valued by teams like Arsenal.

Tevez: I’m not fat

ARLOS TEVEZ has insisted: I’m not fat.

Reports in Italy claimed new club Juventus were not happy with the striker’s weight during his medical as part of his transfer from Manchester City last month.

The Serie A giants allegedly found the Argentine to be SIX KILOGRAMS too heavy

and would be monitoring his situation closely during pre-season.

But Tevez, 29, said: “I’ve not yet arrived at Juventus and there are some that claim I am overweight and have to lose six kilos.

“But I have not yet been weighed. It makes me laugh to hear certain things. Juventus have not told me anything in this sense.”

Tevez also revealed he believes his international career is over.

The former West Ham and Manchester United hitman has not featured for Argentina since 2011 and does not expect to play at the 2014 World Cup. He explained: “Everyone knows that I love the Albiceleste shirt, but I certainly do not miss it.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013— 61

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62 — VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

146-Goals scandal: Heads must role — Umeh

BY JACOB AJOM

H

EAVY penalty awaits the dramatis personae in the show of shame involving four clubs in the Nigeria Amateur League.

Matches involving the clubs namely Plateau United Feeders and Akurba FC on the one hand, and Police Machine versus Babayaro FC on the other produced a combined record 146 goals.

The match between Plateau Feeders and Akurba FC ended 79-0 in favour of Plateau while the other match between Police Machine and Babayaro FC recorded a 67-0 scoreline in favour of Police Machine.

“This is a national disgrace of the highest proportion. We are number one in Africa and

we are held highly all over the soccer world.

Why should we stoop so low? Were they playing basketball or football?”

Chief Mike Umeh, First Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation and a member of NFF Disciplinary and Organising Committee asked, in a chat with Sports Vanguard.

Chief Umeh said the D and O Committee was still expecting the match commissioner ’s report.

“We are yet to get the report but I can assure you that every individual involved in those matches; the referees, match commissioners, club officials, players, even the state FA officials and everybody that had a role to play in the two games have some explaining to do,” Umeh said.

T

Action recorded during a Nigerian league match

Results Continues from BP Nigerian Nationwide League Division 3. The matches went on simultaneously and Plateau and Police Machines were in contention for promotion.

Chief Emeka Inyama, the Chairman of the NFF Media and Publicity Committee promised more sanctions for the offenders that have rubbished and brought disrepute to Nigerian football.

“It is a shame. It is annoying. It is criminal.

It is a scandal. It is ridiculous. It has dealt Nigeria and Nigerian football a devastating blow. And we are going to punish those found to have a hand in this ugly, embarrassing incident”, Inyama still fuming said.

He asked “Was it Basketball?”. Without waiting for answers he said “even Basketball cannot produce such outrageous results without their opponents scoring even once. Does it mean that there were no throw-ins, free-kicks, corner-kicks etc?. It is unbelievable!. If this dirty deal can happen in C M Y K

our amateur level, what does it portend for us?”, a shocked Inyama asked.

Police Machine were trying to score more goals than Plateau United Feeder, who were playing Akurba, in the race to win promotion to the lowest tier of the Nationwide League Division. Inyama said that they might involve the police since its a criminal offence. “We’re still investigating.

Maybe, the Police might be brought in”.

As information about scorelines was swapped between the two venues, which were about 4 kilometres apart, the madness began in the second halves.

A journalist, who does not want to be identified to protect his own safety, was at one of the matches on Saturday, and told BBC Sport that things went bizarre in the second half.

Feeders scored 72 of their goals in the second half, while Police Machine found the net 61 times after the break in their game.

“In the second half we start witnessing

NFF to send delegation to Achebe’s burial

outrageous own goals, free-kicks and terrible goalkeeping,” he said.

“Feeders blasted goal after goal past Bubayaro. Officials of the club turned into emergency ball boys, instead of retrieving the ball from the net, they quickly threw another ball into the centrecircle.

“It was ridiculous, because the losing side [Bubayaro] didn’t make any effort and the officiating was abysmal with controversial calls being made and unaccounted additional minutes played. “Some people were on their mobile phones updating officials at the other venue. A shameful scene at that.”

Even when an official did try and take action he was thwarted.

“The coordinator of Bauchi centre was threatening to arrest all the people involved but players and officials disappeared after the game,” the journalist continued.

The result would have meant Plateau Feeders were promoted on goal difference.

Pelligrini vows to win EPL title

M

A N U E L PELLEGRINI has vowed to rip the Premier League title from Manchester United’s grasp.

Manchester City ’s new boss met the English media for the first time today — and immediately made it clear his brief was to reclaim the balance of power from the club’s arch-rivals.

Pellegrini said: “I know the last two years were not very good in the Champions League and I will try to improve that.

“That’s not the only thing, though, and I will try to get another Premier League title.

“When City won the league in 2012 it was one of the most important things for the club and we will try to repeat it.”

1st Delta Golf tourney ends tomorrow

O

VER 350 Professional and Amateur golfers are participating in the 1st Delta State Open Golf Tournament which will end tomorrow at the Ibori Golf and Country Club Asaba.

Some of the players

Club owner

Continues from BP repute out of desperation.”

He added: “I have written a petition to the (state) police in Bauchi to investigate this shame and arrest anyone found to be involved.”

drawn from Nigeria and neighbouringWest Africa countries were in full spirits as they engaged in the Tee-Off on Tuesday.

Captain of the Club Hon. Daniel Mayuku disclosed that the winner of the professional category will go home with N10 million prize money, while the winner of the amateur category gets a return ticket to Dubai.

Hon Mayuku expressed optimism that the tournament will boost economic and tourism activities and complement Governor Uduaghan’s Delta Beyond Oil initiative with emphasis on Human Capital Development.

HE Nigeria Football Federation will tomorrow send a strong delegation to Ogidi, Anambra State, for the burial of late P. O. C. Achebe, a former Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Association who died in Atlanta, USA on March 9.

The body of the former three times scribe of the Nigeria Football Association will be laid to rest in Ogidi, his home town tomorrow.

Late Philip Onuora Chikaodili Achebe was thrice the Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Association.

Achebe was one of only two Nigerians to have headed the secretariat of the former Nigeria Football Association thrice.

He is remembered for his integrity, hard work and ability to groom people. Achebe was famous for bringing up talents like celebrated former Secretary Generals of the Nigeria Football Association, Late Patrick Okpomo and Sani Toro.

Minister Continues from BP Press Secretary to the Minister, Julius Ogunro said that the Minister was visibly angry and shocked at the results.

“He was highly angry and scandalized by those results. He has done a letter to the NFF to explain the meaning of such results that will not only bring the game of football to disrepute but also paint Nigeria in bad colours”, Ogunro told Tony Ubani yesterday on our hotline.

Plateau United Feeders beat Akurba FC 79 – 0 while Police Machines hit Bubayaro FC 67 -0 in Nigerian Nationwide League Division 3. The matches went on simultaneously and Plateau and Police Machines were in contention for promotion.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013— 63

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

Page 62

Abracadabra Results •Police step in

Owner of 67-0 losers disbands team

•NFF promises more sanctions

T

HE owner of Nige rian side Bubayaro, Shuaibu-Gara Ahmed Gombe, has disowned and disbanded the club after their 67-0 loss at the hands of Police Machine.

Gombe, who was in Lagos when the games were played, said he had ordered the team not

BY TONY UBANI

T

HE Nigeria Foot ball Federation, NFF, is yet to come to terms with the soccer abracadabra that saw two teams recording 146 goals in two matches.

Plateau United Feeders beat Akurba FC 79 – 0 while Police Machines hit Bubayaro FC 67 -0 in

to play the match but he was ignored by team officials.

“As soon as I heard the result I disbanded the team,” he told BBC Sport.

It’s disappointing that some people would bring the game to dis Continues on Page 62

•Gara Gombe

Minister queries NFF C M Y K

•Abdullahi

Continues on Page 62

AS the world continues to express outrage over the scandalous football results turned out by two Nigerian amateau clubs that produced 146 goals in two matches, Sports

Minister and Chairman of National Sports Commission, NSC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi has queried football-ruling body, NFF. Continues on Page 62

•Maigari

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 4 Composition (5) 7 Odd (6) 9 Obese (3) 10 Deity (3) 12 Steam-bath (5) 13 Sit (4) 15 Corroded (5) 17 Immune (6) 19 Bitter (4) 20 Vision (5) 22 Guided (3) 24 Least (7) 27 Spasm (3) 28 Oared (5) 31 Stud (4) 33 Kine (6) 35 Holiness (5) 37 Limping (4) 38 Genuflected (5) 39 Age (3) 41 Frozen (3) 42 Resist (6) 43 Demise (5)

DOWN 1 Leapt (6) 2 Tenant (6) 3 Pin (3) 4 Orient (4) 5 Corsets (5) 6 Declare (8) 8 Standard (4) 11 Copy (9) 14 Test (4) 16 Stalk (4) 18 Issue (4) 21 Forsake (8) 23 Arrow (4) 25 Precise (4) 26 Sprawl (4) 29 Arm (6) 30 Enhance (6) 32 Cleave (5) 34 Novice (4) 36 Irritation (4) 40 Appropriate (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Paid 4, Pad 6, Thaw 9, Rod 10, Disclose 11, Edam 14, Fit 16, Steed 19, Consider 21, Renew 23, Detonate 24, Waltz 27, Tie 31, Stir 33, Presence 34, Ore 35, Grew 36, Rut 37, Lady.

How to Play Sudoku

DOWN: 2, Arid 3, Luck 4, Provided 5, Deep 6, Treat 7, Hod 8, Adage 12, Screw 13, Angel 14, Fir 15, Tenet 17, Equal 18, Dared 20, Reticent 22, Woe 25, Actor 26, Threw 28, Spar 29, Tell 30, Acid 32, Ire.

TWO WEEKS TO LIVE

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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