PDP Crisis: Rebel govs frustrating peace moves — Presidency

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 61966

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

Peace returns as Olu of Warri reverts to 'Ogiame' title 56

FG stops NAICOM's budget, suspends insurance licences

N150

Bank to raise N167bn for Lagos Ibadan Expressway

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PDP CRISIS:

Rebel govs frustrating peace moves — Presidency •Jonathan meets IBB, Ali, others •Asks Okupe, Gulak to shut up •Tukur moves against Kwankwaso

BY SONI DANIELS, BEN AGANDE & HENRY UMORU

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BUJA —THE crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP deepened, yesterday, ahead of the peace meeting scheduled for

last night to resolve the lingering dispute in the party. Presidency officials expressed frustration that the seven rebel governors have perfected plans to cripple

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COLUMNISTS:

ROTIMI FASAN •P.19 •P.24

DEAR BUNMI •P.34

Mr & Mrs

WARRI —Top left: Comrade Omolubi Newuwumi, an Itsekiri youth leader lifted shoulder high after news that Olu of Warri had rescinded his edict, yesterday. Top right: Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor and other chiefs addressing the people. Below left: The crowd outside the palace. Below right: Masquerades barricading the gate before the announcement. Photos: Akpokona Omafuaire.

2— —Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

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4—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

POCKET CARTOON

VISIT—From left: Sir Chika Okafor, Chairman, Chicason Group; Alhaji Sani Dangote, Director, Dangote Group; Chief Edem Duke, Minister for Tourism, Culture and National Orientation and Emeka Ugwu-Oju, Deputy Chairman, Association of Cold Rolled Steel Manufacturers, Nigeria at an event hosted by Kenyan President, Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta for a delegation of the Nigerian business community that accompanied President Goodluck Jonathan to a State Visit in Kenya last week.

Rebel govs frustrating peace moves — Presidency Continues from Page 1

the peace process.

A top Presidency official told Vanguard, last night, that despite the fact that the President is in a reconciliatory mood, the rebel governors have refused to deal honestly

with him and leaders of the party.

The official cited instances where the rebel governors would be invited to meetings but instead of attending they would divide themselves with some attending and others staying away.

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

When it comes to identifying a real leader…the proof of leadership is found in the followers. Dear Leader, who are your followers?

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without inhibitions for newer and richer experience — Eleanor Roosevelt

T

HERE is a beautiful saying that “if you want a happy ending, that depends, of course, on where you stop your story.” For me, happy endings depend on how I choose to tell a story. In a recent discuss with a friend, he says to me that happiness is an attitude, a choice one makes, and a grateful heart brings this attitude about. Whenever we find ourselves complaining about the smallest things sometimes, we are making a choice of not being grateful but if we can stop in the moment and find something to be grateful for, or even say a prayer of gratitude, like sunshine streaming through our hearts, the gratefulness returns. Abundance flourishes in a grateful heart.

This sharing brings an intrinsic spiritual value that is so meaningful for living a richer life. The beautiful thing about telling our story, is that we choose to selectively retain the experiences that are uplifting, no one else can tell our stories of survival, compassion and love better than us but as we live our truth each moment we are reminded of the tremendous ways to understand and appreciate our purpose for being here.

Albert Einstein sums it beautifully: “We’re so busy watching out for what’s just ahead of us that we don’t take time to enjoy where we are. Life is a preparation for the future; and the best preparation for the future is to live as if there were none.” Just try and live in the moment.

The official gave as example the last peace process chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He said that when the meeting was on the verge of a breakthrough, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, who stood for the dissenting governors said that he could not speak for his colleagues, stating that he would have to go back and consult them.

The official expressed fears the game plan could frustrate last night’s peace plan. He feared that not all the dissenting governors would attend which would be an excuse for decisions to be shelved so that the governors in attendance can go and consult their colleagues.

The official cited the last elders’ meeting held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. He said that the rebel governors were represented by the Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso. According to him, like the Obasanjo meeting frustrated by Governor Amaechi, when the meeting was on the verge of a breakthrough, Governor Kwankwaso stood up and said that he wanted to visit the rest room and that was the last they heard from him.

Beyond the antics of the rebel governors, the National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur

has moved to clip the wings of Kwankwaso by sacking the Kano State Working Committee, SWC, that is loyal to the governor. Alhaji Tukur also yesterday asked an Ikeja High Court to commit factional chairman of the party, Alhaji Kawu Baraje and his executives to prison for violating a court order.

Meanwhile, as part of moves to resolve the deep-seated crisis in the PDP, President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday met with former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and former National Chairman of the party, Dr Ahmadu Ali. The President also warned his aides to desist from attacking his critics.

Jonathan meets IBB, Ali It was gathered that President Jonathan met Babangida and Ali between 1 and 2pm at House Seven at the Villa.

The meeting was a prelude to a meeting of PDP stakeholders who were billed to meet last night to resolve the crisis that has plagued the ruling party since its special convention penultimate week.

The aggrieved governors have since set up a rival faction dubbed the new PDP complete with office and officials though the office was sealed on Sunday by the police allegedly on a subsisting court order.

Though former president Olusegun Obasanjo has initiated a peace move to reconcile the aggrieved members of the party, the peace move appears to have been stalled as the two parties have remained stuck on their positions.

After meeting with Babangida and Ali, President Jonathan also met with the governors of Akwa-Ibom, Delta and Benue states.

tional Youth Leader, Dr. Sanni Akilu Indabawa, among others, who are not in Kwankwaso’s camp.

Tukur ’s action was a fallout of the current crisis in the PDP where the Kano State governor is a leading figure of the new PDP led by Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje.

A source told Vanguard yesterday that the PDP headquarters was cashing-in on the expiration of the tenure of the Adamu Aliyu Sumailaled Kano PDP Executive Council to enthrone its loyalists as care-taker executives ahead of the PDP National Convention where the Presidential flag bearer of the party for 2015 election will be elected.

Tukur had earlier threatened to wield the sledgehammer against the ‘dissidents’ whose major grouse had to do with the absence of internal democracy within the PDP and Kwankwaso has not hidden his disgust for Tukur ’s style of leadership.

Tukur lived up to his threat by instituting a legal action against the Baraje faction, leading to the sealing of their secretariat by the Police over the weekend.

This plan, it was learnt, was to wrest the leadership of the party from the governor who is also serving out his term by 2015. The proposed caretaker committee is expected to consist of core loyalists of President Goodluck Jonathan and sworn political enemies of the governor.

We’ll set up a Why Tukur moved caretaker against committee for Kwankwaso Kano – Metu At the National Secretariat of the PDP yesterday to carry out the bidding of Tukur were Nigeria’s ambassador to China, Ambassador Aminu Wali; former Speaker, House of Representatives, Umar Ghali Na’aba, and former Na-

Speaking with journalists on the development, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh who noted that some members from Kano State were at the secretariat with some complaints, said that the NWC will look at the issues and set up a care-

taker committee to carry on with the activities of the party following the expiration of the state executive committee on August 14, 2013, adding, “ in view of this, since nature abhors vacuum, a caretaker committee will be put in place soon.”

Vanguard gathered that already, jostling for Kano chairmanship seat has commenced with the Garkuwa group, known to consist of Kwankwaso’s political enemies in the state positioning retired Colonel Habibu Shuaibu to take over leadeship mantle of the party.

It was also gathered that some persons from the North may not be comfortable with Shuaibu, who was chief of staff to former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida.

Tukur, it was gathered is already pushing for Alhaji Akilu Indabawa, a former Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Political Affairs.

Stop attacking people in my name, Jonathan warns Gulak, Okupe As party elders intensified efforts to douse the tension generated by the festering crisis, President Jonathan has warned his close aides to desist forthwith from attacking Nigerians under the guise of defending him.

A Presidency source told Vanguard last night that Jonathan took the decision to censor some of his aides, who he accused of stoking the crisis by vitriolic media assaults on prominent Nigerians since the crisis broke out.

The source said that Jonathan was unhappy that the affected aides had made it almost impossible for the spirited efforts being made by elders and stakeholders to resolve the lingering crisis, to yield the expected results.

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12-year-old girl commits suicide in Bayelsa

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ENAGOA — A 12-YEAROLD girl, Monday, allegedly committed suicide in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the police told the News Agency of Nigeria, yesterday.

Mr Alex Akhigbe, Bayelsa Police Public Relations Officer, told NAN that the girl allegedly hanged herself early on Monday.

He said: “Yes, police have confirmed the death of the young girl, who killed herself behind her father’s house early in the morning, yesterday (Monday).

“The police have also evacuated the corpse from the scene and deposited it in the mortuary. The corpse is still awaiting autopsy.

“It was a very strange act and a surprise to see a young girl of that age take her life; it is a real mystery.”

He, however, said that investigations were ongoing in the matter to establish the motive behind the girl’s alleged action.

“Her parents have not talked to the police. We are still investigating to get to the root of the matter," he said.

I abandoned my wife because of infidelity, man tells court

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AGOS — A WELDER, Mr Sulaimon Waheed, 32, yesterday, told an Igando Customary Court in Lagos that he abandoned his wife, Caroline, eight years ago due to adultery.

Sulaimon was responding to a divorce suit filed by 30-yearold Caroline, seeking dissolution of her 10-year-old marriage over abandonment by her husband.

He said: “My wife is an adulterous woman. On two occasions, I caught her with a man in our room and she vowed never to do such again, but my wife refused to keep her promise.

“She still moved around with different men; so, I had to pack out of the house to save myself from the shame.”

Sulaimon also denied the paternity of the last child in the home, claiming that Caroline conceived the child two months after he packed out.

He said: “I am not the father of the last child. She gave birth to the child 11 months after I packed out of the house; definitely, the baby cannot be mine.”

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Collapsed Yar'randa bridge where 23 passengers died in Charnachi, Katsina State, Monday. PHOTO: NAN

23 die as vehicles crash into collapsed bridge in Katsina K

ATSINA — NO fewer than 23 persons were feared killed in multiple crashes, when their vehicles crashed into a collapsed bridge in Yar’randa village, Charanchi Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The first crash involved a bus conveying 24 passengers, which plunged into the bridge few minutes after its collapse, Monday night.

According to eyewitness, the bridge collapsed at 9.30p.m. due to the downpour and moments after, the bus with number plate XA 328 KZR, conveying passengers from Kano to Katsina, fell into the bridge.

The villagers said efforts to alert the bus driver was to no avail as he was on high speed.

The bus and the passengers were swept by the heavy current and some of the dead bodies were recovered miles away in Ajiwa area, the villagers and officials told NAN. It was also gathered that only two of the passengers in the bus, including a student of Federal College of Education, Bichi in Kano State, survived the incident.

The student, Jamilu AminuElder, who was seen at the scene, could not speak to NAN as he was still in shock.

10 bodies recovered The police said 10 bodies had been recovered and deposited at the mortuary of General Hospital, Kankia while the search for 12 others was ongoing.

Similarly, another person

was reported dead when the vehicle he was in, a Mitsubishi truck, fell into the water at 5 a.m, Tuesday.

Two other persons in the vehicle, however, survived, while a motorcycle rider with a passenger, who also plunged into the collapsed bridge were rescued.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Bala Senchi, who vis-

ited the scene, confirmed the story, but said the police were not clear on the number of death as the search for the missing passengers was still on.

He said policemen had been deployed to the area to control traffic and prevent further accident at the scene.

Malam Rabi’u Ibrahim, Permanent Secretary, state Min-

istry for Works and Housing and an official of Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA, had visited the scene to assess the damage.

Ibrahim said a report would be forwarded to the Katsina State Government for prompt intervention.

He condoled with the families of the deceased persons and prayed for the repose of the souls of those who died.

6 killed, villages razed in A-Ibom zAs youths protest non-payment of compensation by oil firms

BY TONY NYONG

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YO — NO fewer than six persons have been killed, while some villages in Effiat, namely: Inua Abasi, Mbe Ndoro, Ibuot Uton, Utan Brama, and Utan Effiong in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, were sacked by irate youths.

The youths set homes on fire during a protest over lack of basic amenities and non-payment of compensation by the oil companies operating in the areas.

It was gathered that the crisis started last week but escalated yesterday.

Thousands of the fleeing villagers are currently taking refuge at Ibaka beach with household items rescued from the inferno.

The rampaging youths also accused two prominent sons of the area of depriving them of their entitlements and di-

verting to their private pockets, monies paid by the oil companies for the development of the communities.

Speaking with Vanguard on phone, one of the youth leaders of Mbo Youth Forum, who declined to give his name, said that they were disappointed by the greed of their prominent brothers, who have turned round to betray the communities.

He said: “Six people died as a result of this denial and deprivation only last week, and no one knows how many lives would have been lost today (yesterday).

"We had written to the Presidency, the state government, the police and the other security formations of the gross misconduct of those two individuals, but there has been no response.

“We fought with the oil companies and they agreed to be paying compensation, which

they have not been paying to us as host communities, but the two persons involved connived with the companies and collect a monthly compensation of over N32 million, which they continue to share.”

The youths alleged that a gubernatorial aspirant, who is running a community surveillance contract with the oil companies and a certain chief in the area, colluded to deprive the communities of their due.

Trouble, it was learnt, started when two surveillance boats belonging to the two prominent sons working for the oil companies were seized by the youths, after efforts to get the two to release the monies as agreed failed.

Mr. Etim Etim Etisong, a victim, who narrated his ordeal to Vanguard, said: “I have lost my medicine and provision shop and my 15 rooms bungalow apartment. How and where do I start from?”

8—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

FG stops NAICOM's budget, suspends new insurance licences zInaugurates new board

BY EMMA UJAH, Abuja Bureau Chief

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BUJA—P R E S I D E N T Goodluck Jonathan’s administration has wielded the big stick against the insurance subsector as it suspended issuance of new licences for insurance companies and stopped budgetary allocations to National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, the regulatory body of the subsector.

Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Ngama, announced the decisions at the inauguration of the new board of NAICOM in Abuja, yesterday.

Dr. Ngama said that any new investor interested in the sub-sector of the financial industry should buy distressed or moribund insurance companies, recapitalise and run them.

He disclosed that there were too many distressed insurance companies and that as such “local and foreign investors are encouraged to buy two or three of these distressed insurance companies, merge them, recapitalise and run them.”

He directed the new board, which has former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche, as Chairman, not to “yield to pressure”.

He said: “We have so many insurance companies that are just on the shelf, distressed. But it is either we liquidate them or get some serious people to take them over.

“So there is no need to issue new licences when they have several licences to take over.

As it is in banking

“It is just like the banking system. If we have so many distressed banks, why should we issue a new licence to a bank? Why not buy one of the distressed ones and restructure it?

“That is why the sector does not have a single distressed bank. So the same thing with insurance. We

have so many of them. Anybody that is interested in investing in them, you are welcome.”

The minister charged the new board to effectively regulate and supervise the industry, which he said needed urgent steps to reposition it to play its roles in the nation’s economy, saying “this is the last time NAICOM will get one kobo from the budget.”

He criticised operators in the industry, whom he accused of creating the current distress in most insurance companies, due to their refusal to embrace good corporate governance.

Okonjo-Iweala tasks new board

In her remarks, Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, urged Nwuche

and his team to work hard at repositioning the industry, such that it could support the nation’s economy.

She said it was that desire that gave birth to a section of the members of what she described as “a strong board” with the capacity to add value to insurance business in the country.

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Nwuche pledged to lead a board that would work assiduously to return the country’s insurance industry to its past glory and make it attractive for Nigerians to buy policies, once again.

He said that there were great potentials that could be tapped into for the industry to grow astronomically and that issues about integrity and depth would be closely looked into to revamp the sub-sector.

SEC boss reacts

In a related development, Director-General of Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Ms. Arunma Oteh, has called for greater attention for microinsurance.

Speaking at the international micro-insurance conference organised by NAICOM in Abuja, she said: “What we want is for Nigerians to be able to participate in the economy and I believe that micro-insurance is absolutely essential in that regard.

“If we do not focus on microinsurance, we will not transform our society.”

She said that a stronger insurance industry in the country would translate to a stronger capital market, which would also rob off on other sectors of the economy.

INSECURITY: US, UK, Israel, Austria, others to aid Nigeria

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

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BUJA—UNITED States of America, Israel, the United Kingdom and Austria are among the countries that have indicated interest to bring their security expertise and gadgets to Nigeria in a bid to tackle security challenges facing the country.

This was made known, yesterday, in a media breakfast organised by the Security Guards Limited through one of its arms, Nigeria Security Exhibition and Conference, NISEC, in Abuja to announce its first edition of international conference on security holding next year.

Director for Government/ Military and Police/Civil Relations of NISEC, Major-Gen. Dung Chong, said the annual international security event, aimed at strengthening the country’s security, was a unique and strategic homeland security event that would draw international security experts across the globe.

FINANCE CONFAB: From left— Chief Oba Otudeko, Chairman of the occasion; Dr. Suleiman Barau, Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria; Mr. Segun Aina, President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, and Dr. Yerima Ngama, Minister of State for Finance, during the seventh annual Banking and Finance Conference of Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria in Abuja.

Infrastructure Bank to raise N167bn for Lagos-Ibadan Expressway F EDERAL Government has mandated the Infrastructure Bank Plc to raise N167 billion for the reconstruction of the 127-kilometre Lagos-Ibadan dual carriage way.

Mr. Adekunle Oyinloye, Managing Director of the bank, disclosed this, yesterday, in a statement in Abuja.

He said the bank would leverage on its financial expertise and culture of excellence in its partnership with Federal Government on the reconstruction of the expressway.

Oyinloye said that his bank was glad to have been able to provide the financial engineering to ensure the bankability of the project and would raise the requisite capi-

tal to execute the project Oyinloye said Federal Government, through the Ministry of Works, mandated the Infrastructure Bank, a specialised development finance institution, to raise N167 billion for the reconstruction of the 127km Lagos-Ibadan dual carriageway.

He said the bank was the transaction adviser and the leader of a consortium of local and international financiers as well as investors to provide the required funding for the project.

Oyinloye said: “The project is now to be completed in a record time of 24 to 30 months as opposed to the 48 months initially proposed by the con-

tractors.”

Oyinloye said the bank was providing cutting-edge advisory services for the project, while it would continue to work with Federal Government towards timely completion of the project.

He called on other Nigerian banks to channel their pool of funds into the development of infrastructure, adding that Nigerian banks must help to unlock the nation’s potential by financing the development of its infrastructure.

At the flag-off ceremony of the project in July, President Goodluck Jonathan had said: “The road is an important economic artery that connects our nation’s economic nerve cen-

tre to many of the states of our federation.

“This strategic national infrastructure is, therefore, of great socio-economic importance, not only to Nigeria, but also to the people of Africa.”

Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, described the project as further evidence of the unwavering commitment of President Jonathan to transform the nation’s transport infrastructure.

He said Federal Government was delighted to have worked closely with the Infrastructure Bank in structuring innovative financing solution for the rehabilitation and expansion of the expressway.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013—9

CONSULTATIONS: From left— Prof. Sylvester Monye, Special Adviser on Projects Monitoring and Evaluation to the President; Mr. Nyesom Wyke, Minister of State for Education; Mr. Bethel Amadi, Chairman, House Committee on Planning and Economic Development, and Governor Godswill Akpabio ofAkwa Ibom State, after closed-door consultations with President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: Abayomi Adeshida.

Why we shunned PDP's post-convention dinner— nPDP zWe 'll not exchange words with our aggrieved brothers— PDP

BY HENRY UMORU

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BUJA—THE Abubakar Baraje-led Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said, yesterday, that they stayed away from the post-convention dinner organised by National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, because they could not be part of what they described as ‘squandermania.’

In a statement, yesterday, by National Publicity Secretary of new PDP, Chief Chukwuemeka Eze, the Baraje-led PDP said they decided to stay off the dinner, which took place on Sunday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, because it will be ironical to attend when Nigerians were wallowing in abject poverty and members of Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, were on strike with the university students at home.

The group also urged Bamanga Tukur to leave former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State and others, who broke away, alone and face the problems confronting PDP. However, in a swift reaction, Tukur said he was not prepared to exchange words with Baraje and other aggrieved members as the focus was now on how to redouble its efforts towards providing dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh said: “We will not exchange words with our aggrieved brothers. Reconciliation is ongoing and we will not provoke a dislocation of the rec-

onciliation.

“Our focus is to redouble our efforts to ensure that our party members rededicate themselves to the party and for our elected and appointed representatives to work harder now more than ever before in satisfying the yearnings of Nigerians.”

‘A charade’

Eze said: “To us, that dinner was organised to give credibility to the charade that was called PDP Special National Convention. As a serious group, we cannot be a party to such squandermania, while Nigerian masses are wallowing in abject poverty and our children kept at home instead of being in school because Federal Government could not meet ASUU’s demands.

“We wish to have nothing to do with such wasting of public funds and such trivialities associated with Alhaji Tukur and his leadership, which explains why he must be kicked out of the National Secretariat of the party.

“We cannot be a party to such a gathering, while PDP family is facing serious crisis that, if not checked, would dim the party’s chances of winning future elections. This is a sign of a man chasing a rat while his house is on fire.”

On the issue of 2015 presidential election, he said: “We wish to advise those trivialising President Jonathan’s ambitions in the 2015 election with threats and acting in such a manner as if only the Ijaw are capable of voting him or another person as the President of Nigeria in a country of over 300 tribes, to think wisely.

“In this regard, we commend and congratulate the thousands of Bayelsa people that have wisely decided to team up with PDP under the chairmanship of Alhaji Abubakar Baraje to salvage our party from imminent disintegration under Alhaji Tukur.

“We assure these great minds that they will be fully protected under our umbrella.

On Atiku, Amaechi

“We have read some of the utterances of the Alhaji Bamanga Tukur-led faction of PDP and found most of them to be exasperating, disgusting, unacceptable and very unfortunate.

“We have heard about the threat to suspend or expel state governors and members of the National Assembly that are identifying with the true leadership of PDP under Baraje.

“We have also heard them abusing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and calling him

an ingrate just because he has decided to identify with our campaign for justice in the PDP. “A party he was a leading founding father and was instrumental to the payment of both the staff salaries of those working at the National Headquarters of the party and paid the rent for the National Secretariat in which some of these funny elements are currently operating from for three good years.

“To this group, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State is a traitor for standing firm on his rights and likewise most of our people that have stuck out their heads to restore the party to the path of honour and democratic tenets.

“We consider some of these statements unbecoming of a leader of Tukur’s stature as we pray that he finds time to purge himself of some of these undemocratic postures that is tearing the great umbrella apart.

“By these acts, Alhaji Tukur

has demonstrated that he is intolerant, undemocratic and incapable of leading a democratic party like PDP. “We urge him and members of his cabinet to stop making inflammatory statements capable of derailing efforts of the Elders Committee of the party under the leadership of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to restore normalcy and unity among PDP members.

“He and his co-travellers should give some respect to members of the Elders Committee comprising eminent personalities such as former President Ibrahim Babangida, the BoT Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih and former national chairmen of the party, among them Alhaji Ahmadu Ali and Dr. Barnabas Gemade.

“This is necessary to allow peace to be restored to our great party.

On APC sponsorship

“We also find unfortunate Alhaji Tukur’s allegation that Governor Amaechi is sponsoring the activities of the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC. This is yet another reckless statement.

“If we may ask, on what basis would Amaechi be sponsoring activities of APC? Is he a member of APC? Are there not enough state governors in APC to sponsor its activities so that Amaechi, whose preoccupation is the development of Rivers State, would have to sponsor the party?

“Elders like Alhaji Tukur should refrain from making statements that are not only false, but also capable of overheating the polity and creating more troubles for President Goodluck Jonathan and allow Mr. President to find ways out of the myriad of problems so far created by some misguided elements surrounding him.

“Though we know that most of the actors and members of Tukur’s NWC are not among the founding fathers of PDP, which perhaps explains the strange way they have been running the party.

“We will like to put it on record that we, the patriotic members of PDP will not be either intimidated or harassed out of the party as we are on a mission not only to rediscover the PDP, but also to imbibe in the members the vision of the founding fathers of the party and restore internal democracy in the party.”

NAF reactivates 9 aircraft

BY EVELYN USMAN

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IGERIAN Air Force, NAF, yesterday, took delivery of nine reactivated Alpha Jets and a C-130 NAF Aircraft, to enhance aerial patrol of troubled zones both within and outside the country.

The reactivated jets included NAFs 452, 453, 455, 456, 470, 454, 457, 461 and 466.

Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, said on assumption of office last year, the Nigerian Airforce was faced with the responsibility of supporting peace operations in conflict environment, both internally and externally.

He, therefore, expressed optimism that the reactivated aircraft by the Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services

Limited, AETSL, a unit of the Nigerian Air Force Holdings Company, NAFHC, in conjunction with a foreign partner, Sabena Technics, would go a long way in transporting troops to the troubled zones.

Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada, said: “I am glad that AETSL has performed creditably and lived up to expectation.”

10—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

Fred Ajudua granted bail

Heritage Bank to assist LASG on e-learning

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS — JUSTICE Ganiyu Safari of a Lagos High Court, sitting in Ikeja, yesterday, granted bail to Fred Ajudua, who is facing charges over alleged fraud of $1.69 million Ajudua, with one Charles Orie, is facing trial for allegedly defrauding two Dutch businessmen – Messrs.

Remy Cina and Pierre Vijgen of $1.69 million.

Justice Safari granted Ajudua bail in the sum of N50 million with two sureties in like sum.

Safari, a vacation judge, in his ruling on the application filed by counsel to Ajudua, Mr. Olalekan Ojo, held that his ill-health constituted exceptional circumstance, for the court to grant him bail.

The substantive trial judge, Justice Joseph Oyewole had on June 27 dismissed Ajudua’s bail application and had ordered him to be remanded to Kirikiri Maximum Prison.

Utomi, Falana, Oyebode for Braithwaite’s 80th birthday symposium

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ORMER PRESIDENTIAL aspirant and co-founder, Lagos Business School, Lagos,Professor Pat Utomi; Lagos lawyer and human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, and Chairman, Office of International Relations, Partnerships and Prospects, Universaity of Lagos, UNILAG, Professor Akin Oyebode, are among eminent discussants expected at Dr. Tunji Braithwaite’s 80th birthday symposium.

Taking Friday at the Glitter Hall, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Ikeja, according to the Tunji Braithwaite Foundation committee spokesman, Mr. Olumide Braithwaite, the theme of the symposium is, “The Rising Threat of Instability in Nigeria: Domestic and International Response.”

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BY BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

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AGOS — HERITAGE Bank Limited has pledged to partner with the Lagos State Government in renovating and equipping public schools in the state BIRTHDAY: Mrs. Susan Onosode, her husband, Gamaliel Onosode (middle), cutting birth- with state-of-the art e-learnday cake with their children, and Chief Oprah Benson (3rd left), cordinating, during the ing facilities.

Managing Director/Chief dinner party, in honour of Mrs. Onosode, on her 75th birthday celebration, at Sheraton Executive Officer, Heritage Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez Bank Limited, Mr. Ifie Sekibo spoke when he led the bank’s management team on a courtesy visit to Lagos State Gover nor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola.

Sekibo said Heritage Bank would adopt one of the schools in the SAN, Chief Olofunfemi

BY MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO 2007, I was brought to this road state as part of its corBashorun, among others. and it took us 45 minutes to porate schools, renoAccording to him: “We will in travel through a seven-kilome- vate it and equip it AGOS — GOVERNOR few months commence the contre road. The road was broken with state-of-the art eBabatunde Fashola of La- struction of new 720 housing and there wasn’t any commer- learning facilities, exgos, yesterday, said his admin- units in the axis. And 10 other cial activity here. pressing appreciation istration planned to build new projects would be delivered “But after the completion, it to Governor Babatunde 720 housing units in Ikorodu Lo- very soon for the benefits of the took us less than 10 minutes to Fashola for accepting cal Government, to reduce the residents of the axis. drive. Also, commercial activi- the bank as one of the “This is more than a road. It housing deficit in the state. ties have returned to the com- receiving banks for the This came as the governor is a statement of fidelity. It is munity.” state government. said the state signed Memoran- statement that things can hapHe said the bank dum of Understanding, MoU, pen in a democracy when promOn MoU with RIM commenced operations with Research In Motion, RIM, ises made are kept.

Fashola explained that the in March following its “This is one of the inner roads manufacturers of Blackberry state government signed the acquisition of the operphones, to build an engineer- we promised to deliver in the MoU with the phone manufac- ating licence of the second term of our administraing academy in the state. turers, to transfer the technol- former Societe He spoke at the commission- tion. From today, over 200 inogy into the state.

Generale Bank of Niing of a seven-kilometre Ibeshe ner roads that have been comThe governor said the acad- geria, SGBN, and its Road, Ibeshe, Ikorodu, which pleted would be handed over emy would be set up in the La- liabilities, saying the was also attended by former as the dry season sets in.” gos State Polytechnic, bank was committed to ”This road was an electoral President, African Bar AssociaLASPOTECH, Ikorodu. paying depositors of tion, Chief Babatunde Benson, issue. During my campaign in SGBN prior to commencing operations and conducted account verification exercise for

BY EMMA UJAH, Abuja term in office.

Jonathan’s own Niger Delta does not SGBN customers.

Bureau Chief His words: “If we speak about have that.”

The Managing Directhe North as per the present ar“Unless we are being selfish- the tor said the bank would RESIDENT Goodluck rangement we find that indi- vice president and others cannot Jonathan has been mag- vidually that there is no region change our situation no person can not include interest payment on the deposit nanimous to the Northern part that has been favoured as far do that. of the country by appointing as federal appointments are “Our agenda (at the NEN) is that under SGBN, but only several top federal government concerned than the north. we should not allow these people to the actual deposit.

According to him, functionaries from that part of “For instance, the Vice Presi- endanger northern political future for the country, in spite of the ex- dent, Senate President, their personal reasons because if we “The exercise is in two plicit rejection of his candida- Speaker, INEC chairman, NSA, allow the North to play the enemy in parts, namely verificature by a large population of Inspector General of Police, 2015 and it loses like 2011, we might tion of accounts and inNortherners at the 2011general Comptroller of Customs, min- be as fortunate as now. The Presi- stant issuance of payelections. isters and other top appoint- dent Jonathan has every reason to ment cheques for those The Coordinator of the North- ments, even President sideline us but still plays along.” who prefer to collect the ern Emancipation Network, balances in their acNEN, Mal. Abdul-Azeez counts.

Suleiman, who made this sub“Owners of successmission in an interview in fully validated accounts Abuja, said that the Northerners could no longer afford to HE CHAIRMAN of Mushin Free Coaching Centres he organ- also have the option of play the enemy card in the 2015 Local Government, Olatunde ised at designated centres in the retaining such with the elections, if they did not want Adepitan has advised youths in local government area to prepare new Heritage Bank. So to regret, after the elections. the council to take their studies candidates for GCE. far most of the SGBN According to him, playing the very serious to become developAccording to him, “ this is one account holders veriNorth against the president’s ment agents and better citizens. of the ways the youths can draw fied, choosing to retain 2015 re-election ambition could A statement by the council inforfrom the dividends of democracy, their accounts and bank spell doom for that region as mation officer, Akinyemi Olusegun helping them to pass GCE with with us rather than colthe president could easily side- said the chairman spoke while inease. lecting their money.” line it after winning a second specting the proceedings at the

Lagos plans 720-unit estate; partners BlackBerry on engineering academy L

Jonathan’s been kind to the North, says group

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Become development agents, LG chairman tells youths

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013—11

Osun PDP guber aspirants ignore ultimatum to leave nPDP

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

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SOGBO — THE three governorship aspirants of the Bamanga Tukur led faction of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Osun State, yesterday, ignored the 24 hours ultimatum given to them to dissociate themselves from the new PDP, nPDP.

The state chairman of PDP, Alhaji Ganiyu Olaoluwa had on Monday directed Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, Wole Oke and Senator Akinlabi Olasunkanmi, three of its four gubernatorial aspirants to within 24 hours dissociate themselves from the Abubakar Kawu Baraje led faction of PDP or face sanction.

One of the aspirants, Akinbade had earlier accused Alhaji Olaoluwa of lacking the leadership quality to administer the party affairs in the state.

Similarly, Senator Akinlabi Olasunkanmi described the threat as an empty one, saying his loyalty with President Goodluck Jonathan was not in

doubt, having served in the same Federal Executive Council with him for four years.

Reacting to 24-hour ultimatum to dissociate themselves from the new PDP, Senator Akinlabi in a statement by the director, media and strategy of his campaign organsation, Ayo Aluko-Olokun, said: ”It is rather sad and painful

Our debt profile N11.3bn, not N48.3bn — Ondo Govt

BY DAYO JOHNSON

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KURE — ONDO State Government, yesterday, faulted the debt profile ascribed to the state by the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, FRC, saying the state domestic debt in 2011 stood at N11.347billion as against the N48,369billion quoted by FRC. Addressing newsmen in Akure on the report that the state overborrowed in 2011, the Finance Commissioner, Chief Yele Ogundipe described the report as “incorrect.”

Ogundipe said the computation by the Commission was “faulty and not representative of the actual position of the state.

The parameter index did not capture the true total revenue and debt situation for the period un-

der review.

“For example, the N35.5b captured as contractor’s debt arrears is indeed the balance of total contract sum approved, not amount due to contractors and unpaid as the publication erroneously conveyed.

“Thus, an analysis using the correct figure would have re-

flected 13 per cent as the ratio between total debt and total revenue. ” The total domestic debt of the state during the period under review was N11,347,556,067.10 and not N48,369,855,380m used in calculating the ratio of 55.12 per cent.

“The total revenue during the

period was N85,120,419,773.68.

However, what is critical in measuring the financial health vis a vis the debt position is the ratio of debt service, that is, debt repayment to total revenue which in 2011 was N1.219 billion to N85.120 billion: a ratio of 1.43 per cent.

Report against Ondo female legislator on fetish objects stalled

BY DAYO JOHNSON

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KURE — LAWMAKERS in Ondo State, yesterday, stood down the report of its ad-hoc committee instituted to investigate the suspended female member, Fola Olaseinde for alleged possession of fetish objects in her home.

They said that considering the report would be in conflict with Rule 29(3) of the House which forbids the consideration of any matter before the court of law.

Olaseinde was suspended for three months following alleged discovery of the fetish objects in her former apartment.

When the Chairman of the adhoc committee, Olotu Abdulfatai

was asked to present the report, a member, Afolabi Akinsiku raised a point of order citing order 29(3), which stalled the debate.

Akinsiku argued that the “the report presentation is against the Order of the House which does not allow any matter before the court to be discussed.

that whilst all well meaning members and elders of the PDP across the country are seeking a solution to the contrived crisis, some others are stoking the fire of discord and further pulling the Party apart.”

“Senator Olasunkanmi needs no prompting, threat or intimidation from any quarters to restate his unequivocal loyalty to the leadership of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, with whom he served in the FEC for four years and his commitment to the legitimate PDP that provided the platform for him to be elected as a Senator and appointed as a Minister. ”It is therefore, absolutely illogical, uncalled for and preposterous asking him to dissociate himself from a statement that never emanated from him or his CampaignOrganisation in the first instance.

“The times we are in call for caution and restraint in the words and actions of all our Party members, followers and leaders alike.

Since the crisis broke out August 31, 2013, Senator Olasunkanmi has been in the vanguard of those seeking amicable settlement. As a bridge-builder, he had at several times brokered peaceful settlement of all intra-party differences.

Rebel govs frustrating peace moves — Presidency Continues from page 4 ited by the Senior SpeIt was learnt that almost all the key stakeholders, who had interacted with the President on how best to resolve the crisis, had heaped blames on his overzealous aides for not showing decorum and respect to Nigerians in the discharge of their duties.

The source said: “It is true that some aides of the President had been personally warned by Jonathan not to engage in unnecessary media war with Nigerians in the name of defending him.

In particular, those who consider themselves as ‘attack dogs’ for Jonathan have been called to order in order not to heat up the polity.

“The President has asked the affected officers not to ‘put petrol’ on the current situation, which he and other key stakeholders are trying to resolve in the interest of the PDP and Nigeria,” the source said.

It was gathered that the warning was responsible for reduction in the belligerence usually exhib-

cial Adviser to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe and the President’s Political Adviser, Ahmed Gulak, in recent times.

The two men have been notorious in taking the political opponents and perceived enemies of the President to the cleaners, earning flak from well-meaning Nigerians in the process.

While Okupe is said to have gone underground after being hit below the belt by an adversarial advertorial by the Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, that he (Okupe) was the worst enemy of the President, Gulak is reported to have earned the wrath of the President after a loose remark at the PDP PostConvention remark that put his boss off.

Gulak is said to have run into trouble with Jonathan when he described Vice President Namadi Sambo as the ‘most loyal and humble’ VP that Nigeria had ever produced.

Apparently angered by the unexpected remark

considered rather innocuous by Gulak, Jonathan stood up and asked his adviser whether he (the President) did not show enough loyalty and humility when he worked under the late Yar’Adua.

Vanguard learnt that Jonathan was determined to make amends with some of the PDP governors and other key players, who had been forced by the crisis to set up a parallel camp with a view to stalling his reelection bid.

The President, it was also learnt, was set to call some Niger Delta militants, who have been threatening fire and brimstone if he was not re-elected, to order so as not to give the impression that he was depending on ‘militias’ or outside forces in administering the country.

One of the President’s supporters, Asari Dokubo, who was detained for over a year by former President Olusegun Obasanjo for waging war against the country under the guise of Niger Delta struggle,

on Monday issued fresh threat against Nigerians who tried to stop Jonathan’s re-election in 2015.

The threat is said to have angered some wellmeaning Nigerians, who are working assiduously to resolve the lingering PDP crisis, which has the potential of stopping Jonathan’s re-election, if not checkmated.

Osun PDP want Akitoye sacked Meanwhile, chairman of Osun State chapter of PDP, Chief Gani Olaoluwa yesterday asked Bamanga Tukur to as a matter of urgency to sack the acting National Secretary, Dr. Remi Akitoye against the backdrop that his remaining in the position was a breach of the court’s order which can lead to contempt proceedings against him and the party.

Olaoluwa who noted that it was clear that Akintoye’s appointment has nothing to do with Court’s order, stressed

that it was done in error to fill the vacant position when some officers resigned against the wish of the party in the southwest, adding, “Now that the term of Dr. Akintoye’s appointment has lapsed with the election of all officers he should quit the position like others.”

Also a group under the aegis, Concerned Members of the party yesterday gave the BamangaTukur led National Working Committee, NWC seven days to remove Akitoye as acting national Secretary.

The party stakeholders who expressed concern over the continued stay of Dr. Akitoye as a member of the party’s NWC after the party has elected its national officers, however frowned at the endorsement of the party NWC of Akintoye to continue to act in the office of the national secretary against article 13.5 of PDP constitution.

The leadership of the party had last week endorsed Akitoye to continue to act in the office of the National Secretary.

The concerned members of the party said in a document made available to Journalists said that “in view of the foregoing article’s provision and convention on August 31, 2013 Dr. Akitoye or any acting position should be vacated and the Deputy National Secretary should act in the position of the National Secretary and not any other person.

Article 13.5 of the party's constitution states that “there shall be Deputy National Secretary who shall assist the National Secretary in the discharge of his or her duties and shall act for him or her in his/her absence or whenever so directed.

The group in a document signed by six members across the geopolitical zones, sought the intervention of good thinking and law abiding leaders of the party to prevent further crisis by ensuring that the party constitution was strictly protected.

12—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

Fear of imminent flood grips Bayelsa communities ...as water level rises

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA—FEARS that flood may again ravage the riverine communities in Bayelsa State have heightened as the rivers in the state have started rising.

The development is now causing anxiety among the locals in flood prone communities.

Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET, had early in the year warned coastal states of the South-South to brace up for another devastating flood.

Though flood has been an annual occurrence in Bayelsa State, subjecting the people to extreme poverty and developmental challenges, it was never considered a problem until it devastated several communities across the country last year.

The anxiety of the people is understandable as the state is the receptacle of the country’s water flow and virtually every community in the state is located by rivers, creeks and canals, making them vulnerable to flooding and landslide.

Our correspondent who went round the riverine communities in Sagbama, Kolokuma-Opokuma and Yenagoa Local Government Areas, noticed the rapid rise in the river level after the recent August

break.

Most of the farmlands on the river banks had been taken over by water, forcing the rural folks to harvest their produce early.

Also, most residents have started erecting sand bags around their rivers to prevent the surging water from overflowing the banks and sacking their homes.

Some of the locals who spoke to Vanguard expressed

concern over the rising water levels.

“The speed at which the water level is rising is causing us sleepless nights, given the devastating nature of last year ’s flooding. Our prayer is that we do not have a repeat of that incident,” a concerned native of Sagbama town, who identified himself as Adowei, said.

But Chairman of Bayelsa State Post Flood Manage-

ment Committee, Chief Francis Doukpola, has assured that the state government was working around the clock to prevent a repeat of last year’s flooding, which caught many napping.

He said: “The committee is paying attention to flood mitigation as we believe that preventing flooding of communities is far better than managing emergencies in submerged communities.”

HEALTH: Dr. Tosin Smith (left), examining an eye patient while Rivers State Comissioner for Health, Dr. Sampson Parker looks on, at the Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital, Port Harcourt.

Call Atiku to order, ex-militant leaders warn ACF

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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ORT HARCOURT—EXMILITANT commanders in the Niger Delta region have warned the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, to call former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to order over his alleged plot

to rob President Goodluck Jonathan of a second term in office.

In a statement, yesterday, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, under the aegis of Leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initiative, the exmilitant leaders called on ACF

to advise the former Vice President to leave President Jonathan alone, so that he can concentrate on governance.

Accusing Atiku of allegedly moving to destabilise the country, spokesman of the exmilitants, ‘General’ Reuben Wilson, said they would resist moves by Atiku against Jonathan’s alleged second term bid.

He said: “ACF should advise Atiku and other power hungry Northern elements to leave Jonathan alone.

Jonathan has been in office for just two years and they have done everything possible to make sure he does not concentrate on developing the country. The ACF should

not provoke us. Where were they when their son, Muhammadu Buhari promised hell for Jonathan?

“All this while that the Boko Haram warlords have been killing and maiming our people in the North, where was ACF? Why have they not called Baraje and Atiku to order? Why can’t they talk to their children to leave Jonathan alone? The ACF may have closed their eyes to the devilish acts of their Boko Haram brothers, but this country will remain together and Jonathan will be re-elected in 2015.

“Your Boko Haram people have not allowed Jonathan to remain focused. Your northern brothers, who believe that the Presidency is their birthright are doing all they can to distract him and they expect us to keep quiet. When the North held sway for over three decades, they had the support of the South.”

The ex-militant commanders also called on Nigerians to ignore recent comment credited to Jomo Gbomo of Movement for Emancipation of Niger Delta, MEND, saying nobody goes by such names.

Amaechi tackles eye ailments with health mission …Procures N1bn HIV/AIDS drugs

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IVERS State governor and Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, has stepped up his administration’s health care delivery to the people of the state as he brought into the state, United States-based health mission of experts to treat people with glaucoma and cataract eye problems and render other sundry medical services.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sampson Parker, told reporters at the Braithwaite Memorial Hospital, Port Harcourt, yesterday, that the US-based health mission, Hospitals for Humanity, was in the state as part of Governor Amaechi’s specialist manpower development initiative instituted as a programme in the state Ministry of Health to enhance healthcare delivery in the state.

He said that the Amaechi administration, through the programme, brought in medical experts from all over the world to work with Rivers State Government medical personnel to deliver quality healthcare in the state.

According to him, the foreign medical experts would provide quality medical care, particularly for glaucoma and cataract patients who suffer from eye problems.

He also said that the Amaechi administration recently procured over N1 billion HIV/AIDS drugs for HIV patients in the state.

In the same vein, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Amaechi, Mr. David Iyofor, noted that the current health mission in the state further demonstrates the governor’s passion for free and quality healthcare delivery to the people of the state.

Parker said: “Its part of Amaechi’s administration’s goal to improve manpower and that is why when the governor came on board, there is this programme we instituted in the Ministry of Health called the specialist manpower development.

Vanguar WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013—13

No new PDP in Bayelsa —State PDP scribe

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA—THE leadership of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Bayelsa State, yesterday, denied the existence of a new PDP in the state, saying that the party remained a united family marching ahead to fulfill its destiny as laid down by the founding fathers.

Though the state PDP in a statement in Yenagoa, through its Secretary, Keku Godpower, said that any insinuation to the contrary was false and could only be the handiwork of mischief makers, the new PDP, a source confided in Vanguard, would unveiled its secretariat in the state capital next week.

He noted that the state chapter of PDP was not factionalised and will continue to be committed to President Goodluck Jonathan, the state governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson and the national leadership of the party.

The statement said: “Our attention has been drawn to the rumours that our great party, PDP, now has a new faction in Bayelsa State. We want to make it abundantly clear that there is nothing like that in the state.

“PDP in Bayelsa State remains one and indivisible body, marching ahead spiritedly to fulfill its destiny as laid down by the founding

fathers. We are one family, resolute in the basic ideals of democracy, leadership and development of our people.

“We are not factionalised and no amount of rumour mongering, insinuation or even incite-

ment will change the situation because we have elected long ago to be democrats in all our ways and to be steadfast to the basic principles that leadership entails.

Indeed, we must state it without equivocation

that we are resolutely behind President Jonathan, our dear governor, Mr. Dickson and the national leadership of our great party.

“For the avoidance of doubt, we in the Bayelsa State chapter of PDP

joined other state chairmen just yesterday, in Abuja, to affirm our loyalty and outright support to the Bamangar Tukur leadership and we stand by this conviction as a matter of honour and decency.”

Delta 2015: Group drums support for Okowa

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN—AFRICAN Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ, said yesterday that the crisis rocking the national leadership of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was due to the alleged failure by President Goodluck Jonathan to follow the path of truth in the factionalisation of the Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF. Executive Director of ANEEJ, Rev. David Ugolor, in an interview, said the factionalisation of PDP was a good omen for the country, adding that the party had not been fair to Nigerians, therefore, it would be good for the country’s democracy to see another party in charge at the national level.

Said he: “What is happening in PDP is competition of individual interests, which has nothing to do with the general development of Nigeria. And that is very unfortunate.

“They had the opportunity to demonstrate to Nigerians that they were going to be the vehicle that will provide concrete development for the people but unfortunately they missed it.”

Pa Samson passes on at 70

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A Samson Ukocohovwera, a reknowned philanthropist of the Oguaja Sapele Arena Cottage fame, is dead, aged 70.

He died on May 31 and will be buried on September 14 at Orokpo, in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.

He is survived by a widow, 10 children and 19 grandchildren.

BY FESTUS AHON

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GHELLI—THE Delta Awake Group, DAG, a political group in the state, has urged people of the state to support the 2015 governorship ambition of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, describing him as the most credible person to govern the state after Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.

The group, in a statement by its Director of Publicity, Mr. Wilson Osemele, after its inauguration in Delta Central, said: “We are breaking the walls of ethnicity and highlighting developmental strategies towards electing the next governor of Delta State.”

Activist blames PDP crisis on break up of NGF

Police in Bayelsa foil kidnap attempt on Lebanese

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA ENAGOA—POLICE operatives attached to a construction firm, Dantata and Sowoe, have foiled an attempt by a five-man

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gang to kidnap a Lebanese in Igbogene, the outskirts of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.

The construction firm, is handling the dualisation of the Igbogene ByePass linking mainland

Yenagoa to the East-West Road through the new Gateway Road.

It was learnt that the attempted kidnap, which occurred on Saturday at the company’s site on Igbogene Road led to a

shootout between the police and the armed k i d n a p p e r s .

One of the kidnappers was reportedly injured and arrested while others escaped into the forest.

Late Pa Samson

14—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

Decampment: APGA accuses APC of falsehood

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

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DONATION—From left: Col. Robert Abah (Rtd), CSO; Mr Olatunde Olanipekun Finance Director, both of Fidson Healthcare Plc; ASP Azu Orji; CSP Olalekan Coker, DPO Pedro Police Station; Mr Oladimeji Oduyebo, Corporate Service Manager, Fidson; and Inspector Olabode Oladimeji during donation of security vehicle to Pedro Police Station by Fidson Healthcare Plc in Lagos, yesterday.

Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

FG free education textbooks on sale in Abia markets

BY ANAYO OKOLI

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MUAHIA—BOOKS acquired by the

Universal Basic Education, for free distribution to pupils are on sale in the open

market in Umuahia, Abia State capital.

UBE customized books

are produced by the Federal Government and ought to be distributed free to pupils.

Though it is boldly marked “not for sale”, Vanguard learnt that teachers have been asking parents to go and buy the books in the open market, an action that smacks of connivance.

“Governor Orji must be mad with those involved in this illegal act,” an aggrieved father said in an interview.

A mother, who simply identified herself as Maureen, disclosed that she was given a list of books to buy for her children and paid N1,100 to acquire “Pupil Book 1 UBE Edition Learn Mathematics for Primary Schools.”

When confronted, Chief Micah Onyebuchi, ASUBEB chairman in the state, said the books which were being sold in the open market, were not meant for Abia State schools.

Onyebuchi said that all the books from UBE for the state were sent to his office directly, adding that they had been distributed to the schools in the state.

He stressed that the books were customized and not meant to be sold.

He said: “When the books are sent down to us, we stamp them with ASUBEB stamp beside the UBE/ FGN not for sale and are given out to the pupils and I am sure that nobody in this office is playing pranks with the books meant to be given to pupils for free.”

ATIONAL chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh has advised Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Bisi Akande, to steer clear of politics of falsehood and propaganda, which he alleged the APC leadership had embarked upon.

Reacting to the parading of 22 chairmen of APGA at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, where Akande received them, Umeh, in a statement by his Special Assistant (Media), Mr. Stan Okeke, described the exercise as a parade of garage touts by Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State.

Recalling that various newspapers had reported that five National Working Committee, NWC, members of APGA were also said to have defected to APC at the same ceremony, Umeh explained that no NWC member defected to APC, emphasizing that it was rather five redundant state chairmen of APGA from Lagos, Cross River, Niger, Kogi and Taraba states that joined the APC. He said APGA was embarrassed by the news story, wondering how an elderly man as Akande could have allowed himself to be deceived by Governor Okorocha. According to him, Chief Akande stood the chance of verifying the claims before setting up the phantom defection ceremony.

NIPP: Abia communities petition N-Assembly, allege underpayment of compensation

BY ERIC UGBOR

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ROPERTY owners in five communities in Aba, Abia State, where NIPP high tension wire will run through, have petitioned the National Assembly over alleged underpayment of compensation by estate agents appointed by the Federal Government.

The communities, which include Umuojima/ Umuode/Abayi Ogbuligba, Egbulu Ariaria/Urata Uzoiyi, Timber and Allied market, Urata, in Aba, appealed to the National Assembly to intervene in

the matter and ensure that justice was done.

Some of the estate agents involved in the exercise include Chinwe Akano and associates, Uma Okorie Uma, Tony Ururuka, and Prince A.O Anwar.

Others are Elekwachi and Associates, Emeka Achi, Ben Okoronkwo, Alex Udobi and Ikedi Ezekwesiri among others.

In the petition copied other bodies including the ‘Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, the affected persons, through their lawyer, narrated how they were short changed by the said estate agents.

Mrs Anaemeje, 78, passes on

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HE death has been announced of Mrs Ulumma Iheakaram Anaemeje, aged 78.

Requiem mass takes place at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Umuowa Ngor Okpala LGA of Imo State on Thursday, September 12, 2013 .

She is survived by her husband, Pa Columbus Iheakaram Anaemeje, children, brothers, sons-inlaw, daughters-in-law and grand children.

z Late Mrs Anaemeje

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013—15

CAN canvasses punishment for kidnappers ...calls for release of Archbishop Ignatius

BY CALEB AYANSINA

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BUJA —THE Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, yesterday, decried the rate of kidnapping in the country, calling for a severe punishment for kidnappers to stem the tide.

CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, noted that if kidnapping was not matched with commensurate punishment, the country might be in for serious problem worse than terrorism.

Oritsejafor was reacting to the kidnapping of the Archbishop of Niger Delta Province of Anglican Communion of Nigeria, His Grace, Most Reverend Ignatius Kattey, in PortHarcourt, last weekend.

Vanguard gathered that the kidnappers demanded for N250 milllion as ransom for the release of the Bishop, the demand the Church of Nigeria said it would not pay.

Pastor Oritsejafor in a statement in Abuja, observed that the action or crime of forcefully taking away or holding somebody prisoner, usually for

ransom, had become a showy display, a publicity stunt in ways that explained the serious insecurity in Nigeria.

He said: “While activities of the kidnappers are awash with prominent Nigerians abducted, the manner of abduction, the location those taken forcefully were freed from and sometimes the cost of freedom, government seems incapable of dealing with the situation.

"If the crime of kidnapping is not matched with equally harsh or severe punishments, Nigeria may be in for an even worse situation than she is with the terrorist activities.”

In circumstances where kidnappers shoot and kill people before forcefully abducting the victims, Oritsejafor called on the Federal Government to treat kidnappers like armed robbers and terrorists by invoking laws that would stop crimes and criminality.

However, he appealed to the kidnappers of the Archbishop to release him unconditionally and unharmed as a means of atoning for the sacrilege they had committed.

nPDP youths threaten to protest against ASUU strike

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU BUJA—THE youth wing of factional new Peoples Democratic Party, nPDP, has promised to mobilize Nigerian youths across the country, to protest against the closure of universities for over two months and alleged insensitivity of the Federal Government to the plights of Nigerian students.

This came as over 40,000 youths have allegedly indicated interest to join the Alhaji Kawu Baraje-led nPDP, following appointment of President Goodluck Jonathan’s kinsman, Mr. Timi Frank, as the national youth leader of the Baraje-led faction of the PDP. The threat to organise the protest by the nPDP youth wing came on the heels of protest by the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, University of Port-Harcourt chapter, over the prolong

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strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, which led to the blockade of the East West road for over one hour.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja yesterday, the nPDP youth leader, Timi Frank, said it was really a shame that students would be out of schools for over three months under a democratically elected government.

Frank said the attitude of the current administration, under President Goodluck Jonathan, to the plight of the striking workers was an indication that he had lost track with the basic tenets of governance.

He noted that since all entreaties to make government honour its agreement with the lecturers had failed, the only option left for anyone concerned about the future of this country was to mobilise the affected students for a mass protest.

35m Nigerian adults are illiterates — MINISTER

BY LAIDE AKINBOADE

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BUJA—MINISTER of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, yesterday, said Nigeria’s adult illiterates have increased from 25 million in 1997 to 35 million in 2013.

Wike stated this at a ministerial briefing to commemorate the 2013 International Literacy Day themed “Literacy for 21st century."

He said Nigeria had over 10.5 million children out of school which, according to him, is embarrassing to the nation.

He said: “Indeed, the embarrassing literacy statistics on Nigeria, justifies the need for all stakeholders to redouble their efforts.

“The current Education for All, EFA, Global Monitoring report ranks Nigeria as one of the countries with the highest level of illiteracy.

“The report on Nigeria stated that the number of illiterate adults has increased by 10 million over the past two decades, to reach 35 million.

“Besides, Nigeria has the highest number of out of school children put at 10.5 million and based on this premise that the Ministry of Education has intensified effort in the task of eradicating illiteracy. The non-formal education sector, implementation of programmes for revitalising adult and youth literacy have begun.”

The Minister of State tasked state and local governments to redouble efforts at eradicating illiteracy in the country.

He said the eradication of illiteracy in the country should not be left in the hands of the federal, state and local governments alone.

“It is important to note that the bulk of the task of eradicating illiteracy in most of the E-9 countries like India, China, Brazil and Indonesia among others is borne by nong o v e r n m e n t a l organisation.

“The era of leaving such sensitive issues of our national life entirely in the hands of government is gone. This is the time to reiterate the importance of literacy to the individuals and our national life. The importance of literacy

speaks for itself. ” He identified literacy as one of the key solutions to some of the nation’s challenges, adding that “literacy as we all know is one of the solutions to our national challenges of insecurity, poverty, poor

health condition, among others.”

Wike said: “This requires commitment and funding, and when you see lot of state governments emphasising most of their budget on issues that cannot help in reducing the

level of illiteracy, it means that at the end of the day, instead of literacy reducing, it will be increasing, building roads and bridges, are important but if you scale your priorities you will know that education is very, very important."

CONVOCATION— From left: Minister of Education/ Guest Lecturer, Professor Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa'i; Commandant, NDA Maj.- Gen. Chukwuemeka Onwuamaegbu and Academy Provost, Professor Sunday Olawale Okeniyi at the 12th Nigerian Defence Academy convocation lecture in Kaduna, yesterday. Photo: Olu Ajayi.

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16—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

Bauchi govt re-engages 1,546 teachers B

BY SUZAN EDEH

AUCHI—GOVER NOR Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State, has approved the immediate re-engagement of 1,546 teachers whose certificates have been verified to be genuine and also passed the proficiency examination.

This came as the government announced that 553 teachers who were absent in both the first and second proficiency examinations without any genuine reason had been dismissed from service with immediate effect.

The approval was contained the memo by Chairman of the Teachers Service Commission, Surveyor Yahaya Baba, in pursuant

to the on-going reorganization in the education sector of the State.

A statement by the government said certificates of 1,386 others were still with the verification committee for authentication to identify the genuine ones and that those found to be genuine would be reengaged into the service.

Part of the statement read, “96 teachers who failed the first proficiency examination but later sat for and passed the second proficiency examination have been re-engaged.

Also, 40 teachers who have genuine ‘O’ level and fake ‘A’ level certificates have been re-engaged but will be demoted to GL 05 and compelled to produce

a minimum of NCE certificate within 3 years otherwise they will be compulsorily retired from service”.

According to the statement 553 teachers who were absent in both the first and second proficiency examinations without any genuine reason had been dismissed from government service with immediate effect.

The Governor also approved the immediate reengagement of 165 teachers who have fake ‘O’ level certificates and genuine ‘A’ level, but were given two years to enroll into Pivotal Teachers Training Programme, PTTP, and be downgraded to Grade Level 05.

Kwara House passes Bill changing state varsity to Abubakar Sola Saraki University Committee on Education tions of the committee and

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI

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L O R I N — K WARA State House of Assembly has passed a bill seeking to change the name of Kwara State University, KWASU to Abubakar Sola Saraki University, ASSU. The speaker said: With the commencement of this law, KWASU shall be Abubakar Sola Saraki University, ASSU, wherever it occurs in the University law and the law may be cited as Kwara State University Amendment Law.” The bill, read for the third time before its passage yesterday had been subjected to public hearing after it scaled first and second reading.

The report of the House

and Human Capital Development claimed that only five (5) of the stakeholders were against the proposed Bill… on the ground that State and Local Government resources would be used to fund the university hence, KWASU should not be renamed after Sola Saraki. The committee said 35 of the stakeholders were of the view that KWASU be renamed after the late Political Icon due to his socioeconomic and political contributions to the development of Kwara State in particular and Nigeria in general.

The report added that 40 stakeholders made both oral and written submissions.

The house, however, endorsed the recommenda-

Labour faults NERC on Abuja PHCN staff

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-

YOUNG B U J A — ORGAN ISED labour in the Power Industry, yesterday, expressed dismay over the call by Nigerian Electricity Regulation Commission, NERC, for the disengagement of staff of Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, headquarters, Abuja, warning that NERC lacked the power to do so.

Under the umbrella of National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, the union said the regulatory body had in recent times become anti-people having recently increased electric-

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ity tariff and inflicted more pains on Nigerians without increase in power supply.

It argued that the Power Sector Reform Act 2005 that established NERC did not confer on it the functions and powers to recommend the stoppage of payments and disengagement of PHCN employees.

Reacting to the NERC’s memo to the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, NUEE through its General Secretary, Joe Ajaero advised management of NERC to concentrate on its assigned roles of monitoring and regulating the electricity industry.

approved the renaming of the university after Saraki.

Kogi gov wants more northern students in Aviation College

BY LAWANI MIKAIRU

& DANIEL ETEGHE

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OKOJA—KOGI State governor, Captain Idris Wada, yesterday, charged northern states governors to take advantage of the proximity and send students from their states to the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, NCAT, Zaria.

The governor, who is an alumnus of the college, said the Federal Government investment in rehabilitation of the foremost aviation college in Africa must not be left to rot and said all tiers of government should partner with the college and promote the programmes in NCAT. Wada spoke in Lagos at the launching of the first professional textbook in the industry “Introduction to Air Navigation Systems Management in Nigeria” written by a chief instructor of NCAT, Engineer Emmanuel Onwuka.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013— —17

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18 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013 PRESIDENT Barack Obama is in a bind. He has vowed to punish Syria’s President Bashar Al Assad, for allegedly unleashing poisonous gases on his people – many are unconvinced. The 12th anniversary of September 11, America’s excuse for attacking spots round the world since 2001, is taking a back seat.

The war drums are beating again.

Washington is angry and the world is not at ease. Russia and China are not in support, so are traditional allies Britain and France.

Germany is lukewarm. Americans at home and abroad wonder if regime change in Syria is a worthy enterprise. It is a war that may produce another anti-American regime.

Their stance has played a major role in the deal that Russia has broken to put Syria’s chemical weapons under international supervision. Obama would seek Congress’ approval and can only strike Syria if it reneges on the deal.

September 11 marked one of the most horrendous attacks on people. Nineteen young Arabs rammed four passenger planes into the Pentagon, America’s seat of military

BY YUSHAU SHUAIB

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HIS missive is to appeal to members of Academic Staffs Union of Universities, ASUU, individually and collectively, to consider the plight of innocent students and their helpless parents and return to work.

Since July 2, 2013 when they declared a “total and indefinite strike” over issues they claim have remained unresolved pertaining to 2009 agreement, innocent students and their poor parents have been at the receiving end of the stalemate.

While some government officials are lousy and combatant in their approach to resolving the face-off over the strike, it is difficult to fault their arguments and the statistics they reel out over the level of government’s intervention and implementation of the contentious 2009 agreement.

It is, therefore, a welcome development the recent disbursement of N100 billion by the government for the implementation of the first phase projects listed in the Needs Assessment Report of Universities and another N30 billion to support Federal university councils in the payment of arrears of Earned Allowances to deserving staff.

As I wrote in an article on the problems of public and private universities in Nigeria in October 2011, the deregulation of education in Nigeria is a deliberate effort to break government’s monopoly on education and by allowing the establishment of private universities to check the incessant strikes by lecturers in public institutions.

Syria Upstages 9/11 power and the World Trade in New York, killing 2,996 and injuring 6,000. Syria is upstaging this year’s memorials.

For two years, Bashar has been waging a war of survival with Syrians opposed to the hegemony of the Assad dynasty. Bashar succeeded his father Hafiz Assad who was in power for 30 years.

The gale of social discontent that swept through Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen since 2011, has found a next stop in Syria. A mass protest degenerated into a full blown war with the Free Syrian Army, an amalgam of groups opposed to Bashar.

The bloody war has seen over two million Syrians flee to neighbouring Jordan, Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Yemen, and Egypt. The killed or injured are over two million.

Reports of chemical weapon attacks on August 21, which the social media alleged killed over 1,000 Syrians, have given Obama renewed reasons to invade Syria.

America in embracing diplomacy in the Syrian crisis also expects Assad would respect the agreement. The Russians should hopefully see to it.

Departures of Saddam Hussein in Iraq, Col. Muammar Gaddafi in Libya and Hosni Mubarak in Egypt created more instability in the global system. Precarious security in West Africa, indeed Nigeria, has strong links to the terrorism wars in the Middle East.

Al-Qaeda groups are fighting Assad. The deployment of American might to weaken Assad would benefit Al-Qaeda backed groups that want Damascus under a fundamentalist regime.

Military strike should be a final option. We expect things would never get to that dangerous point.

September 11 is about to be remembered as the day America re-appraised its strategies on terrorism. Diplomacy may be the key to success.

OPINION Open letter to ASUU I then pointed out that that most of the current leaders attended public universities that were well-funded. Our leaders, including some of the current activistlecturers, enjoyed scholarships and crisisfree academic sessions which unfortunately the current students could not enjoy.

While we accuse political leaders of selfishness, there is no difference between them and some of the lecturers in their seeming connivance in the promotion of private universities and patronage of foreign institutions at the expense of our public universities.

It is regrettable that while attempting to register their grievances against inadequate funding from government, ASUU members take some actions that are inimical to the progress and development of their poor students. Yet, the flexibility of academic environment with job security and huge severance packages influence the decision of many lecturers to remain on the payroll of public universities. We are also aware that some of the lecturers provide parttime lecturing to the private universities in the name of private practice, PP, while others would rather lobby or take political appointments and consultancy jobs than attend to the needs of their students.

Surprisingly too, some professors are yet to adapt to the new use of information technology. They still rely on old books and theories of past centuries when the internet provides the theory of reality and practicability.

We must also blame ASUU for

indiscipline and lack of adequate inspection on the campuses which have caused cultism, drug addiction, gang rape and other criminalities on campuses. For instance, the incessant ASUU strikes influence idle students to engage in prostitution, robbery and kidnapping to earn a living and to occupy their times. It is therefore not surprising that some of the institutions are alleged to churn out certificated illiterates who can barely write their names and place of origin.

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ot every parent can afford or willing to send their children to expensive private universities that widen the social gap between the rich and the poor. The private institutions, too have their weaknesses with some of them operating medieval laws that weaken independence and freedom of expression on the campuses.

Like regimented garrisons where all forms of feudal measures are taken, the private institutions do not treat their students as adults but pupils in boarding schools who must observe strict wake-up time and bedtime light-out.

The option of missionary universities also have some challenges. Instead of making the fees affordable, some of them develop unwritten house-rules that ‘no student will ever fail to graduate because of spiritual interventions.’

While worshippers, occasionally act as part time lecturers, whose allowances could be paid ‘only in heaven’, some of the recruited scholars are actually lecturers from

established public universities within their vicinities.

We know that we have crises in our hands and it seems the government with recent moves have demonstrated willingness to resolve the crisis. After a recent meeting of key government officials with ViceChancellors and Chairmen of Councils of Public Universities, it was disclosed that the government had implemented some of the agreements it entered with the academic staff.

These include implementations of the Consolidated Salary Structure for Academics and nonteaching staff; National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, for staff of universities; amendment of pensionable retirement age of academics in the professorial cadre as professors and readers now retire at 70 years, while others now retire at 65 instead of 60 years.

Government has also provided a counterpart funding of N250 million to help ASUU meet up with the mandatory deposit required for registration of Nigerian Universities Pension Management Company, NUPEMCO, while it continues to assist state universities through the Federal intervention agencies.

There should be a way to resolve demands pertaining to commercial ventures, especially the alleged request by ASUU for the transfer of government landed properties to universities, which government resists because ASUU has no structure to manage or maintain such property.

*Mr. Shuaib, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Abuja.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013— —19

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HE house of cards that is the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, seems to have finally fallen apart. From the beginning, the PDP like the typical Nigerian party was a marriage of convenience among persons and groups united by no greater purpose than the desire to share in the Nigerian national cake that everyone is loathe to bake. There is no way a party founded on such base motive can stand. Nor does it deserve to stand. Yet this falling apart of Wadata House is more apparent than real. The party will not fall apart. At best what is playing out is a struggle for a greater control of the house among contending members. In due course they would make the required concessions among themselves and continue on the gravy train as if nothing ever happened. The August 31 rebellion that was executed in Abuja during the PDP’s so-called special convention to rubberstamp a series of alike self-serving and illegal policies and steps taken to strengthen the slippery hold of

the present leadership of the party, right from the beleaguered chair, Bamanga Tukur, and President Goodluck Jonathan- this rebellion was a long way coming. It was not altogether unexpected but the form it took, the time and place, appear rather sudden. The disagreement within the party and the anger fuelled among estranged party members all seemed well papered over in the days leading up to the convention. Nothing looked set to give way- not just days after the wife of the President and her sidekicks held residents of Abuja hostage with their barely disguised campaign for 2015. But it seemed things had got to a head and something had to give leading to the walkout by the rebel team.

But the face-off in Abuja is just one more case of PDP’s absurd tales. The Abubakar Kawu Baraje-led new PDP has quite a large following. With nearly 30 senators and over 100 representatives and at least seven of the PDP governors, without mentioning supporters at the local level, there

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is no doubt that the breakaway faction packs a powerful punch that could wreak serious damage on the PDP. The first casualty would not even be Tukur whose authority as chairman of the ‘largest party in Africa’ comes under question increasingly. The first and actual casualty in the event the crisis in the party is not quickly resolved would be President Jonathan. The President and his supporters may pretend that he is unmoved by his loss of party control but only a blinded supporter would deny the potential of the present crisis to doom Jonathan’s post-2015 presidential ambition.

It should be clear now to President Jonathan that his hold on the PDP is very tenuous indeed even if his wife continues to pretend that she can force Nigerians to reckon with her in her determined effort to remain in Aso Rock as ‘first lady ’. Nothing proves Jonathan’s inability to handle the crisis staring him in the face than

Oil theft and imperative of implosive surgeonisation (2) Continues from yesterday

BY BOBSON GBINIJE Thieves in the houses: OME Ijaw / Urhobo / Itsekiri adages run thus: “The worm that eats the kola-nut is inside the kola-nut” and “how can a man be circumspect and careful with a witch in his own house” and “it is the rat in the house that invites the ones outside into the house”. It is clear without a tincture of doubt that the petroleum industry is filled with all kinds of players and the oil thieves are from there and beyond. It is now clearly obvious, that pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft and illegal oil bunkering and other horrendously fraudulent acts in the oil industry are carried out by Nigerians and their recruited surrogates in the NNPC, some of its subsidiaries and oil multinational companies, etc.

As for refined product, barring the reckless action of desperate and psychotic thieves, it is only the Pipelines and Products Marketing staffers that know the kind of products being pumped down the pipelines at any point – in - time. It is they who know whether it is Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, Automotive Gas Oil, AGO, Dual Purpose Kerosene, DPK, and High Pour Quality Fuel Oil, HPFO, Low Pour Quality Fuel Oil, LPFO, JET A1, etc. They give the information to the criminal syndicates who now position the tankers and barges to siphon the products.

Imperative of implosive surgeonisation: The NEITI report has also been befuddled by vortexes and counter- vortexes of denials, accusations and contradictions. In a joint meeting between NEITI and PPPRA at the

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instance of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, the two agencies said that the missing fund has indeed been deposited in the Petroleum Support Fund, PSF, domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The Joint Reconciliation Meeting also posited that the two organisations have devised strategies aimed at addressing other matters arising from the NEITI 2009-2011 audit report through the instrumentality of the Inter- Ministerial Task Team, IMTT, set up by the President to address remedial issues arising from the audit report. This belated accounts fence mending is seen by critics as a jigsaw puzzle calculated to bamboozle the Nigerian masses and launder the image of the Jonathan’s administration.

Virtually all the oil companies indicted by the NEITI Report have all denied the allegations made against them. The Acting Group General manager Group Public Affairs Division, NNPC, Abuja echoing the retort of the current Group Managing Director, Mr. Andrew Yakubu said: “Under the current Group Managing Director, Mr. Andrew Yakubu, the NNPC recorded an allhigh 2.7 million barrels of crude oil per day last year. But this evadable feat was shortlived because of crude theft, oil bunkering and the incessant vandalization of crude oil pipelines”.

He further posited that “in as much as the NNPC is not a perfect organisation just like any other, it should be objectively criticized and not vilified all the time. Efforts should be made to appreciate its challenges. Some of these negative publications and destructive criticisms have far-ready

his meeting with former President Olusegun Obasanjo whose absence at the special convention should have been ominous sign of the rebellion in the making. Obasanjo had to respond to yet another attack from Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, only a day before. But it was to the same man that Jonathan turned when push turned to shove, proving real party control resides outside Aso Rock. After all said and done, the PDP will find a way round this crisis no matter how contrived. The fear of losing power will prove greater than any determined pursuit of principle. But the Tukur-Baraje tackle is just one of two absurd tales being told by the PDP. The other tale is that of Danbaba Suntai, the ailing governor of Taraba State. A couple of weeks ago, minders of the Governor brought him home after 10 months in hospitals abroad following an air crash that he had no business being involved in had he been mindful of his position as governor and cared for his safety and health. There had been talks and questions about the fitness of the Governor to continue in office in spite of his long stay in hospitals. It was in a bid to silence those calling for the removal of the Governor that his supporters decided to stage the elaborate charade of his return to good health and, hopefully, his position as governor by returning him home with fanfare. But more than doing anything to raise hope in the minds of Nigerians, the picture of Mr. Suntai being helped out of the plane only proves that he would be far better off convalescing in his personal house and under the watchful

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PDP’s tales of the absurd

The disagreement within the party and the anger fuelled among estranged party members all seemed well papered over in the days leading up to the convention

Oil theft in the Niger Delta will continue because the people of the Niger Delta continue to suffer environmental pollution, seismic hazards and scorching poverty

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implications on the business relationship between the corporation and its international partners. They impact also on the nation’s ability to bring in investors”.

But he was silent on whether the NNPC is guilty as charged or whether it will refund the money demanded by the NEITI report.

So there are no oil thieves and the NNPC is not involved?

It is however clear from the politicisation of the report and the culture of gross impunity and defiance being played by the castigated oil companies that the sysiphyean albatross of oil bunkering, crude oil theft, pipeline vandalisation and corruption in the oil industry will linger on in the deepest recesses of our national and petroleum industry’s psyche for along time to come.

The essayist Charles Spureon said: “The door to the temple of wisdom is knowledge of our own ignorance”.

The Niger Delta blues: The oil theft and accoutrements of malfeasances in the Niger Delta will continue because the people of the Niger Delta continue to suffer ecosidal devastation,fauna despoliation, environmental pollution, seismic hazards and scorching poverty in the light of gas flaring, oil exploration and exploitation in

eyes and care of medical care givers and his family than anywhere around the Taraba State Government House.

It is tragic enough that Mr. Suntai took the careless and definitely irresponsible step of flying an airplane without training and even landing in an airport not equipped for night flight. But even more tragic is his determination to continue in office in spite of his very obvious ill health. For goodness sake, this man had to be virtually carried out of the plane on arrival in Nigeria.

What can he do as governor if he could hardly stand on his own feet? We’ve been here before with President Umaru Yar ’Adua whose wife and a few hangerson propped him up until it was too late to sustain the lie that he was strong enough to continue in office. Surely, it’s not Mr. Suntai that is talking.

Rather, some people are doomed to repeat history and in this case with its dose of the absurd by wanting to keep a man who would be better served as a private citizen in public office.

The sentimental nonsense that Garba Umar, the Deputy Governor, is disloyal to the governor will not bear scrutiny. It’s the fate of the people of Taraba that is at stake here.

Nigerian politicians do far less than their office demands at the best of times to say nothing of someone whose health is as fragile as that of Danbaba Suntai. We do sympathise with the Governor but that shouldn’t be at the expense of the millions of people who voted for him. It’s exit time for Suntai and he should do so with dignity.

their backyards.

The so-called interventionist agencies have turned out to be Mephistophelean placeboes and conduits for politicians to feather their nests. The crude oil theft is a form of economic remonstration, existential militancy and protestation by the Niger Delta people and freedom fighters and it can only be stopped through the approval and granting of the long demanded 50 per cent derivation formula, implementation of free education, free medical care at all levels, massive employment beyond the Amnesty Programme initiative, massive industrialisation of oil producing communities, rehabilitation and compensation of displaced persons and communities as a result of oil exploitation and exploration, the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, must be signed into law with soldierly brevity, the entry and exit points into Nigeria’s nautical and littoral contours must be manned by patriotic security apparatchiks, the Federal Government must build floating stations in the riverine areas and endeavour to create an all-embracing enabling environment for socio-economic progress in the Niger Delta and all oil producing states in Nigeria.

Apart from conventional security agencies, the Federal Government and the NNPC should award surveillance contracts to specific communities on land and water where the pipelines pass to guard and protect the pipelines; traditional rulers, chiefs and youth groups should be given roles to play in this regard. They should also furnish the Nigerian Navy and Marine Police with sea – going security vessels, marine technology for tracking ships. They should also erect nautical barricades on the river to check ships, barges, boats and other water craft or vessels, etc, for bunkering clearance.

TO SALVAGE THE PIN FROM THE POT:

Concluded *Mr. Gbinije, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Warri, Delta State.

20— Vanguard ,

WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY,, SEPTEMBER 11 , 2013

Debate of the masses

Busybodies at work!

BY EBELE ORAKPO

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*Surging crowd at the scene

Mystery images in Lagos Mosque: The untold story E

LIAS Estate, Owode in Ikosi-Isheri Local Council development Area of Lagos State has been playing host to several visitors since Tuesday September 3, while Dawis Central Mosque has become a Mecca of sorts with people trooping down there to catch a glimpse of three different images said to have appeared on its walls, including those of two neighbouring buildings in the community. One of the buildings share the same compound with the Mosque, while the other one is located behind the Mosque.

Most of those visiting do so for different reasons: to offer prayers or to satisfy their curiosity over the appearance of the images which have become a subject of controversy.

According to sources, the appearance of the three images on the wall of the mosque was first noticed by an Hausa worshipper who raised an alarm that attracted neighbours and passers-by. Some worshippers promptly identified the images as those of three Shehus (leaders of Islam): Shehus Ahmadu Tijani, Ibrahim Niyas and Jamiu Bulala who died some years back. According to them, Liyas died in 1975, Tijani died about five decades ago, while Bulala died less than a decade ago. But news of the appearance of the images created panic among residents, leading to a stampede.

When Vanguard Metro, VM, visited the community last Thursday, there was repeated shouts of Allah Hakibaru (Allah is the greatest).

Women who came around were compelled to cover their heads before being allowed to enter the Mosque. Also, many of the onlookers were seen holding Tesbiu and

Al-Quran, claiming they visited the scene purposely to pray to God Almighty.

Some of the worshippers told VM that the development prompted some individuals to convert to Islam. One of them, as claimed, was a trader at Owode-Onirin who was immediately christened Yusuf.

In a chat with VM, PresidentGeneral, Dawis Alhaji Ibrahim Samad and General Cordinator Dawis, Alhaji Idera Afolabi, claimed the images were first noticed during the 2013 Ramadan but the worshippers kept the knowledge to themselves until last Tuesday when the Hausa worshipper raised the alarm. ‘’About a week to the end of Ramadan, we saw the images on the wall during a prayer session which

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agents to control the surging crowd, Alhaji Afolabi said the services of Sherif Guards were employed to maintain orderliness. ‘’When we saw the crowd today (last Thursday), we went to Mile 12 Under-bridge to get five soldiers. We were also able to get 20 Sherif Guards who have been helping in crowd control. Also, the Divisional Police Officer at Ajegunle was contacted but his boys only came to satisfy their curiosity,’’ he said.

A sign of the end time Alhaji Afolabi also dismissed the notion that the images represent a miracle, saying that they are intended to show the steadfastness of the Shehus. ‘’The essence is not to record miracles but to tell us the end has come because God is revealing Himself in an unusual way. Shehu

News of the appearance of the images created panic among residents, leading to a stampede

prompted us to change our system of operation. Since then, the Mosque open only during prayer hours until last Tuesday when a an Hausa worshipper came here to pray and was baffled at the images. Since then, people have been thronging the place on daily basis,’’ they chorused.

Some traders also seized the occasion to do brisk business as photographs of the images are now being sold at N100 each.

During VM’s visit, no government official or law enforcement agent was seen. However, a branded bus belonging to Ikosi-Isheri LCDA which was sighted around 12.30pm, left the scene almost immediately.

Asked if government was informed about the development in the light of the absence of security

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BY BOSE ADELAJA

Niyas once appeared in Agege about three months ago, the images are there to show that Allah is alive,’’ he said.

Efforts by VM to gain access into the Mosque proved abortive as the entrances were completely blocked by the surging crowd.

Resident debunks story However, an occupant of the building at the back of the Mosque where some people were seen crying, praying and taking photographs of the supposed images, John Oche, debunked the story, saying: ‘’My sister, it is a rumour; the crowd has been touching our wall, claiming they saw an image but I’m yet to see any image on this wall O. The crowd has been gathering day and night but I am yet to see the images’’.

H! This life is full of ups and downs!” exclaimed Idowu in the Ikeja-bound commercial bus as he listened to the music of a popular female Igbo gospel artist coming from the sound system in the commuter bus.

“What’s the matter?” asked Tim. “I heard the beautiful gospel artiste has left her husband. And she calls herself a Christian,” replied Idowu.

“She couldn’t have just left the man like that.

Something must have gone wrong, assuming it is the truth anyway.

There is no smoke without fire,” replied Tim. “Sometimes there could be smoke without fire oo.

When you yawn during cold season, smoke comes out of your mouth without fire,” said Funke.

“Hmm, I heard the man is a homosexual. That was why the woman had to leave,” offered Lois.

“Amebos! Rumour mongers! People will just sit down and manufacture stories about others. And the way they will tell it, you will almost swear that they witnessed first-hand what they were talking about. It makes me want to puke,” said Mercy.

Stated Nike: “Some people have perfected the art of gossiping. They will never mind their business. Even if she has left her husband, how is that their problem? Crying more than the bereaved.”

“Are you surprised?

They have no job. They are idle so they must seek ways to be relevant,” said Funke.

“On a more serious note, they have gone their separate ways. The wife is now a Nollywood actress. You need to see the skimpy clothes she puts on in movies. You need to watch her and then you will understand what I am saying. The truth is that you cannot reconcile the two characters,” reported Idowu.

“Ha! Radio without station! Were you there? You talk so matter-of-factly as if you live under the same roof with them,” said Mercy in annoyance.

Not deterred by the verbal missiles he was receiving from other passengers, Idowu went on: “Didn’t you hear that the man was arrested by security agents that time the issue of homosexuality became a national issue when they wanted samesex marriage legalised?”

“Arrested for doing what?” asked Mercy.

“For being a homosexual! If not for President Obama’s intervention, he would have been left to rot in jail,” said Idowu.

At this point, most of the passengers were laughing because the whole thing was no longer making sense.

Asked Abel laughing: “Come Oga, are you sure you are not suffering from malaria and typhoid?”

On hearing this, Idowu took offence. “I am telling you what is going on and you are asking me silly question,” he retorted.

Continued Abel: “I asked because only someone suffering from a severe bout of malaria will be saying what you are saying. Listen to yourself.

“One of these guys that sell OTC medicines in buses once said that if you dream where the President is serving you tea, then it’s time to treat malaria.”

Interjected Ojo who had been sitting quietly all the while: “But he is telling you the truth because I heard it too.

Obama called GEJ on phone and asked him to release the guy.”

“Oh boy, this is getting serious. So Obama has nothing to do than to call GEJ to release someone that was never arrested in the first place? God have mercy. You guys are nuts, sorry to say. Í don’t know why people will not take time to investigate a story before running their mouths. It’s so pathetic!” said Abel.

“That is why they are Busybodies!” said Funke.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013 — 21

FG moves to computerise oil export

By GODWIN ORITSE

T

HE Nigerian government is considering the computerisation of the oil exports with a view to generating more revenue and keeping a tab on the volume of crude oil that leave the country periodically.

Disclosing this to Vanguard in Lagos recently, Mr. Muktar Ahmed, Managing Director of Web Fontain said that his firm has proposed to the government to apply the same modernisation process that has

been in the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, and by extension, the Nigeria port industry.

Ahmed explained that his firm was contracted to carry out the modernisation of the Customs service about seven and half years ago, adding that the Customs is better positioned to deal with its trading publics.

He stated that both Web Fontain and the Customs together with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, are talking with the relevant government agencies and their response has been very receptive.

“What I did mention was that we

have seen the impact, positive impact that we have with the issue of import and I do not think that we still have agent and importers doing business in the port using the manual process, everything is now done electronically,” he stated.

“From the point your manifest is submitted up to the point that RAR is issued, form ‘M’ is electronic, payment is electronic, and releasing is electronic. So from end to end, for the import transaction, it has been automated. So, we are advising government to go ahead to do the same thing with export and the country will benefit from it.

VISIT: From left: Prince Dapo Adelegan, Deputy President, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce; Arc. Emeka Awagu, Immediate Past President, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce; Senator Dipo Odujinrin, Patron, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Bisi Onasanya, Group Managing Director, FBN Plc; Prince Yemi Adefulu, MFR, President, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Akinola Akintunde, Patron, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, Mrs Fidelia Nzekwe-Chinwuko, Director General, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce and Mr. Kayode Falowo, Vice President, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce during a courtesy visit to the FBN Plc, in Lagos.

‘Standard operating procedures, credibility critical to SMEs growth’

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

T

HE Group Chief Executive Officer of Philly & Mools Group, (a company involved in providing advisory services to corporate bodies), Mr. Niyi Oguntoyinbo, has called on owners of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, SMEs, in the country to imbibe the culture of implementing standard operating procedures in their businesses, saying that that it is a critical success factor for any business.

Besides, he said that integrity and credibility also hold the key to sustainability of any business endeavour.

He spoke while presenting a paper, “Structuring Your Business for Growth” at the 36th Diamond Bank’s BusinessXpress Enterprise Series in Lagos.

According to Oguntoyinbo, standard operating procedures, which represent a constitution that spells out step by step

process of running a particular business, could save an entrepreneur millions of naira by averting costly errors common to businesses, adding that employees should be thoroughly enlightened on this to forestall disaster.

He said, “In building structures for your business, you need to understand the market, who are the people that have being in the business before. How did they fair, did they succeed or fail.

If they failed, was a cultural issue, did the idea come ahead of its time and people basically lack understanding of it?”

Speaking earlier, Cheta Agbo, Segment Manager, SME for MSME Proposition, Diamond Bank, said that the bank has spent about N70 billion in funding SMEs in the country, adding that about 8,000 Nigeria entrepreneurs have so far benefited from the Diamond Bank’s BusinessXpress Enterprise Series.

Hope WWN, Citi, NDE empower youths C

ITIBANK Nigeria in collaboration with Hope Worldwide Nigeria and the National Directorate of Employment, NDE, have empowered 25 youths in Lagos, providing them with the necessary training and tools to run a successful business.

Mrs. Ebunoluwa Jaiyesimi, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Hope Worldwide Nigeria, who was speaking at the presentation of equipment to graduates of Youth Enterprise Training, under the Citibank Youth Enterprise and Economic Empowerment Programme, said 25 young people around the Makoko, Iwaya axis of Lagos were beneficiaries of the programme.

She said the training was provided by the National Directorate of Employment, while Citibank Nigeria sponsored the training programme and also provided the beneficiaries with the various empowerment items.

The youths were trained in Information and Communication Technology, website designing, catering, hair dressing, fashion design among others.

According to Jaiyesinmi, it was discovered that young people in these areas are economically disadvantaged and needed to be empowered so as to enable them cater for themselves and their various families.

114.6

0.75

He explained that the seminar is part 2,532.00 +6.00 of the bank’s capacity building programme to its customers and the Nige0.07 rian public at large, saying “the objective is built around the fact that it is not just offering people financial services alone is the way to grow SMEs, we 111.24 -2.48 need to offer them non-financial services as well. In as much as they need 107.09 -2.43 money to grow their businesses, they also need knowledge to drive the busiCURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL SELLING ness.

“So we are trying to provide a plat- DOLLAR 154.76 155.26 155.76 form in such a way that as we grow a POUNDS 242.7411 243.5253 244.3096 204.1903 204.85 205.5097 business, we offer multiple things; this EURO 165.3066 165.8406 166.3747 means going beyond the normal tradi- FRANC YEN 1.5552 1.5602 1.5653 tional financial service that we offer ser- CFA 0.2905 0.3005 0.3105 vice businesses in other to support WAUA 232.703 233.4548 234.2066 RENMINBI 25.2826 25.3647 25.4468 SMEs development in Nigeria.”

41.2616 41.3949 41.5282 Also speaking, Betty Clark, one of the RIYA 27.3708 27.4592 27.5477 facilitators, advised participants to ‘start KRONA SDR 234.1828 234.9394 235.696 small and think big’, saying that starting with huge sum of money does not CBN Exchange rate as at 10/09/2013 guarantee the success of a business.

22—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

BRIEFS

How ‘no premium no cover’ affects you

Nigerian airlines prefer to insure abroad —NAICOM

WHAT IS PREMIUM? Premium in its simpliest term is the money or price paid by buyers of insurance for the risk transferred to insurers for the cover granted by them. In legal terms, and under an insurance contract, premium is the valuable consideration that must be present for it to be valid or enforceable by the insured (i.e. insurance buyers) and the insurers (i.e. insurance firms).

WHY IS PREMIUM PAYMENT IMPORTANT IN AN INSURANCE CONTRACT? Premium payment is important in an insurance contract for the following reasons: i) It makes the contract valid and enforceable in law between all parties. ii) Insurers are able to meet their essential obligations under contract which include –

AT TITUDE OF NIGERIANS IN RESPECT OF PAYING PREMIUM. Generally, the attitude of insurance buyers in Nigeria is not good enough, and not too encouraging, but then, this can be improved upon.

The prevailing attitude could probably be as a result of a number of factors that are open to better and more efficient management to achieve the desired improvement.

Some of these militating factors would include drastically low per capita income, unemployment & high incidence of job losses, poor and or dwindling economic environment & activities, poor pay & reward system within the Nigerian landscape including failure or ignorance of insurance buyers to appreciate the essence of premium payment and the implications of non-payment under an insurance contract among several other factors.

Above all, most people are yet to fully embrace the values of insurance, hence the few that are buying insurance are either compelled under a contract or statutory requirement.

4. WHAT PROMPTED

By Dr. Wole Adetimehin, Managing Director, Jully Insurance Brokers and Immediate Past President, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, CIIN

NAICOM TO COME UP WITH “NO PREMIUM NO C O V E R ” POLICY? For the avoidance of any misconception, it must be made clear that NAICOM the insurance industry regulator are not just introducing the ‘No Premium No Cover’ regulation. Rather, NAICOM can be seen to be enforcing more than ever before compliance with this provision that has been in the insurance Act and its Regulations that were meant to guide the operators and their operations in the Nigeria Insurance Industry for the benefit of all stakeholders i.e. the insurance buying public, investors in the sector, and the

,

paying claims arising from the risk covered, build reserves for the future growth of the company and in the interest of all insureds or buyers of insurance. iii) Insurers are able to pay their reinsurers with whom they are bound in principle to cede a part or proportion of all the risks they have accepted to cover. iv) Insurers are able to meet their management overheads and other expenses incurred in managing and administering their operations.

Stories by ROSEMARY ONUOHA

A breach of the above regulation in any form will attract a penalty ranging from imposition of fines to revocation of operating licence of the offending insurance firm or broker

,

Nigerian economy at large.

The need for NAICOM embarking on the stringent enforcement of the “No Premium No Cover ” – a statutory provision in the insurance Act at this time, can also be better appreciated when the adverse effects of noncompliance over the years are reflected upon in the following areas: The unimaginable magnitude of debtors and Receivables in the balance sheets of insurance firms that have eroded assets values over the years, and that have consequently affected adversely their solvency, contribution to GDP, ability to meet claim obligations under contracts,

and satisfying the investors yearnings for returns on their investments.

WHAT IS NO PREMIUM NO COVER? The meaning and interpretation of No Premium No Cover as it applies to all stakeholders operating in the insurance industry is simply to forbid or render the granting of cover or issuance of any insurance policy or contract documents by insurance firms invalid except where premium has been paid by the insured or collected by the broker handling the transaction. In cases where brokers are involved, the regulation allows the broker access to policy documents from the insurers on the issuance and delivery of a Credit Note for the premium already collected but awaiting remittance to the insurers within a period of 30days. A breach of the above regulation in any form will attract a penalty ranging from imposition of fines to revocation of operating license of the offending insurance firm or broker.

HOW CAN THE POLICY BENEFIT THE I N S U R A N C E CONSUMER? The consumer stands to benefit tremendously from compliance with the regulation by all stakeholders, as obligations or policy benefits under insurance contract can be accessed in good time without any undue delay, while benefits payable can be a lot more generous and satisfying. And to a large extent, the trust and confidence of insurance consumers will be strengthened.

Continues next week

SEND YOUR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS TO insuranceandyou@yahoo.com

C M Y K

D

eputy Director of the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, Mr. Leo Akah has said that most Nigerian airlines prefer to do their aircraft insurance abroad, rather than Nigeria.

Akah who stated this at the two-day seminar on Aviation Law organised for judges and other stakeholders by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA in collaboration with the Socio Economic Rights Initiative, SERI, said that most insurance companies don’t have the capacity to insure airline operators in Nigeria.

Akah in his paper, “Contemporary Issues and Challenges on Aviation Insurance Disputes in Nigeria,” said that Nigerian insurance companies lack the financial wherewithal to insure aircraft in the system.

He noted that most of the global aviation insurance premium quotes still come from London, United Kingdom market while local operators act as spectators. It is a well known fact that the Nigerian law allows a minimum of five per cent insurance cover to be done locally by the airlines while the remaining 95 per cent can be done abroad, he said.

Airlines like Dana, Med-

View, First Nation, Aero, Arik, IRS and others have their major insurance covers done abroad. Akah also identified lack of technical competence among insurance companies in the country and argued that most of the insurance companies refuse to train their personnel for fear of being poached by their competitors.

He also said that there are very few players in the insurance sector with the knowledge of the aviation sector, which he said does not augur well for the development of the sector.

In a bid to improve the situation, Akah called for effective collaboration between NCAA and NAICOM, which he said is in line with Section 74 (1) of the NCAA Act, 2006. Besides, a UK-based aviation law expert, Mr. Eric Ogutunga, in his paper confirmed that no insurance company in Nigeria has the capacity to cover the airlines in the country.

In a bid to adequately ensure cover for the local airlines and jointly share the risk of indigenous airlines’ premium, Ogutunga called for collaboration among local insurance companies. He said, “Nigeria insurance companies are not sufficiently capitalised to bear the risk in Nigeria aviation sector. No wonder most of the airlines have their insurance based abroad.

ANNIVERSARY: From left: Mr. Emma Otunabo

(Secretary); Mr. Tony Obih (President); Mr. Hilary Nsofor (1st Vice President) all sitting while Asst. Secretary, Mr. Ekwegbalu Chika and Madam Chinwe Obi, a member of Youths Initiative for the Restoration of Positive Values in Anambra State during the association’s one year anniversary at the Trade Fair Auditorium, in Lagos.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013 — 23

CBN’s US$30m investment: insurers tasked on keying-in Stories by ROSEMARY ONUOHA

T

he Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has charged insurance operators to key into its Nigerian Incentive Based Risk Management System for Agricultural Lending, NIRSAL, where it is to invest about USD 30 million.

Deputy Governor of the CBN, Mr. Tunde Lemo, who disclosed this at the 2013 insurance professionals’ forum of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria in Ibadan last week, said the primary goal of the insurance facilities is to expand insurance product for agricultural lending from the current coverage to new products.

Lemo said “The CBN initiative of NIRSAL provides opportunities for the insurance companies.

NIRSAL is a dynamic, holistic approach that tackles both agricultural value chain and the agricultural financing of value chain. NIRSAL is built on five pillars namely; risk sharing facilities, insurance facilities, technical facilities, holistic bank rating merchants and bank incentives mechanism.

“The primary goal of the insurance facilities is to expand insurance product for agricultural lending from the current coverage to new products such as weather index insurance, new variants of pest and diseases insurance. The sum of USD 30 million will be invested by the CBN,” Lemo said.

The CBN Deputy Director however lamented that

envisaged objectives in the insurance sector and the efforts of the reforms and initiatives in the sector are impeded by a number of challenges which include very low level of insurance penetration and patronage.

He said “Non-life insurance penetration is around onehalf per cent or only oneseventh of the average penetration of the OECD countries in 2010. Life insurance penetration is even lower at around 0.2 per cent.

The comparison remain the same when a better measurement of insurance utilization is used, which takes into consideration dependence on the economic development of the country as well as the benchmark

insurance penetration against the world insurance penetration average (BMIP) for the non-life sector. The Nigerian BMIP value indicates that the insurance industry is underdeveloped with only 43 percent of the world average insurance penetration at the Nigerian 2010 GDP per capital level, placing Nigeria at the bottom of comparable countries, with the exception of Egypt.”

According to Lemo, the general apathy towards insurance, the unwholesome practices of some insurance practitioners, slow pace of development of industry portal, unattractive remuneration of agents, dearth of adequate manpower and delays in enacting of bills

are some of the other challenges confronting the sector. On the way forward, Lemo said that there is urgent need for the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, to collaborate with other regulatory and government agencies to step up the enforcement of the areas where there are compulsory insurance.

“This the Commission can do bilaterally and or multilaterally through the various existing fora. Efforts should be intensified for the take-off of the industry portal. NAICOM should sustain its public education programme, continue to handle customers’ complaints timeously and build capacity in the industry,” Lemo said.

A

for mer Vancouver resident was recently sentenced in San Diego to serve 11 years in a California state prison and pay $3 million in restitution for operating a phony insurance company and bilking elderly clients.

Michael B. Woodward, 50, pleaded guilty to residential burglary, theft from an elder, theft greater than $500,000, transacting insurance without authorisation and failure to file a state tax return.

His wife, Melissa J. Woodward, 48, pleaded guilty to failing to file a tax return and was sentenced to probation.

When Woodward lived in Vancouver and was selling plans to senior citizens, he was investigated — nearly two dozen times by one agency alone — but never charged with a crime.

The prosecution of Woodward, who had his license to sell insurance revoked in Washington and Oregon, was the result of an investigation by the California Department of Insurance and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Insurance Fraud Unit.

I

From left: Mr Adeyemo Adejumo; Mr. G.U.S Wiggle; Mr. Bola Temowo, CIIN Deputy President; Mr F. K. Lawal, CIIN President; Mr Fola Daniel, Commissioner for Insurance; Mrs. Seyi Ifaturoti, past President, CIIN and Dr Wole Adetimehin, immediate past President, CIIN.

…Group seeks 50,000 acres of land from govt pparently desirous of bringing back the entrepreneurial spirit of Ndi Anambra in the area of human endeavours, a group of Anambrarians that found themselves in the enclave of Balogun Business Association (BBA) has risen to check the brain drain currently being noticed in the state. The group under the acronym, Youths Initiatives for the Restoration of Positive Values in Anambra State ( YIRPVAS) who said that citizens of the state have laboured variously in the development of other states and have left their own state fallow and unattractive, has decided to replicate what they have in various parts of Nigeria in their home state.

Man jailed 11 years for phony insurance scam

AM Best warns of quota-share danger

W-Africa trade centre to come on stream A

BRIEFS

President of the Association, Mr. Tony Obih, said that they intend to build an UltraModern Market in Ogbunike, in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State last week during the Association’s one year anniversary at the Trade Fair Auditorium, Lagos.

Obih said that the market which would cover about 3,000 acres of land and to be named West African Trade Centre (WATC) will en-house about 50,000 shops, a secondary school semblance to the unity schools in Nigeria with a fire point and strong security network.

He said that apart from the market, YIRPVAS also aims to act as a pressure group to check excesses of successive governments in Anambra

State and use its eagle eye posture to dictate areas government is lacking in infrastructure and mount pressure for remedies. “We want to use this medium to precipitate a global movement for the repatriation of the investments of the people of Anambra State to our home state with a view to creating employment and stemming the dangerous trend of braindrain in the state,” Obih said.

He noted that the Association is stemming from Lagos but will soon embrace Ndi Anambra from other states of the federation and even from diaspora adding that through enlightenment campaigns, they intend to eliminate the alien culture of

violence among the youths of Anambra State and thereby reduce criminality that is gaining ground among youths in the state.

In his contribution, the Secretary of the Association, Mr. Emma Otunabo noted that although, the group is having an eye on the governance of the state, it is not working for any politician adding that attempts in the past by politicians to highjack the Association for their selfish ends have always hit brick walls.

Mr. Nsofor Hilary, the 1st Vice President of the Association, also noted that they have met with the government of Anambra State.

NSURERS that automatically take a share of risk through quotashare arrangements could suffer weaker risk management, according to AM Best.

Such companies’ performances could drop amid reduced controls on pricing and risk selection, the ratings agency says.

The warning comes amid concern at sidecar arrangements such as Aon’s deal with Berkshire Hathaway, in which Berkshire will take 7.5% of Aon-brokered retail business placed at Lloyd’s.

A proposed Willis sidecar could be even bigger, with more insurers likely to take a share of the risk offered.

Willis has released few details of its Willis360 plan, but AM Best says it aims to provide commercial cover for medium-sized UK businesses.

While similar arrangements have existed for years, “the new developments represent a key departure from current approaches, not least in terms of scale”, AM Best says.

24 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

SEC to partner CBN, NIMC on biometric capturing

BY PETER EGWUATU

T

HE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has disclosed plans to partner with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) on biometric data capturing in the capital market.

Director General of the commission, Ms. Arunma Oteh, who disclosed this to newsmen while answering question on the need for the commission to regulate registrars appropriately, said, “We would see how we can partner with NIMC and CBN on biometric capture. The project is really capital intensive but we believe that identity issue is critical to the development of capital market. It will really eliminate theft or forgery of someone identify. So, we are on top of the issue, even we have set up a small committee which is chaired by the CEO of Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS ) Plc ,

Mr. Kyari Bukar to look into the issue of electronic transfer of shares, dividend etc and ensure it is made possible without hitches. There is a no of initiatives which CSCS is leading to enhance the market.”

Meanwhile, in its effort to strengthen the nation’s capital market, the SEC also inaugurated three committees for a 10-year capital market master plan.

The committees inaugurated by SEC are capital market master plan committee chaired by Mr. Adedotun Sulaima, Non-interest capital market products master plan committee chair

by Mrs. Hajara Fola Adeola and capital market literacy master plan committe chair by Mr. Ariyo Olushekun.

According to capital market master plan sponsor, Mr. Mounir Gwarzo, the terms of reference for the committee is to review the implementation progress of “Nigeria’s capital market: making world class potential a reality” and outline milestones yet unachieved.

Budgets, project execution and budget performance (3) T

HE first duty of government with respect to its budgets is to ensure that the anticipated revenues come in.

When there is a revenue shortfall as is presently being canvassed, government should look in depth into all its revenue sources. The current focus of government is on the drop in the revenue from crude oil sales. The losses have been stated to be from persons taking substantial quantities of crude oil from the flowlines of the oil producing companies and which quantities of crude oil are not accounted for.

In 1980 or thereabouts, there was the Justice Irikefe Commission of Inquiry which was set up when funds were alleged to be missing from the crude oil sales accounts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. At that time, the late Professor Ayodele Awojobi appeared before the commission and raised the issue that there were no flow meters for measuring the quantities of crude oil at the places where crude oil was pumped into ships carrying crude oil from Nigeria. The commission did not look into this matter because according to it, the commission was looking for missing funds and the issue raised by Professor Awojobi was outside the terms of reference of the commission.

More recently, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, was reported to have made the same remarks as those made by Professor Awojobi in 1980. I believe that if government takes more interest in crude oil quantities that are being officially pumped but not accounted for we would take more appropriate action about the crude oil quantities removed unofficially from the flowlines of the oil producing companies.

Plans were announced recently for a refinery complex to be built at Olokola Free Trade Zone in Ondo State. The scale of the investment is such that if when the refinery is completed the crude oil flowlines to the refinery were to be disrupted, the losses would be considerable. One expects that the refinery would as part of the implementation of the project make alternative arrangements for the delivery of the crude oil by ships. This is probably one of the reasons for the choice of Olokola Free Trade Zone as the refinery location. In similar fashion, government should develop alternative courses of action that would minimize the impact of diminished revenues on the current and future budgets.

For the current year there should be a reduction in recurrent expenditure especially in what in government parlance is described as running costs. For capital expenditure, government

,

INAUGURATION: From left: Mounir Gwarzo, Executive Commissioner, Operations, Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC; Arunma Oteh, Director-General, SEC; Dr. Adedotun Suleiman, former Country Chairman, Accenture and Chairman of the 10-year Capital Market Planning Committee, and Mrs. Hajara Fola-Adeola, Managing Director, Lotus Capital and Chairperson of the Non-Interest Products Committee at the inauguration of committees on 10-year Capital Market Master Plan, in Lagos.

Suntory to buy GSK’s Lucozade, Ribena drinks for $2.1bn J

APAN’s Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd is to buy GlaxoSmithKline Plc’s Lucozade and Ribena brands for 1.35 billion pounds ($2.1 billion) to help it expand into new markets.

The deal had been expected since people close to the process said last week Suntory - best known for beer and Yamazaki whisky - was in advanced talks on a purchase that would preempt an auction of the British drinks.

Japan’s second-largest drinks maker by sales after the local arm of CocaCola Company has plenty of cash after raising $4 billion in a stock market flotation in June. It was always seen as the most likely buyer for the brands after GSK announced plans for their disposal in April.

The energy and blackcurrant drinks are popular in Britain but from GSK’s point of view lack global reach, especially in the big emerging markets that are becoming the focus of the British drugmaker’s consumer health business.

For Suntory, however, they offer a growth opportunity to counter sluggish C M Y K

demand at home. One person at a private equity firm, which had considered a rival bid, said Suntory was paying “a very hefty price”, explaining GSK’s willingness to allow it to preempt an auction. Lucozade and Ribena, introduced in 1927 and 1937 respectively, have combined annual sales of just over 500 million pounds, putting the transaction on a multiple of 2.7 times revenue - at the high end of recent soft drinks deals, which have tended to be in the 1.5 to just over two times area.

Suntory bought the Orangina Schweppes drinks brand for more than $3 billion in 2009, giving it a significant presence in France and Spain. By acquiring a new business with a focus on Britain, Suntory said it expects to further increase sales. The purchase also extends its reach into countries such as Nigeria and Malaysia markets. Moody’s Investors Service said in a note written before the deal was unveiled that it viewed the expected acquisition as a long-term positive for the Japanese company.

should work out priorities for the projects that should be completed this year and which could be completed this year if appropriately funded. The emphasis should be on getting some of the projects completed this year while the others are completed next year. The Coordinating Minister for the Economy, CME, and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was featured in the May/June 2013 issue of MIT Technology Review. It was stated that the CME at work would seek to ferret out embezzlers, reduce government waste and get the economy back on track. The CME should get government capital expenditure from being spread thinly over several projects with none of the projects being completed.

Government should work out new arrangements such that project documentation would adequately cover all that is required to complete a project.

The contract documents should include a statement that the costings provided by a contractor include all the work that is required to complete the project. If the contractor finds the de-

Government should work out new arrangements such that project documentation would adequately cover all that is required to complete a project

,

signs and work items in the bills inadequate at this stage, the contractor should be obliged to state so and indicate the necessary amendments. Next, projects should be packaged such that the period required for the completion of each package should not exceed two years.

Once a contract is awarded, all the funds required to complete the project should be paid into a project-specific account at the Central Bank of Nigeria, from where payments would be made for work done as and when due.

Government should not award a contract if the funds for the completion of the project are not available initially.

If the completion period for a project package would be more than two years, funds should be provided initially to cover the first two years and during the second year, funds should be provided that would ensure completion of the project. Saudi Arabia is one place where one would not find uncompleted and or abandoned projects. This is simply because considerable effort is put into planning projects and more significantly all the funds required for a project are provided initially.

CONCLUDED

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013—25

DIARY

Select ICT events zDesign & Manufacturing Midwest 2013. Holds 10-12 Sep 2013 in Chicago, USA.

EDITED by Adekunle Adekoya

zMiddle East Telco World Summit 2013.

Holds 23-24 Sep 2013 in Dubai, UAE.

IBM plans software incubation centres in Nigeria

zP & T EXPO COMM CHINA 2013. Holds 24-28 Sep 2013 in Beijing, China. zCRM-expo 2013.

Holds 24-26 Sep 2013 in Stuttgart, Germany. zDMS EXPO 2013.

Holds 24-26 Sep 2013 in Stuttgart, Germany.

Preview

New inventions shaping life and living

Shaking Wash hand-held washer, dryer

BY EMMA ELEBEKE

T

IBM VISITS CT MINISTRY: Mrs. Omobola Johnson, Communicatiosn Technology Minister, President and Chief Executive Officer, IBM, Ms. Virginia Ginny Rometty and Country General Manager, IBM, Nigeria, Taiwo Otiti, in Abuja during a courtesy visit, Monday.

NCS trades ideas with CT Ministry, NITDA on cybersecurity, others

BY EMEKA AGINAM

A

Designed for travelers, the thermos-sized Shaking Wash is a mini-washing machine/dryer able to discreetly clean a pair of socks or few pieces of underwear.

A step up from washing small items in the sink, the Shaking Wash needs only water and a willing hand to operate.

Once the clothes have been put into its compact pod, the user sends them through the wash cycle by shaking the device. A built-in net catches the clothes as the water is poured out, and the dry cycle can be powered either by batteries or by plugging in the retractable plug. During drying, a light will indicate how much time remains until the cycle is complete.

T the just conclud ed visit by the Nigerian Computer Society to the Ministry of Communication Technology and the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, how best to tackle Cybersecurity and related issues were the focus of discussion.

While soliciting for strategic partnerships in other programs and projects relating to research and development, IT enabled employment generation, promotion of excellence and professionalism in Industry, the President of NCS , Professor David O. Adewumi told both the Ministry of Communications Technology

Computer Society (NCS) 11th international Conference held in Osun State, told the gathering that the Bill is currently with the Federal Ministry of Justice for final drafting.

Although there is no specific date, the Minister said, “The Cyber Security will be ready before the end of the year.

The Federal Ministry of Justice is working on a draft that will form executive bill. There will be inputs from stakeholders from the IT industry ”.

Before now, the several draft bills about cyber security have been sent to the National Assembly since 2006.

However, the stakeholders in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

The bill when fully implemented, is expected to address many security challenges in the country especially online crimes

I N S I Endless wait for the D National ID Card E C M Y K

and NITDA that the fight against terrorism and related offenses may not be achieved unless cybersecurity law was implemented.

It would be recalled that the Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson had reassured on the speedy passage of much awaited the cyber security bill.

The bill when fully implemented, is expected to address many security challenges in the country especially online crimes that have been on the increase as a result of lack of legislation that will enable the court to prosecute and punish online offenders.

The Minister in her keynote address at the just concluded Nigeria

47 African countries to TECNO enters deploy digital TV tablet market with amidst 2015 Phanton pad deadline

who have been clamoring for the bill were worried over the unnecessary delay in the passage of the Bill by the National Assembly.

Speaking at interactive session at the Ministry of Communications Technology, the NCS President said that was part of the visit was to accelerate the pace of IT development in Nigeria.

He said that the visit was also to identify with the Minister and to further engage on how NCS and Ministry of Communication Technology can accelerate the pace of IT development in Nigeria together.

He commended the progress being made with Johnson, as the Minister of this dynamic arm of government.

Adewumi extolled the impact of the Minister toward developing Nigeria’s information Technology (IT) sector as well as her remarkable coordination of the activities of all focal ICT agencies of the nation.

While further commending the Minister Continues on Page 27

Business Machines Corporation, and American multinational technology and consulting corporation, IBM says it is concluded arrangement to establish two software incubation centres in Nigeria, before the end of first quarter of 2014.

President /CEO of the company, Ms. Virginia Ginny Rometty, disclosed this on Monday when she led the company ’s delegation on a courtesy visit to the Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson.

Rometty said that the centres, when completed, will help in the overall development of the nation’s human capital and the economy.

She noted that the visit was informed by the commitment of the company to Africa and Nigeria in particular, in order to make their focal point for growth in the next decade.

“We have a long term commitment to this continent and Nigeria. I have actually selected Africa and in Nigeria especially to make our focal point for growth in the next decade and we have invested both in people and in skills and in some of our most precious resources such as innovation and research Centres to be on this continent.

“In fact Nigeria is our hub for Africa. So one of our purposes of visiting the Minister today is to talk about something called the Innovation

Continues on Page 27

Girls get Technology Camp, attract Intel support

26— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

A

Endless wait for the National ID Card

M

ORE than Management Commisthree years sion for the one-stop card ago in June which Nigerians can use 2010, the Adams Oshiom- in the global marketplace hole administration in either in travel, business, Edo State somewhat con- leisure, e-commerce, efounded the entire nation government or what have when it launched a citi- you. zens registration and What is noteworthy is identity card project. The that as we continue to launch of that initiative wait for NIMC, other was the high point of the states are generating and Edo Technology Day implementing similar inwhich held at the Oba itiatives. Ondo State has Akenzua Cultural Centre is implementing the Kaain Benin City. di Igbe Ayo, which is a Much earlier, the Edo bio-metric card that will government had set up an aid the targeted delivery ICT directorate to imple- of social-economic servicment the project and over- es to citizens. see the speedy uptake of And the latest, LASRRA ICT in governance. A re- (Lagos State Residents markable development Registration Agency), is concerning the entire ini- from Lagos State. For tiative was the hiring of weeks now, about 400 jingles graduates have been T he nation is by the running in still waiting Edo ICT the electronDirectoic media for the Narate, unrestional Identity urging derscoridents of ing the Management the burelastic cageoning Commission pacity of metropolis ICT to to register. for the onetackle unBy way of stop card employinformament. tion, the which NigeriI recall Lagos State ans can use in Residents at the occasion Registrathe global that Govtion Agency marketplace ernor OsBill was hiomhole passed and said that “we lack the data signed into law on the that we require to plan for 27th of June 2011, and citizens of Edo State as a according to information whole and for specific seg- on its portal, the data “colments such as women, lected and collated by the children, students, people Agency with the residenwith disabilities or specif- cy card issued would proic occupational groups.” vide for a reliable method “From today, we would of authenticating and commence a process of identifying residents. It enrolment of citizens and will likewise avail the the issuance of ID Cards. e_services facilities proThe smart card to be is- vided by the State.” sued meets international That’s where we are. standards in terms of the Given the trend, it is not wide variety of informa- unlikely that other states tion it contains. The smart will follow with registracard contains a wide tion programmes of their range of information that own. It is unlikely that the can be used across sever- 36 states and FCT can do al transactions and for sev- that in the next 10 years eral purposes. Indeed, we given the peculiarities of are the first state in the our operating clime. But federation to develop a cit- if they do, NIMC’s job izens’ ID card with will be harmonization of these sophisticated fea- the databases to produce tures. a national one. Since that “The ID Card Project is is far-fetched at the modesigned to interface with ment, Barrister Chris our e-tax solutions, which Onyemenam’s NIMC has have been adopted to im- the challenge of deliverprove tax administration.” ing the National ID Card Oshiomhole said more within the shortest possiat that occasion. Three ble time thence. This is years from that event, the because, as they say, “Afnation is still waiting for rica is in a haste, Nigeria the National Identity is in a hurry.”

S the battle for the tablet market continue to up with many device makers fighting for market supremacy, , TECNO mobile is tickling Nigerian market with Tecno Phantom Pad N9, a SIM-enabled Android tablet with 4.2.1 Jelly Bean OS and 8.0" capacitive touchscreen.

The product which IS battling market supremacy with Samsung tablet tablet has Quad Core 1.2 GHz CPU with 1GB RAM, 16GB memory and 5MP Camera.

Visual experience With 8.0" HD display combined with quad-core 1.2GHz CPU, the product delivers perfect visual experience and smooth operation.

The Android phone maker said to be eating into the shares of Samsung supports both cellular data and wireless data with its Phantom Pad N9 Tecno Phantom N9 Pad is the 8 inch first tablet made by TECNO with 5mp rear camera, 1GB RAM and 1GHz quad core processor.

Combination of tablet and phone: The product which is a combination of a tablet and phone with 2G and 3G network capabilities may have crashed the prices .

Although the battle for market share may appear tough, one thing is clear.

TECNO Mobile has made strong market presence in Nigeria compet-

TECNO battles tablet market with Phanton pad ing with Samsung to grab share in the Nigerian market by making phones available to many Nigerians as a result of the product’s relative cheap prices.

Specifications: Model: Tecno Phantom N9, Operating System: Android Jelly Bean 4.2.1, Network: 3G/ 2G, Band: GSM 900/ DCS 1800/ WCDMA 2100 MHz, Dimension: 204 x 154 x 9.9 mm, Display: 8.0 inch capacity Touch screen, Resolution: 768 x 1024, Processor: Quad Core 1.2 GHz CPU, Camera: 5.0 MP back camera and 2.0MP front camera,Audio Format: MP3, MIDI, AMR, WAV, AAC, Video Format: MP4, 3GP, AVI, Memory: 16 GB ROM with MicroSD Slot to expand to 32GB, RAM: 1.0 GB Messaging and SNS: Gmail, Facebook, Connectivity: GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0, USB, 3.5mm Earphone Jack,

Battery Capacity: 4500mAh, Talk Time: Up to 8hrs, Standby Time: Up to 500hrs, Sensor: G Sensor, SIM : Single SIM. First dual SIM mobile phone brand in Africa: It would be recalled that ECNO was the first dual SIM mobile phone brand to hit the market in Africa, and staying true to the maxim €gthink globally, act locally€h.

The mobile phone maker has achieved great success in translating advanced technology into superior localized products.

For one thing, TECNO puts heavy consideration

on the customers experience and endeavors to provide the customer with the most suitable products for their environment by adopting the latest innovative technology.

Comprehensive product portfolio: The phone maker, possesses a comprehensive product portfolio, which includes all levels of mobile phones, including feature phones and smartphones.

With an R&D center in France, TECNO designs the highest level products with only one target — to give consumers the best product at the best price.

TECNO mobile phones have been highly favored by consumers due to their high quality, powerful recreational function, highperformance in Internet experience and an excellent service support network.

With its brand philosophy, it is no surprise that TECNO is not only the fastest-growing mobile brand in Africa, but also one of the top three mobile phone brands, a position it has achieved in a mere 5 year period.

— Emeka Aginam

47 African countries to deploy digital TV ahead 2015 deadline

BY EMEKA AGINAM

F

r e q u e n c y coordination negotiations have succeeded in setting up the mechanism to deploy digital television as 47 Sub-Saharan African countries have agreed on frequency coordination for digital switchover in 2015 Accordingly, the consolidation of national plans to implement the digital switchover in the African region is in conformity with the deadlines of June 2015 set in 2006 by ITU’s Regional Radiocommunication conference , which adopted the GE06 TV Plan.

This landmark also makes Africa the first region to be in a position in 2015 to allocate bandwidth freed up by the transition to digital television , the so-called ‘digital dividend’ to the mobile service for both the 700 MHz and 800 MHz bands.

The Director of ITU’s Radiocommunication Bureau, Mr François Rancy, who announced

HACKATHON: A cross section of students software developers at the just concluded ISPON/NACOSS Hackathon held in DELSU, Abraka, Delta State, with 12 teams made up of 36 software developer code warriors. this at the just concluded final frequency coordination meeting held in Nairobi last July following the deadline of 31 August set for notifications. Said that sub-Saharan African countries have begun submitting official modifications to the GE06 Plan.

“The objective was to enable African countries to allocate the digital dividend to mobile

services in the band 694862 MHz, as a regionally harmonized implementation of the decisions taken at the World Radiocommunication Conference in 2012.

“This objective was reached by re-planning the spectrum requirements of television broadcasting in the 470694 MHz frequency band.”, he explained.

At the meeting, the ITU Secretary-General

Hamadoun I. Touré expressed his appreciation to the high level of cooperation extended to the process by African Telecommunications Union (ATU) and its SecretaryGeneral, Mr Abdoulkarim Soumaila.

The meeting in Nairobi organized jointly by ITU and the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) and hosted by the Communications Commission of Kenya

,

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013 — 27

Aptech harps on IT education among youth

BY OLAYINKA AJAYI

F

*The winners of N1 million in the ongoing Glo “Recharge to Stardom” promo, Samson Olabode, a farmer and Ayodeji Ettu, a civil servant (middle), flanked by other winners during the prize presentation ceremony, in Ibadan

Microsoft launches MSN Nigeria Portal

BY EMEKA AGINAM

D

EVICES and serv ices company, Microsoft has partnered with Kagiso Media to officially unveil the MSN Nigeria portal in Lagos.

Accordingly, the partnership with Kagsio sees Ad Dynamo providing contextual advertising on Microsoft’s network of sites, including Windows Live Hotmail with over 800,000 users in Nigeria and Windows Messenger with over 820,000 active users in Nigeria.

This is part of the strategy to expand the Microsoft Network (MSN) Portal to deliver locally relevant news that are tailored to address local users in Nigeria and Africans in diaspora.

The Microsoft’s Acting Country Manager, Awawu Olumide-Sojinrin while speaking during a media round table last week in Lagos disclosed that the MSN Nigeria portal features the trademark MSN homepage dedicated to Nigerian news, sports, lifestyle, entertainment and weather as well as links to other Microsoftrelated services such as Bing, Outlook and Skype.

He told IT journalists that the portal is expected deliver locally relevant news tailored to address local users in Nigeria and Africans in diaspora respectively.

Also speaking, Justin Dewhirst, Area Executive Producer, CEE & MEA, Apps Media & Publishing Microsoft, tld the gathering that the, “MSN is about bringing contents together in one

portal and Kagiso has built the expertise for great experiences on the Windows operating system”.

According to him, “MSN is accessible on personal computers (PC), smartphones and feature phones. He reiterated that MSN Nigeria is a way to synchronize great people with great technology in the process of building a greater content experience.

For Dele Akinsade, Director Developer Platform Evangelist, West East and Central Africa Microsoft during the demonstration of the por-

tal, said that already, MSN Nigeria syndicated local news in Nigeria from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), as well as publishers such as BangShowbiz.

“It also features dedicated pages for news (national, African and world news), sport (local and world sport news), entertainment (local and global celebrity entertainment news) and lifestyle (including fashion, travel, tech & gadgets, motoring).” he expplained.

Throwing more lights on the partnership, Marcus Stephens, General

Manager- Publishing, Kagiso Media said Kagiso Media has been partnering with Microsoft since 2010 to share the vision for building communities with local talent content providers.

“There is a growing hunger for localised content across Africa as undersea cables, mobile broadband and falling Internet access costs bring more people online. We aim to address this need with the same formula of locally relevant, easy to digest content that we offer our audience in South Africa,” he said.

NCS trades ideas with CT Ministry, NITDA on cybersecurity...others Continues fromPage 25 for collaborating with NCS in its activities, the NCS President noted that Nigeria can achieve in IT if all hands were on desk.

In her response, the Minister agreed with the importance of strategic partnership between NCS and the ministry while expressing government’s desire and efforts to improve IT in all such areas.

Johnson assured that the Ministry would address the partnership issues, adding that they will partner with NCS when the need arises.

She commended NCS for its efforts towards developing IT in the country, even as she asked NCS to work towards seeing that all the registered interest groups such as ITAN,

ISPAN, ISPON, etc were united .

She stated that the aims of the interest groups should be harmonized towards achieving a common goal for the good of the country and meeting the promises of the nation’s transformational agenda. According to her, NCS should look at building capacity in the areas of software development, training and skills acquisition especially on newer technologies and local content At NITDA, the NCS team was also received

by Dr. Ashiru Sani Daura, Acting Director General, NITDA and other top management officials.

Adewumi also commended the Acting DG of NITDA for his presence and sponsorship at the last NCS conference

at Iloko Ijesa, Osun State while noting that the goals of NITDA WERE in line with NCS core objectives.

He praised the efforts of the Acting DG towards developing Nigeria’s outsourcing sector, stating that NCS was proud that NITDA which was born out of the NCS vision and initiative is firmly established and waxing stronger.

In his response, the Acting DG while confirming that NITDA was created through stakeholder involvement in which NCS played a major role, agreed on the need for a mutually beneficial relationship of support and collaboration to move industry forward and ensure IT gets its rightful place. Daura noted that there was a lot of ignorance inside and outside government.

Massive enlighten-

OLLOWING the lingering strike embarked by the Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU, Computer professionals around the world have advised Nigerians youths to seize other option by enrolling in Aptech computer programs that will better equip them in gaining Admission effortlessly into Middlesex University.

Speaking in a career quest organized recently

by Aptech computer Education in partner with Middlesex University in Lagos, the executive vice president of Aptech Computer Education worldwide Pravir Arora admonished Nigerian youths to join over 6million youths all over the world to acquire the knowledge of computer programs that will give them better advantage in gaining Admission into Middlesex

University. “ we have the capacity of impacting Nigerians youths with skills of Advance Diploma in Software engineering ADSE, which in return will cut the high rate of unemployment facing Nigerians and by using the skills to improve the economy, the country in the process will have no need for expatriate because the youths have been fully engaged in a profitable enterprise” he stated.

Also speaking at the seminal is the Pro vice-Chancellor of Middlesex University Prof. Raj Gil, he further encouraged Nigerian youths to see Aptech and Middlesex partnership as a window opportunity to better their selves within a short while.

His words: “Sincerely, there are problems all over the world and the cost of education everywhere in the world is going higher by the day."

IBM to establish two software incubation centres in Nigeria Continues fromPage 25 hub that we shall be opening in the first quarter of 2014 and it will be focused on key industries such as in banking, telecommunications, government, oil and gas solution” The IBM boss, who expressed optimism in the future of Africa and Nigeria in the area of ICT development, said the company would continue to do more by investing in the economy.

In her remark, the Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson said the visit was necessary as it would offer the ministry more opportunity to leverage on what IBM is doing to increase the penetration of ICT skills and knowledge in the country.

“Our meeting with IBM today is to help accelerate the development of Nigeria as an important hub of global ICT centre. First of all, it will get more Nigerians into the ICT and also establishing innovation Centres in two locations across the country, that will help solve some of the biggest challenges that we have using technology.”

When established, the Minister said that the centre would offer more Nigerians a lot more opportunity to access ICT

and promised to give the company all the necessary support it desires.

“This ICT development and programmes will help accelerate the development of this country. “This innovative will really help us to begin to think of innovative ways of how to bring ICT with many of the challenges that we are faced with today.

“IBM as a big company spends so much on research every year and they are to bring that expertise to support the development of Nigeria,” she said.

On the number of Nigerians that will benefit from the centres, Johnson said “What we are actually doing, is that we are trying to develop ICT skills all around the economy which runs into thousands of numbers, that will make impact in the country.

Even though, we have not set a target in terms of how many people that we are going to empower with these Centres.

“Our intention is to give more young Nigerians broader based ICT skills because research has shown that most of the jobs that are going to be created in the country will around ICT services. And so it is important for us to build these skills in their thousands,’’ said the Minister.

28—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

Etisalat to raise leaders in business ideas in Nigeria

T

*Girls in ICT

Girls get Technology Camp, attract Intel support STORIES BY PRINCE OSUAGWU

N

IGERIA is doing every thing possible to ensure that the divide between women and men in technology is adequately bridged. This has resulted in many organisations, including Women in Technology in Nigeria, WITIN, Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre, Girls in ICT, Girls in Technology, among others, which crusade for women and the girl child to get actively involved in ICT. However, the women’s technology empowerment centre recently decided to put action to the crusade by setting up a technology camp for girls in ICT. The camp is meant to provide a two-week technology education and mentoring programme to help girls develop an early interest in computers and other information technology services. Almost immediately after the introduction of the initiative, leading global chip makers, Intel Corporation quickly adopted it.

Intel said it was not hard for it to see prospect in the initiative considering that it has over the years supported several girl-child education initiatives investing in technology-based programmes in education and digital literacy, and has championed the empowerment of women and girls, around the world.

Working together with

its wide range of partners across Africa and the world, Intel has created and supported innovative solutions to remove gender-based barriers to education and technology, as well as building a flourishing future filled with opportunities for girls and women.

Speaking on the initiative, the Executive Director of the Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre Ms Oreoluwa Somolu, explained that the technology camp examines a variety of strategies that enable female students maximize their learning experiences and make them better equipped to pursue careers in technology.

According to her, “In the long term, we hope to achieve a significant increase in the number of technology literate Nigerian women that will ultimately deploy the knowledge they have for productive learning, professional and leadership activities. We also hope to increase the number of women creating and developing new technology and content,” She stated.

The camp throws its doors open to secondary school students all over Nigeria and involving them in activities such as graphic design, moviemaking, web design and introduction to programming. During the camp, the girls also participate in technology workshops and leadership activities for an all-round experience.

Also, Country Manag-

er, Intel, Olubunmi Ekundare said: “Here at Intel, we believe that girls, when afforded the opportunity, can make more significant impact around the globe through positive leadership and impact in and around their communities and indeed the world.”

According to him, Intel believes that access to education and technology must become a

global, fundamental right for girls and women.

Corroborating him, Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Intel West Africa, Adim Isiakpona stated that “here at Intel, we also believe that access to technology education and its opportunities are the keys that will open the doors to profitable careers and an avenue for these girls to give back to their respective fields in Science and Technology.

ELECOM company, Etisalat is keen on seeing that Nigeria grows leaders in business ideas as a contribution to the stability of the country’s economy.

As a result, the company last week partnered with Brimass Limited, to host a section of entrepreneurs, executives, business owners and other decision makers in the country to an interactive leadership seminar at the Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos.

The high point of the gathering was the introduction of Leadership Expert and Business Coach, Mr. Brian Tracy, who unbundled his wealth of experience to the participants.

For Etisalat, the investment is its own better way of reiterating its support for the growth of emerging businesses as well as providing businesses with the right platform to communicate ideas and grow their business enterprise.

The event with theme “The Making of Innovative Leaders: Winning

MTN takes customers to new digital world with Jumia partnership

I

N an apparent way of positioning its customers better in the digital village, MTN has entered into a strategic partnership with frontline online retail store, Jumia, where customers of the online store who purchase any internet enabled phone, will gain free digital access for a period of 6 months.

General Manager,

Last mile attempt attracts major grant to MainOne

Funke Opeki

C

able company, Main One, last week received a major grant by the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to support a feasibility study on the extension of a fiber optic network from Lagos to Port Harcourt.

Although the company is reluctant to ex[pose the value of the grant, Hi-Tech gathered that the grant will enable Main One to evaluate the technical and financial feasibility of extending approximately

300 miles of undersea fiber optic cabling and supporting infrastructure between two of Nigeria’s most important commercial centers.

The new investment will connect Port Harcourt to the existing Main One cable system, which spans 4,500 miles and provides capacity for international and local internet connectivity.

Access to the cable system at Port Harcourt, is expected to lower the costs of bandwidth and enable the growth of businesses and consumers using telecom services in the region.

The feasibility study will include an assessment of cable installation techniques and a recommendation for the cable route, an assessment of potential long-term maintenance hazards to the cable, and

Leadership Strategies for Building World Class Organizations and Societies” was designed to expose delegates to Tracy ’s best productivity secrets to help them maximize their leadership positions and ultimately produce excellent results in their businesses and other spheres of life. The three part seminar which started with the Entrepreneurs’ Breakfast Conclave, followed by the Executives’ Lunch Conclave and climaxed with an exclusive Executives’ Dinner, delivered tips and keys for growing a successful business as well as the role of management in building effective leade r s .

Delivering his lectures, Tracy, the top selling author of over 45 books said that an effective leader is one who can provide customer satisfaction by offering innovative products and services. He added that businesses should continually seek better ways to acquire and keep their customers.

a detailed demand assessment for the extension. The U.S Consul General, Jeffrey Hawkins, on behalf of the USTDA Regional Director for sub-Saharan Africa, Mr Paul Marin, said that “this project is an important example of Main One’s commitment to bring high-speed broadband access to Africa. We are proud to be supporting Main One in their efforts to provide the infrastructure for broadbased economic growth in Nigeria.”

An elated CEO of Main One, Ms Funke Opeke, reacted that “MainOne appreciates the USTDA for this important grant aimed at furthering the development of broadband services and economic development in the oil-producing Niger Delta region”.

The grant was signed by the U.S. Consul General Jeffrey Hawkins on behalf of USTDA and Funke Opeke for Main One, at the residence of the Consul General.

Consumer Marketing, MTN, Kola Oyeyemi who announced the partnership, noted that ‘the world has turned to one big digital village, and MTN is determined to harness the endless potentials provided by innovative technology and make this available to its Nigerian customers.

Oyeyemi said that although this partnership was unique, but it was not new for MTN which has over the years, continued to cross boundaries to provide innovative technological solutions to the needs of its subscribers.

He noted that the telecommunications sector in Nigeria has overtime evolved from concentrating solely on voice and text messages but has also come to incorporate data provision. “Innovations and technology has provided other means by which people stay connected.

Nigeria is the largest mobile market in Africa and the tenth largest in the world. With the gradual death of the fixedline, there’s little surprise that the mobile device has long surpassed the PC, giving an indication that Nigerians access the web through the advancement of technology. ”Accessing the internet on mobile device is now the norm. MTN has continued to lead the charge in ICT penetration and creating a whole new world experience on mobile, especially for those on the network” he added.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013— —29

C M Y K

30 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

FEDERATION CUP FINAL

S

KIPPER Azubuike Egwuekwe has said Warri Wolves hope to make history on Sunday by winning a first-ever Federation Cup at the expense of Enyimba.

This year ’s cup final pits Wolves against two -time winners Enyimba at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

Super Eagles defender Egwuekwe said Wolves have been training hard for the game and have the quality to go all the way against the more fancied Enyimba.

“We have not won the trophy before, we want to write our names in gold. We have come this far and can’t allow the

We’ll ride on Eny make history — E

trophy slip away from us,” Egwuekwe said.

“It is going to be a tough and interesting game, we are battle ready for Enyimba. It is definitely not going to be easy, but we are not scared of them.

We want to win the cup and we are set for the clash.”

Warri Wolves will parade Egwuekwe and Oghenekaro Etebor, who has burst on to the scene with his goals in the league, while Enyimba will rely on the goals of Ifeanyi Edeh and Bishop Onyeudo to wreck Wolves.

Wolves defeated Akwa United 2-1, while Enyimba pipped Lobi Stars 1-0 in the semi finals to book their places in the cup final.

•Udoji

… As team appeals to Uduaghan for supporters

T

HE Chief operating offic er of Warri Wolves football club, Kenneth Nwaomucha has appealed to the State Governor Dr.Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan through the Executive Chairman Delta state Sorts Commission. Pinnick Amaju to assist in mobilizing fans and supporters of the club from within and outside the state to attend the finals of the Federation Cup slated for Sunday the 15th of September 2013 at Teslim Balogun Stadium Surulere Lagos State.

•Ogboide C M Y K

Speaking with Sports Journalists in Warri, the former strike ace noted that this is the first time a team from Delta State would reach the finals of the Federation Cup hence he is making this clarion call to the number one citizen of the state. “I am using this medium to appeal to the state Governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan to assist us to mobilize Deltans from within and outside the state to come to Lagos to cheer their darling team to victory” continuing, he said, “We have been inundated with calls from Deltans living in different parts of the country that they want to storm Lagos for the finals, but they don’t have the means of transportation. The club does not have the capacity to ferry them hence I am making this appeal to his Excellency the Governor of Delta state to provide luxury buses to mobilize our fans and supporters to Lagos.” “I also call on corporate sponsors to assist us in any way they deem fit to boost the team to victory because this is the time we need their support.”

We’re ready for Warri Wolves, says Enyimba captain T

HE skipper of the Aba El ephants says the players are prepared for their opponents in the September 15 final of the country’s oldest cup competition in Lagos Enyimba captain Chinedu Udoji has disclosed that the team will be ready for their opponents Warri Wolves in the September 15 final of the Federation Cup. The Aba Elephants defeated Lobi Stars 1-0 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin through a 67th minute goal scored by Ifeanyi Edeh.

After the game, Udoji noted that they have been trained to face any team that will come their way on September 15 at the final that will be played at the Teslim Balogun Stadiu m . ”It was a good game. We did our best. Lobi Stars were a

•Salisu-Yusuf of Enyimba tough side and they played well. But I want to say we will be ready for any team in the final of the competition,” Udoji said. ”I don’t want to know which

team, we are playing. All I want is for my teammates to be ready because i’s not going tobe an easy game. ”The final deserves utmost concentration. We have come this far because we are dedicated and that is what we want in the final.”

The midfielder also said that he was keen to help the Aba Millionaires end their bareen trophy run this season. ”For a long time, Enyimba have not won any major trophy and this is the time to make our supporters happy once again.

They have waited for a long time and this is an opportunity for them to be happy again. ”All our supporters should come out and cheer on the final day at the Teslim Balogun Stadium,” Udoji said.

G q

G

U g team the F 2014 Esue The game After Bran

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013 — 31

yimba to Egwuekwe

Nadal: In loss, I found a way to beat Djokovic

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AFAEL Nadal discusses how he began to mentally turn the corner against world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, who had scored seven straight wins against Nadal. That streak, which began at Indian Wells in March, 2011 and stretched through the final of the Australian Open in January 2012, also included victories in the 2011 Wimbledon and U.S. Open finals.

Nadal defeated Djokovic in the U.S. Open final on Monday, his sixth win against the Serbian in their last seven matches.

“Sometimes I really don’t know how I am able to beat him at all,” Nadal told a small group of reporters with a laugh. “But maybe he felt something similar and that’s the most important thing: I know that I am playing at my limits when I am playing against him, and I have big hopes he feels something similar to me.”

The second-ranked Spaniard said winning the third-set tiebreaker in the 2011 U.S. Open

•Egwuekwe

•Rafael Nadal final gave him hope there was a way to play Djokovic and his loss in the 2012 Australian Open final gave him the confidence he could beat his rival.

“I was able to forget a little

Djokovic vows to fight back

Guinness hails Eagles, tips team to qualify for W/Cup

UINNESS, the proud sponsors of the Ni geria Super Eagles has congratulated the on their superlative performance against Flames of Malawi in the ongoing FIFA World Cup Qualifier played at the U.J ne Stadium Calabar. e Super Eagles were at the top of their e as they defeated the Malawians by 2-0. the match, Mr. Uche Onwudiwe, Senior nd Manager, Guinness presented a cheque of $4,000 to members of the team.

It would be recalled that Guinness had promised the Super Eagles a reward of $2,000 for each goal scored against the Malawians. it also ensured Nigerians were •Keshi able to watch

the match in their homes by sponsoring the match broadcast on Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Nigeria Television Authority (NTA).

According to the Marketing and Innovation Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Austin Ufomba, the Super Eagles showed their class as the African Champion.

“We are proud of the performance of the Super Eagles in their match against the Flames of Malawi. The 2-0 drubbing showed that their triumph at the 2013 African Cup of Nations in South Africa was not a fluke.

Since the games at South Africa, the Super Eagles have continued to improve on their performances and we believe they can do more with the support of millions of football fans backing them” Ufomba said.

what happened. Because when you are in bad dynamic like I was in 2011 — I remember before the final of the U.S. Open I was in the locker room and I was not convinced I would have the chance to win.

•Novak Djokovic

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ORLD No 1 Novak Djokovic suffered his third loss in four consecutive trips to the US Open final on Monday, but vowed his latest disappointment will be inspiration to prove his best is yet to come.

Spain’s Rafael Nadal defeated the 26-year-old

Serbian 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 to collect his 13th Grand Slam crown and second title on the New York hardcourts, having also beaten Djokovic in the 2010 final to complete a career Grand Slam.

Djokovic bounced back from that US Open near-miss to have a 2011 season that was among the greatest in tennis history, winning the US and Australian Opens and Wimbledon. He began the year with a 41-match win streak that was snapped by Roger Federer in the French Open semi-finals on the way to a 10-title season.

So Djokovic knows that the heartache of losing to the world number two again in a US Open final could be what motivates him to an incredible 2014 campaign.

“I have to (use it as motivation). It’s part of my life,” Djokovic said. “Many times you fall as an athlete and you have to learn the lesson and keep on going, keep on fighting, keep on improving. That’s what we are here for. “I’m still 26 and I believe the best time for my career is about to come. I feel that. As long as I believe it, the fire of the love toward the game is inside of me.

“And as long as that’s present, as long as I feel it, I’m going to play this sport with all my heart, as I did in the last 10 years.”

Djokovic said he could appreciate the moments of great tennis he played against Nadal in a match that roused cheers from a sellout crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium, but they didn’t outweigh the misery of defeat.

“I’m aware of that. But obviously I just feel disappointed for losing,” he said. “It’s all sport. You know, tomorrow is a new day.”

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She is always making bad choices

Could she really love me as she claims?

Dear Bunmi, I’m 18 and I’m troubled by a girl who’s the same age.

We’re both waiting to go into the university. Two years ago, when we went on a school trip to a neighbouring country, she told me she fancied

me. A few months later, she again repeated it. She began to spank my bottom then laugh with her friends. I felt so embarrassed that I told her I didn’t fancy her. She finally gave up and said she’d never really fancied me either.

I'm a virgin but can't make love Dear Bunmi, I've been with my boyfriend for six months and we really want to have sex. I’m a virgin and he has some experience but every time we’ve tried to make love, he can’t get his p...s inside me. I feel so embarrassed that we’ve never actually managed to have proper intercourse. Is there anything I can do to help?

Debbie by e-mail Dear Debbie, Fitting a p...s into the vagina can be awkward at

times. But when you’re trying to make love for the first time, stress can make it even more difficult. So forget about intercourse for now. Instead, play together, caress each other, touch, have fun exploring each other’s bodies - this will make you feel more in control, more able to relax.

Eventually, when you feel comfortable with him physically, you could give it a little try. Over the course of a few weeks, you should be much more confident with your man enough to really go all the way.

He is into heavy porn Dear Bunmi, My boyfriend of six months has suddenly started showing interest in porn magazines, which he buys at bend-down stalls. He’s also into revolting pornography films and has lost interest in me. He is 27 and I’m 20 and it’s making us argue all the time. I’ve refused to watch his stupid movies. What should I do?

Agbeke by e-mail Dear Agbeke, It’s obvious that your boyfriend has allowed himself to be sucked into a sexual fantasy world in which he finds

explicit and powerful images of impossible gratification exciting. As time goes on, he’ll find out that for him to sustain his fantasy and the thrills it brings, he will continue to push away reality and his flesh-and-blood girlfriend no matter how attractive she may be to him.

Your wants and those of your boyfriend have obviously changed in a dramatic way.

A woman needs to feel loved and valued in the eyes of her lover. This man has made his choice by switching his allegiance to obscene dreams.

You’re well rid of him.

A few months ago, my dad gave me my own mobile phone and I gave her the number. She started sending messages saying “I can’t stop thinking about you, and I love you”. Now I’m beginning to feel the same way about her.

I want to kiss this girl and hold her in my arms. When I come close to telling her how I feel, I would back away.

But whenever I see her again, the feeling comes flooding back. I think she must be having me on. I wear glasses though people say I look like a popular home movie star. But this girl spends most of her time with me now. She says she’s fallen out with some of her friends.

What should be my next move?

Abu by e-mail Dear Abu, I give this girl of yours full marks for persistence in the face of your apparent unwillingness to become her boyfriend. Girls are often more confident about their romantic feelings than boys of the same age. You are gripped by shyness and fear of rejection which is very common during adolescence. Well, here is a tip - boys who dare to kiss the girls have more fun!

The star you see in your home movies are very attractive to girls and have a huge number of female fans. If a girl tells you she fancies you, don’t question why. As you grow older, you’ll soon discover that girls want kisses, cuddles and love just as boys do. Dilly-dally no longer! Ask this girl to become your girlfriend, then seal the deal with the kisses that you’ve long been aching for.

I need to get my love life back Dear Bunmi, I am in my early twenties and currently live with my fiance. We’ve been together three years and he’s always had a high sex drive -mine is virtually non-existent. I was a slim and out-going girl when we first met. I wore nice clothes and had loads of friends. Unfortunately, I’ve put on a lot of weight since we started living together and eating together most of the time. I no longer feel comfortable with my body.

My fiance is worried I no longer want sex and he’s supportive I should get my love

life back. I still love him but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before he gets fed up with not having sex. Do you think I can get my love life back?

Bimbo by e-mail Dear Bimbo, Since there is no obvious reason why you went off sex, you need to go to your doctor who, I’m sure, will assure you that what you’re currently going through is quite common. You need to have blood test to rule out hormonal problems, anaemia and diabetes - all of which can be a

reason for low libido. You can see a female doctor if you would feel more comfortable.

If your weight is the problem, then your doctor should be able to give you healthy eating tips or even refer you to a nutritionist.

Having the support of a loving partner is the most important thing and I’m glad you have that. You need to let your fiance know how you feel so he could help too.

Even if you’re compelled to eat more because you eat together, serve more healthy and less calorie ladden meals. You need to get your love life back - now!

Dear Bunmi, I have this best friend who believes she’s unlucky in love. The problem is, she’s always falling for the wrong type of men. I always see through all these opportunistic boyfriends she introduces to me, but whenever I advise her, she goes off in a huff and tries to sever relationships with me. When they eventually let her down, she comes running to me and pretends we’re still the best of friends.

I like her a lot and I feel bad whenever she belittles herself with these men. What can I do to make her ‘see’ through men that are bad for her?

Tomi by e-mail

Dear Tomi, Is it possible to ever try to talk anyone out of love? Even out of an ill-considered, illfated love? I used to try pretty regularly to discourage unwise lovers, and believe me, it can’t be done. Once the head-strong heart is up and running, the best a friend can do for a friend is be there when she falls out of love, so she can lean on you - but only until such time as she can stand on her own two feet. I get the impression your friend could be so dependent on your help that she will keep getting into romantic scrapes in order to bind you to her!

‘

Eventually, when you feel comfortable with him physically, you could give it a little try.

Over the course of a few weeks, you should be much more confident with your man enough to really go all the way

’

What if my children find our toys?

Dear Bunmi, I consider myself lucky to find a man who loves me after my marriage broke up some years back. I love him and my teenage kids like him a lot. But recently he turned up at the flat with a ‘present’ - a bag of sex toys! Now I’m stuck. If I keep them, I’m worried my kids will find them.

But if I don’t, my lover will be hurt. What’s a girl to do?

Alero by e-mail Dear Alero, I’m sure it’s not just the sex toys that are freaking you out, it’s the fact that you feel un-

comfortable doing wild and passionate things while your teenage kids are around. Yes, they would be embarrassed, but then probably know a lot more about sex and sex toys than you think.

So give the toys back to your man and tell him either to keep them at his place or bring them around when he visits you. And use them only when the kids are out of the house. Above all, enjoy the experience -you can’t hold back entirely on your sex life with your lovely man until your kids leave home, can you?

Share your problems and release your burden. Write now to Dear Bunmi, Vanguard Newspapers, P.M.B 1007, Apapa, Lagos. or bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

Vanguard Vanguard,,

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013—35

YOUR LUCK TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 LEO: Romantic interlude that started late yesterday may become excitingly louder and melodious to the satisfaction of your soul.

VIRGO: If you allow domestic pressure to affect your working pattern, your senior colleagues may not understand and make things a bit more difficult. IF you’re stable, you will have more to gain financially.

LIBRA: After snappy aggressive approach exhibited by you yesterday ,you are back at your being pleasant self to the admiration of others. This is the wrong time to take law and it’s agents for granted. Young-at-heart are favoured so also commercial activities.

SCORPIO: Some of you will wake up from slumber and realise mistakes about your finances early enough and make amendment but those who are reckless will commit more blunder. Beware of joint venture.

SAGITTARIUS: Although erratic people from unexpected quarters may oppose you openly, your being self assertive will earn you both victory and financial success. Then tomorrow will prove more successful.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

T

HE general belief is that we can only be drunk with strong drink or wine.

But that is not true.

We can be drunk with a lot of things.

Remember the disciples in the Bible?

The disciples in the

What is making you drunk?

Bible were alleged by the people to have been drunk in the early morning but were they drunk of strong drink?

We could be drunk with what we have passion for; we could be drunk with our work; we could be drunk with singing;

TERROR MUDA in “Never say goodbye”

we could be drunk with dancing; we could be drunk with sleeping; we could be drunk with writing etc.

What is exciting you so much that people think you are drunk?

Think about it!

By Lanre Kehinde

CAPRICORN: Yes! It’s your day again. The more ambitious you are the better for you. Then you will need to ignore those with queer characteristics within your working arena..

AQUARIUS: Mixed trends are indicated. If you take good advice from your cool headed friends, you will benefit more than you imagine, but if you take to unpredictable attitude, you will today start fire that will burn with great intensity tomorrow.

PISCES: If you take the veterans within your base for granted, they will fail you painfully. Yet here is a lucky day for you when your being secretive and self reliant will earn you success. Be more ambitious.

ARIES: Some of the people around you may get on your nerve via careless remarks, you must not allow them to disorganise your plans. The closer you are to the influential people the better for you.

TAURUS: “Money is the root of all evils” says an adage. And if care is not taken, money may set you and some other people fiercely against each other to the detriment of your cause.

Be cautious.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Princess Shii’

By Andy Akman

GEMINI: Opposition between the Moon and Venus may induce personality clashes you don’t need at lest for now.

What can help you now is love and your being persuasive.

Think of the future.

CANCER: Positive events that started yesterday will continue today. Rely more on your ability to be as bold as necessary so that you can get things done your own way at work.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

Basic characteristics of Libra TIME SCOPE= OCT 11 – OCT 22 RULER = LOVE/PARTNERSHIP AND MONEY RELATED VENUS QUALITY =CARDINAL .

ELEMENT = AIR. SYMBOL =THE SCALE OF JUSTICE. GROUP = MASCULINE. ZODIACAL POSITION = THE 7TH. Libra is the related to public spiritedness partnership, marriage, rival, close associates, open opponents, justice harmony and/or care for peace and concord.

Through Venus, Librans are artistic inclined and as Venus rules money, money and comfort are truly important to all Librans and you are not an exception. Libra is a cardinal star sign which induces it’s natives to desire action and importance. Things ruled by Libra as stated above must be taken seriously by you.

You see, if a Libran makes mistakes while trying to make a partnership choice either of business or emotional type, it will profoundly affect many other areas of his/her life. Equally, business rival and/or open opponents must not be treated with levity.

Element of Libra is air. Natives of air signs are naturally intelligent and must think twice of their ideas before trying to discard them. Because their ideas are truly brilliant and most of them can lead to success both for themselves and others.

Libra is the social butterfly of the Zodiac and the issues of justice, fair-play and equity are very important to the natives of Venus ruled Libra. Some people who need to know better erroneously believe that Librans’ love of peace makes them a weak set of people but Librans can revolt, if and when injustice is done to them.

Some other times however, the desire for peace in your inner-self at times get the better of you to the point that you seek others’ approval before you do anything. And this your weak point can be taken advantage of by some dubious people who will not hesitate to do so.

But as peace loving as Librans are if a Libran discovers real or imaginary injustice against self he/she will feel cheated especially, if the matter at hand concerns relationship, few of them will then react violently but many will sulk.

Yet, influence of Libra makes you a socially developed person and if you care, you can commercialise your sparkling personality. Social activities management courses and/ or workshop on such w ill help bring out your ability along this line.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

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Edo to launch first open data portal in Africa

Delta commissioner bags chieftaincy title

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM & GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

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BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

ENIN—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State will, tomorrow, launch Nigeria’s first Open Data Portal in Benin.

Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Peter Okhiria, in

A

SABA—DELTA State Commissioner for Finance, Olorogun Kenneth Okpara, has been conferred with chieftaincy title of the Izomor (worthy/ illustrious son) of Agbon Kingdom.

HRM, Ogurime-Rime Ukori I said that Okpara was honoured with the chieftaincy title after a careful monitoring of his meritorious service to Deltans.

The king said that chieftaincy titles were not for moneybags, but conferred on deserving sons with sterling character.

He described Okpara as a worthy ambassador of Delta State, Agbon Kingdom and Eku community in particular.

Speaking to reporters, shortly after the conferment, Okpara said: “It is indeed a call to higher duties and I assure the people of Abraka Kingdom and the state at large that I will not let them down.”

a statement, said that Edo will become the first state in Nigeria and the first sub-national government in Africa to launch an Open Data Portal.

He said that the state would join over 200 governments worldwide that are currently pursuing Open Data initiative.

He added that the Open

Data was part of activities marking the 2013 Edo State Technology Day with the theme Fostering Governance with Technology.

He said: “The event is a platform for leaders and participants in the technology sector from states across Nigeria to showcase products

CAN expresses shock over Anglican Bishop's kidnap

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RESIDENT of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, has expressed concern over the abduction of the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province of the Anglican Communion of Nigeria, His Grace, Most Reverend Ignatius Kattey and his wife, Beatrice.

The wife has been released.

Oritsejafor has appealed to the kidnappers of the Archbishop to release him unconditionally and unharmed as a means of atoning for the sacrilege they had committed.

Pastor Oritsejafor, in a statement in Abuja, said: “The crime of forcefully taking away or holding somebody prisoner, usually for ransom, has become a showy display, a kind of publicity stunt in ways that explain

the serious insecurity in Nigeria.”

Given the ferocious and violent manner these kidnappings are carried out, Oritsejafor is worried that if the crime of kidnapping was not matched with equally harsh or severe punishments, Nigeria may be in for an

even worse situation than she is with the terrorist activities.

He said: “In circumstances where kidnappers shoot and kill people before forcefully abducting the victims, we call on the Federal Government to treat kidnappers like armed robbers and terrorists by invok-

RESIDENT, Rotary Club of Ovwian, Mr. Emmanuel Mukoro, has said that the passion to serve humanity, not wealth, was the essence of Rotary International.

Mukoro said all that was needed was a charitable spirit that sees beyond religion and politics, which he said was why his tenure as President of the

Club would pursue a threepoint agenda of youth development, water and environmental sanitation and public enlightenment programme on the use and safety of roads.

He spoke at his installation as President of the Rotary Club of Ovwian, Udu Local Government Area of Delta State.

BY FESTUS AHON

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GHELLI—AS part of efforts to alleviate the sufferings of the people, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, weekend, donated four 18-seater buses to Ethiope East, Ughelli South,

Udu and Uvwie local government areas chapters of Host Communities, Oil and Gas, HOSTCOM. Presenting of one of the buses in Isiokolo, headquarters of Ethiope council, the commissioner representing Ughelli North and Ethiope East on DESOPADEC board, Chief

He also announced the composition of the Board of Directors of the Club for the 2013/14 Rotary year to include himself as Chairman and his Vice, Mr. Peter Okpikpi as Vice Chairman of the board.

Others are Kingsley Asagba, Roseline Omorere, Moses Uparan, Fred Awata, Helen Macauley, Omuah Kings,

Uche Nzumirike, Peter Ikolo and Maria Enemigin.

Earlier in his remarks, immediate past President of the Club, Mr. Fred Awata presented awards to some members of the club for what he termed their exceptional and outstanding contribution to the Club during his tenure as President.

Ominimini Obuiwevbi, said that the bus was to ease the movement of HOSTCOM leadership in the area.

Obuivwevbi said that the commission was out to deliver the dividends of democracy to people in the grassroots, adding that all the commissioners of DESOPADEC were working as a team to ensure that all the oil bearing communities were developed.

In Otu-Jeremi, where three buses were presented to HOSTCOM in Ughelli South, Udu and Uvwie local government areas, the commissioner representing the areas on the board of DESOPADEC, Mr. Festus Utuama, said that the commission had achieved 75 percent of its 2012 budget.

He added that it was the commission's first time to donate three buses at a time.

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

ing laws that would stop criminality.”

Meanwhile, as the Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Sunday Makinde retires from active pastoral service, CAN President has wished him a fruitful and beneficial withdrawal.

DESOPADEC donates to HOSTCOM

‘Rotary's about passion for humanity, not wealth'

P

and innovations and to highlight information technology, IT, initiatives of governments and companies.”

He added that the Open Data has the potential to generate innovative new applications and services that would create new economic opportunities and jobs.

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On boy found on airplane's wheel well

OW! What a story.

He should be employed by the airport management for him to have outsmarted all of the security personnel on duty. Who knows if it was not one of the security staff that helped him? You never can tell anyway.— Mrs Bukky Oluwale, Administrator.

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D

ANIEL is just one of thousands of Nigerians that have the capability but lack the capacity to actualise their dreams. He deserves the highest national award and training to encourage others that there is a chance for everyone.— Mr. Kingsley Edokpa, Businessman.

HAT a stunt and high risk from such a little boy.

So for me, he should be trained and taken care of by the Federal Government. Also, Arik Airline should make use of the boy as part of its staff in the security department.— Mr. Ogunleke Piresy, Worker.

W

HE stowaway boy did what he did be cause of “making it.” Our youths have lost hope in this country.

Many of them have gone into various evil works, but Daniel felt if he could make it outside Nigeria, he will “make it.”— Chief M. A. Aina, King-Maker.

T

HIS is the kind of guy we need in our country for things to move forward— courage. DSS, I beg you in the name of Our Lord, don’t waste this raw material. It will be useful to our country. What he needs is more training to make out something from his little effort.— Mr. Emma Chidera, Model.

T

LTHOUGH I do not support the little boy’s idea of going in the airline’s wheel well to hide, thinking the flight is going outside Nigeria, I still want to commend him for his courage. I am a retired Brigade Commandant, so I know what I am saying.— Mr. Solomon Bombata, Pensioner.

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Jonathan urged to resolve PDP crisis

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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ORT HARCOURT— FORMER Chief Whip of Delta State House of Assembly, Mr Ejaife Odebala, has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to take practical steps to rescue the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP from collapse.

Lamenting the crisis rocking the party, Odebala, who described President Jonathan as the National Leader of the party, expressed hope that the party would overcome its current challenges.

On the re-run senatorial election coming up in Delta Central senatorial district, Odebala denied rumours that he was planning to contest the election.

According to him, he was supporting Chief Ighoyota Amori.

He said: “I believe we should give Amori the chance to represent Delta Central. Amori has been very loyal and active politically in PDP. He has worked faithfully for all the politically leaders in the state and in Delta Central.

He has been a leader to most of the politician in the state. He has the dexterity

and doggedness to represent Urhobo this time at the National Assembly."

Ogeah condemns attack on Delta education commissioner

D

ELTA State Commissioner for Information, Mr Chike Ogeah, has condemned Saturday’s attack on the state Commissioner for Education (Basic and Secondary), Professor Patrick Muoboghare by some youths at a meeting in Ughelli North Local Government Area.

He, meanwhile, charged youths in the state to eschew violence in their conduct, as attacks on persons under any guise was a criminal act punishable under Nigerian laws.

Ogeah, recalling the attack on Muoboghare, said “What was scheduled as a peaceful meeting among political groups in the area was hijacked by a few misguided youths that took advantage of the atmosphere of camaraderie to inflict bodily harm on

Muoboghare.

“The commissioner was wounded from a knife attack, but thankfully, he was immediately taken to hospital, where doctors attended to him. Professor Muoboghare is stable, recuperating and responding to treatment.

He is not and was never in coma.

“We unreservedly condemn the unprovoked attack on the commissioner.

Arrests have been made by the police and perpetrators of the crime will face the full wrath of the law.

"At a time that Delta State has emerged as one of the most peaceful states in the country, the unfortunate incident contradicts the perception of the youth as the successor generation among the political class that should usher an era of tolerance in politics.”

NPA workers seek God's intervention over welfare

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ORRIED by alleged neglect, workers under the aegis of Joint Union of Senior Staff Association and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, Delta State zone, have resorted to prayers to ask God to touch the heart of their management.

At the prayer session, held at NPA, premises in Warri, the workers prayed to God for the quick implementation of minimum wages, promotion of staff and payment of balance of accrued pension.

Other prayer points were the implementation of long service award to accommodate those who had served for 15 years and above and payment of terminal benefits to 2006 and 2008 retirees.

Chairman and Secretary of the union, Mr Emmanuel Ofomar and Mrs Mary Adewole, said “Our money comes in dollars but it does not reflect on us and we know that without the Port Authority, there is no

Nigeria.

“It was at a meeting of the national body that we were instructed to go to our respective branches and organise a prayer session

over those demands, which today has turn to prayer points because of the unwillingness and unbending nature of the management of the NPA."

Delta PDP inaugurates Ughelli North LG ward excos

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—DELTA State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Peter Nwaobochi, weekend, inaugurated the party ward executives in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

Inaugurating the ward executives, Nwaobochi, explained that the list of the ward executives was the original list sent from Abuja and signed by party leaders in the area.

He described those protesting the authenticity of the list as mischief makers, adding “if peradventure any name

was changed between Asaba and Ughelli, I am here to correct it as I still have the original list with me.”

Nwaobochi said that the Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has asked commissioners in Delta Central to either deliver their units during the forthcoming senatorial by-election and or face resignation.

“We had a meeting where the governor called on all the commissioners and myself as a witness and told them that they must deliver their units because whoever fails to deliver his unit should honourably resign from his cabinet."

46—Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

Rotary seeks N12.5m to execute community projects

BY JOSEPHINE

IGBINOVIA AGOS—THE Rotary Club of Gbagada, Lagos, has solicited the sum of N12.5 million to aid execution of community needs.

President of the club, Mr. Tayo Adelaja, who spoke during his installation in Lagos, emphasised the club’s tenacity towards the building of a block of four classrooms at Ijebu-based St Aloysius Catholic Primary School in Ogun State.

According to him, the money will also be channeled towards the provision of water and toilet facilities for four public schools in Lagos and Ogun states, including Gbagada General Hospital as beneficiary.

Adelaja said: “St Aloysius is currently in a very terrible state. Meanwhile, because there are so many Rotary clubs in Lagos, clubs are contesting for activities within Lagos State.

“So, we have decided to reach out to communities outside Lagos, which do not have the opportunity of having Rotary clubs around them because we understand government alone cannot do it all.

“We will also sponsor three children at the SOS Village and 30 candidates to the annual Rotary youth programme.”

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Erosion sacks 3 villages in Abia

BY ANAYO OKOLI MUAHIA—AT least 10 houses have been submerged by gully erosion which rendered many homeless in three villages of Isuochi in Umunneochi Local Govrnment Area of Abia State.

Many other buildings in the villages are currently on the verge of collapse, while others are under serious threat on account of heavy flooding.

The affected communities are Umuobasi Mbala, Umuaku, and Umudim Ngodo villages of Isuochi.

Vanguard observed that some of the affected buildings included a storey building each at Umuaku and Umuobasi Mbala respectively.

Farms were also destroyed by the erosion which is fast eating deep into other parts of the community.

Information from the state Ministry of Environment said more than N8 billion would be required to effectively tackle erosion menace in the area, which it said was clearly beyond the capacity of Abia State government.

Meanwhile, the member representing Umunneochi in Abia State House of Assembly, Prince Ikedi Ezekwesiri, said problem began last year, following heavy flooding in the area.

Ezekwesiri said he had earlier

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MUAHIA—SOME por tions of the busy EnuguOkigwe-Umuahia-Aba-Port Harcourt express road have again turned into serious death traps barely eight months after the Federal Government rehabilitated it.

Worst affected are portions between Okigwe and Ofeme in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.

Dangerous potholes dot most part of this stretch of the road, with no intervention from the Federal Road Management Agency, FERMA. A number of accidents have occurred on the road as some of these potholes are dangerously located in the centre of the road, which makes it very difficult for motorists to avoid.

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prepare a robust report that will enable the Federal Government to intervene through the ecological fund.

“In the meantime, I will urge residents of the area to do the little they can to ensure that the situation did not worsen while we wait for the Federal Government to assist us.”

He appealed to the Federal Government to come to the aid of

the people to save them from further hardship.

Permanent Secretary, Abia State Ministry of Environment, Mr. Bernard Ogbonna,who lamented the devastation caused by the erosion said: “We are sending a distressed call to the FederalGovernmenttorescueourpeople from this dangerous predicament so that the affected communities will not be wiped out.”

EDUCATION SUMMIT: Governor Peter Obi of Anmabra State (right) and Chairman, Senate Committee on Education, Comrade Uche Chukwumerije, at the summit on education at the Banquet Hall, Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

Owerri Prisons overflows with awaiting trial inmates

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

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WERRI—THE Federal Prisons, Owerri, originally built to accommodate only 548 inmates is now housing a total of 1,827 persons.

Of this number, only 164 of the inmates are serving varying jail terms, while a staggering 1,663 persons are awaiting trial.

Okigwe-Umuahia highway now death trap

BY ANAYO OKOLI

drawn the attention of officials of the Ministry of Environment to the problem.

He said: “We have never witnessed such dangerous devastation before and this is more worrisome in the sense that these gullies developed in less than one year.

“This is certainly beyond the state government and I appeal to the State Ministry of Environment to

Between Okigwe and Ofeme, a number of vehicles, mainly heavy duty trucks, were on Monday seen stranded on some of the damaged portions of the road.

Contract for OkigweUmuahia road was announced to have been awarded to a reputable contractor for total rebuilding.

However, since the announcement was made by government, no action had been taken to commence work on the project.

“It does not even seem that the contractor has been mobilized. Since after the announcement, have you hard anything again. I will not be surprised if it turns out to be a political statement afterall we are approaching 2015 election year.”

Imo State Comptroller of Prisons, Mr. Ifeanyi I. Amaliri, disclosed this while receiving the State Chief Judge, Justice Benjamin A. Njemanze, who was at the prison establishment on jail delivery exercise.

Justice Njemanze discharged 10 persons said to be awaiting trial for more than seven years, including three persons whose illnesses were likely to terminate in death.

The Chief Judge, who appeared stunned as Mr. Christopher Chidi, a Lagos-based clearing agent and

car dealer, narrated how the police arrested him on fictitious charges, charged him to Umuokanne Magistrate’s Court which later sentenced him to prison, later discharged him.

Presenting the case of Osolase Ehis, who was remanded since February 3, 2009, without trial, the Prison medical personnel, Dr. Innocent Chukwuezi, informed the chief judge that the accused person was now suffering paralysis on both legs.

“The accused person has severe

paralysis on both legs. He also exhibits some element of psychiatric problem.

“Since the medical facilities in this prison cannot properly take care of his ailment, he should be allowed to go on medical grounds,” Dr. Chukwuezi pleaded with the chief judge.

Similarly, Iheanyi Anuforo, who was only 19 years when he was incarcerated December 20, 2010, now suffers from what the medical doctor termed immuno-suppression.

Anambra LG poll : PDP candidates allege fraud of N200,000 for chairmanship NWC, the National Execuin primary and N50,000 for councillorship tive Committee, NEC, and

BY ENYIM ENYIM NITSHA—CHAIRMAN SHIP and councillorship candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Anambra State, yesterday, protested against alleged electoral fraud in the recently conducted primary election for aspirants by the party leadership.

Describing the exercise as a rape on democracy, daylight robbery and monumental fraud, the candidates said most of their colleagues who won the primary election were short changed, with their slots given to losers.

Consequently, the candidates, who had already paid the mandatory nomination fees

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positions to the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, ANSIEC, urged the National Working Committee,

national chairman, Bamanga Tukur, to ensure that internal democracy prevailed by correcting the anomaly.

Ex-CPC treasurer faults Ikeagwu on APC merger

BY OKONKWO EZE

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NITSHA—A chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Anambra State, Sir Chijioke Achu, has said the defunct Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, in the state was fully involved in the merger agreement that formed the former a few months ago.

Speaking to newsmen yesterday in Onitsha, Anambra

State, in reaction to a press statement credited to the former chairman of the defunct CPC in the state, Prince Chuba Ikeagwu, that CPC in the state was never in the merger agreement that formed APC, Achu noted that although Ikeagwu had the right to say his own opinion, the truth remained that all CPC members had automatically become members of APC, by virtue of the merger.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013—47

BRIEFING: Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki briefing party loyalists on the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, crisis at the Peoples Mandate Hall, in Olorunsogo Area, Ilorin.

INAUGURATION: Governor Ibikunle Amosun cutting the tape to inaugurate the Taxi Scheme; from left, Mr. Gbenga Opesanwo, Senior Special Adviser to Governor Amosun on Transportation, Mrs. Funso Amosun, Oba Rauf Adeole; Onipokia of Ipokia, and others, look on. Photo: Wumi Akinola

AGM: The President and Chairman of council, National institute of Marketing of Nigeria, Abdul Koledoye (middle); the representatives of NBTE in the council, Mallam Ahmed Dangabarin (left), and 2nd Vice Chairman, Dr. Rotimi Oladele, during the NIMN 2013 Annual General Meeting, at Oranmiyan Hall, Airport PRESENTATION: From left, Marketing Manager, Lager, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Paul Asemota; Hotel, Lagos. winner of an LG LCD TV set, Mr. Yomi Bajulaiye, and Brand Manager, Lager, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Gbolahan Sanni, during the presentation of prizes to winners of the raffle draw, at the Harp Arena, Akure Township Stadium, Akure, Ondo State.

KICK-OFF: From left, Mr. Tominiyi Oni, Human Resources Manager, FrieslandCampina, Wamco Nigeria Plc, and Mr. Peter Eshikina, MD/CEO, at the kick-off of 2013 MD's cup of Friedslandcampina Wamco Nigeria Plc, at Agege Stadium, weekend. Photo: Joseph Akintola, Photo Editor

EXERCISE:From left, Chairman, Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Israel Akanji; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, NCPC, John Opara, and Federal Commissioner, NCPC, Helene Ughoro, at 2013 screening exercise for intending pilgrims of Federal Capital Territory,FCT, Abuja. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan

VISIT: From left, Sir Terry Mccann, Monsignor John Aniagwu, Spiritual Director, Knights of St. John International, Lagos Grand; Dale Gossiaux, Supreme President, Knights of St John International, Noble; Sis. Iris Turner, Supreme Respected President, Knights of St. John International Ladies Auxiliary, and Sir Anselm Okafor, President, Supreme Subordinate, Nigeria, Knights of St. John International, at a recent visit by the Supreme President to Nigeria.

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BRIEFING: From left, Medical Director, Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, Femi Olaleye; Editor-in-Chief, Exquisite Magazine, Tewa Onasanya; Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Sahara Group, Tomiwa Adesida, and General Manager, Nokia West Africa, Chris Brown, during a press briefing at the 2013 Exquisite Magazine Against Cancer, EMAC, Walk, sponsored by Nokia. Photo: Akeem Salau

From left, Director General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, NTDC, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo; President/ CEO, African Finance Corporation, Mr. Andrew Alli; Minister of Culture and Tourism and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, during tourism event in Abuja.

48—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

Jigawa PDP vows to back Baraje faction

Isoko group commends Uduaghan over poverty reduction

BY ALIYU DANGIDA

BY OLAYINKA LATONA

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UTSE —JIGAWA State chapter of the new Peoples Democratic Party, nPDP, has said no amount of intimidation, threat or pressure from the Bamanga Tukur-led faction will deter it to reverse earlier decision to support the nPDP. The Chairman of the nPDP, Alhaji Salisu Mahmuda Kuit, said this while commenting on the ongoing crisis in the party. He said: “We would not fold our arms to be intimidated even as the PDP political platform is not a must on all, however, it should be noted that it is a platform of attaining power.

"PDP is like an ocean in the country’s polity and only a good swimmer can survive its daring tides or be consumed in its confusion. PDP is not also a military formation; we should not be treated as such and that was why we walked out of the special convention as a result of the glaring irregularities being perpetuated there."

Benue NLC procures 100 cars for workers

BY PETER DURU

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AKURDI— One hundred brand new cars valued at over N400 million have been procured for workers by the Benue State council of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, under its recently introduced car revolving loan scheme.

The cars which were delivered to the council at the weekend came on the heels of the initial 47 that were recently distributed to benefiting workers to mark the flag off of the scheme in the state.

Chairman of the State council of the NLC and President of the Agricultural and Allied Employees Union of Nigeria, AAEUN, Simon Anchaver disclosed this yesterday while fielding questions from journalists in his Makurdi office.

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MEETING—From left: The Governor of Niger State, Dr Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu; Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Prof Modupe Adelabu; the Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan; Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, during a meeting with the United Nations Secretary General's Special Envoy on Global Education, Rt Hon. Gordon Brown at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Kwara lawmakers ask Police to restore Saraki's security details

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI

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LORIN—FOLLOWING al leged withdrawal of the police security details attached to the former Governor of Kwara State, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, the State House of Assembly, yesterday, asked the State Police Command to withdraw the police security aides attached to the Speaker of the house Abdurazaq Atunwa in the next 48 hours.

This was part of resolutions passed on the floor of the state assembly.

Addressing journalists after the day’s sitting, the speaker condemned the withdrawal of the police security aides of the former governor who he said served the state meritoriously for two terms between 2003 and 2011.

According to him, “if the Ni-

geria police command does not deem it fit to protect a two-term governor and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, then it is duplicitous to seek to protect a speaker of the state assembly. As the speaker of the kwara State House of Assembly that enacted the law, it would be utterly improper for me to sit indolently and do nothing in the face of such flagrant violation of its law. ”In addition to the resolutions passed by the assembly today (yesterday), I as the Speaker, have notified the commissioner of Police of the state command that by Friday, I will relinquish the police security attached to me until such time the police security of Senator

Abubakar Bukola Saraki is restored. By virtue of Section 2(3) Paragraph H of the third schedule Law 2010 of the state, governor and deputy governor are entitled to the provision of police security as part of their pension entitlements, it was a law validly enacted by the Kwara State house of Assembly. ”It is quite disconcerting and perturbing that the Nigeria Police command ordered that the police security of the former governor as provided by law to be withdrawn. This constitutes a clear breach of the law. I am given to understand that, the police are themselves compelled to take that action by reasons of, “orders from above.”

AGOS—ISOKO soli darity group, yesterday, commended Delta State Government, led by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, for his promptness in reducing poverty in the state, among women and youths across the country through the state micro-credit programme.

The group’s vice-president and publicity secretary respectively, Mr. Moses Igbrude and Mr. Sunday Igho, made the commendation when they led a delegation of members on a courtesy visit to the facilitator of the programme in Lagos, Comrade Joseph Evah in his office.

The group said: “We thank you (Comrade Joseph Evah); the governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan; the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Antonia Ashiedu for all your efforts in setting aside such fund to alleviate the suffering of our women and thinking beyond oil.

“Th micro-credit loan programme of the Delta State Government is meant to assist women in their small scale businesses across the region and this has helped them a lot.

“The desire of the state government to target the vulnerable segment of the society is a good idea considering the disadvantaged position of women in national economic building”, the group said.

Responding, Comrade Evah urged them to see the loan given to the women as sign of a good thing to come from the Delta State Government.

S-West PDP faults concession of zone's offices to Obasanjo L

AGOS—THE leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South West, yesterday, faulted reports that the office of the National Secretary and other offices meant for the South West would be conceded to former President Olusegun Obasanjo as part of the ongoing reconciliation efforts within the PDP. The leadership of the party, consisting of the Zonal Caretaker Committee, the State Chairmen Forum, the Elders Committee, the Stakeholders Forum, the Organisation and Mobilisation Committee, the Women and Youth fora, said, “no individual or group, no matter how powerful, can single-handedly fill positions al-

lotted to the South West Zone. We are opposed to anything short of a free, fair and democratic congress where delegates would elect their leaders as ordered by the court in Suit No FHC/L/ CS/347/2012.”

In a statement issued by the Acting Chairman, Caretaker Committee, South West PDP, Engr. Adedeji Doherty, the party noted that it was the irregularities of the past that necessitated the sack of the erstwhile Zonal Executive Committee, which was headed by Engr. Segun Oni – and the removal of the former National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola by the courts.

The party also said any attempt to fill the vacant posi-

tion of the National Secretary, except as prescribed by the court, would be tantamount to another illegality.

“It would be recalled that a Court Order/Judgment was given in the matter between Chief (Engr) Adebayo Dayo and others Vs Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Peoples Democratic Party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/ CS/504/2012 whereby Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, our representative from Osun State, was relieved of his duties.

“In the same Order/Judgment, the Court also directed that the Zone should conduct a Congress to nominate a replacement to the above position. “ The court said inter alia ‘that an order is hereby granted di-

recting the 3rd defendant (INEC) to rectify the records of the 2nd defendant (PDP) by deleting the name of the 1st defendant (Oyinlola) and replacing same in accordance with the provision of the Constitution of the 1st defendant with a candidate nominated at a valid congress of the South West Zone chapter of the 1st defendant (PDP).’

“In obedience to the Orders and Judgment of the Court, the Caretaker Committee under the supervision of the former Chairman, Chief Ishola Filani on Saturday, July 13, 2013 conducted a Special Congress where Professor Wale Oladipo (Osun State) was nominated as Oyinlola’s replacement."

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013— —49

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50—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

Dilemma of getting Nigeria e-passport

BY VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU

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HE unavailabilty of electronic passport issuing facilities has in no small way, thrown Nigerians in the diaspora into an endless dilemma in their attempts to process and renew their Nigerian e-passports aboard.

Speaking via telephone, a victim who pleaded anonymity, told Consular Advisory that Nigerians who are residing in various countries abroad are finding it difficult to process the e-passports due to the Nigeria Immigration

Service’s (NIS) inability to provide Nigerian missions in their respective countries of abode with the electronic passport issuing facilities.

The source said: “The Nigeria Immigration Service Comptoller General, David Parradang and other responsible Nigerian authorities need to make extra effort to ensure that all Nigerian missions are equipped with the necessary facilities that are needed to process e-passport for foreign based Nigerians.

“With the facilities in place, those

•Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service, David Parradang

of us who need to renew our epassports would not be driven to our wits end before we possess the e-passport. I am saying this because I am aware that it revolves around Nigerian Immigration Service and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide all Nigerian diplomatic missions

abroad with enough quantity of epassport issuing facilities, else it becomes lack of absolute professional discipline and dishonesty to national interest.”

He also explained that since there is no longer a provision which allows one to process his or her passport through proxy, as was the case initially before the introduction of the e-passport, officials of the NIS, therefore, should strive to perfect on activities of their arranged team of passport officers, who periodically visit Nigerian embassies abroad to collect biometric data of applicants in order to help them procure epassport back home in Nigeria.

This arrangement he noted, “is initiated by officials of some of the Nigerian embassies abroad, due to the unavailability of the e-passport issuing facilities in their respective consulates. The idea also was conceived in view of the significance and importance of one being in possession of a valid Nigerian e-passport at all times, especially while in a foreign land.”

Another Nigerian who is based in the U.A.E, who simply identified himself as Stanford noted that the most valued identification documentation which Nigerians must possess is the e-passport.

Necessary facilities He, however, regretted that Nigeria immigration authorities and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs seem not to be interested in areas that would ensure that all Nigerian missions are provided with the necessary facilities that are needed for processing the e-passport. He said this gives room for undeserving individuals to continue to exploit helpless applicants, who have no other option, but to make use of the arranged passport officers.

Apparently, these arranged epassports officers would collect applicants’ biometrics, in addition to processing fees and travel cost in order to assist them in processing their e-passport, which on completion, would be sent back to them through their respective missions in countries of abode.

Stanford said, “I am embittered with the inconsistency and unsatisfactory attitude of the NIS in this regard, as well as the manner with which they address the issue.

All missions abroad should have these facilities, to enable Nigerian e-passport applicants procure the passport in a less cumbersome procedure, without necessarily having to take a risky and unplanned journey back home.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013— —51

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52 — VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

PDP ticket: Andy Uba, Tony Nwoye return to court today

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

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EARING in the suit over who gets the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ticket between Tony Nwoye and Andy Uba for the November 16, 2013 governorship election in Anambra State continues today at the Federal High sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The Ejike Oguebego’s faction of the PDP in Anambra State, which elected Chief Andy Uba as the party ’s candidate is in court to challenge the decision of the National Working Committee, NWC, to recognise Ken Emeakayi’s faction which produced Mr. Tony Nwoye as the flagbearer.

While Oguebego is the first plaintiff, Andy Uba is the second.

The presiding judge, Justice H.A. Nganjiwa, while adjourning sitting yesterday, affirmed that today’s hearing would settle on accelerated hearing towards dispensing

•Nwoye with the motion on notice and interlocutory injunctions emanating from the case before the originating summon and substantive suit would be considered.

At yesterday’s hearing, Jude Nnodum, counsel to Ejike

•Uba Oguebego, factional chairman of the Anambra PDP and Andy Uba, plaintiffs in the case, apologised to the judge and the defense team asking for extended time to update and file the necessary documents to reflect the co-

joining of the interested party.

On Justice Nganjiwa’s decision to first dispense with the motion on notice and interlocutory objections today, B.C. Igwilo, who held brief for U.I Igweneme, counsel to 3rd and 4th defendants in

tune with Mensha N. Kalu, counsel to 1st defendant, contended that it would be improper in view of existing question marks over the jurisdiction of the court.

Justice Nganjiwa, while upholding his decision said: “In view of Order 29 Rule 1, it is not out of place to do away with the interlocutory objections and motion on notice first. After that we can determine and rule on the question of whether the court has jurisdiction or not.”

In a chat with Vanguard after yesterday ’s hearing, plaintiffs’ counsel declined opening up on the nature and content of the injunctions to be determined.

"We all have to come tomorrow and hear the plaintiffs out and response from the other side. The matter is going on in court now. If we begin to talk outside of the court, we would be preempting the proceedings. Let’s just wait till tomorrow,” he explained.

••As Nwoye glimpses prosperous Anambra

BY TONY EDIKE

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EOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) Gubernatorial Candidate, Comrade Tony Nwoye, has urged members of the party to remain steadfast in their collective goal of returning the party to power in Anambra State.

Speaking at Ukpo in Dunukofia Local Government Area, when party patron, Chief Arthur Eze, presented campaign vehicles and motorcycles to party wards, Nwoye said that the chorus for a peaceful and prosperous state had been answered for good.

Nwoye, who was accompanied by his running mate, Dr. A m a m c h u k w u Ezike said that with the vacation of the court order against his candidacy, there was no going back on winning the election and restoring the state to PDP, where the interest of the people would be better protected.

“Our people are no longer interested in belonging to an unpopular party because that has not helped the state in anyway.

Anambra people have resolved to bring the state back to PDP so that we can enjoy more benefits from the PDP-led Federal Government,” he said.

While calling on those who lost in the PDP primary to join hands with him to rebuild the party and the state, the candidate said that the Anambra of his dream was

one that would offer the people greater opportunity for investment and security and engender development.

Apart from the presentation of several campaign vehicles

and motorcycles to Nwoye’s campaign team, Prince Eze also used the occasion to celebrate this year’s New Yam festival which witnessed the traditional roasting of newly

harvested yams that were eaten with red palm oil as well as pounded yam and other delicacies specially prepared for the event.

APC primaries: Ngige faults election observers’ comment

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

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ENATOR Chris Ngige, the Anambra State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has berated the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on election observation and monitoring in Nigeria over its comment on the outcome of the recent governorship primaries of the APC in the state.

The election observer group had, through its national coordinator, Chief Dominic Alfred and secretary, Comrade Friday Maduka, called for the cancellation of the exercise in view of alleged malpractices.

But in his reaction to the issue, Mr. Tony Icheoku, media aide to the senator, said the objective of the group’s comment was to create confusion, misinform the public and impugn the free, fair and transparent direct delegates primaries held by the APC on September 2, 2013 to elect its governorship candidate, Senator Chris Ngige.

According to Icheoku, the body’s attempt to smear the

primaries held in the 326 wards in Anambra State was most regrettable and condemnable.

He said: “The Ngige 2014 campaign organization queries the locus of this so -called observation and monitoring body to call for rerun of APC primary when there has been no complaint from Chief Godwin Ezeemo, who contested with Ngige and who had accepted the outcome of the primary, and urged his supporters to work with Ngige.

“We hereby urge the Independent National Electoral commission, INEC, and the security agencies to check the activities of such shadowy groups whose objectives seem to be to cause confusion and overheat the polity for ulterior and selfish motives. ‘’There is no election that does not have its lapses, but where its magnitude does not overshadow the overall result, the outcome is always accepted by the parties concerned, or the party which does not accept such results usually petitions its outcome. ‘’But in this case, Chief Ezeemo

has accepted the outcome and we wonder what is the interest of the socalled observation and monitoring body’s interest and reason for casting aspersion on the APC primary.

“From the report of the APC’s n a t i o n a l monitoring committee, which supervised the primary, there were incidents of violence in a ward in Awka North •Ngige local government area which has 14 wards; election was also not held in three wards out of the 18 wards of Orumba North LGA. There was equally no election in one ward out of the 16 wards of Ogbaru LGA’s 16 wards; also, result was nullified in Idemili LGA. “The above were the only incidents of irregularities as announced by the wards returning officers. Ezeemo was

present when this result was announced and he told journalists that they were acceptable to him despite the unavoidable hiccups. ‘”We hereby urge this group to cease its campaign of calumny and also urge the security agencies to be alert in their duties and checkmate all such faceless groups being used as mercenaries to cause confusion in the November 16 election.”

Why Nigeria must remain united — Ezeife, Kachako BOTCHED Third Republic Governor of Anambra State, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife and Senator Isa Kachako, who represented Kano Central in that era, were at the National Summit held at Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, last week, where they shared their thoughts on the problems of Nigeria and the way out. Excerpts: religiosity, geographical and other negative divides.

Today, our country is threatened.

Foreign countries are predicting our disintegration and we appear callously to be acting out their script.

Wake up Nigerians. To hell with political parties and their intrigues and turbulences.

Nigeria’s major problem is injustice — Sen Kachako

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ideologies nearly divided Nigeria and led to the unwarranted civil war.

After the civil war, the military adopted many political parties. Their operations as political parties did not correspond to the democratic norms of politics as they were more or less run under decrees rather the constitution.

The transition to civil rule from military

IGERIA has been endowed with both natural and human resources. Its huge size in land and population and also the degree of peaceful approach to things and issues by its people have made it impossible for agents of confusion to destroy the nation’s unity in diversity. I advice our leaders to establish an ideology on a solid work ethics; our leaders are only obliged to keep to western and Eastern ideology against our own African leadership style. Our political and cultural work ethics will never be the same hence our attitudes to life must reflect our cultural values.

The Nigerian civil war and military leadership brought about some changes. Their operations did not correspond to democracy. There is need to build a new virile nation that will stand the test of time by: •Maintaining and protecting the unity and sovereignty of Nigeria as one indivisible political nation; •Kachako •Endeavour to alleviate ignorance, poverty, corruption and negative vices in our society; •Promote mutual respect for rule seemed a difficult thing to do. As the and understanding of religions, cultures, saying goes ‘whoever tasted the flavour tradition and heritage of our various of honey in a calabash container will never communities in Nigeria; •Assist the let it go.’ Hence, the military with the Federal Government at all times in the counseling of a very few civilians in power protection and consideration of genuine has tried to prevent proper civil rule. These democracy; •Propagate messages of and many other reasons have plunged the peace, tolerance, co-existence, honesty country into the situation we are in now.

So, it will be a disservice and lost of and hard work; •Be involved in the opportunity to take Our leaders must put a stop to corruption this meeting as a political gathering. and misuse of our hard earned resources, This cannot be they must be told to lead us in accordance business as usual.

The major problem with the constitution of the Federal confronting this great nation is Republic of Nigeria injustice.

This diffusion of tension and misunderstanding manifest itself in greed, dishonesty, among citizens, communities and all arms deprivation and marginalization, etc as a and tiers of government; •Bring about a result of leaders’ inadequacies, which have more equitable distribution of the income led to distrust, cynicism, dependency and and wealth for promoting social and loss of confidence in our leaders. efficient production; and •Improve Way forward available standard work ethics of We must find a final solution to the education, healthcare, nutrition and increasing crisis and disputes caused by housing.

Niger Delta, Boko Haram saga and some Nigeria is at cross roads. The politics of unpatriotic people whose nasty comments divide and rule is over-clouding the style and statements always trigger indiscipline, or operative methods of polity in Nigeria. ethnic and religious disputes and political The Nigerian politician sees nothing good ignorance. in any political issue unless it is created We, the elders must come together and by his methodology. fight for our children yet unborn.

During the First Republic, a little bit of Our leaders must put a stop to corruption ideology was practiced in our political and misuse of our hard earned parties based on the borrowed ideas of resources.They must be told to lead us in the Western and Eastern blocs. It was on accordance with the constitution of the the basis of communism or capitalism of Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Russia or America and its allies. These

,

•Ezeife

We’re toying with God’s design — Ezeife

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How to save Nigeria All need to ensure the permanence of one Nigeria is to ensure the President who represents the focal point of our sovereignty, to convoke a national Conference, from which must emanate a constitution about which for the first time, Nigerians can truly say, "We the people of Nigeria, make and give unto ourselves, this constitution".

The President is in a position to do it. The National Assembly is not because they are mere

UR country is blessed! Climate: no agents, even tenants in the House. A extremes, no tornadoes, no tenant may mend cracks in a house. The hurricanes. The geographical structure landlord has the role of rebuilding the of Nigeria is very stable no volcanoes House. The sovereign people of no earthquake. There are abundant Nigeria, represented by Mr. President, material resources in flora and fauna. are the landlord.

Among the decisions we need to make The ones we know already are surplus; there are many we have not yet is whether we have unicameral or bicameral legislature? How do members discovered.

Our country is a great country, of the National Assembly deal with the designed by Almighty God himself for conflict of interest involved? The unsurpassed greatness. Our country is National Assembly has no role in the the largest concentration of blacks on constitution making. A referendum shall the face of the earth. This is our gem of confirm the people’s constitution. a country but we are No groups of Nigerians, small or large toying with will happily walk away from a Nigeria it, playing restructured so that things begin to work with fire.

North is beautiful, Let us rally around the President and northern people are great; same can be bring to his awareness the urgency of a said of South, East and West.

Is it not God’s intention that Nigeria national discuss. We must stop toying should be a rallying point and big with the gem God gave us.

Nigeria must not just survive. We need brother to all blacks on earth? Man to restructure Nigeria to develop into a should not mess up God’s design.

It is the manifest destiny of Nigeria to world super power. No groups of raise the dignity and respect of Nigeria. Nigerians, small or large will happily I believe, to develop into a super power walk away from a Nigeria restructured to raise the dignity and prestige of Black so that things begin to work. I come from and African persons of this world is the a people who have voted with their feet for one Nigeria and the best is yet to manifest destiny of Nigeria.

It is time to stop toying with our great come from us. Let us put hands together luck in having a most endowed country to sustain one Nigeria.

A stitch in time, they say, saves nine. in the world; time to take necessary action to ensure the permanence of one Only crazy bastards will sit moping and Nigeria; time to focus on economic liquidate their inheritance. Nigeria must development, the only measure of remain one unite country restructured power known to the world. Time to turn for growth and development. away from the various divides- tribalism,

,

STORIES BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE, DEPUTY POLITICAL EDITOR

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VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013—53

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54— —Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013—55

I'm nothave behind video againsI nothing against Mouka disparaging Lord's ---Chosen Ofoegbu—Ofoegbu t Mouka

Nigeria'll harvest peace, says Badejo

By OLAYINKA LATONA

D

ESPITE growing se curity concerns in dif ferent parts of Nigeria, former General Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church, Rev. Wilson Badejo has urged Nigerian citizens to be optimistic about the future of the nation.

Speaking at the 4th annual convocation of Foursquare Gospel Church, Egbe District in Lagos with a theme; “Greater Harvest,” Badejo acknowledged that there are challenges that will shake the country but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Said he: “Nigeria will harvest peace and happiness in all ramifications. This country is superlatively blessed and we should not be shaken or disturbed by the various crises and challenges confronting us as a nation. There will always be issues that will shake us but God is in control of the situation”.

The District Overseer of Egbe District, Rev. Sam Badejo advised members to

*Rev. Wilson Badejo allow the spirit of evangelism to engulf them, reminding them that soul winning is a cardinal point of Foursquare Gospel church.

“Let us not relent in speaking about Jesus Christ. Go out there, do more of evangelism because the field is ripe for harvest. The world should read about Him in our lives.

Spread the gospel, it remains our duty to offer our world an

opportunity to know the way, the truth and the life,” he said.

The D.O. also advised Nigerians to continue to co-exist as one nation, noting that the security situation would soon become history.

He advised the Federal Government to see the situation as a trying period in the process of nation-building.

The highpoint of this year's convocation was the ordination of 26 men and women into as deacons and deaconesses.

The convocation chairman, Pastor Chidi Ugbogu, in his address, also advised them to have a receptive mind and ensure that the theme of the programme reflect in their individual lives.

He urged Christians to do more of evangelism; "we should do away with procrastination. Evangelism is our life wire as directed by Christ”.

Diya, Adefuye, others take oath on stainless loyalty to God

By OLASUNKANMI AKONI

E

RSTWHILE Chief of General Staff, Gen. Oladipo Diya (rtd), the Baba Ijo of The United African Methodist (Evangelical), Senator Anthony Adefu-ye, the church’s patron and Dr. (Mrs) Funke Adebajo, its matron, last Sunday, led elders and members of the church at a special programme of oath-taking to express their unalloyed worship to God only.

The oath-taking was done by the church’s ministers before its counselor, Chief Kehinde Diya, a legal practitioner.

Rev. Timothy, in his sermon, emphasised the fact that it is spiritually suicidal for anyone to worship mammon with God, saying whoever does that is accursed.

In turns, the priests stepped onto the pulpit, told the congregation that they did not and would never belong to any secret organisation, asking God to visit them with His wrath should they.

After appending their signatures, they were issued certificates affirming that they had no secret pact with mammon.

Elders of the church, including Diya’s wives---Josephine and Folasade---and Chief Mabel Komolafe, also stepped out to be counted among those reaffirming their unbroken loyalty to God. At the end of the session for which every one expressed

satisfaction that they were under the spiritual care of “pure” ministers in the church, Diya said: “This is a special day for us in this church because it is what we have long expected.

The essence of the declaration service is to establish it and be sure that those who are divinely saddled with directing the affairs of the congregation serve no other God except The Almighty."

Primate canvasses knowledge in handling gospel propagation

By CALEB AYANSINA

P

RIMATE, Church of Ni geria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh has warned that church ministry is driven by communication where information should be handled properly to avoid crisis.

Okoh, who stated this while, addressing the 5th Diocesan Communicators' Conference held in Abuja, said Christianity must be presented and propagated in a simple way.

The primate maintained that those who project the gospel of Jesus Christ must be sound academically and spiritually, to avoid creating confusion that might compel people to speak blasphemy of God, noting that deviating from the tenets of the profession would neither speak well for the Church nor propagating the gospel.

The primate, who also called on the media to be objective in their reportage as activities

for the 2015 general election gather momentum, however, warned the government against obnoxious measures that capable of gagging the media.

“Gagging the media/TV houses is not in the interest of the public, it is in the interest of the people that there should be free flow of information. It is better to watch them (politicians) like films and analyze what they say, study and make efforts to verify before you rush to publish anything otherwise you can end up being sued for sandal,” he insisted.

The Director of Communication, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Ven. Foluso Taiwo explained that the conference was designed to train “Diocesan Communicators, we believe that their skill must be sharpened so that they can work with their bishops and project the image of their diocese, and the Church Of Nigeria Anglican Communion at large.

--- Ofoegbu OUNDER of Christ

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Chosen Generation Revival Ministry, Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu has debunked claims that he is behind a video disparaging the Lord Chosen Church and its leadership, saying that whatever rift there was between him and Pastor Lazarus Muoka was settled over three years ago, reports OLAYINKA LATONA. Addressing newsmen in Lagos, Ofoegbu frowned at the video titled: The naked truth about Chosen, explaining that he never granted any interview nor authorized the use of his name, photographs or publication in any form against Pastor Mouka.

It would be recalled that in 2008 there was a legal battle between Pastor Lazarus Mouka and Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu who was a member of the Chosen church. The parties were in court over an alleged financial ‘investment’ for the growth of the church within and outside Lagos.

In the suit by the church before a Lagos High Court, the plaintiffs, the Lord’s Chosen and Pastor Muoka, claimed that Ofoegbu joined the church as a pauper and that the church on different occa-

sions gave him money to help cushion the effects of his financial hardship while Ofoegbu averred he had invested N370 million in the church.

The paramount ruler of Umudiawa Kingdom in Umuahia, Abia State described the perpetrators as wicked and deceitful people, noting that their intent is to bring the Lord Chosen Church including the senior pastor down, praying that God will expose the sponsors of the video.

His words: “I resolved my differences with the church some three years ago and I have respect for my former General Overseer who brought me to Christ like other persons in the Lord Chosen. I am not a party to this un-Godly claim and blasphemies.

"Their wicked intent is to pull down the man of God as the said DVD/VCD in their materials is fabricated, false, malicious and their cheap blackmail is to coerce the organisation to yield to their unholy demands or to advance satanic attack on the church and Christianity in general”.

Urging the general public to disregard the said video, Ofoegbu said his desire is that the hand of law should catch up with those behind the video for prosecution by a court of law.

AMORC holds workshop

I

N continuation of its contribution towards achieving national peace and security over the years, the Lagos Zone of the Rosicrucian Order, AMORC, a cultural, educational and philosophical organisation, will be hosting a public symposium on Saturday, September 14, 2013 at the Cinema Hall 1 of the National Arts Theartre, Iganmu Lagos.

Scheduled for 9.00am, the event begins with a World Press Conference to be addressed by the Grand Administrator and President of AMORC in Nigeria, Dr Kenneth Idiodi who will talk on sundry while the technical sessions to be addressed by

eminent scholars will focus on the sub themes such as: The Role of Government, the Role of Individual, the Role of Family and the Role of Corporate Organisations on National Peace and Security.

Among the panel of disccusants are Dr Douglas Anele of the Dept of Philosophy, University of Lagos, Professor Isaac Alaba, Independent Consultant, Culture and Languages, Mrs Olabimpe Giwa, Consultant on Educatonal Matters and Babatope Ogunnowo, Tax and Financial Consultant, respectively.

The special sessions will be moderated by Johnson Ikube, Managing Consultant/CEO, JI Global Solutions Ltd.

PUBLIC NOTICE

FAMILY CARE MANDATE MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL Notice is hereby given to the general public that the above mentioned Name has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part 'C' of the Companies and Allied MattersAct No 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Diyaolu EbenezerAyobami 2. Diyaolu Grace Oluwatosin

3. Alagbe Mary Oluwatosin 4. Osibo Victoria Temitope 5. Bosede Gabriel Monday

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To lead God's sons and daughters to the Biblical way of settling down in holy and blissful marriage.

2. To stabilize, strengthen and support families.

3. To bring Healing to wounded homes.

4. To prepare couples that will be ready to meet the Ultimate Bridegroom, JESUS. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Mike Umonnan Esq, Solicitor No. 16, Fadeyi Aladura Street, Ikeja, Lagos. 08033071218

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013—56

BY EMMAAMAIZE, REGIONAL EDITOR, SOUTHSOUTH & EMMAARUBI

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ARRI—THE Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse II, yesterday, bowed to the wish of Itsekiri people and repudiated his Wednesday's proclamation, purportedly renouncing the 500-year-old kingship name and title of ‘Ogiame’.

His return to the status quo ante ended the four-day siege to his palace, which began last Saturday. Leader of the protesting Itsekiri, Comrade (Prince) Omolubi Newuwumi, confirmed to Vanguard, yesterday, that the siege had been lifted.

Atuwatse II now accepts Ogiame salutation Ogiame Atuwatse II, who repented for the name and title of ‘Ogiame’, which he and his ancestors bore over the years, because “it connotes our allegiance to Umalokun and other deities of the sea, which are false gods,” confirmed the repudiation when he stood in front of his palace at about 12.40 pm, acknowledging cheers and the traditional salutation of Ogiame from his overjoyed subjects.

A youth leader had told Vanguard on Monday that the monarch rejected the ancestral Ogiame greeting, five days ago, when they visited him.

The Olu, who was majestically dressed and apparently waiting for the occasion, walked back into the sitting room with his chiefs and other Itsekiri leaders after accepting the Ogiame salutation.

His looks did not betray the emotions of the last few days and the crowd displayed their admiration of the monarchy, as they shouted Ogiame, Ogiame. He responded by waving his hands and with a smile on his face.

The Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, ILoT, led by Pa J.O.S. Ajomike, had, on Monday evening, asked

JOY IN THE AIR: HRM, Ogiame Atuwatse II, Olu of Warri and his chiefs acknowledging cheers from his subjects. Photos: Akpokona Omafuaire.

Olu of Warri reverts to ‘Ogiame' title zHow Gov. Uduaghan brokered peace zProtesters lift siege to Olu palace zChief Lori-Ogbebor sheds tears of joy zWarri agog as peace returns and if Atuwatse II ceases to be Ogiame, his reign as Warri monarch would have expired. Neither is possible.”

Our reporters in Warri reported that the entire Itsekiri nationality erupted with celebration at about 11.50 am when the Igba of Warri kingdom, Chief Rita LoriOgbebor, clothed in white

Thomas Ereyitomi and Chief Ayiri Emami, had stormed the palace, early in the morning, yesterday, for a fresh round of meeting with the monarch.

By 11.30 am when they emerged from the palace, there was an indication of good news, as the chiefs, principally the Akulagba of Warri kingdom,

Crowd jubilating on hearing the news of Olu's rescinding of his edict. the monarch to renounce his new edict, rejecting the Ogiame title of the Warri monarch.

The leaders submitted, “Ogiame has been the unchanged name of the Warri monarch since its creation in 1480 and Atuwatse II, the name of the reign that began in 1987. If the former is abolished, the monarchy would have been extinguished C M Y K

chieftaincy apparel, broke the soothing news to a waiting crowd at the palace ground.

Palace chiefs couldn’t hide contentment Itsekiri leaders, including Chief Charles Ikomi, Chief Otimeyin Adams, Chief Francis Omatseye, Chief Heyman Emmanuel, Chief

Chief Emami, could not conceal the victorious smile on their faces.

Three gunshots suggestive of accomplishment rented the air, as they took their seats waiting for Chief Lori-Ogbebor, who sauntered in like a conqueror with police escort.

Lori-Ogbebor sheds tears of joy

Chief Lori-Ogbebor, who spoke to the festive multitude on behalf of the chiefs in both Itsekiri dialect and English, said, “All we are doing is dancing in the rain to hide our shame, to hide our tail. We are not violent, we are civilized and educated people.”

She said Itsekiri people respect the crown (monarchy) and were in their homeland before the Europeans came centuries ago.

Her words: “His Royal Majesty has been hearing our cry in the past few days and for this singular reason, he has withdrawn his edict to heed to the cry of the people.”

As she uttered the words, ‘he has withdrawn the edict to heed to the cry of the people…,’ she went into a captivating dance with tears of joy all over her.

Chief Lori-Ogbebor, who was hailed as an Amazon by the crowd and her colleagues in the chieftaincy collection said the palace chiefs had not slept in the last few days, as they were troubled by the crisis and wanted solution urgently.

One of the chiefs, Chief Charles Ikomi, corroborated Lori-Ogbebor’s assertion.

Our source said the Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and the palace chiefs played significant role in the return to the status quo by the

Olu. The governor and the chiefs had separately pleaded with the protesters to give them two days, which expired, yesterday, to resolve the matter with the Olu of Warri peacefully.

One of the protesters told Vanguard, ‘If the Olu of Warri had remained adamant more than yesterday, I tell you he would not have believed the action we would have taken, but I thank God, he bowed to the wish of the people.”

How Uduaghan worked behind the scene Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, an Itsekiri native from Abigborodo community in Warri North Local Government Area, who was in Abuja when the protesters barricaded the Olu’s palace, last Saturday, flew down from the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, on Sunday to wade into the matter.

A source said, “He cannot afford to remain aloof while a section of his state and in particular, his Itsekiri ethnic group is on fire, particularly as he received information that the monarch had refused to meet with his worried chiefs.”

“He dispatched his Chief Protocol Officer, Mr. Godwin Abigor, himself an Itsekiri son, who had no choice but to stay back in Warri for four days to get the Olu to meet with the chiefs and hear from them.

“Uduaghan later spoke to the Olu on phone and it is noteworthy to mention that by this time, the Olu no longer acknowledges the traditional greeting of Ogiame from anybody. Before he visited Olu in the palace, the

Continues on page 57

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2013 — 57

Olu of Warri reverts to ‘Ogiame' title

Agitators unner ved Olu

Continues from page 56 monarchs had already agreed to meet with the chiefs,” our source added.

Said the source, “Prior to Uduaghan’s visit, members of the royal family, the Emikos had come to dialogue with their son on the agitation of the Itsekiri nation, but the Olu did not acknowledge the appellation from them when they greeted him.”

Indeed, the cold war with the chiefs was broken by Chief Lori-Ogbebor, who flew down from Lagos on hearing the sad news. However, the road to the meeting was paved by the underground work done by Uduaghan. The chiefs at this meeting reportedly presented their position paper to the monarch, who still refused to accept the Ogiame saluation.

“Olu merely took the script from them and allegedly walked out on them, leaving the chiefs stranded as to what to tell the agitated protesters outside the palace gate,” the source added.

The same scenario of not responding to Ogiame salutation played out when Dr. Uduaghan visited. But the governor, who had a warm relationship with the Olu was not bothered, he knew his mission was to persuade him to change his position and went about it adroitly.

Vanguard learnt that many Itsekiri allegedly sent the monarch threat SMS messages and all contributed in making him angry. He was not also happy with the reaction of some of his chiefs.

“In fact, he got more provoked on the matter because more Itsekiri people were issuing him threat messages via SMS, telling him so many unprintable things. At a stage, he (monarch) alleged that some chiefs were undermining his authority.

Though he snubbed the intervention of some people, he could not rebuff the governor, who, borrowing from his wealth of experiences as governor, spoke to him on how to handle the matter.

“The Olu even came down behind his main building, took a stroll with the Governor behind the palace discussing the issue, while the chiefs were still waiting to see him for fresh consultations.

“What I can tell you is that while intensive consultation was being made across Itsekiri land by well meaning elders, chiefs and members of the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought to get the king to rescind his decision, it took the dexterity and political C M Y K

tion and the monarch himself.”

CELEBRATION TIME: Masquerades entertaining the crowd. Photos: Akpokona Omafuaire. sagacity cum Iwere patriotism of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan to plead profusely with the Olu to get him to agree to maintain the statusquo that brought limitless joy to the entire Itsekiri nation,” Vanguard source disclosed.

He added, “Dr. Uduaghan spoke to him not as a governor, but as a son would speak to his father and after listening to his intelligent analysis of the situation and the way out. He spoke to him about many things and the Olu assured the governor that he would listen to the voice of reason.”

Why we lifted siege to Olu palace —Newuwumi Itsekiri youth leader, Comrade Newuwumi, who was lifted shoulder high by the multitude when the news of the monarch’s renunciation of his avowed position was made public told Vanguard, as traditional gunshots boomed to signify peace, “What happened today (yesterday) is that a father gave listening ears to his children and his children are happy with their father for giving them a listening ear.

“What took us to the streets has been withdrawn, Olu of Warri retains his name and title as Ogiame.

“I am the head of the protesters who laid siege to the palace in the last few days and I am telling you officially that by the action of Ogiame Atuwatse II, this morning (yesterday), which we deeply thank him for, we are withdrawing our protest with immediate effect.

“I thank God for the security agents, they did not intimidate us, they did not cow us, they did not shoot or injure anybody. Our protest

was the most peaceful against the action of any monarch in the country, nobody fought, nobody was killed, no house was destroyed and no vehicle was burnt.

“It is not in the policy of Itsekiri youths to disgrace their father and I want to tell you that our father did not disgrace us. We are proud of our monarchy and we will protect it jealously. That is just what you have seen, nothing more than that,” he said.

Newuwumi added, “My special thanks go to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, he came here to address us and cautioned that we should not allow criminals to hijack our protest. He played a strategic role in the resolution of this impasse, I commend his efforts.

“However, I want to inform you that Warri chiefs were

peaceful as they continued dialoguing with the monarch and the end result is the return to the status quo of Ogiame.”

Elders explained true meaning of Ogiame to Olu—Emami One of the elated Itsekiri leaders, Chief Emami infor med Vanguard that Ogiame Atuwatse II misinterpreted the meaning of Ogiame, saying, “Elders who know the meaning of Ogiame have explained the true meaning to him. It does not mean god or goddess of the River as earlier speculated, but king over a region.

They explained everything to him and it is now clear to him.

“He was told the full meaning of Ogiame, which has nothing to do with any deity and our monarch has agreed

Investigation by Vanguard revealed that the agitators also mounted suffocating pressure through their protest on the Olu, who was not comfortable with the stand of his people.

Number one, they spearheaded an unprecedented revolution against him over the planned change of the Ogiame appellation in such a manner that the entire Itsekiri nation spoke in one voice against the monarchyfirst time in recorded history.

Secondly, Itsekiri chiefs and prominent sons in Diaspora flew to the country within two days, not to talk of those that came from different parts of the country to swell the massive opposition against him over the decision.

Thirdly, practically all the influential subjects he could rely on pitched tent with the opposing side and the agitators were able to break into the ranks of the chiefs that had already signed the controversial edict.

On Tuesday morning, all the palace chiefs told the monarch categorically that Ogiame does mean river deity.

It was gathered that the Olu had not formally signed the proclamation, supposed to have been signed by 10 of his chiefs. Six refused to sign, while four were alleged to have already appended their signatures.

But while two volunteered to withdraw their support in the face of the heated opposition, two were declared wanted by the agitators. The fear of what would happen to them made the duo that were declared wanted to succumb, signalling very clearly to the monarch that he was standing alone.

Storm is over

Drummers beating for the masquerades. with the people throughout to come back to the status the days of the protest, they quo ante,” Chief Emami asproved it to us and we sa- serted. lute their courage. Without He stated, “Some of us them, we will not be where stood to protect the monarwe are today on this matter. chy, it is an institution that “You can see them, I know keeps us together as Itsekiri that most of them did not people. Ours is to safeguard sleep because of this crisis, the integrity of that instituthey appealed to us to be

Rev. Dr. Stephen Gbejero of the Hour of Truth Church, Warri, who maintained that the monarch was not wrong in surrendering Warri kingdom to God Almighty through Jesus Christ, but faulted his claim that Ogiame means River deity, told Vanguard, yesterday, “The storm is over, our king has bowed to the wish of the people.”

Rev Gbejero, who conducted an open prayer before Warri chiefs briefed the multitude on the new stand of the monarch, thanked the Almighty for the wisdom He gave the monarch and his subjects to amicably resolve the problem.

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Aboutrika becomes Egypt centurion M

O H A M E D Aboutrika has become the ninth Egyptian footballer to reach the 100cap milestone by lining up against Guinea in a FIFA World Cup™ qualifier.

Although regarded by many as one of the greatest footballers produced by Africa, the 34year has never played for a European club, preferring seven-time African champions AlAhly for most of his career.

An attacking midfielder in the twilight of a career that

•Aboutrika

has brought many individual and team honours, Aboutrika still dreams of a first appearance at the FIFA World Cup. Egypt have already won Group G with five consecutive victories, giving them an unassailable five-point

F

ORMER African Footballer and exinternational, Victor Ikpeba has endorsed the services of KC Gaming Networks, Bet9ja, saying that betting is fun and a sure way of making good money.

Ikpeba who is the brand Ambassador of Bet9ja made this declaring yesterday during their colourful unveling of bet9ja to the Media in Ladipo, Mushin, Lagos. ‘’This is one of the easiest and legitimate means of making clean money. Imagine using N50 or N100 to hit N566,000 jackpot. It is amazing and very true.

I agreed to become their ambassador because of

latched onto the outlet pass and curled a perfect ball around Ghanian defence and onto the foot of Honda.

The Black Stars lost the midfield battle with Harrison Afful playing in a strange holding role alongside Yussif Raman Chibsah.

Eagles Continues from BP Nigeria.

Brown Ideye, who until now, constantly misses scoring chances, gave the Eagles the lead in the 13th minute, when he capitalised on a blunder by Burkina Faso goalkeeper Lare Diarra.

The Dynamo Kiev striker later doubled the advantage on 43 minutes, when he got to the end of a through ball

by John Ogu before he clipped the ball past the Burkina Faso goalkeeper.

Newcastle United

Footballer of the Year three times and was a key figure when Egypt won the 2006 and 2008 CAF Africa Cup of Nations titles. He has criticised Egyptian journalists for praising individual players, stressing that football is a team game.

Ikpeba endorses bet9ja!

Ghana through the midfield,

Continues from BP dominated play and terrorized the inexperienced defence manned by John Boye and Rashid Sumaila.

Keisuke Honda missed an open goal from six yards out in the 28th minute.

Yoichiro Kakitani burst

lead over Guinea ahead of the final mini-league fixture at Red Sea resort ElGouna. The Pharaohs are set to advance to a two-leg play-off during October and November, with the winners qualifying for Brazil.

Aboutrika has been voted CAF Africa-based

Shola Ameobi fired Eagles’ third goal in the 53rd minute for his first goal for the Nigerian national side. He celebrated the goal with such an uncommon zeal..

Substitute Emmanuel Emenike completed the rout with a fourth goal in the 63rd minute as Nigeria turned on the style inside a packed Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.

The Etalons pulled a goal back late on when a cross evaded everyone before Simpore tapped home from the back post.

Chief Executive Officer, BET9ja, Ayo Ojuroye (left) former Super Eagles player, Victor Ikpeba and Biz Development Consultant, Dave Rogers at the Media Unveiling yesterday. their credibility, sincerity and transparency. This is what obtains everywhere in the world.

I am indeed happy that it has come to Nigeria for our league matches and other leagues in the world”, Ikpeba said to the delight of the crowd.

Chief Executive of Bet9ja, Ayo Ojuroye said that they had paid out jackpot of N566,000 as many Nigerians who turned out at the ceremony confirmed that they had been winning since six months they came on board.

Okagbare Continues from BP for Okagbare will be held during the council’s meeting.

Okagbare did Nigeria proud at the just concluded Moscow 2013 IAAF World Championship where she won two medals, a silver in the long jump and bronze in the 200m.

She also made the final of the 100m.

President of the AFN, Evangelist Solomon Ogba, thanked President Jonathan for the honour and thanked the Minister of Sports for always bringing Mr. President’s attention to achievements of track and field. ‘’ The athletics family is grateful to President Jonathan. This is the third time he is hosting us. The President hosted us when we won the African Youth

Championships, he hosted the Sydney 2000 team whose silver medal was upgraded to gold and now, he is hosting Okagbare. We are more than grateful”.

Evangelist Ogba also expressed gratitude to the Minister of Sports Mallam Abdullahi for always being there for track and field. ‘’We would not have been African Champions at Youth, Junior and Senior level without the support of Mallam Abdullahi. He was with us in Porto Novo when we won the African title, he was with us in Warri when we won the Youth title, he was with us in Moscow when we broke the 14-year no medal jinx at the IAAF World Championship’’, said Ogba.

Olympics: Bach becomes new IOC president

G

E R M A N T h o m a s Bach has been elected as the new president of the International Olympic Committee.

The 59-year-old lawyer and former fencing gold medallist replaces 71year-old Jacques Rogge, who is standing down after 12 years in charge.

Bach was the favourite of the six candidates considered for the post in Buenos Aires.

He begins an eightyear term as president, with the possibility of a second, four-year, mandate.

“I’d like to thank all my dear friends and colleagues who voted for

me,” said Bach, who is the ninth president in the IOC’s 119-year history. “This is an overwhelming sign of trust and confidence.

“I know of the great responsibility of being IOC president. This makes me humble.

“I want to lead according to my motto: ‘unity in diversity’. This means I will do my very best to balance all the different interests of stakeholders of the Olympic movement.”

Amori plans reception for Okagbare

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OR bringing honour to Urhobo land, Delta State and Nigeria through their performances in sports, Chief Oghoyota Amori plans to host Moscow 2013 World Championship medalist, Blessing Okagbare and some Delta athletes who were part of Team Nigeria’s success at the just concluded Africa Championship in Mauritius.

Under Amori’s tenure as Education Commissioner under the James Ibori administration, school sports activities flourished, paving the way for the state’s v i c t o r y a t Bauchi 2000National Sports Festival, Abuja 2004

and Gateway 2006.

Speaking yesterday, Amori said that the feat recorded by Okagbare in Moscow and the junior athletes in Mauritius must not go unnoticed, adding: “They have made entire Urhobos, Deltans and Nigerians proud.”

While Okagbare’s two medals in Moscow ended Nigeria’s 14-year wait for medals in the IAAF World Championship, two junior athletes from Delta Central Senatorial zone , long jumper Ese Brume and sprinter Divine Oduduru played a key role in Nigeria’s victory at the 11th Africa Junior Championship in Mauritius. Amori is from same Senatorial Zone.

MADE OF MORE-- Governor Liyel Imoke hands over Guinness S2000 to Victor Moses for one of his goals against Malawi in their 2-0 win in Calabar.

V anguard Vanguard anguard,, WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2013 — 61

Ibrahimovic edges Sweden towards Brazil Z

LATAN Ibrahimovic netted after just 27 seconds as he led his side to a 1-0 win over Kazakhstan in a World Cup qualifier to consolidate second place in Group C. Captain Ibrahimovic notched up Sweden’s fastest goal since Hjalmar Lorichs scored 12 seconds into a friendly against Finland in 1912.

Kazakhstan attacked down the flanks but failed to trouble Swedish keeper Andreas Isaksson.

Ibrahimovic had several opportunities to put the game out of reach but the PSG striker wasted several chances from free kicks around the penalty area.

“We didn’t play quite as we wanted but I honestly don’t care about that now,” Sweden coach told TV station Kanal 5 after the game.

With Austria due to host Ireland and Germany playing the Faroe Islands later on Tuesday, the result strengthened Sweden’s grip on second place in the standing with 17 points. Germany lead the group on 19 points, with Austria and Ireland in third on 11 points.

Armenia Russia

3 Israel

Lithuania

2 Liechten-

Friendlies Japan China

•For Airtel Under-17

N

O fewer than 600 teens from 16 countries across Africa arrive in Lagos next week for the biggest youth football fiesta on the continent, Airtel Rising Stars (ARS) to be hosted by telecommunication giant, Airtel Nigeria Limited.

The 7-day long tournament, which will kick-off on Monday, September 16 and end on Sunday, September 22, promises to showcase Africa’s top talents and open a wide window to soccer scouts who are on the lookout for precocious youngsters to mold into future soccer stars.

The event will be attended by top government officials led by the Honourable Minister for Sports, Mr. Bolaji Abdulahi who will personally perform the official kick off of the tournament.

2 Malaysia 0

Hong Kong 1 Singapore 0 Nigeria

4 B/Faso 1

Canada

0 Mauritania

1

Globacom, DSTV, Brila back media workshop on Nigerian football 600 youngsters from 16 Countries Storm Lagos

3 Ghana 1

South Korea 1 Croatia 2

t

sion, Bolaji Abdulahi, is expected to deliver the keynote address, Dr. Ken Onyeali Ikpe, the Managing Director of Allseasons MediaCom Limited will lead a team of communications and journalism scholars including Martin Oloja of The Guardian newspapers, Larry Izamoje of Brila FM, Jenkins Alumona, MD, Strategic Outcome Limited and Colin Udoh, the Editor of goal.com and a FIFA Media Officer, as resource persons at the two-day workshop expected to be attended by media owners and top media executives, Glo Premier League club officials, club media officers and sports journalists.

Also expected at the event are president and officials of the Nigeria Football Federation and members of the League Management Company both of which have given their stamp of endorsement to the initiative.

1

stein 0

Russia see off Israel

EADING telecom munications operator, Globacom Limited has lent its huge corporate weight behind the planned workshop by the Lagos State Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) as the official sponsor. The workshop with the theme: “Promoting, Projecting and Repositioning Domestic Football in Nigeria: A Challenge for the Media”, comes up on Thursday and Friday, September 12 and 13 at the Auditorium of the Lagos SWAN Secretariat at the National Stadium Complex.

Also supporting the workshop are direct to home television channel operators, DSTV, foremost sports radio station, 88.9 Sports Radio Brila FM and Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC), Hon.Nduka Irabor. .

While the Honourable Minister and Chairman, National sports Commis-

0 Denmark 1

Kazakhstan 0 Sweden 1

STRIKE.....Sweden's Zlatan Ibrahimovic (R) beats Kazakhstan's Viktor Dmitrenko (C) and Aleksandr Kislitsyn (L) during their World Cup Group C qualifying match in Astana on September 10. Sweden won 1-0. PHOTO: AFP

L

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World Cup Results

R

USSIA went back o the top of their 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil qualifying group with a 3-1 win over Israel in Saint Petersburg.

Second-half goals by Vasili Berezutsky, Alexander Kokorin and Denis Glushakov secured the victory for Russia, before Eran Zehavi pulled a goal back for the visitors at the death.

The win leaves Russia on 18 points two games from the end of their Group F campaign, one point clear of Portugal and six ahead of Israel.

If Fabio Capello’s side win their remaining two matches away to Luxembourg and Azerbaijan, they will qualify automatically for Brazil 2014, but any slip-up would let Portugal in and leave the Russians facing a play-off in November.

Israel desperately needed to win to keep alive their chances of qualifying, but they struggled to create any openings in the first half.

JUBILATION: Russia's forward Aleksandr Kokorin celebrates after scoring against Israel at Petrovsky Stadium in St. Petersburg on September 10. Russia won 3-1. PHOTO: AFP

62— 62—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013— —63

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VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 , 2013

President Jonathan hosts Okagbare today

P

Eagles: Burkina suffer 4 -1 A

F R I C A N champions, the Super Eagles yesterday drubbed Burkina Faso 41 with a brace by Brown Ideye and additional goals from Shola Ameobi and Emmanuel Emenike.

Both sides used the match to prepare for next month’s 2014 final World Cup qualifiers playoffs.

However, the Stallions were without several of their top stars like Alain Traore, Aristide Bance and Jonathan Pitroipa.

South Africa-based defender James Okwuosa made his international debut for

Eagles starting XI Austin Ejide – Elderson Echiejile (Benjamin Francis), Efe Ambrose (Solomon Kwambe), Azubuike Egwuekwe, James Okwuosa – John Ogu, Ogenyi Onazi, Nosa Igiebor (Sunday Mba) - Obinna Nsofor (Emmanuel Emenike), Shola Ameobi (Uche Nwofor), Brown Ideye (Nnamdi Oduamadi) Unused Subs: Vincent Enyeama, Godfrey Oboabona

Continues on Page 60

PUZZLE

Continues on Page 60

•Okagbare

Ghana stumble in Japan

G

HANA threw away a first half lead to lose 3-1 to Japan in the Kirin Challenge Cup friendly played on Tuesday in Yokohama.

Frank Acheampong put the Black Stars ahead in the 24th minute when his powerful shot deflected off the body of a Blue Samurai defender.

Ghana opener came against the run of play after Japan had Continues on Page 60

Sudoku TODAY'S

R E S I D E N T Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, will host the new queen of track and field, Blessing Okagbare today at the Aso Rock Villa.

A statement signed by Olukayode Thomas, Head of Communication Media Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) said the Presidential reception

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ON RAMPAGE — Emmanuel Emenike continued his goal scoring yesterday against Burkina Faso in the Eagles’ 4-1 drubbing. He was also on target in the World Cup qualifier against Malawi in Calabar on Saturday.

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Lariant (5) 5 Choice (6) 8 Harmonium (5) 10 Vendor (6) 11 Abrupt (4) 14 Mission (6) 15 Submit (7) 18 Bite (3) 19 Wager (3) 21 Lifeless (4) 23 Frighten (5) 24 Consider (4) 27 Epoch (3) 29 Youth (3) 31 Varied (7) 32 Free (6) 34 Naked (4) 35 Appear (6) 38 Ventilated (5) 39 Menace (6) 40 Poor (5)

DOWN 2 Imitate (3) 3 Comfort (6) 4 Mineral (3) 5 Formerly (4) 6 Fiery (6) 7 Wanted (6) 9 Complain (7) 12 Vase (3) 13 Ribbon (4) 16 Impel (4) 17 Whiskers (5) 20 Coach (7) 22 Unfortunately (4) 24 Summary (6) 25 Dash (4) 26 Ripe (6) 28 Ebb (6) 30 Performed (3) 33 Chair (4) 36 Males (3) 37 Deity (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Struck 5, Heap 8, Ahead 9, Hem 10, Gala 11, Tier 12, Erect 13, Maniac 16, Chic 18, Edge 20, Rid 22, Act 23, Tie 24, Face 25, Lees 28, Rapped 30, Defer 32, Riot 33, Nook 34, Rue 35, Ledge 36, Seed 37, Advent.

DOWN: 1, Scheme 2, Romantic 3, Cognac 4, Character 5, Hatchet 6, Edit 7, Part 8, Ale 14, Challenge 15, Age 17, Ice 19, Disperse 20, Raw 21, Deleted 26, Sacked 27, Oddest 29, Iris 30, Dole 31, Roe.

TWO WEEKS TO LIVE How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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