FG, not us needsamnesty — Boko Haram by Vanguard Media Limited

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 61859

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N150

FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013

Ph.D holder kidnap kingpin on the run •P.6

FG, not us needs amnesty — Boko Haram •Sect's main leader, Shekau, rejects FG's offer •Go ahead with amnesty deal — Northern leaders •Military warns against withdrawal of soldiers from streets

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH & KINGSLEY OMONOBI

BUJA—LEADER of militant Boko Haram Islamic sect, Abubakar Shekau, yesterday, rejected the idea of any potential amnesty deal which the Federal Government may offer the sect members if the committee set up to look into it gives the goahead. Shekau, in a 30-minute audio recording, where he spoke in Hausa, Arabic and English declared that his group had “not

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COLUMNISTS:

ADISA ADELEYE —P.47

DONU KOGBARA BOUNDARY DISPUTE—From left:

Chief Disrael Bobmanuel, Amayanabo of Abonnema, Rivers State; Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Tele Ikuru; Vice President Namadi Sambo; Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear-Admiral John Jonah and King Kaleh Obuge, Ada Abuam of Abua Kingdom, Rivers State, during meeting of delegations from Rivers and Bayelsa states with the Vice President on Soku Boundary dispute at The Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. State House photo.

Goodnight our Village Headmaster! •Remembering Justus Esiri

•P.17

Mr & Mrs

Reps reject 6-yr tenure for •P.9 President, govs •Pgs.27,28 &34

Heavy shooting continues at •P. 14 Anambra/Kogi border C M Y K

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POCKET CARTOON

POLISH PM IN NIGERIA—President Goodluck Jonathan introducing the Solid Minerals Development Minister, Arc. Musa Sada to the visiting Prime Minister of Poland, Mr. Donald Tusk, while the Nigerian Ambassador to Poland, Dr. Samuel Jimba (l) and other officials watch during arrival formalities for the visitor at the forecourts of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

FG, not us needs amnesty — Boko Haram Continues from page 1 committed any wrong to deserve amnesty”. He said it was the government that should be seeking amnesty from his group and not the other way round, adding that even though the sect was the one wronged and the one that should

be asked for amnesty, it was not ready to grant any pardon to the government. Shekau was reacting to the reported setting up of a committee last week by the National Security and Defence Council to consider the possibility

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

Wisdom is the ability to know what to do and the capacity to do it at the right time.

TAKE HEART BY ELLA RANDLE

S long as you have life and breath, believe. Believe for those who cannot. Believe even if you have stopped believing. Believe for the sake of those gone, for love, to keep your heart beating, believe. Never give up, never despair, let no mystery confound you into the conclusion that mystery cannot be yours — Mark Helprin The other day I was reading the works of Julia Cameron and these words strike me as very profound: “Most of us are not raised to actively encounter our destiny. We may not know that we have one. As children, we are seldom told we have a place in life that is uniquely ours alone. Instead, we are encouraged to believe that our life should somehow fulfil the expectations of others, that we will (or should) find our satisfactions as they have found theirs. Rather than being taught to ask ourselves who we are, we are schooled to ask others. We are, in effect, trained to listen to others’ versions of ourselves. We are brought up in our life as told to us by someone else! When we survey our lives, seeking to fulfil our creativity, we often see we had a dream that went glimmering because we believed, and those around us believed that the dream was beyond our reach. Many of us would have been, or at least might have been, if...if we had known who we really were.” Christian Larsons, sums it beautifully: “Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.”

of granting amnesty to Boko Haram. The committee is due to present its report to the council next week. Shekau’s recorded video statement, first passed by intermediaries of Boko Haram to journalists in Northern Nigeria, yesterday, featured the militant leader talking about the possibility of an amnesty deal. Speaking in Hausa, Shekau said the amnesty deal was “surprising.” He said: “We are the one to grant them pardon. Have you forgotten their atrocities against us?” The man in the video later threatened the lives of anyone claiming to be a representative of Boko Haram. “We are surprised that today it is the Federal Government saying it will grant us amnesty. Oh God, is it we who will grant you amnesty or you are the one to grant us amnesty? “What have we done? If there is room for forgiveness, we are not going to do it until God gives us permission to do it. Have you forgotten your sin, have you forgotten what you have done to us in Plateau, the state you called Jos. We emerged to avenge killings of our Muslim brothers and the destruction of our religion. Was it not in Plateau that we saw people cannibalising our brothers?”

How Amnesty talks began The idea of an amnesty, came to a head in March when the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar called for it. Others have suggested offering an amnesty deal in line with one previously given to militants in the Niger Delta in 2009. President Goodluck Jonathan had at the end of the National Security Council meeting last week Thursday set up a committee to look into the possibility of granting amnesty to the Islamic sect. The previous day, the president was said to have met for several hours with members of the powerful Northern Elders’ Forum, NEF at the Presidential Villa where a deal was reached to grant amnesty to Boko Haram members as a means of ending the spate of raging violence across the region. Specifically, the President wanted an undertaking from the elders that they would impress upon the sect leaders and their followers to lay down their arms and embrace peace, as a condition for offering the olive branch. Under the plan, the Federal Government is to set up an Amnesty Com-

mission, which would serve as a quasi-judicial body, to register and cater for repentant members of the sect and protect them from being harassed or intimidated by security agents. A faction of the sect had last Sunday rejected the amnesty offer, saying the group did not ask for it. Spokesman of a faction of the sect, Abu Dardam who spoke on the Hausa service of the BBC stated that they are rejecting the amnesty because they don’t recognize democracy as a form of government and that the group does not agree with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, arguing that justice can only be found in the Holy Quran, that is Shariya system of government.

Go ahead with amnesty, Northern elders tell FG Meanwhile, Northern elders, yesterday, asked the Federal Government to go ahead with finetuning the processes that would lead to granting unconditional amnesty to members of the Boko Haram sect despite claims that the group is not seeking pardon. The elders spoke in reaction to the claim purportedly made by the sect leader, Abubakar Shekau, that it did not do anything to warrant amnesty and that it was the group that should even pardon the government for atrocities committed against Muslims. The Spokesman for the Northern Elders’ Forum, Prof Ango Abdullahi, told Vanguard in an interview that the argument over who was right or wrong was not as important as achieving peace in the North. According to the NEF, what matters at the mo-

ment is how to bring about a cessation of violence and not who is right or wrong. Abdullahi said: "We have heard various arguments following the setting up of a committee on amnesty but we are interested in making peace and not apportioning blames. “If two drivers are involved in an accident that closes a highway, I think the first thing to do is to clear the highway before checking who was right or wrong so that other road users would not suffer unduly,” he said. “Our advice therefore, is that the Federal Government should not be distracted but should proceed with what it is doing to grant amnesty to the group so as to bring about peace and development in the region,” the spokesman admonished.

Military warns against withdrawal of soldiers from streets Indications also emerged, yesterday, that the high command of the armed forces was ready to endorse the amnesty proposal of the Jonathan administration, provided the officers and soldiers deployed to the trouble spots where militant groups had been carrying out deadly attacks and bombings were left on standby. The military high command also argued that if the Boko Haram sect rejected the olive branch of amnesty being offered them by the federal government, then it (military) will be justified on its initial stand that military option is the language terrorrists understand.

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013

Police, soldiers clash in Ibadan BY OLA AJAYI

BADAN — SANITY was thrown to the wind, yesterday, when some soldiers and policemen from Mokola Police Station clashed. Though, no one was killed, the incident landed men from both sides in hospitals. Vanguard gathered that the problem started, Wednesday night, when a police woman in mufti raised alarm that she was being attacked by two men on a motorcycle. This made the policemen on duty to come to her aid. While trying to protect their colleague, one of the policemen allegedly shot one of the two men on the motorcycle on the ankle. Unknown to them, the two men were soldiers, who later reinforced and allegedly stabbed a policeman on the buttock. But, yesterday, there was sporadic gunshots at Mokola area which made passers-by and traders in the area ran for dear lives. An eye witness said: “The incident started when 10 soldiers stormed the station and beat policemen on duty in retaliation of an attack one of them on Wednesday night by the police carrying out ‘stop and search’ in front of the station.” It was further gathered that the police on the ‘stop and search’ Wednesday night, stopped the soldiers for routine check and this led to altercations.

Customs Zone C seizes goods worth N225m BY GODWIN ORITSE

WERRI— THE Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘C’ of the Nigeria Customs Service, Friday in Owerri displayed contraband worth over N226.5 million it seized from smugglers in March. Controller of the unit, Mr. Victor Dimka, said the contraband were intercepted at various locations within the SouthSouth and South-Eastern states. Dimka said the NCS had beefed up its operations and surveillance against smugglers, saying that smuggling was a threat to the nation’s economic growth. He said: “The Federal Government is doing everything possible to see that more people are employed; the youths have no reason to engage in smuggling."

Gunmen kill 4 policemen, three civilians, cart away rifles in Yobe BY BALA AJIYA & NDAHI MARAMA

AMATURU — NO fewer than four policemen and three civilians were, yesterday, killed while two others suspected to be policemen sustained injuries when some gunmen suspected to be members of Boko Haram laid ambush to the Tarmuwa Divisional Police Headquarters. The gunmen, it was learnt, after killing the four policemen, succeeded in razing the police station using petrol bombs and other Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs. The three civilians killed were trapped and subsequently hit by stray bullets when trying to flee the area during the midnight attack. Vanguard gathered that the gunmen stormed the town midnight, Wednesday, in a convoy of more than 10 vehicles. According to a resident, who did not want his nàme mentioned, the gunmen had wanted to strike at Damaturu, the state capital, but because of the tight security in the state capital and

its environs, they settled for Tarmuwa where they successfully raided the police station. Confirming the incident, the Yobe State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Sanusi Rufai, said the attack was carried out at mid-

night, Wednesday, leaving four policemen dead and two others seriously wounded. He said the injured policemen had been admitted at an undisclosed hospital where they were responding to treatment.

The CP, however, said normalcy had returned to the troubled town as security had been beefed up in the area with a view to apprehending the culprits.

Ibadan residents at vantage position to catch a glimpse of a clash between the police and army in the Oyo State capital, yesterday: Photo: DARE FASUBE.

Ph.D holder kidnap kingpin on the run BY EMMA AMAIZE

ARRI — KELVIN (sur name withheld), the most wanted kidnap/robbery kingpin in Delta State, who hails from Kokori community in Ethiope East Local Government Area has gone into hiding following the manhunt for him by the army and police over the wave of killing of security agents in the state. Police declared the suspect, said to possess a Ph.D in Mechanical

Engineering and a former aide to a top politician in the state, wanted last year, after series of kidnap and armed robbery operations, within and outside the state, were traced to him, but he remained hard to pin down. Delta State Police Commissioner, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, who confirmed Kelvin as the most notorious kidnapper in the state, in an interview with Vanguard, last year, expressed optimism then that he would be arrested

shortly. But the kidnap kingpin shocked security operatives when he pulled a daring mission in Warri, last month, killing a number of prisons officials, as his gang ambushed warders and snatched two of its men being taken to court for trial. However, Kelvin, whose gang had allegedly killed many soldiers and police officers in the past, became a principal target when his gang purportedly killed

Bayelsa killings: Corporal returns as police allegedly pay N1m ransom BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

ENAGOA — THE police in Bayelsa State have secured the release of one Corporal Lucky Ebebi who reportedly survived last Friday's violent attack on the boat conveying some policemen to Azuzuama in Southern Ijaw council area in which12 lives were lost. Corporal Ebebi, aged 31, an indigene of Esama in Delta State, who was believed to have been killed was discovered alive Wednesday night and rescued by the police after an alleged payment of N1 million ransom. Though the alleged ransom payment could not be confirmed, he was freed from the

killers' den alongside one Indonesian in the swamp of Ukubie. Another expatriate identified as a Greek national was said to have died in the ex-militant’s den. Ebebi was admitted at the Emergency Ward of the Federal Medical Centre where he was treated for minor gunshot injury and discharged, yesterday. He was said to have reported at the state police headquarters, Yenagoa. According to a source, the gunmen kidnapped Ebebi after killing others and took him to a militant camp in the creeks. He said, “the process of negotiating for the release of the

police corporal revealed the existence of over seven armed militant camps along Lobia, Azuzuama and other communities in the Southern Ijaw council area of the state. “The police went for their own Lucky Ebebi but they discovered two other expatriates in the den of the kidnappers who were supposed to be beneficiaries of the ongoing amnesty deal by the Federal Government.” He said the expatriates were suspected to be a Greek and an Indonesian but could not ascertained the one that died in the kidnappers' den. Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Alex Akhigbe, said he was in a meeting.

some soldiers, recently. Military authorities have not confirmed the report. Soldiers laid siege to Kokori and other communities in Ethiope East Local Government Area in search of Kelvin in the past few weeks. Commissioner Aduba told Vanguard in the aforesaid interview that motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada riders in Kokori were on the payroll of Kelvin, as they tip him off whenever security agents enter the town to look for him. Apparently confirming Aduba’s claim, the state government, as part of security measures to stem the high level of criminality in Ethiope East, placed a ban on the use of motorcycles in the area, two days ago. Secretary to the State Government, Comrade Ovouzuorie Macaulay, who briefed reporters, Wednesday, after the State Security Council meeting at Government House Annex, Warri, said the ban was with immediate effect in Kokori. The government, however, gave a seven-day grace, after which the ban would be extend to the other towns and villages in Ethiope East. Comrade Macaulay stated that the high level of crime in the area had taken a dangerous dimension, and the ban was one of the measures meant to stem the tide.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013—7

Policeman allegedly shoots foreigner to death in Lagos BY EVELYN USMAN

AGOS — PANDEMONIUM broke out, yesterday, on Daleko bridge, in Mushin Local Government Area of Lagos State, after a foreigner was allegedly shot dead by a yet to be identified policeman in uniform. There were, however, different accounts as to how the deceased, identified as Santos Korie, was killed. A version said the foreigner was driving in a Toyota Highlander vehicle at about 7a.m, when he was allegedly intercepted by some policemen, who were in a commercial bus, on the bridge. An argument reportedly ensued as the policemen were said to have demanded Santo’s documents, with a view to ascertaining whether he was an illegal alien. Then all of a sudden, there was a gun shot from one of the policemen, which killed the foreigner. Another account had it that the men in police uniform could have trailed the foreigner to the bridge, as they reportedly opened fire on him at close range on getting to the bridge. The gun shot was said to have jeopardize motorists and traders' movement, as they reportedly fled in different directions for safety. A truck pusher who simply identified himself as Eugene, told Vanguard that men in police uniform usually patrolled the area, extorting money from gullible motorists. Eugene who claimed to be returning from where he had offloaded some bags of rice around Isolo, said the policemen

zoomed off immediately they fired the shot. He disclosed that one of them attempted to take something from the foreigner’s vehicle but was ordered otherwise by his colleagues. Eugene said: “Even after they left, the man inside the car was still breathing. If he had been rushed to the hospital at that time, perhaps, he would have survived. Nobody could even go near him anyway, until some policemen came and took him and the car away. “This is not the first time policemen are seen operating in commercial buses in Lagos. Most times, they come to raid. At other times, they stop vehicles and even okadas. Nobody knows what happened that led to the killing of

the man.”

Police react While most eye witnesses claimed the killers were policemen on illegal duty, the Lagos State Police Command, in a swift reaction, debunked the claim, saying the killers could be gunmen who usually operated in police uniform. The command in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, noted: “In recent times, gunmen operating in military and police uniforms have been involved in one violent crime or the other and the Lagos State Command is not leaving any stone unturned in dealing decisively with any fake uniformed

officer.” It was not immediately ascertained whether the gunmen were hired killers in police uniform or real Police Officers. Meantime, some arrests have been made and the suspects are currently being detained at the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) for interrogation. “Following this ugly incident, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr. Umar Manko has ordered that the gunmen must be fished out with a view to knowing their identities, particularly as they were alleged to have operated in Police uniforms."

AGOS — PETROL shortage may be imminent in some states as trucks have stopped loading from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation,NNPC, depots in the South-West since Monday. A reliable source told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos, yesterday, that PPMC, a subsidiary of NNPC, had stopped pumping petrol through its System 2B to five states in the South-West. He said: “The management of PPMC has not come out with a cogent reasons why it is not pumping petrol to all the NNPC depots in the South-West since Monday, “ the source said. “As we speak, depots in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Kwara and Ondo States are not getting their fuel supply.“ According to reports, the System 2B pipelines take petroleum products from Atlas Cove on the sea to depots in Ejigbo (Lagos State), Mosinmi (Ogun State),

BY EVELYN USMAN

AGOS — ABOUT 250 aliens were, yesterday, arrested by a combined security operatives comprising the Military, Police and Department of State Security, DSS, in Lagos, as part of strategy to nip in the bud infiltration of terrorists into the state. The raid, as gathered, was carried out at Gatangowa market at Abulegba, along the Lagos/Abeokuta expressway between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. Vanguard gathered that the Lagos State government had charged security agencies in the state to go back to the drawing boards and map out strategies that would check excesses of terrorists as well as beef up their operational might. Sources at the DSS told Vanguard that the arrested aliens were discovered to have entered the country without the necessary papers. Sources further informed that although that was not enough to libel them terrorists, it was just a measure put in place to check the influx of likely terrorists into Lagos State.

Heavy shooting continues in Anambra/Kogi border BY VINCENT UJUMADU

Pensioners in Lagos protesting non-payment of their entitlements by the Lagos State Government. They threatened to place a curse on Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, adding that they would come naked to the governor.

Fuel shortage looms as NNPC stops loading product

Terrorism: 250 illegal aliens arrested in Lagos

Ibadan (Oyo State), Ilorin (Kwara State) and Ore (Ondo State). “Over 15,000 trucks have paid to load fuel in Ejigbo, Mosinmi, Ore, Ibadan and Ilorin since last week, but are yet to receive them. “Many of us borrowed the money from banks with which we use to load our trucks.

“And now, with the delay we will have to pay more interests on the loans we have taken. This deal is definitely a big loss to us.“ The source, who is a major marketer, told NAN that investigation showed that there had been a major fault at Atlas Cove since last week.

“Unfortunately, the NNPC is not coming out to tell us why we have not received our order,“ he said. Mr Haruna Momoh, Managing Director of PPMC, declined to comment on the matter when contacted on phone.

Police arrest Ajimobi’s ex-commissioner in Ibadan BY OLA AJAYI

BADAN— OFFICERS from the Special Anti-Fraud Unit, Nigeria Police, Lagos have arrested the immediate past Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Cooperative in Oyo State, Kazeem Adedeji, in Ibadan. An impeccable source disclosed that the ex-commissioner was whisked away at a bank where his wife works at

Agodi. According to the source, “as soon as he left his wife’s office, the woman called to inform him that a team of police officers were about to take her away from her desk. “The former commissioner had to make a detour to know what was the matter. On getting to the scene, the police team told him they were there to arrest him and his wife,” the source said. At press time, the allegation against the former commissioner

and his wife was still sketchy, but some of the associates of the ex-commissioner said the arrest had political undertone. Adedeji was one of the aspirants who contested the party’s ticket with Abiola Ajimobi for the 2011 governorship election in the state. He was later appointed a commissioner, but dropped in a minor cabinet reshuffle.

WKA— DESPITE the ef forts by the Anambra and Kogi State governments to ensure that normalcy returned to the troubled border communities of the two states, heavy shooting continued in the oilrich Okpeze in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, yesterday. Several lives have been lost in the area in the last two weeks and property worth millions of naira lost following violent clash in the disputed area. Although the casualty figure was not known at press time, the sound of the gunfire was said to have frightened those residing close to the borders making them to relocate upland. This came even as the people of Aguleri in Anambra East told reporters that two of their kinsmen who have been missing since the renewed fracas a fortnight ago, have been confirmed dead. According to Aguleri people, their kinsmen namely Obalum Udealor and Onyeka Nnebe, who were abducted when the people of Ibaji first invaded Aguleri Otu two weeks ago, have been confirmed dead.

8—Vanguard , FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013

Banks to appoint 30% women board members — Sanusi BY EMMA UJAH

BUJA—BANKS in the country would be required to appoint at least 30 per cent female board members and 40 per cent management staff, as from next year, the Governor of the Central Bank, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has revealed. The governor who spoke at the Annual Isaac Moghalu Foundation, IMOF, lecture and symposium, in Abuja, yesterday, said the decision was taken with a view to stimulating women’s participation in development and nation building. According to him, it was “agreed that by 2014 at least 30 per cent of the board seats in Nigerian banks will be held by women and at least 40 per cent of senior management positions will be held by women. “This year we require that all banks when they publish their statement of accounts, every bank must publish its gender positions, even the Central Bank will not be exempted from this, there is a lot of public pressure on these institutions that fall behind to make them to catch up.” The CBN boss revealed that in the 50 years of the CBN’s existence “only four women had made it to director level and this was a period when we had 10,000 staff, today we have seven or eight female directors, this comes from a conscious policy of looking for qualified women to take these positions.” Speaking on the theme of the symposium, “Women in leadership, the Education Pipeline.” the CBN boss also gave an insight into fresh attention being paid to the womenfolk by his organisation, saying that the management and staff were being trained on gender issues. Mallam Sanusi, who spoke passionately on the need for parents to adequately educate their girls, lamented the high rate of school drop-outs in the North where over 70 per cent of girls cannot read. “In a state like Jigawa, girls’ completion rate in school are as low as 7.6 per cent. That means that out of 100 girls, less than eight complete secondary school".

BY BEN AGANDE

BUJA—GOVERNOR Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, yesterday, debunked rumours that he will leave the People Democratic Party, PDP, for opposition party, saying the PDP is the only political party with national spread. Speaking with newsmen after a meeting with Vice President Namadi Sambo at the Presidential Villa, Governor Amaechi also denied newspaper report that he had bought jets and helicopters preparatory to launch his presidential campaign for 2015. Speaking on the rumour that he was set to leave the PDP, Governor Amaechi said “I am still in the PDP. I am a member of the PDP. PDP is the only national party in the country for now. Why will one want to leave a national party and go to another party?” he queried. Speaking on the allegation that he had bought jets and helicopters for his 2015 presidential campaign, Governor Amaechi dismissed the report as mischief. He said: “Why do you want to make that newspaper popular? It is a paper that does not sell beyond Abuja. "The truth is that, and the Federal Government is aware, they gave us approval to buy two helicopters to fly around Rivers State for the purpose of security and we have done that, we bought and we paid. “Up till now, they have not allowed the helicopter to come in. Maybe they are afraid that it is for 2015. Please help us

CONDOLENCE—From left: Wife of Late Obafemi Awolowo, Hannah Dideolu Awolowo; Mrs. Folake Solanke, SAN; co-convener, Nigerian National Summit Group, NNSG, Prof Pat Utomi and Executive Secretary, NNSG, Mr. Tony Uranta, during a courtesy visit by the group to the family of Awolowo on the demise of their son, the late Oluwole Awolowo at Ikenne, Ogun State...yesterday.

I 'll not leave PDP—Amaechi ...denies buying aircraft for 2015 Presidential campaign beg them on behalf of Rivers State that we need the aircraft to be able to secure the people of the state. “Again, it is not within our control, it is in the control of the Nigerian Air Force. Although we will hire a civilian pilot but Nigerian security will manage it, not us. “How will you use what is in

the hands of Nigerian security to campaign? You see the mischief? The helicopter is to ensure that Rivers State is under watch for 24 hours. It has cameras, so if somebody is committing a crime, we are seeing it". "The monitors are in the office of the Brigade Commander, office of the State director of DSS, office of the governor, office of

the commissioner of police. So for Christ sake, tell me how you will use it for campaign. “You can see a lot of mischief. As usual, people will try to dent your image to show that this man is not as transparent as he claims after all. We have argued about the first aircraft we bought, that is no longer a story. We did not buy two jets,” he said.

Finance commissioners walk out of FAAC meeting in anger zOver minister's failure to keep to time BY EMMA UJAH, ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF

BUJA—COMMISSION ERS of Finance from the 36 states of the federation, yesterday, stormed out of Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, FAAC, meeting in protest of what they called unjust handling of the sharing of the federation revenue by the Federal Government. The commissioners waited for the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yarima Ngama for over two and a half hours before they decided to leave in anger. Ngama’s image maker, Mr. Mohammef Nakoji and other staff of the ministry could not dissuade the angry commissioners from leaving the Sheraton Hotel, venue of the meeting. Mr. Nakoji told newsmen that the minister was held up at a meeting in Aso Rock Villa. The Chairman of the group

and Commissioner of Finance of Ebonyi State, Mr. Timothy Odaah told newsmen that the commissioners decided to leave not only to protest the

minister’s failure to keep to time but also to protest the irregularity of meetings under Dr. Ngama. He said that the FAAC tech-

nical meeting was supposed to hold on a separate day from the plenary, in accordance with the FAAC Act of 1992. The meeting is expected to reconvene today.

Better incentives panacea for corruption in police — ICPC boss BY CALEB AYANSINA

BUJA—CHAIRMAN of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, Ekpo Nta, has advocated better incentives and reward system for members of the Nigeria Police Force to stem corruption in the Force. He also said the introduction of ticketing system would go a long way to address issues of corruption. Nta spoke at a seminar and presentation of a syndicate group report on ‘Reducing Cor-

ruption in the Police Force’ by various Civil Society groups and anti-corruption agencies in Abuja. The event was organised by Justice For All, J4A, a programme of the British development agency, the Department for International Development, DFID. Nta urged Nigerians to appreciate the hard-work of honest police personnel, who give their best and continually laid down their lives in the course of maintaining law and order in the country. He said: "Have we really acknowledged the sacrifice of our

policemen or are we always running them down? Have you ever acknowledged them by saying gentlemen, you have done quite a lot, thank you for doing that but you can do better?” Nta inquired. He advocated the introduction of a ticketing system both to fight crime and at the same time provide an incentive to police officers. He stated that: "For example, can’t we turn the situation around by a ticketing process? Tell the policemen on the roads that for every ticket they issue, they are entitled to a fixed commission/allowance that will go straight into their accounts”.

Vanguard , FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013—9

Reps reject 6-yr tenure for President, Govs ...dump state creation, approve autonomy for LG, state assemblies BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH, OKEY NDIRIBE & EMMAN OVUAKPORIE BUJA—INDICATION emerged yesterday that the House of Representatives has dumped the clamour for the creation of new states in the country. The House has also distanced itself from the request for a six-year single tenure for the President and governors, sticking to the provision of the 1999 Constitution of two terms of four years each. These formed the highlights of the report of the Constitution Review Committee, headed by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives counterpart, Emeka Ihedioha, which is due for presentation next week. Vanguard learnt from competent sources that the committee, however, recommended full autonomy for the 774 LGAs and the 36 Houses of Assembly in the country. It was gathered that the committee decided to jettison the creation of new states following the pressure mounted by some Northern governors and political leaders that they did not want new states at the moment.

Pressure from Northern governors One of the northern governors recently described the move by the National Assembly for new states as a waste of time and resources and asked the members to discontinue with the excercise. The outspoken governor had also accused the lawmakers of trying to weaken the north with new states, a development that drew criticisms from the House, which described his utterances as unbecoming of his position. It was learnt that although almost all the states endorsed state creation during the nationwide collation of opinions, the issue was later ‘shut down’ to calm frayed nerves. A lawmaker, who is familiar with the development, said, “The issue of state creation generated a lot of con-

troversy and we have decided to dump the matter in the interest of peace. “We don’t want a situation where the good work done by the committee to be rubbished as a result of controversial items. We have therefore endorsed autonomy for the local governments and the various state houses of assembly, something we believe, will bring about stability and progress in the states. It was not, however, clear if state governors, who were not comfortable with any form of autonomy for the local governments and their Houses of Assembly, would allow the matter to scale through when it is reverted for voting in their respected states. For any of the items approved by the constitution review committee to become law, 24 out of the 36 Houses of Assemblies must concur. Already, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF, is opposed to local government autonomy, on the grounds that the third tier of government is part and parcel of the respective states, with whom they maintain joint accounts. It would be recalled that during the last attempt to grant autonomy to state assemblies, the NGF kicked against the idea and it was dropped, making it possible for governors to remote control their speakers and the members. It is not clear how democratically-elected governors are opposed to autonomy for the third tier of government and their legislature when the reverse is the case at the Federal level. The presentation of the collated report was suspended last January following a disagreement between the committee members and some leaders of the House over certain items on the agenda.

Reps to present report next week The collated report of the peoples’ public sessions on the review of the 1999 Constitution conducted by the House in the 360 federal constituencies in the country is due for public presentation on Thursday, April

18, 2013. A statement issued and signed by the Clerk of the adhoc committee, Chinedu Akubueze, said the presentation was earlier due to hold on Thursday, January 31, 2013, but was postponed to allow members more time to verify that the results reflected the voting in their various constituencies. The statement read: “Collated results of the sessions which held on November 10, 2012, will be presented at the House of Representatives and presided over by speaker of the House, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. “The results will show the voting pattern on all the issues itemized in the template for voting by Nigerians during the sessions at the various federal constituencies. “The public presentation is in keeping with the promise made by the Deputy Speaker/Chairman of the Committee, Emeka Ihedioha, that the House will make the process of the public sessions, and, indeed, the entire constitution amendment transparent, inclusive and accountable to the Nigerian people.” The event, which will hold at Conference Room 231 of the House of Representatives New Building, is expected to be attended by the Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum, representing state governors; Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures, representing speakers of State Houses of Assembly; and President, Nigerian Bar Association, NBA. Others include President, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON; President, Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC; President, Trade Union Congress, TUC; President, Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU; President, Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT; President, National Council of Women Societies, NCWS; and President, National Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE; President, Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ; President, National Association of Nigerian Students,

10—Vanguard , FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013

PDP loses LCDA to ACN BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

OCAL Government Election Appeal Tribunal, sitting at the Lagos State High Court, Igbosere, yesterday, nullified the judgment of the Election Petition Tribunal, which declared the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Otunba Busari Akande, as winner of the AgbadoOkeodo Local Council Development Area, LCDA, chairmanship election. In a unanimous decision, the 5-man Appeal Tribunal described the judgment of the lower tribunal as an error, noting that the cause of the matter was the circumstance that the parties found themselves.

Former PPPRA boss for fuel subsidy lecture

IONEER Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, James Oluleye, is to deliver a lecture on the economics of the controversial fuel subsidy. Oluleye will be delivering the lecture at the Archbishop Vinning Memorial Church Cathedral, AVMCC, at Ikeja GRA, on April 14. According to a statement announcing the church’s quarterly lecture, Mr. Henry Odukomaiya, Media Consultant to AVMCC, Oluleye’s lecture will give the congregation the rare privilege of getting the low down of the politics and the economics of the controversial issue. He stated that Oluleye, who was appointed by former President, Olusegun Obasanjo to the PPRA in 2003, is expected to attest to the spectacular roles played by God in his life. Oluleye, born January 3, 1953, began his primary education at six, at Christ Church School, Mapo Ibadan, before following his father, late Major-General James Johnson Oluleye, a former Finance Minister under the Murtala Muhammed Military regime, to all the stations to which the Nigerian Army posted him.

ROUNDTABLE: From left— Mrs Umego Adaora, Scientific Officer, Consumer Protection Council, CPC; Ms Flora Archibong, Media Consultant; Mrs Ogochukwu Mainasara, representing NAFDAC's DG; Mrs Iquo Ukoh, Marketing Services Director, Nestle Foods; Mrs Funmi Ajumobi, Kiddies Editor, Vanguard; Dr. Chika Ndiokwelu, Natioanl President, Dieticians Association of Nigeria; Mrs Morenike Taire, Vanguard; Mrs Adu Morenikeji, Consumer Advocacy Agency of Nigeria; Mr. Anyanwu Camillus, Surveillance and Enforcement Officer, CPC; Mrs Margaret Eshiett, Head Food/Codex, Standard Organisation of Nigeria and Alero Atsimene, Deputy Advert Mgr., Vanguard, during the roundtable on Nutrition: Raising Healthy Children As An Intergral Part of Nation-Building, at Vanguard Head Office in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: Lamidi Bamidele.

Vanguard's roundtable: Stakeholders identify bane of child nutrition BY MORENIKE TAIRE & FUNMI AJUMOBI

AGOS—PARTICIPANTS at a Vanguard’s roundtable on child nutrition in Lagos, yesterday, identified lack of access to information and pervasive ignorance on the right choice of nourishment as the major factor militating against proper child nutrition in Nigeria. The participants included regulators and policy makers on child nutrition in Nigeria. Marketing Service Director of Nestle Nigeria, Mrs. Iquo Ukoh, emphasised the importance of a synergy between the Federal Ministries of Health and Education to inculcate food and nutrition in primary school curriculum to build children’s taste in the right choice of food. She cited the one-meal-aday policy not implemented in most states due to various factors, including unavailability of government funds and corruption. Ukoh suggested the formation of nongovernmental organisations to assist government.

NAFDAC speaks

Ogochukwu Mainasara, Acting Director of the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, who represented the Director-General of the Agency, said the Agency had commenced discussions with stakeholders on food labeling as one of

its regulatory efforts to stop manufacturers from deceiving the public on the consumables nutritional values. She cited the universal salt iodisation and fortification projects of staples such as flour to reduce nutritional deficiencies and learning disabilities as part of the

Court halts Akingbola's bid to travel abroad for treatment BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH & ONOZURE DANIA

AGOS—AN Ikeja High Court, presided over by Justice Adeniyo Onigbanjo, yesterday, turned down an application asking it to allow former Managing Director of defunct Intercontinental Bank, Dr. Erastus Akingbola, travel abroad for medical attention. Ruling on Akingbola’s application, Justice Onigbanjo held that the banker did not advance enough reasons to

warrant the court granting such application. However, the court granted Akingbola and his co-defendant, Mr. Bayo Dada, who is standing trial with him in the alleged case of theft, the opportunity to vary their bail conditions, mandating them to appear in Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC’s office every first working day of the week. Akingbola, charged alongside the General Manager, Tropix Security Limited,

Lagos resettles flood victims BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

AGOS State Government has commenced the construction of a housing scheme in Agbowa, Epe Local Government Area, for the resettlement of victims of flood in Ajegunle, Ikorodu area of the state, following the receipt of N750 million ecological fund. It would be recalled that Federal Government released

projects of the Agency. Dr. Chika Ndiokwelu, National President, Dietitian Society of Nigeria, stressed the need for parents to increase the amount of starch-based food instead of processed carbohydrate, advising parents to increase the amount of vegetables and fruits given to their children.

N700 million ecology fund to Lagos State to find permanent solution to the menace of perennial flood as a result of Ogun-Oyo River overflow in Ajegunle area of Ikorodu, Commissioner for the Environment, Tunji Bello, who disclosed this yesterday, during the year 2013 ministerial briefing at Bagaulda Kalto Press Centre, said the construction of resettlement housing scheme was part of measures

to mitigate the victims’ plight. Responding to a question on how the ecological fund had been disbursed, Bello said the money was being spent judiciously and part of it had been spent on the housing scheme. He said: “We should be very proud of the state government. Lagos has used that money effectively. The construction is ongoing at Agbowa area of Epe Local Government Area.”

Bayo Dada, for allegedly stealing N47 billion belonging to his former bank by EFCC, had approached the court for leave to keep an April 15 medical appointment with his hospital in London. The judge stated that it was wrong for the applicant to assume that he had the legal right to be treated by any medical doctor of his choice, as argued by his counsel. According to Onigbanjo, the absence of evidence by Akingbola to convince the court that he had sought medical attention for his ailment in Nigeria without success was a major flaw in his application. Puncturing Akingbola’s counsel's submission that the court should follow its earlier rulings, wherein he recently granted bail to some defendants before the court, Onigbanjo held that no two cases, no matter their similarity, were the same because of the peculiarity of their circumstances. He said: “The court, in exercising its discretion, must exercise it judicially and judiciously considering all the facts before it."

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013—11

CONDOLENCE: Former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, rtd. (middle); flanked by Mama Adetutu Famuagun and Chief Festus Famuagun, parents of Mrs. Funmilayo Olayinka, late Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, during a condolence visit to the family by Buhari, yesterday.

Mrs Olufunso Amosun (middle) with parents of late Mrs. Olayinka.

We won't spoon-feed you, ACN tells FG A

CTION Congress of Nigeria, ACN, has said it is not the business of the opposition to spoon-feed the government in power on how to successfully pilot the affairs of the country, saying if Jonathan's administration is overwhelmed by the demands of running the country, it should indicate so and step down. Reacting to a statement credited to a presidential aide, Dr. Doyin Okupe, that the opposition only criticises without offering solutions, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohamed, said ACN had offered suggestions to many knotty issues. ACN said: "If the PDP-led Federal Government is expecting the opposition to waste its time and energy in helping it to run the government, then it is another clear indication that those at the helm neither prepared for the huge responsibility placed upon them, nor learnt fast enough on the job. "Little wonder the country’s development has been in reverse gear since 1999." ACN said it was aware of its responsibility as the leading opposition party, and had always been guided by the highest ideals of democratic principles and the best practices of democratic opposition in the world. The party said: "In speaking truth to power in Nigeria, on many occasions we have turned ‘non-issues’ which are critical for democracy, liberty and justice

into issues. We have, through our media interventions, created the possibilities of greater participation by Nigerians in the governance of the country. “We canvass for greater transparency and accountability in the affairs of government and public institutions. We are glad Nigerians appreciate this and have constantly told us so. "Any close perusal of our regular interventions dating back to the Obasanjo presidency will realise that we have proffered solutions to oil militancy in the Niger Delta and Boko Haram violence.” ACN also responded to the statement that it is trying to mislead Nigerians with the allegations that SURE-P funds are being channeled into the pockets of PDP members

across the country in preparation for the 2015 elections. It said: ‘’Lest the presidency and PDP muddle the waters, what we have said is that after the SURE-P funds have been shared among the three tiers of government, the Federal Government converts its own share into slush funds, which are then given to persons who are neither elected nor recognised by law to ferret into the pockets of PDP members. “We went ahead to list the names of those who have been appointed to coordinate the sharing of the funds, and noted that they are the same as President Jonathan’s campaign coordinators in the states— and no one has been able to fault us.”

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Amosun sues for cooperation between councilors, LG bosses F OLLOWING the resolution of cases of rancour between some chairmen and councilors over, among others, misconception of councilors’ constitutional powers, Governor Ibikunle Amosun has called on the councilors and local government chairmen to maintain peace and good working relationship to move Ogun State forward. Amosun gave this charge at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs’

workshop in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, aimed at re-orienting the councilors on their constitutional roles and the need to work harmoniously with their respective chairmen to collectively deliver the dividends of democracy to the people. He urged the councilors to live up to their responsibilities as the spokesperson of the people in their respective jurisdiction, and desist from confronting their chairmen

but rather follow peaceful channels in resolving issues to achieve a successful tenure. He said they were the mouthpiece of the government at the grassroots and must be sound and knowledgeable at what they were constitutionally assigned to do in their respective constituencies. State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Basorun Muyiwa Oladipo, said the workshop would groom the

The general public is hereby informed that the above named organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs commission (CAC) for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act,CAP C 20, LFN 2004. The Trustees Are: 1. Rev Dr Steve Raymond Ohakwe - Chairman 2. High Chief Onuoha Augustine Ukachukwu 3. Chief Oliver D.Nwoji 4. Don O. Ihekwoaba - Secretary 5. Otuasiadiri Emmanuel Chinedu 6. Ejuka Stephen Adinma 7. Chief Charles Obinna Abalanne The Aims And Objectives: 1. To disseminate information on local, national and global issues to the public. 2. To promote global literacy through media network. 3. To help eradicate poverty and corruption through information management. Any objection to this registration should be sent to the Registrar General, CAC, Plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, PMB 198,Gariki,Abuja, within 28 days from the date of this publication. Signed: P. C. Azubuike Esq. (Solicitor) 08035226692, 08181650652

c h a i r m e n , councilors and other key personnel in the running of local government affairs and also transform the activities of the councilors.

NAOSS honours Adefaye, others

ATIONAL Association of Osun State Students, NAOSS, will, today, hold a Jumat Service and a cultural debate as parts of activities marking its annual week. The Jumat service will hold at Osogbo Central Mosque, while the cultural debate holds at the Nigerian Union of Teachers hall. Tomorrow is for a public lecture where awards will be conferred on eminent Nigerians, among whom are Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, Mr. Jude Imagwe, Special Assistant to the President on Youth and Students Matters, and Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, General Manager, Publication/Editor-In-Chief, Vanguard Newspaper.

FUTA alumni meet

HE second general meeting of the Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA, alumni association, Lagos branch, holds tomorrow, at CITS, UNILAG, at 11am.

The re-union programme and reception for FUTA’s Vice Chancellor on May 11 will be discussed. Dr. Oyebode and FUTA Alumni Caretaker Committee will be at the meeting.

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013

Owie alleges plans by dissidents to destroy Jonathan’s govt BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

ENIN—FORMER Senate Chief Whip, Senator Rowland Owie, yesterday, raised alarm over plans by alleged fifth columnists, to destroy the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan by increasing the unemployment problem facing the country. Owie, who was reacting to alleged plans to scrap National Examinations Council, NECO, and Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, by the Federal Government, urged President Jonathan to create employment opportunities for Nigerians and not to allow himself to be deceived by his ministers and advisers, who may not want his administration to succeed.

Amnesty for Boko Haram: Clark warns against perpetuation of criminality BY GBENGA OKE

LDER statesman and National Leader of Congress for Equality and Change, CEC, Chief Edwin Clark, has called on the Federal Government to take steps to ensure that the amnesty programme being proposed for Boko Haram members does not become an incentive for unpatriotic elements or groups to perpetrate criminality. He noted that a wider stakeholder ’s consultation aimed at arriving at the modalities for same was a necessary precondition for the grant of the amnesty. Clark, in a communique at the end of a meeting convened by CEC in Abuja, said the Congress considered the security situation in the country detrimental to national development and therefore, called on the National Assembly to hasten the passage of Anti-Terrorism Bill. He said: “We took note of various efforts by govern-

ment and after exhaustive deliberation, we noted that security should be all embracing, covering all parts of the country and its citizens, wherever they may be. “We reiterate our unflinching support for Mr. President and empathise with the victims of the various acts of violence across the country in recent times.

“There should be special courts to be established for the speedy prosecution of terrorists and their sponsors to serve as deterrent to others. Also, security agents should ensure speedy identification, arrest and prosecution of the sponsors of these acts of terrorism.” He, however, called on Ni-

gerians to be supportive of the Federal Government in its effort to maintain peace and order. “We commend Nigerians nationwide for their forebearance and appeal to them to continue to support the Federal Government’s plans to maintain peace and stability of our dear country,” he said.

FG empowers 300 ex-Niger Delta militants BY KENNETH EHIGIATOR

HE Federal Government, yesterday, gave financial and material aid to 300 ex-Niger Delta militants to enable them start off their medium and small-scale businesses. The aid was given the ex-militants as part of government’s package to fully re-integrate them into the society. The ex-militants were empowered by the Presidential Amnesty Office in areas of sales of building materials, electronics, fisheries and super markets, among others. Speaking at the ceremony in Lagos, Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Mr. Kings-

ley Kuku, said the scheme was aimed at assisting the trained ex-militants and equip them to be a new generation of entrepreneurs. Kuku, who was represented by the Technical Adviser on Amnesty, Mr. Larry Pepple, said the empowerment will lay a solid foundation, break the circle of poverty and contribute to the economic growth of the country. Kuku said: “It will move Nigeria closer to the realisation of the number one goal of the millennium development goals, MDGs, of eradicating extreme hunger and poverty by 2015.’’ He noted that over 13,000 ex-militants had been deployed to local and foreign institutes for training, skill acquisition and other formal education, adding that over 2500 of them had been placed

in higher institutions of learning, while 4,608 were currently undergoing skill acquisition training, and 9,192 had graduated in various fields, including agriculture, automobile, welding and fabrication, entrepreneurship, carpentry, plumbing, oil drilling and marine related courses; electrical installation, ICT and other areas.

We’ll sustain fight against malaria —Amaechi

IVERS State Governor, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, has expressed his administration’s determination to tackle and eradicate malaria from the state. He said the state will partner the Federal Ministry of Health, the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, and foreign organisations to eliminate the disease. Amaechi, who spoke during the first ECOWAS Town Hall meeting on malaria elimination and ground breaking ceremony of a biolarvicide factory in the state, in Port Harcourt, yesterday, said: “We must invest in biolarvicides. We must go with the Federal Ministry of Health, the ECOWAS and the Cubans to invest in the biolarvicides. “We must also invest in indoor spraying. Since we have the target of 2015, we must ensure that by the end of next year, we should have either eradicated malaria or reduced it to the barest minimum. “We achieved two things with the construction of the biolarvicide factory. First, it is commercial, we will get back our money. We will get the other states to buy from us. We also need ECOWAS to bring their part of the money."

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Bakassi: FG promises to respond to attacks on Nigerians by Camerounian gendarmes BY BEN AGANDE

BUJA — THE Federal Government has promised to take appropriate action against attacks on Nigerians resident in Bakassi by the Camerounian gendarmes. Speaking with State House correspondents, in Abuja, after the meeting of the Presidential Committee on the plight of the Displaced Bakassi People, the Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, said government was studying reports on the attack and would take appropriate action. ”As a good player on the international scene, Nigeria has subscribed to the Green Tree Agreement and on our own part we will continue to abide by the provisions of the agreement. “For one reason or the other, resulting from skirmishes here

and there, the Camerounian Gendarmes have attacked some innocent Nigerians. ”That report, is being presented to government and the Nigerian government will take appropriate action to redress the situation,” he said. Comrade Moro called on the people of Bakassi to remain calm as government was determined to ensure that they are not left to their fate as government was taking every step to ensure their safety in the peninsula.

Heavy shooting continues at Anambra/Kogi border

.Missing persons declared dead BY VINCENT UJUMADU

WKA — DESPITE efforts by Anambra and Kogi states’ governments to ensure that normalcy returned to the troubled border communities of the two states, heavy shooting continued in the oil rich Okpeze in Anambra East Local Government Area, yesterday. Several lives and property worth millions of naira had been lost in the area in the last two weeks, following violent clashes in the disput-

ed area. Although the casualty figure was not known as at press time, the sound of the guns was said to have frightened those residing close to the borders, such that they relocated to the upland. This came even as the people of Aguleri in Anambra East told reporters that two of their kinsmen who had been missing since the renewed fracas a fortnight ago, had been confirmed dead. Leaders of thought in Aguleri, including Chief Ralph

Igwa, a former national president of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ; Mr. Obiora Iwuno, a lawyer and president general of Enugu Otu Aguler; Chief Emma Ikem, 1st vice president of Aguleri Town Union; Emma Akora and Chief Joseph Osita, told reporters at the palace of the Igwe of Aguleri, Igwe Christopher Idigo, that the patience of the people of Aguleri was running out. According to Aguleri people, their kinsmen, namely Obalum Udealor and Onyeka

26 Nigerians denied refugee status in UNHCR camp, Tunisia

OME 26 Nigerians, including a child currently at the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) camp in Choucha, Tunisia, have cried out for help over their plight at the camp. In a protest letter emailed to the North American correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in New York, by Obinna Obielu, the refugees requested for support for feeding and other essential necessities of life. They demanded that they should be granted international protection in a safe third country with effective system of protection as well as a r e s e t t l e m e n t programme. The refugees added that during the evacuation of people in Libya, hundreds of Nigerians came to the camp with the hope that arrangements would be made for them to return to their home countries with the assistance of the Tunisian government and International Organisation for Migration (IOM). C M Y K

Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary General of Commonwealth, signing condolence register, accompanied by Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti State Governor, during a visit by the former Secretary General to Ekiti State, on the demise of Mrs. Funmilayo Olayinka, late Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday.

Nnebe, who were abducted when the people of Ibaji first invaded Aguleri Otu two weeks ago, have been confirmed dead. “When they came to attack our people, yesterday, they were telling us that they have eaten our brothers and this is heightening the tension in the area,” they said. They added that in addition to several private houses burnt, the people of Kogi also burnt a primary school established by Anambra State government, another school owned by the Catholic Church, as well as a Pentecostal church. They said: “As we are talking, the people of Ibaji in Kogi State are shooting heavily at Okpeze which is in Anambra East.

Abia residents panic over return of kidnapping, child trafficking BY ANAYO OKOLI

MUAHIA — ABIA State residents have expressed concern over gradual return of kidnapping and child trafficking in the state, specifically the South Senatorial District, which is composed of Obingwa, Isialangwa North and South, Osisisoma, Ugwunagbo, Aba North and South and Ukwa East and West local government areas. This was the area that was virtually taken over by criminal elements, especially kidnappers few years ago, which led most residents of the area, particularly Aba, the commercial city, to flee their homes and abandoned their businesses. Lately, however, there had

been reports of increase in crimes, particularly child kidnapping and trafficking in Abia South area, which is now a source of worry to the people. This prompted Governor Orji to donate additional patrol vans to the 14 Brigade Ohafia, to enable the Army tackle the problem of child trafficking and pipelines vandalisation and other crimes now rearing their ugly heads in the state. He urged the soldiers to go all out for them to ensure that the security in the state was maintained. State Commissioner of Police, Usman Tilli Abubakar, has also lamented the increasing incidence of violent crimes in Abia South but promised that his men would tackle it head-on.

Residents who spoke to Vanguard, blamed the situation on the security agencies who they said had relaxed in their duties after the initial aggressiveness with which they fought crimes in the state. According to the residents: “The blame should go to the

various security agencies in the state. They have all relaxed after the initial zeal with which they tackled the situation. “These criminals have been monitoring and perhaps they have noticed some loopholes and want to come back."

Princess Nwanyinma Okafor-Ikwele passes on

RINCESS LUCY Nwanyinma Okafor-Ikwele (nee Obi Nwankwo), is dead, aged 82. A statement from the family said there will be a wakekeep on Friday, April 19, 2013, at her residence, at Ikwele Royal Family, Ezukwu Quarters, Ibusa, Delta State Interment and other burial

rites follow next day at the same venue, while outing/ thanksgiving service will take place on Sunday, April 21. Princess Okafor-Ikwele is survived by Zik Zulu Okafor, Iwebundu Okafor-Ikwele, Beatrice Okafor-Ikwele, Obi Pamela Okafor-Ikwele, His Eminence Celestine Okafor, the Ikwele of Ibusa.

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Farewell to female icons

INCE my last column appeared, the world has lost two Women Of Substance. On Saturday April 6: Mrs Funmilayo Olayinka, the beautiful, intelligent, principled, hard-working and kind-hearted Deputy Governor of Ekiti State. On Monday April 8: Baroness Margaret Thatcher, the former British Prime Minister, who was immensely unpopular in certain quarters - because of her uncompromising personality and controversial domestic and foreign policies - but also possessed many admirable qualities, attracted a huge following (she won three elections) and dominated UK and global politics for over a decade. I met Thatcher and didn’t warm to her on a personal level because she was polite rather than friendly and was famed for her dogged refusal to support the Black South African struggle against apartheid. But I couldn’t help respecting this Iron Lady who had achieved so much in a tough chauvinistic male milieu. Thatcher and Olayinka had different styles. But both were strong, inspirational female pioneers who will never be forgotten. May they rest in peace.

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I COULDN’T AGREE MORE! Whenever a Nigerian dies, whether they be a VIP or an ordinary citizen, there are dark suspicions that he or she was “spiritually ” murdered by evil enemies. I have always scoffed at the idea that mere mortals can acquire the power to unleash malevolent supernatural forces on those they hate or envy. I simply

when our inept security personnel have been defeated, we now beg for a truce? Where is the money coming from to pay these rebels? God forbid it shouldn’t be money from Niger Delta oil where l come from and have toiled all my years on earth to eke a living. I can barely send my kids who are bona fide Niger Deltans to private schools as public schools we attended have become histor y. If Jonathan and E.K. Clark think they can gamble away the future of Niger Deltans on the altar of 2015, they have another think coming. They should start planting groundnut and cotton to pay amnesty, period *+2348037137310

EADERS REACTIONS TO PREVIOUS COLUMNS *+2348027475353 Tarrie Dawudu Dear Donu, That Jonathan has constituted amnesty committee for Boko Haram makes me sick and raises some fundamental questions like who are these people? You mean some foreigners will invade this ... country and our security agents can’t do anything! At the end

don’t buy the view that anyone can finish anyone off by remote control; and I doff my cap to Mrs Olayinka’s father, Pa Festus Famuagun, because he has firmly rejected the usual conspiracy theories and insisted that his daughter died a natural death (from cancer that had been troubling her since 2009). Reacting to insinuations that his beloved child had been done in by “diabolical” opponents who wanted to snatch her prestigious job, Pa Famuagun informed wellwishers who visited him to offer condolences that he does not believe in witchcraft and feels that her life was taken by the God who created her. Pa Famuagun’s unsuperstitious, progressive, no-nonsense mindset is extremely refreshing in a society in which too many people claim to be practising Christians but remain wedded to jujurelated convictions. May this impressive elder continue to bear the terrible loss of his dear daughter with fortitude.

The late Mrs Funmilayo Olayinka Ekenwan Akwagbe President Jonathan will not change to become like a latter day Mubarak. However, the attitude of the opposition seeing nothing good in anything the President does - could change him. Jonathan’s humility and civility is taken for a ride by the opposition. Imagine that a Kano-based politician, Dr Junaid Mohammed, calling our President an imbecile in one of his interviews granted a tabloid! In fact, so many people have so directly abused the President instead of discussing issues. This situation if allowed to continue could change a hitherto civil and democratic President to become a brutal dictator like Obasanjo was. *+2348070881023 Austin Ekanem Dear Donu, you singled out White Christians as those who colonized enslaved, stole from and levied violence against Blacks. Like Prof Ali Masrui, you have nothing to say about what Muslim Arabs did and are still doing against the Blacks in Africa and beyond.

The late Baroness Thatcher

Thatcher and Olayinka had different styles; but both were strong, inspirational female pioneers who will never be forgotten; may they rest in peace

*+2348020393163 Monorien Christopher There is no doubt that people with unenviable background, but have the privilege of being leaders usually forget the dark years. President GEJ has forgotten his own suffering. *+2347037421476 Rodsimeon Idaewor We are as human beings subjective in nature, hence your pro-Israel stance. But if we have to be fair the Palestinians have the right to exist in their own state. To shy away from the two states solution is a postponement of an inevitable cataclysm. By the way, President Jonathan has already fallen into the trap of Mubarak; so we need not pray again.

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

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY,APRIL 12, 2013

UR government has fallen into the “sell it” mode as an all-time cure for national heritages it cannot manage. In this tempestuous mood nothing is sacrosanct. If not, why would anyone contemplate selling the National Theatre, a piece of our national history, just for the shameful excuse that government cannot manage it? Are those mouthing such idea aware of the place of the National Theatre in our history, our tradition? The National Theatre was purposefully built to host the Black Festival of Arts and Culture, otherwise known as Festac’77. It was the biggest gathering to celebrate the black man’s culture and spurned a resurgence of pride in black people. Some in the United States, thereafter, began a search for their roots. It was at the National Theatre that a series of conferences that gave more impetus to the liberation struggles in Angola, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe were held. Many national and international performances at the National Theatre established it for decades and created a cadre of young artists and artistes who looked forward to their day at the National Theatre. Someone wants to sell it, turn the place into a hotel, all in the name of commercialisation when arts and cultural institutions around the country do not have a befitting centre? Abuja in all its false majesty does not have a national theatre, it has no cultural centre. It is unimaginable for anyone to canvass the idea. It is worse still that it is being justified. Then the National Stadium; we have only two of them, one each in Abuja and Lagos. Their histories include hosting the All Africa Games 30 years apart: 1973 and 2003. The one in Lagos particularly served as the apex of national

Don’t sell our national herit age heritage sports productions, with sports people all over Nigeria drawing their pride from winning laurels there. The Abuja stadium was built with a flourish for a modern city. Both have been allowed to decay beyond conscionable explanation. Government watched them dilapidate; now it wants to sell them. The same frenzy for privatisation left us without a national airline, while those we claim to imitate either have national airlines or have ways of supporting their private airlines for they know airlines are vital niches in an economy. Will anyone contemplate selling London’s Hyde Park that has been open to the public since 1637 or the Royal Festival Hall? The eight public parks in London cost the government about £30 million (about N7.5 billion) to maintain in 2012 though they generated £18 million (about N4.5 billion) income. Can Americans think of selling the 213-year-old Library of Congress though it cost will $750 million (N166.25 billion) this year to maintain its collections and 4,000 staff? Will Wembley (the arena or

the stadium) be up for sale to become a hotel? What these governments have done is find ways of maintaining their heritages without desecrating them. We seem to have no qualms in our own cases. The all-time solution the government is proposing for these facilities is like cutting off the head to cure a headache. After the decapitation what happens to arts, culture, sports, and theatre without these facilities? Government only weeks back promised a N3 billion in Nollywood, Nigeria’s film industry, then it turns around to sell the National Theatre? After the effusive celebrations of the Eagles victory at the Nations Cup, government wants to sell the National Stadium, which should be the team’s home turf? Can we sell the Presidential Villa because of the cost of maintaining it? Government should find the expertise (yes, even outside government) to manage these facilities and other national heritage. What are we celebrating in Nigeria’s centenary, if we cannot preserve national assets like the National Theatre and National Stadium which are not more than 40 years old? The stadium in Abuja is just 10! It is important that we do not develop a country bereft of its cultural history in the quest to please those who preach privatisation, while they find ways to preserve — at all costs — their history. We may not have the resources the other countries have, but with more respect for national heritage, we can find the will to maintain these facilities by creatively generating more activities around them. The sale of the National Theatre and the National Stadium is not an option in government’s management of national assets.

OPINION BY BOBSON GBINIJE “Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand? No; this my hand will rather the multitudinous seas incarnadine, making the green one red"- Shakespeare's Macebeth

E need not be adepts in the art of synthetical hermeneutics and titular nomenclature to be able to put in proper perspective the ethical, physical, spiritual and structural builders of man’s god-like idiosyncrasies, mind and character. Perfection is not an attribute of mortal man; therefore, in our daily activities we make mistakes, step on toes and err in multidimensional ways. But a little apology of “I am sorry” goes a long way in making amends. But how many people can show remorse by apologising which brings out the sublimity and nobility in the homosapien. An apology is a conscientious, remorseful, contrite and formal acknowledgement of error, wrong, offence and incivility, etc. Within the context of usage, it is regret, pity and being sorry for our wrong doing. Indeed, he who offers an apology admits, at least emotionally and technically, that he is wrong. The attitudinal orientation of most people tilts toward arrogance, shame, pride, braggart- like mien, braggadocio and rodomontade conducta pot-pourri of the messiah, goliath, inferiority, superiority complex and the solus ipse syndrome. These psychological make-ups determine, to a large extent, why some people tender and or refuse to tender apologies when wrong. Some tender apologies out of contriteness, because they are broken in spirit precipitated

The sublimity and dialectics of apologies by a sense of sin, penitence, sorry out of a deep and sincere sorrow, for wrong doing. In theological submissions, perfect contrition is a feeling of apology and repentance for sin with an intention to amend, arising from reverence, love of God and consideration of his goodness. But imperfect contrition is apology and regret stimulated by base, mundane and selfish motives. In all, an apology brings out the bliss, beauty and sublimity inherent in man. The late Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI used apologies as veritable instruments of crises management and schism resolution in their various dealings with sexually abused men and children by pedophile, pederasty and homosexual priests. Recently, NATO apologised for the inadvertent killing of some children in Afghanistan, etc. In the proverbial “Toronto certificate saga”, the former Speaker and Member of the House of Representatives, Salisu Buhari, in his resignation speech, gave a Homeric and Philippic treatise on the mechanics and dynamics of apologies. He said: ”I am bound under all circumstances, to live above suspicion. It was wrong, therefore, for my conduct to be open to justifiable suspicion as it has been. I apologise to you. I apologise to the nation, I apologise to my family and friends for all the distress I have caused them”. Buhari, who understood the power of perfect and imperfect contriteness as a formidable

weapon of penance and rabble-rousing said: “Permit me to use this opportunity to express my regrets and offer my unreserved apologies to all Nigerians at home and abroad for the embarrassment this controversy has generated”. Before all these profuse apologies, Buhari had said when reacting to The News magazine publication on the floor of the House of Representatives on July 14, 1999 that: “My attention has been drawn to a false publication against my person in The News magazine. I wish to assure you that there is no truth in the story. My integrity is very much intact as I have already briefed my lawyer Chief Rotimi Williams who is taking it up with Publishers of this magazine”. Sounding unremorseful, Buhari said in an interview on BBC Hausa Service, July 16, 1999: “It is the handiwork of a few inconsequential enemies of democracy, people who are not happy with the progress being made by the present government. They are the people fanning this fire and using their money to bribe journalists to publish all these. There is no iota of truth in it... I wish to unequivocally state that as a result of the unwarranted media intimidation I will never step aside or be cajoled into resigning my election as Speaker of the House of Representatives”. But when push came to shove, Buhari was forced to resign with ignominy and with profuse apologies to all, thereby vindicating

The News magazine, Nigerian journalists, the truth and Nigerians in general. He went on to buttress the assertions of Martin Luther king, jnr that “it is still one of the great tragedies of human history that the ‘children of darkness’ are frequently more determined and zealous than the ‘children of light'" and that “we shall have to repent in this generation, not so much for the evil deeds of the wicked people. But for the appalling silence of the good people”. The institution and establishment of Truth and Reconciliation Commissions in South Africa, Nigeria and other nations of the world is with a view to ensuring peace and forgiveness after a cataclysmic turmoil through apologies. At domestic levels, fathers forgive their wives and vice versa through apologies to maintain continuity and stability in matrimony and at various strata of life apologies are being used as bulwark and bastions of solidarity to ensure a peaceful world. But the overwhelming ambition and Luciferous audacity for power by Macbeth and his wife consumed them beyond the apology index. The Nigerian masses have been subjected to unspeakably horrid spiritual brutality, horrendously wicked leadership corruption and genocidal poverty right from independence in 1960 till date. Our politicians and leaders in the past and present contributed to the sordid theatrics of oppression against the Nigerian people. But the leadership has not thought it fit and proper to apologise to the Nigerian people through verbal acknowledgement of wrongdoing and the establishment of projects to alleviate scorching poverty amongst the citizenry. *Mr. Gbinije, a social critic, wrote from Warri, Delta State.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013 — 19

N 2009, members of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunnah Lid dawa’ati wal Jihad (Boko Haram) had cause to challenge the Nigeria Police for the alleged extra-judicial killing of their members for ‘refusing’ to obey a simple state law of wearing crush helmet while on a motor bike in Maiduguri.This snowballed to a global disgrace and threat to peace within the West African sub-region. If the allegation is correct, ideally the Nigeria Police as paid agents of the state who are charged with the responsibility of protecting and defending the security of the people, could have either offered unreserved apology to the bereaved families or defended its action with convincing reason than the cock and bull story issued to confuse the gullible public. Reports indicate that the Maiduguri Police Command vehemently refused to tender the expected apology and acted as a sadist group on a rampage for the simple reason of their being in possession of state arms and ammunition they can conveniently use even against the innocent without a genuine cause. That unfortunate incident has served as the springboard to launch series of attacks on Police formations and later formations of other security agencies and places

of worship nationwide by the sect as retaliation and a prove to security agencies that ordinary citizens once pushed to the wall for no genuine reason, can always defend themselves. In this case, it was the injustice meted out by the Nigeria Police to the insurgents that caused what Nigerians are passing through. And instead of Nigerians to demand for thorough investigation of the cause to bring the culprits to justice, we deviated in reasoning since the Nigeria Police has not changed in attitude and behaviour towards the weak despite the commendable efforts of the nation’s Chief Police Officer, MD Abubakar. Writing on the activities of Boko Haram in Nigeria is not the issue at stake for now. The concern is on the proposed amnesty plan to the sect as solicited by a cross section of Nigerians across religious, regional and political divides with the hope that if amnesty is offered, the sect may renounce violence and come out from hiding to embrace peace. First, let us take the issue of amnesty to the fore and the perception of the President Goodluck Jonathan administration to granting it to the sect. Amnesty at this material time is not part of the issue for national discourse as it is not yet ripe for it to be granted to an aggrieved group that has not asked for it or

I suggest the need to first reach out to the sect leadership to convince it to agree to dialogue; as progress is made, there should be disarmament; after that, amnesty should be given to those screened as genuine members of the sect

eager to have it without asking. The group has severally called for justice against the killers of their leader and their members which ignited the insurgency. Since the Federal Government seems to be under pressure to grant them amnesty, I suggest a thorough investigation be carried out before the issue of amnesty can bear fruits. Boko Haram is yet to renounce violence or shows any interest to have an amnesty. It has not indicated any interest to reach out to government for dialogue and once amnesty is announced, the sect may eventually relocate to prepare its ground to enjoying the amnesty while in possession of its deadly weapons.

rom general assessment, Boko Haram is neither keen for the so-called amnesty nor is it prepared for now to renounce violence on a platter of gold. The

Celebrating Obahiagbon, master of bombast, at 53 BY SUFUYAN OJEIFO

T the twilight of the sixth session of the National Assembly, Patrick Obahiagbon (who represented Oredo Federal Constituency on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP) switched platform in a bid to ensure his political survival. He moved over to the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in Edo State. It would appear, overall, a good move, but within the ACN enclave, he lost the bid for party nomination to a combination and conspiracy of factors. The import of this “short-circuiting” was that Obahiagbon, the master of bombast, the sartorially elegant ambassador of the Bini culture (the royal Bini regalia), which was why he was always dressed in the attire, bowed out of the House of Representatives when his followers were just beginning to enjoy his interventions on the floor during debates. That marked the terminus of the verbal razzmatazz of the profoundly eventful gladiator. The House has since been missing Obahiagbon and his Obahiagbonese (his own peculiar coinages). His defeat at the primaries of his party was not enough to stymie the flow of his usual bombasts in times of deep emotional outbursts. When asked to react to the development and the rejoicing in the camp of his opponent, he said: “This has made me suffused with emotional narcolepsy that the homo-sapiens in the metro-political geographical enclave of Edo have opted for owambe-ing over legislative quo modo dicis. Such a reckless display of narcissistic and flamboyant hedonism is capable of encumbering our nascent democracy with insidious, repercussive and cataclysmic exigencies.” But while he was in the Lower Chamber, Obahiagbon defined a unique character for himself, using the instrumentality of his C M Y K

swanky outfits as well as esoteric grammar (his peculiar manner of speaking). This is the uniqueness of Obahiagbon, the selfstyled “son of Igodomigodo”, a sobriquet he has adopted since 1999, when he was elected into the Edo State House of Assembly. A lawyer and holder of two Master's degrees once said: “I have deployed the nomenclature of Igodomigodo as a political sobriquet for ten years now, particularly as a vehicular nexus with my culturico-spiritual fons et origo and this emanated from an advertent primus mobilus to cosmopolitanise my genealogical matrix since it was not by accident that I originated from the land of Igodomigodo.” According to him: “Igodomigodo was the original, first ever, and pristine name of the Binis. From Igodomigodo, we were known as Ile-Ubini before the transmogrification into modern day Bini or Benin. So, you can now see that when I togarise my identity with the Igodomigodo aura, I am invoking the visible and invisible gods of my progenitors and at the same time luxuriating in an ancestral aqua of pristine Risorgimento.” Obahiagbon had become a phenomenon in the House of Representatives. He could titillate to no end with his fecundity, coupled with the razzmatazz that accompanied his submissions. Answering a question on his forceful contributions on the floor, he had said: “…You cannot succeed as a parliamentarian if you are not cosmopolitan. You must be prepared to immerse yourself in societal dialectics for you to be able to contribute efficaciously in a utilitarian modus. So, if you are a parliamentarian and you don’t go through the ritual of even reading newspapers, you don’t bathe yourself in the aqua of the political cross currents, then you are going to be deuced, you are going to be paralytic

BY SANUSI MUHAMMAD

Boko Haram: Case of amnesty and justice to the aggrieved

sect looks at the proposed amnesty as one of those gimmicks and tricks used against it by government in past interactions. Amnesty may not be the immediate solution for now until other structures are put on the ground to actualize it. In a conventional setting, government should first convince the sect of its sincerity to hold genuine dialogue to achieving a lasting solution than haphazard amnesty that may be offered under duress through passionate appeals and persistent calls. Prior to the escalation of violent attacks in different parts of the country, including Abuja and Lagos, several proposals carefully packaged from in-depth investigations carried out were offered to government, including the desperate need to engage the sect in genuine dialogue which were ignored. Government was erroneously advised to declare a war on the insurgents as the only option at its disposal which has not paid dividend. The declaration of war against the sect not only catapulted the problem to greater heights but afforded the insurgents the opportunity they were looking for to strategize to unleash more attacks in ‘defense’. Groups in other climes sharing similar feelings and ideology with the sect were eager to offer support while intensive training and recruitment were intensified, including steady supply of sophisticated weapons. Today, the sect claims to be better armed than the Nigeria armed forces and cannot be easily defeated in guerilla war fare. True to their claim, so far, Nigeria’s security agencies

When I togarise my identity with the Igodomigodo aura, I am invoking the visible and invisible gods of my progenitors and at the same time luxuriating in an ancestral aqua of pristine Risorgimento

in your contributions...”.

is mode of dressing (traditional Bini attires) was also very unique. He was once asked why he was always clad in his traditional Benin dress with beads round his neck and wrists. His response: “I have dressed like this from 1999 without any hiatus. As a student of mysticism, I believe nothing happens in the life of a mystic by chance and I know it was not by accident that I was born a Bini man. I entered into a covenant with myself when I was seeking political visibility that if God gave me the visibility, I was going to propagate the Bini heritage and culture. When it pleased God to give that to me in 1999, I had to keep faith with that covenant and I have dressed in full panoply of the royal Bini regalia.” Obahiagbon never ran short of big dictions or coinages that defined his peculiar style. Answering question on the need for his colleagues to up the ante of contributions on the floor, he had advised: “They must avoid regular big stouting, suyaing, and pepper-souping. Those are not the real issues. They must be prepared to immerse themselves in societal dialectics. They must put their nose to the grind stone. Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the Ikene philosopher, once said ‘the difference between my other

perhaps excluding the State Security Service, have recorded heavy casualties, lost of arms and ammunition and public property. As a way to end the insurgency, amnesty should be the last lap of the negotiating exercise if genuine reconciliation and peace is the goal. In my candid opinion based on past experience and interactions with the insurgents in an effort to broker truce which hit the rocks without convincing reason other than government bureaucracy, I suggest that the committee appointed by the Federal Government to look into the possibility of amnesty, should suggest to government the need to first reach out to the sect leadership in secret to convince it to agree to dialogue. While the dialogue is holding, all violent attacks should be suspended and government should relax its man hunt for the sect's members. As progress is made, there should be demobilization and disarmament. It is after the disarmament that amnesty should be given to those screened as genuine members of the sect in detention or in the jungle. Government should not be in a haste to declare a blanket amnesty that may cover even armed robbers, bandits and other miscreants who operated under the guise of the sect. The other point is that if amnesty is to be offered, it should be accompanied with certain economic empowerment initiatives to engage the ‘repented terrorists’ from going back to the desert for business as usual.

*Mr. Muhammad, a journalist, wrote from Bauchi.

colleagues and I, is that when my other colleagues are cavorting in the dark alleys, I am in my library working myself nineteen to the dozen’. You cannot succeed in life if you are not disciplined. You must be puritanical in your predisposition; you must engage in an exercise of self-purification and mortification; you must engage in an exercise of self-abnegation; you must engage in an exercise of spiritual emulation. You must discipline the flesh. You must conquer the flesh. You must allow the spiritual aspect of you preponderate the material aspect, especially when you have been chosen to represent the people, so that at the end of the day, you can really say: Vendi, vidi, vicki (I came; I saw; I conquered).” On the achievement of the House of Representatives, Obahiagbon had once said: “…The House of Representatives has not fallen short of its vivacious commitment in acting as the moral policeman over agencies of government. We have taken our oversight functions very responsively and responsibly. The emotional, visceral commitments, the messianic zeal and the quixotic temper with which we have taken our oversight responsibilities had, to a large extent, assisted in cleansing the Augean Stable while a number of structural deficiencies have, through this parliamentary metamorphosis, been brought under focus...”. Yes, there are so many other instances when this self-acclaimed verbal contortionist mesmerized his audience, which space cannot permit me to recall; even as the current Chief of Staff to the Governor of Edo State, Obahiagbon has, within the scope of his mandate, been speaking in his trademark “language” and dazzling all and sundry as usual, including yours sincerely. Is there, therefore, any other way that is better than this tribute to celebrate Obahiagbon, one of those who were born in 1960, on his birthday (April 12), the day (April 12) I married my heart-throb, Pat, in 1997? Happy birthday, my brother, and many happy returns! *Mr. Ojeifo, a journalist, wrote from Abuja.

20 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013 — 21

135.65

0.14

2,206.00

-13.00

17.86

+0.14

105.42

-0.81

94.48

+0.28

CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL

SELLING

DOLLAR STERLING EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

155.75 238.5779 203.9546 167.3472 1.5723 0.3086 233.4049 25.1441 41.5311 27.3442 234.4661

154.75 237.0461 202.6451 166.2727 1.5622 0.2886 231.9063 24.9817 41.2645 27.1687 232.9607

155.25 237.812 203.2999 166.8099 1.5672 0.2986 232.6556 25.0629 41.3978 27.2564 233.7134

CBN Exchange rate as at 11/04/2013

FG resolves hostility against Nigerian traders in Ghana

OPEC joins US in lowering 2013 oil demand growth forecast

From left: Mr Sanjay Kumar, Group Chief Executive Officer; Mr Ravi Sharma, Director Technical and Mr Uche Iwuamadi, Group Chief Executive Officer, African Foundries Limited, during media facility tour of African Industries Group.

HE Federal Government has succeeded in ending reported hostilities against Nigerian traders in Ghana by securing a reversal of the Ghanaian government’s closure of over 40 shops belonging to Nigerian traders. The shops were closed on February 6, 2013 for alleged violation of Ghana’s laws on trading by foreigners. The agreement to re-open the shops was reached at a meeting between the Ghanaian Minister of Trade and Industry, Haruna Idrissu, and the Nigerian delegation to Ghana, led by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom. The decision of the Federal Government to send a delegation to Ghana to tackle the difficulties being faced by the Nigerian traders was to further reaffirm its commitment to the welfare of Nigerians at home and abroad. The Ghanaian trade minister pointed out some issues of violation of mutual agreement, which the Nigerian government promised to look into, stating however that he was happy with Nigeria’s way of handling the issue. According to reports by the traders, the shops, belonging to Nigerian traders in the Okaishie Market area in the Central Business District, Accra, were closed in February by Ghanaian authorities and traders ordered to vacate the place without any alternative. A notice signed by the Ghanaian authorities and pasted on the shops, titled, ‘Non Ghanaians Engaged in Trading in Market Places’ read, “It has come to the notice of the taskforce that you are engaged in trading activities in the market place. Your activities contravene section 18 of GPIC Law 1194

(Act 478). ”Please take notice that your continuous operations from the market will no more be countenanced and that your shops have been permanently closed from today. In case you have any difficulties related to the actions of the task force, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned at the Ministry of Trade and Industry.” The decision of the Ghanaian

authorities was, however, reversed following the intervention of the Nigerian Government, led by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. Ortom had assured that his ministry would work with its foreign affairs counterpart towards ending the harassment of Nigerian traders in Ghana.

DHL Nigeria oversees operations in sub-Saharan Africa BY YINKA KOLAWOLE

HL International (Nigeria) Limited has been made the operational headquarters of the global logistics services company for sub-Saharan Africa, overseeing operations in 52 countries. This underscores the influence of the Nigeria’s logistics industry in the African continent. Head of Process & Performance Excellence, Customer Service subSaharan Africa, Mr. Femi Olaiya, in a chat with Vanguard, said that, “DHL has a market share of 52 percent of the logistics industry in sub-Sahara Africa, and in terms of what DHL stands for, it is the leading express logistics service provider in the world and what we want to be is the logistics company of the world. “DHL is the foremost international logistics service provider, not because we can meet our customers everywhere, but because we have a great network and that network is that our people are operational with our vehicles, airplanes and others. DHL in Nigeria, for example, has a

domestic airplane that moves within Nigeria, there is no other company that has that. And for our global network, we have an airplane that comes from Europe to Africa and then we have other smaller aircrafts that go into the other smaller countries. So, moving service to Europe before they come to Africa is not what we do, we have a clear network and sufficient aircrafts to move our services across the subSaharan Africa.” Olaiya noted that the major challenge in coordinating the activities of the sub-region is in the area of communications between the countries. “The only challenge I can talk about now is in the area of telecommunication between the countries involved, because we have to be in contact with them. But that is not necessarily with all the countries because there are some countries that are doing well with their communication services.

HE Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, on Wednesday trimmed its forecast for global growth in oil demand in 2013, becoming the second of the world’s closely watched oil forecasters this week to predict weaker consumption. The move by the organisation in its monthly report follows a similar downward revision to oil demand growth in 2013 by the U.S. Energy Information Administration on Tuesday. OPEC now expects that world oil demand will rise by 800,000 barrels per day (bpd) this year, a cut of 40,000 bpd from the previous estimate. It cited weaker-thanexpected oil use in developed economies, particularly Europe and Japan. “Monthly data that is starting to emerge for the first quarter of 2013 suggests that OECD demand may be disappointing compared with our previous assessment,” said the report by economists at OPEC’s Vienna headquarters. OPEC, the source of more than a third of the world’s oil, has been flagging the prospect that demand may prove weaker than expected due to the euro zone’s economic problems and uncertainties about the outlook for the U.S. economy. The EIA had on Tuesday also cut its 2013 world oil demand growth forecast by 50,000 bpd, although it still sees a stronger rate of growth in oil demand than OPEC of 960,000 bpd.

22—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2013

Ban on importation of rice in 2016 achievable — Prof Marley BY WOLE MOSADOMI

ANAGING Director of Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, Professor Paul Marley has said that the proposed total ban of rice importation in 2016 as announced by President Goodluck Jonathan two days ago is achievable and assured that there is no cause for alarm over the policy. Speaking in an interview with our correspondent in Minna, Niger state yesterday, the Managing Director said with what is on the ground across the country today, the proposal has not only come as a cheering news but should be seen as a laudable policy which should be embraced by all Nigerians especially the rice farmers. “Most of the River Basins today are going through revitalization and part of that revitalization is the opening up of new land for irrigation activities which will in-

crease rice production in the nearest future,” he said. According to the Director, “In our own particular case, (Upper Niger River Basin) we have opened up the Tungan Kawo Irrigation scheme in Wushishi from 300 to 600 hectares last year and this year, we hope to complete the remaining 200 to make up the 800 hectares targeted and no fewer than 500 farmers will benefit from the expansion.” Professor Marley said besides this expansion, the Doko and the Jebba Irrigation schemes have started adding that that of Jebba has even been upgraded to a project office with a project officer resident there as an act of more commitment to actualize the dream pointing out that another irrigation project located in Likarbu, Kaduna state has taken off last year and work has advanced to about 45%, all towards boosting rice p r o d u c t i o n . The Managing Direc-

tor revealed that another 200 hectres of irrigation scheme is to take off in Jere along Kaduna this year adding that those ongoing in Kurudu and Gada Biu are almost ready too. “These are projects we can see aimed at accelerating rice production and so, I believe that we are poised more than ever before to produce rice in this country and with other River Basins which are even larger schemes than us like the Hadeija Jamare among others, we should be able to increase food production in the country generally through irrigation,” the Managing Director a s s u r e d . Professor Marley however advised that state governments and even individuals should focus more attention on setting up of rice mills especially where rice is being produced massively in order to improve the quality of the local production.

NCS, LCCI, farmers to eradicate importation of frozen foods BY EBUN SESSOU

HE Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, is partnering with Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industries, LCCI, Poultry Farmers Association to eradicate importation of frozen poultry foods. In a meeting held in Lagos recently, it was disclosed that the menace caused through consumption of these products especially in Nigeria is enormous and the only way to overcome this is to eradicate imported frozen foods. Speaking at the event, Controller Federal Operations Unit, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ Ikeja, Inuwa Mohammed Abubakar said, the platform will pave way for meaningful deliberations on how to practically enforce the ban on importation of frozen poultry products into the country. He said, the Command is at the vanguard of a renewed onslaught to rid the frontiers of the nefarious activities of these smugglers. Adding the that the supply chain of

these poultry smugglers must be blocked to pave way for the indigenous poultry farmers. According to him, “Apart from its economic implications the imported frozen products also pose a lot of health hazards including cancers, malaria, and typhoid among oth-

ers”. At the moment, the Controller disclosed that for the period of three (3) weeks when the fresh mandate was given, the command seized and destroyed 4,618 cartons of assorted poultry products with a Duty paid value of over 20 million.

Aged farmers seek govt assistance in Oyo

LDERLY cocoa farm ers in Oyo State have appealed to the state government not to neglect them as the government embarks on its youth farmers agricultural programme. Mr Joseph Ojedeji, Chairman, Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN) said in Ibadan that encouraging the youths by providing them with incentives as being done by the government was a good step in the right direction. He however said old farmers too should be included in the re - invigorated agricultural initia-

tive of the government adding that they were neither tired nor ready to retire yet. “We are not saying that government should not provide for the youths, but they should also include old farmers as well. “Government is allocating hectares of land for the youth farmers while we don’t have enough land to cultivate our cocoa. “Most of us cocoa farmers inherited family land to plant our cocoa and family land has to be shared among all members of the family as such it is not enough.

From left: Mr. Seye Fadahunsi, Executive Director, Pillar Oil Limited; Dr. Ladi Bada, CEO Shoreline Natural Resources;Mr. Lere Fashola, CEO Legal Blitz Publications; Remi Aiyela, Editor-in-Chief, NOG Intelligence; Mr. Tonye Cole, CEO, Sahara Group at the ESQ Energy/Oil & Gas Summit 2013.

Nigeria to drive Africa car sales — General Motors …Predicts 20% increase in vehicle sales BY WINIFRED IMONLUAMEN with agency report

FRICA will record a 20 per cent increase in vehicle sales in the next two years, boosted by demand from Nigeria, according to General Motors, GM. According to Mario Spangenberg, Managing Drector,GM Africa, who was speaking at the Reuters Africa Investment Summit in Johannesburg, vehicle sales in the continent will hit the two million mark as the continent’s burgeoning middle class trades up from motorbikes and jalopies to new cars. He said, “Nigeria is the most attractive prospect in Africa. The next big market growth will be in Nigeria, where we have no presence. It will take a while. We need to do a better job there.” Spangenberg said the company hopes to increase its market share in Africa with models such as the Isuzu pick-up, which has proved resilient to the continent’s rugged conditions. GM said it sold 180,000 vehicles on the African continent last year, giving it a 10 per cent market share and putting it narrowly behind rival Toyota, which recorded sales of 237,000 vehicles in the continent. He added that the company hopes to benefit from the expanding overall market in one of the world’s fastest-growing regions, adding that it intends to defend its current market share and

also grow it a little bit. He also dismissed concerns that the arrival of Indian manufacturers such as Tata Motors, with its experience of making and selling cars in relatively low-income markets, threatened GM’s African expansion plans. According to him, the international competition is going to get tougher no matter where you are. However, of GM’s total

sales, 100,000 went to North Africa and 70,000 to South Africa, leaving only 10,000 to the impoverished but fast-growing countries in between. “That’s where we see the huge opportunity for growth. Although Africa offers enticing growth, sales volumes remain a drop in the ocean for GM, which sold six million vehicles last year outside its traditional U.S. market,” he noted.

Japan carmakers recall 3.4m vehicles over airbag flaw

OUR Japanese au tomakers including Toyota Motor Corp, and Nissan Motor Co are recalling 3.4 million vehicles sold around the world because airbags supplied by Takata Corp are at risk of catching fire or injuring passengers. The move announced on Thursday is the largest recall ever for airbags made by Takata, the world’s second largest supplier of airbags and seatbelts. Shares of Takata tumbled almost 10 percent in Tokyo trading. The recall is the largest since Toyota pulled back more than 7 million vehicles in October. The scale of the recent safety actions underscore the risk of huge global supply chain problems as automakers increasingly rely on a handful of suppliers for common or similar parts to cut costs, analysts have said. The recall covers some of the top-selling Japanese cars, including Toyota’s Camry and Corol-

la, and rivals like the Nissan Maxima and Honda Civic. All of the vehicles in question were manufactured in or after 2000. In an accident, the airbag for the front passenger seat may not inflate correctly because of a manufacturing defect in the propellant used in the airbag inflator, the companies said. As a result, there is a risk of fires starting or of passengers being injured. Toyota, Honda and Nissan said there were no reports of injuries or deaths because of the defective airbags. The recall is the largest for Takata since 1995 when the Tokyo-based company was involved in a recall of over 8 million vehicles because of defective seatbelts. Tokyo -based Takata said it supplies airbags and seatbelts to major automakers including Daimler AG and Ford Motor Co as well as the Japanese brands.

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BY DANIEL GUMM

HE National President of Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (CMDLCA), Mr. Lucky Amiwero has raised alarm over the operational activities at the Lily Pond Container Terminal, which make the facility unable to meet up with the terms of the Concession Agreement, “ which have very serious operational and financial implications in terms of personnel deployment from various agencies and logistical pressure experience at Apapa Container Terminal.” In a March 25, letter to the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the CMDLCA boss drew the attention of Federal Government to the Concession Agreement entered into between the Federal Government and Lily Pond Container Terminal and noted that “there is the urgent

need to comply with the concession agreement by meeting with the terms of the Concession between Maersk Line/APMT and Lily Pond Container Terminal Limited.” The letter, titled: “An urgent need to revisit the concession agreement entered into between the Lily Pond Container Limited and Federal Government reads in part: “We wish to draw the attention of the Federal Government on the Concession Agreement entered into between the Federal Government and the Lily Pond Container Terminal. “The Lily Pond Container Terminal is now laying in waste without any reasonable operational activities to meet up the terms of the Concession Agreement, which have very serious operational and financial implication in terms of personnel deployment from various agencies and

CMDLCA boss raises alarm over LilyPond

COMMISSIONING — From right: Evangelist David E. Edun (in white linen), Transition Chairman, Warri North Local Government; Sir E. K. Gbaragada, a top Itsekiri political leader; Chief Victor Nana, Olaraja of Koko; Chief Everette, and other dignatories at the official commissioning of projects executed by the Edun-led administration in Koko, recently. Among them are five vehicles and warehouse for fish traders.

the logistical pressure experience at Apapa Container Terminal. “The Lily Pond Container Terminal from inception, is an off-

dock facility that received supplies from Apapa Container and the facility is used to remove pressure from Apapa main Terminal,

which is to reduce such delay associated with logistic at Apapa Container Terminal. “The Concession Agreement is to supply

cargoes and make such place operational and functional and not the present state of an idle facility, while Apapa Terminal, a sister organisation is overstretched with activities extending time of examination, thereby attracting demurrage and rent to the benefit of shipping companies and rent to the benefit of terminal operators at the detriment of the trading public. The Lily Pond off-dock facility is linked up with rail to reduce the cost of transportation and now that the area is free from the presence of hoodlums, there is the urgent need to comply with the concession agreement by meeting with the terms of the concession between Maersk Line/APMT and Lily Pond Container Terminal Limited.”

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26—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013

Security plays vital role in choice of my destination —Salami

OUTHFUL M u y i w a S a l a m i Adebayo is the Chief Executive Officer, Dvine Travel and Tours, Ibadan and a player in the country’s oil industry. As a tour operator, he has packaged lots of tours for individuals and companies. In this chat with JIMOH BABATUNDE, this widely travelled young man revealed what informs his choice of destinations and his travels. Here is an excerpt. How long have you been travelling?

I’ve been travelling since I could remember but I started travelling abroad as a tourist and tour operator for about 15 years now. What informs your choice of destination? First and most importantly is the consideration that I’m a tour operator and guided by so many factors in selecting my choice of destinations for clients. Depending on the class of clients, the first issue that readily comes to mind is security, and then other things can follow. At times, we choose a destination base on their weather condition,

events, tourists’ attraction, incentive travel and above all clients consideration. Which destination or cities do you like most? As a tour operator, I love most of the cities or destinations I have visited because I always arrange the trips according to specifications. I design the trip and make sure nothing is left out. When you travel, what are those things you take along and why? The first thing on my list is my phone and laptop then, my credit card, full

•Muyiwa Salami (m) with tourists in America

itinerary plan and other essentials like clothes, passport among others. What informs your choice of Hotel and why? As a tour operator, what informs my choice of hotel varies from cities to cities. I consider the proximity of the hotel to the tourists’ sights; also, I look at the hotel fare which is negotiable and above all, the security. Food doesn’t matter when selecting my choice of hotel because, as a tourist, you should be able to eat any food.

licensed by IATA as Travel Agents to airlines and we are one of the biggest travel agents in Nigeria. We have a one-on-one relationships with all the airlines registered in Nigeria. The best thing to look out for in airline as a tour operator is the kind of deal you can get from them and don’t forget your choice or preferred airline may not be on the route you’re travelling to most of the time, so it’s not advisable to stick to one airline even when you are also selling their tickets.

Which is your best airline to travel with and why? I don’t have a particular or specifics in airlines. Aside being a Tour Operator, we are also

Where will you like to visit next and why? Trinidad and Tobago is my next destination. The country is peaceful and I have read a lot about it. I understands there’s a

swimming pool built inside an ocean and the believe is that when you swim in that pool you’ll be thrice younger than your age. I learnt people like Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Deinde Fernandez and several other renowned world leaders have visited the place. As a tour operator, I need to go there and see for myself if this is really true so I can register with the country’s tourism board as a tour operator. Who’s the best person you’ve met on your trip? I have met a lot of interesting people that have their personality engraved in my consciousness.

Boat regatta boosts Lagos tourism BY DANIEL ETEGHE

HE Lagos State govern ment’s intention to use the annual Black Heritage festival to boost tourism is yielding fruits as the boat regatta held recently drew tourists from far and near. During the event that took place at the Civic Centre, Lekki and Falomo Waterfront, Ikoyi, residents and tourists alike were treated to the best of water display of culture, tradition and aquatic splendour. Large boats colourfully decorated adorned the water ways. The men in the boats later danced and rowed to show agility and their prowess in handling water sports. The Lagos State water re-

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gatta is water based cultural sporting and recreational activities put together to show diverse functions of the boat in the yesteryears, from community to community. The fiesta featured a parade of decorated floats on the creeks around Ikoyi and Victoria Island with the parade consisting of large fishing boats, ferries, barges and other marine vessels depicting social cultural tradition, folklores and occupational aspects of the people of Lagos. A major highlight of this year’s edition is the ‘Regatta Village’, which consists of exhibition stands, viewing centres where all the activities on water were for inspection. The kiddies Fun Park and

other fun activities for the children were equally a plus for the event as the children were treated with the best of comedy and music amidst lot to eat and drink. Speaking at the event, Governor Babatunde Fashola said the regatta resulted from the government’s decision to expand, as well as showcase, the cultural heritage of the state. “The Regatta, no doubt, has become a renaissance of part of the culture of Lagosians. This administration is poised to exploit the commercial essence of its content by heightening the interest of corporate organisations here in Lagos and around the country in promoting it into tourist’s delight.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013 — 27

ByBENJAMIN NJOKU

Goodnight our Village Headmaster!

T’S bound to be ‘good night’ as the remains of legendary Nollywood actor, Justus Esiri who died nearly two months ago, will be laid to rest this morning in his home town, Abraka, in Delta State. Esiri began his final journey home last Tuesday with a candlelight procession/night of tribute organised in his honour by the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN. The star-studded event was held at the celebrity hangout, O’Jez, at the National Stadium, Lagos. It was followed by a service of songs held in honour of the departed actor at Catholic Church of the Ascension, Airport Road, Lagos. According to the deceased’s second son, Sidney Esiri popularly known as Dr. Sid, there will be a requiem mass this morning before interment. At the night of tribute, Dr. Sid who spoke on behalf of the Esiri family thanked Nollywood practitioners for honouring his father. “On behalf of the Esiri family, we say thank you to Nollywood for honouring our father. Justus Esiri was a legend and can never be forgotten because he played a vital role for everybody around him,” Dr. Sid said. He added: “From now till the end of time, my dad’s name would be remembered for excellence and quality. He was a perfectionist and he showed it in everything he did while he was alive. My dad told me something while he was alive. He said to me, I may not have all the money in this world but I have a name. I am a testament to that name.” A galaxy of Nollywood stars who came out in

their numbers to pay their last respects to the departed actor described Esiri as “the pillar of the industry.” Leading the night of tribute was AGN president, Ibinabo Fibeesima who was represented at the event by actress, Ini Edo. She described Justus Esiri as a respected actor who lived a fulfilled life and also made AGN what it is today. In her words: “Late Justus Esiri lived a fulfilled life. He made AGN what it is today because he wanted a positive change for the industry which he achieved before his death,” Ibinabo said. Also,paying tribute to the late actor, Ernest Obi said that “Justus Esiri wasn’t just an actor or filmmaker; he was there for me when most people weren’t there. He was an enigma. One of the few people I invited to my marriage via text message and he came. He played the role of my father that day. He made that day the greatest of my life.”

Continues next page 28

•Justus Esiri

From left: Mr Justus Jnr, Sidney and Andrew all sons of the deseased at the occasion. Pix Biodun Ogunleye.

I N S I D E:

Kupa Victory bounces back after 10 years C M Y K

TV t n iste ion: s n Co novat in

28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013

Esiri: We ‘ll always love you — Nollywood Continues frompage 27 In her tribute, Kate Henshaw who led a chorus at the event said, Nollywood was not mourning Esiri, but celebrating his life because he left a legacy worthy of emulation behind. Uncle Justus lived a fulfilled life. Many could not live to see their children’s children. Many died before they turned 40. But Uncle Justus left a legacy that is worth of emulation and his life is worth celebrating. Prince Ifeanyi Dike, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, led a prayer session during the event. He urged guests to pray that God should ward off death among entertainers. Other stars who paid glowing tribute to the late actor, Olu Jacobs, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Segun Arinze, Fidelis Duke, Julius Agwu, Okey Bakassi, Monalisa Chinda and Emem Isong. The late Esiri died of complications from diabetes in a Lagos hospital on the 19th of February. Esiri, Member of the Order of the Niger, MON, was famous for his role as the Village Headmaster in the now rested popular television series of Village Headmaster. Born on 20 November, 1942 in Oria-Abraka, Delta State, Esiri attended Urhobo College, Effu-

run in the then Bendel State. He was at the Maximillan University, Munich, German, 1964, Professor. Weners Institute of Engineering, West Berlin, 1967 and the Ahrens School of Performing Arts, 1968. Esiri started his acting career in Germany. He was the only Nigerian male artiste performing on stage between 1968 and 1969. He also worked for Voice of Nigeria, German Service as a translator. He was performing on stage in Germany when a delegation from Nigeria invited him home to perform in a government sponsored programme. The veteran actor was a recipient of many awards including, THEMA Awards, NTA Honours awards and AMAA awards. He was also the star actor in acclaimed Nollywood productions such as Wasted Years, Forever, The Prize, Six Demons, Corridors of Power, Last Night, The Tyrant, The Investigation and The Ghost. He was also reputed to have performed more on TV drama programmes than any other Nigerian actor. Late Esiri was last seen few weeks before his demise, at a close-door parley when a delegation of the Federal Government led by Secretary to the Federal Government, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, met some major stakeholders in the entertainment industry in Lagos,where he informed them about their expected role in the forthcoming centenary celebration.

3 rising talents emerge winners in Pepsi music competition BY WILLIAM JIMOH

T was a night of glitter explosion at the main auditorium of the University of Lagos, last Thursday for rising talents and superstars in the Pepsi Music Campus Challenge where three out of the 10 contestants emerged top winners. The show saw selected regional contestants from various Nigerian tertiary institutions - college of education, university, polytechnic and technical colleges converge in Lagos, to perform in front of top music actors like Wizkid and Tiwa Savage who are Pepsi brand ambassadors. According to one of

the three winners, Obinna Michael, a student of Metallurgy at the Lagos State University, it has been a long journey, having been to several auditions without success. He noted that, “It was a very hard time for me but I resolved to improve upon myself. Each time, I have gotten better and here, I am today, with a golden ticket to the Dream Studios.” “I have been to over 17 auditions but I was rejected, this is not to say that I have not put in my best. But along the line, something will just happen, but that I am a winner today tells me and other struggling talents that they can really make their dreams come through,” Michael added.

BOX OFFICE HITS Playing Safe Synopsis oung girls trying to live on past love experiences. Out of fear and not ready to put their eggs in one basket, they choose to play safe. But the game becomes tough, and the quest to play the right card becomes impossible even as the clock ticks,and desperation sets in. The romantic thriller produced and directed by Elvis Chucks starred Ini Edo, Tonto Dikeh, Martha Ankomah, Jibola Dabo, Sexy Steele, IK Ogbonna, and Chris Okagbue. The movie which premiered late last month was shot in Lagos, Dubai, and Ghana. It is a production of Diamond Groove Pictures.

TOP MOVIES OF THE WEEK G.I.JOE.RETALIATION WEEKEND GETAWAY IDENTITY THIEF HANSEL&GRETEL:WITCH HUNTERS FLIGHT EXHIBITION SCHEDULE from April 12 - 18th SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, VICTORIA ISLAND G.I.JOE: Retaliation: 11:30am, 1:35pm, 3;45pm, 6:00pm, 8:20pm Identity Thief: 1:25pm, 5:40pm, 8:00pm Weekend Getaway: 4:20pm, 6:20pm Hansel& Gretel: The Withchhunters; 11: 40am, 3:40pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, IKEJA G.I.Joe: Retaliation: 10:45am, 12:50pm, 5:30pm, 7:40pm. Identity Thief: 11:30am, 4:05pm Weekend Getaway: 5:35pm. Zero Dark Thirty: 5:05pm Flight: 9:05pm Rise of the Guardian: 10:30am Flower Girl: 1:00pm. SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, ABUJA G.I.Joe: Retaliation: 12:50pm, 3:00pm, 5:10pm, 7:20pm, 9;30pm. Identity Thief: 12:10pm, 4:30pm, 6:40pm, 8:50pm Weekend Getaway: 11:50pm, 2:00pm, 4:10pm, 6:20pm. Hansel&Gretel: The Witch Hunters: 1:20pm, 5:20pm, 9:10pm Zero Dark Thirty: 8:20pm Silver linings Playbook: 5:50pm Flower Girl: 6:30pm Flight: 8:10pm. SILVERBIRD CINEMAS CEDDI PLAZA , ABUJA Weekend Getaway: 11:00am, 5:00pm, 7:05pm. Looper: 11:30am,1:50pm, 6:30pm. SILVERBIRD CINEMAS PORT HARCOURT G.I.Joe: Retaliation: 12:00pm, 2;00pm, 4:10pm, 6:20pm, 8:30pm Looper: 1:05pm, 8:30pm Identify Thief: 11:20am, 1:25pm, 3:30pm. Weekend Getaway: 2:15pm, 6: 35pm, 8:40pm Hansel&Gretel: 4:50pm, 6:50pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS UYO Looper: 11:50am, 2:05pm, 4:25pm, 6:45pm. Weekend Getaway: 12:30pm, 2:40pm, 4:50pm, 7:00pm Silverling Playbook: 11:45am, 2:10pm, 4:30pm, 6;50pm Flower Girl : 12:05pm, 2:20pm. Django Unchained: 6:05pm. Hotel Transylvania: 12:25pm, 2;15pm, 4:05pm FILM HOUSE SURULERE Weekend Getaway: 8:30pm Looper:11:00am FILM HOUSE CALABAR Weekend Getaway: 4:00pm, 8:15pm

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013 — 29

Kupa Victory bounces back after 10 years meback ctory has staged a co eggae artiste, Kupa Vi e. en sc sic mu from the ards after 10 years hiatus ian who won many aw sic mu n or -b ate 00s 20 ly The Delta St ar s/e waves in the late 90 when he ruled the air ‘ No Contest’ (1998) and ‘Ashes as with his albums such his long abclosed recently that dis ) 03 (20 s’ se as Cl his talents. to scene has not inhibited tainment, sence from the music ter el, Groove Tyme En with senNow on his own lab ive the good old days rev Kupa Victory plans to s. sician has sational reggae tune ugh-voiced reggae mu ro d an ce’, hopThe energetic an ‘D singles, ‘Ijo ya’ and . already dropped two ble ssi oove as soon as po ing to get back his gr

Rick Ross apologizes for rape lyrics M

Princess set to wed BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

HERE are strong indications that popular comedienne, Damilola Adekoya, a.k.a Princess, will be walking down the aisle any moment from now. A source close to the bulky humorist hinted that she will be saying ‘ I do’ to her beau, Ade on the 8th of May, which interestingly, happens to be her birthday. Our tweetbird also said, Princess and Ade had known each other since 2005. Ade had been trying to get Princess’ attention to no avail until a friend introduced them to each other, and they hit it off from there. Meanwhile, those in the know said, while Princess is loud and outgoing, Ade is on the quiet side and one who cherishes his privacy a lot. He’s also a lover of entertainment.

aybach Music boss, Rick Ross has officially apologized for lyrics which have been interpreted as being pro-rape. The rapper made the apology via his Twitter account. ‘I don’t condone rape. Apologies for the lyric interpreted as rape. BOSS’. His apology came the day a women’s group protested outside Reebok’s office in New York. Reebok endorses Rick Ross. ‘Put molly all in her champagne, she ain’t even know it/I took her home and I enjoyed that, she ain’t even know it’, rapped Rick Ross on U.O.E.N.O by Rocko. The drug MDMA known as Molly is the new drug of choice in hip hop.

•Rick Ross

Ogunremi drops 3rd album

•Princess C M Y K

OSPEL singer, Olubunmi Ogunremi a.k.a. Jah Je hovah whose “Ageless’ song, which she dropped two years ago is still ruling the airwaves is due to drop her third album any moment from now. The mother of two, disclosed this, to Showtime, adding that the yet to be titled album is a six tracker. According to her, she started singing in her church, Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Irapada, Lagos. Apart from singing in the church, she said, singing is a dream come true for her. “I was a chorister before I started getting inspiration to go into music. I have been longing to be a singer in the Lord’s vineyard. Now that I have achieved my aim nothing can stop me,” she declared. Some of the tracks already recorded by Olubunmi Ogunremi and which are rendered in Yoruba include Orin Ope, Emimimo. Other are “Praise Medley, Igba Ope, Emi Mimo, Igwe, Adura mi a gba and Ikore. •Ogunremi

12 firms endorse Golden Tulip music fiesta A

BOUT 12 top brands operating in Nigerian diverse markets have announced they will be sponsoring the forthcoming Five Star/Golden Tulip Music Festival Lagos taking place on the 20th April,2013. The events will showcase some of Nigeria’s finest young musicians and legends slated to bring over 7,000 attendees to the Festival town (Festac). Music Festival, Lagos is expected to be the biggest annual music festival in Nigeria. Five Star/Golden Tulip Festac is doing great things for music lovers in the country by bringing boundary pushing artists such as Tuface Idibia, Timaya, Ice Prince, Kcee, Flavour Nabania, Olamide, Sound Sultan, GT the Guitar boy, Terry G as well as top celebrities like Alilaba, AY, Julius Agwu, and Bovi to Festac, Lagos and putting some upcoming artist on a larger platform. The high point of this great outing will be awards to the great music legends of our time such as King Sunny Ade (KSA), Onyeka Onwenu, Femi Kuti, and Bright Chimezie. The sponsors of the first Music Festival, Lagos include: UPDC, Best Beverages, Lion Stone, Noble World, Egypt Air, Air France, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Don Morris, Diamond Battery, Samerian Energy, Pharma Support Group, have insisted that their involvement from the wider promotional platforms associated with the festival is because the event is associated with tourism promotion aimed at bringing back feelings of the First African World Festival of Arts and Culture which FESTAC stands for. To shore up their support for music fans in Nigeria, sponsors will be welcoming each Music Festival ticket holder at the expansive garden of the Golden Tulip Festac, Lagos. Music fans across Nigeria and Festac will look at Festac as the place for historical success of this super festival. We are looking forward to great year with great music said the president of Five Star Music, Kingsley Okonkwo aka KCEE.

30— Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013

With PRINCE OSUAGWU princeosuagwu@gmail.com 08050498513

SAMSUNG TOO….

Unleashes Ultr a-High Def inition ‘f‘floating’ loating’ TTVV Definition A

•LG 84 inch UHD TV

Consistent TV innovation: *Theatre now in the living room *Customers become kings N

IGERIANS by their nature are hard working people. At the end of everyday, they seek for ways to revitalize their minds. To achieve this they turn to their TV sets for programmes that can relax their nerves. TV viewing is indeed a popular pastime in Nigeria. This relaxing activity serves as a way of rewarding oneself after a hard day’s work. Seventy-five years ago, television was introduced with skepticism and awe. No one truly believed it would change

the way we view the world. Now more than ever, people are more attached to their televisions. A TV set is now even being considered as a status symbol by householders; and increasingly a lot of attention is being paid to the quality of TV adorning living rooms. In the early days of TV, a tube delivering images in black and white was considered to be okay. But with the advent of colour TV and availability of contents for colour TV, the black and white TV has lost its charm. It is no more relevant

as globally, there have been a mass migration to colour TV. Over time, there has been advanced introductions such as the LCD, LED and 3D TVs, which has brought about tremendous improvement in picture quality. All are just to arrest the attention of the customer, whose taste truly changes by the day. What this constant innovation in the television technology means, is that every manufacturer must innovate to meet the taste of the customer. Truly the customer is now the king!

LG dazzles with 84” UHD TV innovation R

ECENTLY I was at the atrium of the Ikeja shopping Mall in Lagos to witness the unveiling of the 84-inch Ultra High Definition TV by LG Electronics. The device also double as the world’s first 84-inch Ultra High Definition (UHD)Cinema 3D Smart TV. The sheer size of the display, which is equal to 4units of 42inch TVs, delivers an unparalleled picture resolution of 2160p which is 4 times higher than full HD, is incredibly vivid and crisp, even when viewed from close distances. The LG 84-inch UHD TV comes complete with an enhanced sound. Its 2.2 speaker system delivers a sound output of 50W, boasting of two woofers, which delivers an incredible depth and energy, bringing eye-encompassing visuals to life with exhilaratC M Y K

ing sound. Speaking on the research that went into the innovation, General Manager, Home Entertainment division, LG Electronics, Mr. Steve Ryu said that since it has become obvious that the entertainment industry is driven by innovation, every product manufacturer must not only invent but reinvent and Ultra Definition which means that our latest invention will transform viewing experience. “For us, invention is about being on top of the game. This Ultra High Definition is truly an invention. It is indeed a watershed moment in TV history because the Ultra HD 4K technology will make it possible for consumers to enjoy crystal clear picture quality. It offers quadruple the detail of a full HD 1080p unit, with 8 million

pixels.” He said the new product uses LG Resolution Upscaler Plus hardware which delivers higher detail from the existing SD/HD external sources and provides the most convincing 3D viewing experience currently available outside of a movie theatre. The TV’s Triple XD Engine comes with a TruMotion of 240 Hz with the benefit of fast screen refresh rate which guarantees quality viewing of fast movies and sports. The LG 84-inch UHD TV also has Smart TV ecosystem, featuring well over 1,000 applications. It comes complete with 3D glasses as well as LG’s Remote, now upgraded to understand voice commands allowing users to intuitively access and navigate the Home Dashboard with ease.

PPARENTLY sticking to the tune of the market, Samsung Electronics also last week showed its own swag with the introduction of Ultra High Definition TV, with a ‘floating’ design. According to the company, the new innovation will revolutionise home cinema all over the world. Housed within an easel-like frame that allows it to rotate freely and appear to float in mid-air, the 85-inch TV offers four times the pixels available on other Smart TVs in the market. The product was unveiled earlier this year by Samsung at the CES 2013 in Las Vegas, USA and now the company has introduced it in Nigeria. Managing Director, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Brovo Kim, while introducing the new product, said it help people discover a world of possibilities. “We as a company, aim to delight our customers by bringing not just what they expect, but what they have never dreamed is possible. Our new Ultra High Definition Smart TV is delivering on this commitment, re-inventing home entertainment and re-invigorating the consumer electronics market with seamless navigation and personalised user experience, all to create the ultimate lean back experience for our con-

•Samsung Floating TV

sumers,” he said. Building on Samsung’s Smart TV platform leadership, the large screen, Ultra High Definition TV offers a blend of technology and craftsmanship to deliver greater detail, unmatched clarity and an immersive and vivid picture quality to viewers. The TV also provides an audio experience to match its screen size, with an array of 120-watt speakers seamlessly built into the frame of the television. With the new device, users can enjoy enhanced search, navigation and control features, with Samsung’s S-Recommendation with Voice Interaction technology, a personal guide to discovering new and preferred content on Samsung Smart TVs. Using the new technology, viewers can ask the Smart TV for movie and television show suggestions or request films that feature specific actors. By analysing a user’s viewing history and the popularity and release dates of television programmes, S-Recommendation creates a personalised menu of on-air and app content for each viewer. Viewers can also search and schedule content on a tablet, view content remotely and even mirror the Smart TV on a tablet to take the content with them around the home.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013 —31

With

Prince Osuagwu princeosuagwu@gmail.com 08050498513

By LAJU ARENYEKA

OU could imagine online shopping as the ideal system where everything sells and everyone buys; no hassles, no cheating, no bargains. Well, that is not always the case, online shopping is not always a walk in the park. But with these indispensable tips, you can be sure to make the most of it. SHOP ON A WELL KNOWN SITE: o avoid being swindled out of your money, it is better to shop on well known sites instead of relatively unknown sites that might even offer better deals. Shop from sites patronized by people you know personally. Also, most secure websites have an ‘s’ after ‘http’ and a padlock at the right end corner. Not all secure websites have this, but it could be an alternative if you’re just dying to shop from an unknown site.

Indispensable tips for safe online shopping of the best customer service representatives, but even they will not listen to you when you simply want to return a product because you bought it without thinking. So, the best time to think is when the glowing picture of the product tries to tempt you from your computer screen. The solution is simple, if you do not need it or you can’t afford it, click ‘X’ and avoid a big hole in your bank account.

EARN AND SPEND: ome sites offer you the

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REVIEW WARRANTIES: ven stores in this country with physical addresses could try to con you out of a promised warranty, let alone online stores? So read carefully before clicking ‘I agree’ to the terms and conditions. Also, there are some products that you must inspect physically before buying. For such products, choose to pay on delivery, that way if you don’t like what is being delivered, you don’t pay.

•Online shopper opportunity to earn and spend. You could win coupons, a discount or cash when you refer other people to such sites, so either way, it is a win-win situation. However, don’t just jump at opportunities to make money

online and lead other people astray; be sure that the site and products sold on such sites are legitimate. THINK BEFORE YOU SPEND: nline stores have some

KNOW THE BASICS: lot of online stores offer some percentage off when you use your debit card. So it is necessary that you know the A,B,Cs of that. PUK is the four digit number written in italics behind your debit card, and you may either be required to use your ATM pin or depending on your bank’s style, a token might be provided for you. Be sure not to give more information than is relevant.

WAIT FOR IT: ust like physical stores, online stores get to that point where they have to sell out some products within a particular time and come up with the 5 letter magic word, ‘Sales.’ When products are on sale, you can buy two products for the price of one and smile for hours on end at your computer screen. Note that you might be taking a risk that the product might go out of stock, but everyone knows that nothing beats cheaper prices.

32— Vanguard, FRIDAY , APRIL 12, 2013

Deputy Governor calls for Gender Equality As WAWA celebrates International Women’s Day

HE West African Women Association last week celebration the International W omen’s month in Lagos, borrowing the United Nation’s theme: THE GENDER AGENDA AND GAINING MOMENTUM. Speaking through her representative Mrs. Risikat Akiode, the Deputy Governor of Lagos state Hon. Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire expressed here pleasure at the theme of the year ’s celebration, being one one that challenges us to intensify our efforts towards reaching the international benchmark for gender equality. . She stated that the major challenge confronting us today is the need to vigorously pursue the girl-child education initiative, citing UNICEF’’s figures which says that of every 101 million illiterate youth in the world, more than half are girls. She adds that investing in girlchild education must go beyond lip service and every stakeholder must support government initiatives in

Hon. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire formulating and implementing deliberate policies, procedures and practices that will significantly increase the number of girls that have access to functional and quality education as education remains the only vehicle that can accelerate the progress of our young people towards attaining leadership positions. The government’s gender projects,

according to her, include those increasing school’s enrollment opportunities , enacting the child rights law, increasing advocacy programs for sensitization and prosecution of offenders, organizing several leadership training programs, youth camps and competitions, as well as building a factory specially dedicated specially for victims of abuse, human trafficking and violence against women. Welcoming guests to the event WAWA focal person and regional chair Chief Mrs. Beatrice Ubeku said empowering women may remain elusive in Nigeria for many years to

come unless the promoters adopt the right strategy: grooming the girl child for leadership roles in Nigeria’s economic and socio-political decision making processes. The added that the solution lies in ensuring that the girl child is given adequate training today to fit into the political terrain in the nearest future. She appreciated the ‘Women for Change’ slogan of Her Excellency Dame Patience Jonathan as it is expected to drive the cause of women’s political participation in nigeria with greater momentum to an appreciable level during her regime as first lady of the federal republic of Nigeria. Also in attendance were clergymen, leaders of non-government organizations and media professionals.

Resigning and the Fairer Breed S

ECURITIES and Exchange Commission (SEC) boss Arumah Oteh has proved to be the proverbial cat with nine lives, standing the test of time and defying recommendations of the national lawmakers for her to resign her position. It has been. As this has not happened and Oteh has not bowed to pressure, fresh questions arise as to the culture of no-resignation in African government and its relationship with Jonathan girls Oteh and the country’s Petroleum Minister The legislators’ grouse about the SEC director-general dates back to their last year’s probe of the near collapse of the capital market. They recommended her sack, but Jonathan would not agree with that proposal. They carried their bias to the making of the budget by giving SEC no allocation in this year ’s budget. SEC was singled out in Clause 10 of the Appropriation Bill that was passed by the National Assembly and signed by the president. That clause states, “All revenues, however described,

C M Y K

including all fees received, fines, grants, budgetary provisions, and all internally generated revenue shall not be spent by the Securities and Exchange Commission for recurrent or capital purposes or for any other matter nor liabilities thereon incurred except with prior appropriation and approval by the National Assembly.” But the president had felt that considering the fact that the budget of SEC does not form part of the core 2013 federal budget as presented to the National Assembly, he believes that this clause ought not to have been inserted in the 2013 Appropriation Act in the first place as the import of the clause is tantamount to shutting down the business of the commission with a potential negative impact on the

*Dieziani Alison capital market. Evidently, Mr. president had no intention of sticking out his neck either for Oteh or for Sec, and approved the budget. Rumours however suggest President Jonathan has concluded arrangements to give her a soft landing as she is to be appointed as an executive director with the Assets Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON). She is already a member of the AMCON board by virtue of her position as DG of

*Arunmah Oteh

SEC. Beyond all the intrigues, the question is whether we have been right all along or not, on the feminine sex being the fairer breed. You would think the curse of the African leader who would never resign under any circumstance would stick with the men. Oteh joins Petroleum Minister Dieziani Allison Madueke who has also resisted calls to resign her position as a fallout of legislative probes.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013 — 33

Layering is Back

7 basic rules of layering Rule #1: Thinner clothes first The first rule is straightforward and logical: the closer to your skin, the thinner the material. That said, make sure to start with items that are made from thinner fabrics such as a cotton T-shirt, dress shirt or turtleneck, and then layer them with heavier items such as a wool sweater, a corduroy blazer, or a leather jacket.

The 90s layering trend has made failed attempts at a comeback many decades since, but finally the time has come.

Rule #2: Define the layer A layer is essentially any item that can be worn on its own and look great. In other words, wearing a tacky wife beater underneath a stylish dress shirt does not qualify as cool layering. Rule #3: Keep it casual Layering is best used for casual occasions and is generally not appropriate in more formal settings. Keep in mind, however, that a layered combo can include one or more classy pieces, such as a tailored blazer and a fine dress shirt. Rule #4: Always feel comfortable As a general rule, you shouldn’t wear anything that feels uncomfortable. With that in mind, if you can’t put your arms all the way down to your sides or scratch the back of your ear, then your layering combination is most likely too thick and therefore, far from trendy. Add some color, keep it cool, and check out three examples of layering for three different occasions... Rule #5: Mix in some color Just because the mercury drops, doesn’t mean you have to put a freeze on your color selection. Black, brown, navy, and gray are all great fall/winter colors, but so are lime green, purple and fuchsia...well, at least when worn and combined properly. Be fearless and don’t hesitate to spice up your look with a little color. Rule #6: Layering is practical In general, you’re better off wearing two or three thinner layers of clothing rather than one thick one — especially during fall, when the weather can fluctuate drastically. Rule #7: Jacket not required Last but not least, remember that layering must not necessarily include jacket.

XPRESSIONS

Access is Nigeria’s first ‘Female’ Bank A

CCESS Bank has declared its commitment to issue of gender empowerment and equality. This disclosure was made at the Inter national Women’s Day commemorative event organised by the Women Empowerment Principles Leadership Group (WEPLG) which coincided with the 5th edition of the Equality Means Business meeting in New York. At the Women Empower ment Principle Leadership Group meeting which is a part of the United Nations efforts on women empowerment, Access Bank represented by its Head, Group Human Resources, Bolaji Agbede highlighted several initiatives the Bank is implementing to boost women empowerment and gender equality within the organisation and the Nigerian society at large. In her presentation during the feedback session to the UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki Moon on the 2013 WEPs, Agbede listed the creation of Access Women Network as

one of the organisational initiatives created to support and encourage women in the employment of the Bank. She added that “Outside Access Bank’s strong intermediation role in providing funding and training for women entrepreneurs through our partnership with the International Finance Corporation, we are equally aware of the challenges of career women and growing women, and consequently created the Access Women Network platform for women within our organisation to help them attain their personal goals and aspirations through mentoring and support”. She also added that as “the only Nigerian bank that has signed on to the Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs) launched in 2009, Access Bank has continued to demonstrate leadership in the area of Women Empowerment. We have adopted the principles in the development of our Sustainability Report and developed gender focused community initiatives and would continue to support the

WEPs Leadership Group as a signatory to the Principles by encouraging other organisations in Nigeria to sign on to the principles”. Later in his address, Ban Ki Moon described the several initiatives that have been taken by participating organisations as a giant stride and great accomplishment in the journey towards Women Empower ment; particularly the implementation of the WEPs initiatives by corporate bodies. He commended the CEOs whose organisations have signed on to the Women Empower ment Principles and announced the institution of the WEPs Leadership Awards to encourage effective application of the principles. According to him “the 540 companies present here today demonstrate that implementing the WEPs and advancing gender equality is possible through corporate leadership and innovative programmes that create change not only within their own organizations, but throughout the value chain.”

In acknowledging the progress made so far regarding the Women Empower ment Principles, he explained that investing in women can yield a significant gender dividend and urged both the public and private sectors to reap this benefit by investing in women and bringing them into leadership positions; noting that the most common form of violence experienced by women globally is physical violence inflicted by an intimate partner. Women Empower ment Principles (WEPs) are a set of principles for business, offering guidance on how to empower women in the workplace, marketplace and community. They are the result of collaboration between UN Women and the UN Global Compact. The development of the Principles included an international multi-stakeholder consultation process.

34 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013 with LAJU ARENYEKA

Remembering Justus Esiri W

ITH no fond pictures together, it would be quite difficult to prove that I met Sir Justus Esiri, twice. But when I tell you of my brief encounter with him; those close to him will recognize the grace, the smile, and a rare gentlemanliness. It was my first official assignment on the entertainment desk, Enebeli Elebuwa’s candle light outing a few months back. It was a lot to take in; all those celebrities I had admired, some I had fairly liked, from afar, all in real life at once! Then came the interviews. Some were nice, some were a bit dramatic, and some had experienced terrible things in the hands of some of my colleagues that talking to the press was not an option. I did not get to interview this veteran actor that night but I remember when he came on stage. His eulogy for his friend was my most memorable. The second most memorable has already made headlines — Stephanie Okereke’s prayers. Although it was obvious that he was battling an illness, the Village headmaster walked up the stage at the OJ Stadium with a weathered grace that spoke of years of wisdom that only experience could bring. There was a pain in his eyes, yet a peace on his face, and the entire auditorium stood still as he sang, “Has anyone seen my good friend Enebeli?” I’m sure it was not only Enebeli that Justus Esiri sang for…I will not pretend to know his relationship with the late Sam Loco Efe or Pete Ene. But there was something in his voice that made an outsider seem like he had them in mind too. It was a bitter-sweet-dirge-celebration, a complex feeling genuinely portrayed by someone who had so much to be thankful for, but a painful reminder that these memories would only remain as such, and that his own time was

near. There was no acting there. Pa Esiri showed up the next day at the requiem mass held in his friend’s honour. Feeling out of place in a new environment — me, not him — I shuffled nervously from one feet to the other at the back of the church, doodling, scribbling unnecessary notes that would find no place in my story. Then I noticed a familiar figure walking towards me. There was an excitement on my inside that I couldn’t explain. It was not the same thing that the screaming fits of Justin Bieber fans or the fainting spells by Michael Jackson’s followers. It was different; respectfully so. The icon took one step after the other till he got to door where I stood. “Migwo sir” I greeted. He answered with a smile, and continued his ‘majestic walk.’ Some of us got to speak to him after the ceremony, but there were two reasons I did not ask any questions: One, he was standing under the sun, and the second, more truthfully, I was in awe. Some braver journalists did ask, but I wasn’t listening to them. I only heard the response of the man whom I had respected from my childhood. He said: “Those who have the opportunity to emulate Enebeli should do so. “What I would miss the most is the fact that he is not here again.” Many people would say the latter about Justus Esiri. I only had a brief encounter with him, so I do not have the right to miss him as much as his close friends and family. But the former is well within my rights, a piece of advice for me and for you. It is only wise to emulate someone who makes such a great impression during a brief encounter. I remember Sir Esiri for that.

THE TEAM BENJAMIN NJOKU njokujamin@yahoo.com

AYO ONIKOYI OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013— 35

I decided to make today’s message an extract of the message from the pulpit this Jumah. The challenge of insecurity we have witnessed recently undoubtedly, have deeply affected the relationship between the Muslims and the non-Muslims. It has stigmatised some Alusunnah and long beard Muslims. It has misrepresented Islam so much that some non-Muslims look at Muslims negatively as if the perpetrators of this heinous crime had the mandate of Muslims or the support of Islam. We Muslims have to correct this negative view. We have to show Islam as it is; a way of life for a peaceful living in this world and in the heareafter. We have to correct the thinking that Islam does not teach acts of violence and mischief. The Qur'an in Suratul-Baqarah 11-12: “And when it is said to them: “Make not mischief on the earth,” they say: “We are only peace-makers.” Verily, they are the ones who make mischief, but they perceive not.” The best way is to show through our conduct that Islam is a religion that calls towards good; we have to practice what Islam preaches. Let us remember the lesson of Ihsan. Ihsan, goodness is not only about doing good in return of goodness but it essentially means outright good even when you get bad acts in return. Let us return a bad act with good act. We should not be emotional

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

Pardon and repentance at other doing irrational things. We can change the world by our character. In one of the hadiths, it was told that there was a woman who always hurt the Prophet (s.a.w) whenever he passed through her house. One day, as the Prophet (s.a.w) passed her house, the woman was not around

return for the bad acts she had put forward. She eventually embraced Islam. We should emulate that trait. We need to overlook some of the bad acts people are doing unto us and return them with good acts following the practice of the Prophet. Forgive if you wish that Allah

LL Praise is due to Al láh, We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and we seek refuge in Him from our own evils and our own bad deeds. Anyone who is guided by Alláh, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no god but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad, SAW, is His servant, and His messenger.

...the more good mannered and righteous a man is, the more his heart will be widened to tolerate and show mercy to fellow man. He will try to find the extenuating circumstances for the errors of others and will accept their apologies when offered

as usual to hurt him. So, the Prophet (s.a.w) asked others what had happened to the woman, asking that the woman had not come out to hurt him. He was told that the woman had fallen ill, the Prophet (s.a.w) immediately visited her, prayed for her and even helped to clean her house. That is Ihsan we are talking about, that is the goodness that good Muslim should emulate. The woman was so surprised by the Prophet’s good character. She never expected that gesture in

should forgive you; for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. **************************

badallah, Even as we all return bad acts with goodness, we should learn to forgive. No matter the magnitude of offence committed against us, our families, society or the nation, we should cultivate the habit of forgiveness. It is true that the original nature of a man and his natural

temperament plays a very big part in a man's temperament or softheartedness. But there is a very deep relation between a man's self-confidence and his solemn behavior with others and in forgiving the errors of others. In reality, the more good mannered and righteous a man is, the more his heart will be widened to tolerate and show mercy to fellow man. He will try to find the extenuating circumstances for the errors of others and will accept their apologies when offered. One of the teachings of Islam is how man can remove the intensity of feeling and emotionalism when anger sets in, and inculcates the practice of pardon and forgiveness in the society. If one could not pardon, then one was given the command to act justly. Doing justice is another topic which we will treat insha Allah some other day but suffice to say how many people know how go about dispensing justice, and how are you sure you what you have done in return was commensurate to what was done unto you. So, believers, it is better to forgive. We are told not to let our passions of enmity go wild. Allah, the Exalted, says: "...who repress anger, and who pardon men; verily, Allah loves Al-Muhsinun (the good-doers).'' (3:134) "Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn

away from the foolish (i.e., don't punish them).'' (7:199) "The good deed and the evil deed cannot be equal. Repel (the evil) with one which is better (i.e., Allah orders the faithful believers to be patient at the time of anger, and to excuse those who treat them badly) then verily he, between whom and you there was enmity, (will become) as though he was a close friend. But none is granted it (the above quality) except those who are patient - and none is granted it except the owner of the great portion (of happiness in the Hereafter, i.e., Jannah and of a high moral character) in this world.'' (41:34,35) We can also learn from the tolerance and forbearance shown by Prophet Hud. He invited his people to accept the belief of oneness of Allah. His people rather abused and cursed him but he tolerated peacefully. The abuses and the curses of the Nation of Hud did not provoke him. He prayed for forgiveness of their sins. (See Suratul-A'raf.. 66-68) It is true that sometimes man can get angry, but he must never cross the limit of decency and the stage of pardon and forgiveness. A good Muslim must show this trait and never avenge any bad deed done unto him. That is the practice of the Prophet. Before I conclude, those seeking repentance should know that the path to attaining repentance has already been made clear in the Qur'an. The process of sincere inner struggle and outward show of any sincere repentance stated in the Qur'an must be followed. The offenders must show remorse and must seek forgiveness as well as desist from such act. It is then hope of mercy will manifest because Almighty Allah is Al-Gafurr-Raheem. He is the one who forgives and bestows mercy. May Allah forgive us all where we have wronged and show us mercy thereafter. As-salat.

Ayede stresses essence of Islamic education Seeking protection with the Quran

USLIMS have been enjoined to embrace Islamic Education before others, for Islam is a religion predicated on knowledge, also, Islamic Education is so important that Allah deemed it fit to send a messenger Prophet Muhammad) down to educate us (Q3 : 164) The advice was delivered by Muquaddam Isa Abdul-Quadri Ayede, who is the Amir, and Chief Missioner NurunNabiyyi Society of Nigeria at the 1st Dynamic Walimatul-Quran of foundation for Islamic Research and Propagation Centre, Ikolaba, Ibadan, oyo state, held at the Ikolaba Central Mosque Prayer Ground, Ikolaba, Ibadan, Nigeria. Muquaddam Ayede (son of the renowned Islamic preacher Baba Ayede) further hinted that Allah (SWT) sent the Quran, a body of knowledge to educate us on how to live on the right path, hence the book is filled with divine Hikmah (the wisdom and Sunnah of the Prophet), thus, the Quran serves as the basis of Islamic education. The Islamic preacher also

considered the fundamentals of Islamic Education, as we cannot but be appreciative of it – it endows individual with qualities of industry, truthfulness, honesty, self-sacrifice, moral uprightness and good manners, - these qualities are greatly deemphasized in Western Education that we place so much premium on. The chief Imam of Ikolaba Central Mosque, Ibadan, Oyo state, fadilat-Sh-shaykh, El-Hadj Tirmidhi Akeusola Badmus (Badieku 1) called on Muslim

Community to make its contributions in developing scholarship programmes to uplift Islamic education. One of the graduands, El-Hadj Omoyayi Adio-Jubril, a 47 years old Ph.d holder on Health Education who is presently a Superintendent officer of Nigeria Prisons Services-Zone F Ibadan, Nigeria and attached to Assistant ZG as Personal Assistant said he sought for Quranic Education to spiritually equipped himself and rekindle his knowledge.

•Sheikh Is'haq Fagba (left) and Sheikh Muyideen Bello during Maolud Nabiyyi ceremony held recently in Lagos.

By Harun Rasaq

HE importance of seek ing protection with the instruments of the Qur’an and Sunnah can not be over emphasized in Islam: Both mechanisms are the practice of the Prophet (SAW), Sahabah and Ahlus Sunnah. With the maxim: “Prevention is better than cure”; seeking protection becomes necessary all the times most especially during this period when the worlds at large and Nigeria in particular are facing problem of insecurity which has to do with physical and spiritual. The National Assembly religious leaders, traditional leaders, activist and political office holders have expressed their concern on how to deal with physical insecurity. The spiritual insecurity are those that has to do with spiritual attack. The Ahlus Sunnah Scholars that specialized in exorcism for the possessed has also lamented the rate to which the present Muslim encounter this problem. The earlier Muslims never experienced such attack as result of the fact

that they made use of the instruments of seeking protection in the Qur’an and Sunnah only. But unfortunately, contemporary Muslims do not use these means. They use ways and means that lack pure evidence from Qur ’an and Sunnah and thus contravene the teachings of Islam and yet the problem remained unsolved. Whereas Islam has proffered solution to both physical and spiritual insecurity as contained in several verses and chapters of Qur ’an and Sunnatic books of prayers such as Husnun Muslim by Shykh Sa’id A.W.Q, Wiqayatul insaan mina Jinn Was- Shaytaan and As-Sarimu Battar…by Shykh Bally A.W, Demonic possession: An Islamic Antidote by Dr Jimoh S.L, Adhkar Yaumiya by Shykh Harun A.R etc. However, it is disheartening that instead of using the pure instruments of seeking protection from the Qur’an and Sunnah, lack of correct knowledge of Islam has made a lot of Muslims to result to wrong method and thus waste their body, time and wealth in search of salvation where it cannot be found.

36 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013

Women pass vote of confidence on Mutu

OR his determined drive towards empowering indigent women in his constituency, a group, Vibrant Women in Politics, VWP, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, has passed a confidence vote on the House of Representatives member, representing them, Mr. Nicholas Mutu. President of the group, Miss Fere-ere Gbe in Warri, Delta State at the meeting of the group, said political leaders from the area, who distinguished themselves, will continue to get their support, declared their unflinching support for Mutu. Secretary of VWP, EdenOtu Niekebi, who moved the confidence vote, said Mutu had brought unprecedented development in the areas of human and infrastructural development to his people. She noted that Mutu influenced the ongoing construction of the Gbaregolor-Akugbene Road, construction of Bomadi township roads, provision of solar lights to many riverine communities as well as empowering women with cash and fishing gears.

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

ENIN—LOCAL Government Pensioners Association in Edo State has appealed to Governor Adams Oshiomhole to prevail on the Local Government Commission to pay their pension arrears, lamenting that majority of them had died from preventable diseases. An open letter to Oshiomhole by Chief J. Ogidan, the acting President, said: “The pensioners are longer in the position to bear with the state policy of gradual elimination through starvation, hence we have cried to you to help us out of this predicament.” He said the rate at which his members were dying was no longer acceptable, as they were currently in distress as a result of the non-payment of their pension and accruing arrears since 2006. He said: “We know that Edo State governor is a Roman Catholic. Catholic Church has a tradition of catering for old people all over the world. “We, therefore, appeal to the Archbishop, all the Reverend Fathers to help appeal to the conscience of government to display that spirit of the Catholic Church to remember

ENAGOA—JOINT Task Force in the Niger Delta, code-named Operation Pulo Shield, has donated relief materials to victims of the recent landslide, which rocked Okoloba community in Kolokuma-Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Presenting the items, yesterday, on behalf of the Commander JTF, Major-General Bata Debiro, Coordinator of the Civil-Military Affairs of the Task Force, Colonel Augustine Odoba, said the donation was meant to assuage the suffering of the victims. He said that the donation was part of the corporate social responsibility of the Task Force to its host community. He assured the leadership of the community of the readiness of JTF to partner its host communities in the Niger Delta to encourage excellent civil-military relations.

Pay our arrears, pensioners beg Gov Oshiomhole the old people in the state and harmonise our pension and give us a life line. “We believe that Oshiomhole has the means to solve our

problems by implementing without delay the three point resolutions of the House of Assembly of March 1, 2013.” He added that the failure on

Tompolo Foundation re-opens abandoned Okerenkoko hospital BY EMMA AMAIZE & AKPOKONA OMAFUAIRE

ARRI—THE Tompolo Foundation, TPF, a char-

JTF donates relief materials to Bayelsa landslide victims BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

HONOUR: From left— Mr. Muyiwa Ige, son; Mrs Titilayo Tomori-Laoye, Osun State Deputy Governor; Governor Rauf Aregbesola and Mrs Funsho Adegbola, daughter, at the unveiling of the plague of a hall named after late Justice Atinuke Ige to mark the 10th anniversary of her death.

Receiving the items on behalf of the victims, traditional ruler of the community, HRH MacCarthy Macpherson, commended JTF for the donation of the relief materials, which he described as enormous relief to the victims of the natural disaster that ravaged his community. The monarch noted that the Joint Task Force's kind gesture will always be remembered by the people the community.

ity organisation, established by ex-militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, has renovated the only hospital in Okerenkoko community, Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, with over N20 million. The hospital, allegedly abandoned by government, serves over 80 coastal communities in the state. It was built by Niger-Delta Development Commission, NDDC, about six years ago and was taken over by Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, after the bombardment of the Okerenkoko and other Ijaw towns in 2009 by the Joint Task Force. However, after the exit of Chief Wellington Okirika as DESOPADEC chairman, the

commission neglected the hospital. Tompolo Foundation took over the hospital and renovated same. The Foundation engaged 25 staff, including six medical doctors, five nurses/matron and 14 support workers for a comprehensive free health delivery with state-of-the-art equipment. Speaking at the re-opening ceremony, Commissioner representing Ijaw ethnic nationality in DESOPADEC, Mr. Kingsley Otuaro, assured that negotiations were ongoing at DESOPADEC and at the state government level to rebuild and rehabilitate the structures devastated in the wake of the 2009 military invasion. Otuaro lauded the Foundation for “this very commendable gesture of renovating" the health institution."

FG, VC, Amange lauded on FUPRE's transformation

ELTA Intelligence and Transparency Group, DITG, has joined stakeholders in Delta State in commending the Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, FUPRE, Prof. Alhassan Bichi, for transforming the university. It also congratulated Senator Barigha Amange, for his

appointment as the new Chairman, Governing Council of the institution. In a statement by its Research and Security Officer, Mr. Clement Umukoro, the group maintained that the Federal Government made the right choice by appointing Bichi as Vice Chancellor of the university, adding that

within a year, he had transformed the institution beyond all expectation. The group also commended President Jonathan for appointing Amange as chairman of Governing Council, noting that with the duo of Amange and Bichi working as a team, the university would witness the rapid development.

the part of government to uphold the provisions of Section 210 (3) was as a result of communication gap created by civil servants.

Truth Forum urges Oshiomhole to remain focused

DO Truth Platform, a socio-political group, has called on Governor Adams Oshiomhole Edo State not to be distracted by what it called “a deliberate smear campaign orchestrated by opponents to score cheap political goals.” The group in a statement in Benin, by its President, Mr. John Osagie, said the governor must not allow anyone or group to distract him from continuing with his enviable development agenda for the state. The group said since the only thing that mattered to the people was how well he was living the creed of the development mandate, which they overwhelmingly revalidated with his reelection. Osagie called on those distracting the governor to analyse issues without bias, noting that his group was dismayed by the allegation that appears obviously engineered to cause disaffection among the people.

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Group backs new APGA Chairman

HE EMERGENCE of Chief Maxi Okwu as the National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has been described as a welcome development and good omen for Ndigbo. A statement by the leader of Oji River Progressive Action, OPA, Mr. Chuks Madueke, said Okwu had all the positive attributes to reposition APGA for the struggles ahead, having paid his dues as a consummate politician and civil rights activist. The OPA leader stated that having been an ally of the APGA chairman for several years that he was sure that the party will not regret their choice of Okwu at this critical time of the struggle. Madueke said that Okwu is a progressive politician who will use his experience as a lawyer to direct the course for the development of the masses.

Anambra PPN elects new executive officers BY ENYIM ENYIM

NITSHA — THE Peoples Party of Nigeria, PPN, in Anambra State has elected its new state executive officers. The election was monitored by officials of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and security agents. Officers elected at the keenly contested election were Sir Edwin Ekwuno (chairman), Athanasius Okafor (secretary), Chief Barth Okafor and 18 others. In his acceptance speech on behalf of the members of his executive, the state chairman assured that his administration would ensure that the party swept the poll in not only the forthcoming governorship election in the state but also other future elections.

ASUP threatens strike over FG’s nelglect of polytechnic education neglected state of polytechnics across the country and and threatened strike over Federal Government’s lackadaisical attitude towards improving it, despite pressures from

Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana, Ebonyi State, expressed BAKALIKI— dissatisfaction over the LEADERSHIP of existing dichotomy on how the Academic Staff Union of federal government handled Polytechnic, ASUP, yesterday, issues affecting polytechnics raised alarm over the in the country. Asomugha stated that the union, on April 25, will issue a 21-day ultimatum on the Federal Government to enable it look into core issues affecting polytechnics in the country, adding that if no satisfactory decision was reached between the FG and polytechnics, ASUP would have no other choice than to embark on a strike. He lamented that government’s modus operandi would not only incapacitate the institutions but also derail the objective behind their establishment. He said: “We believe that between now and when our ultimatum will expire that the federal government would have been able to From left: Chief Makole Omo-Azugbene, National Treasurer, Nigerian Instute of Manage- reasonably come up with ment, NIM, (Chartered); Alhaji Lateef Jakande, former governor, Lagos State; Dr. Michael solutions that will Olawale-Cole, President and Chairman of Council, NIM (Chartered) and Mr. Maurice Lakanu, ameliorate the problems of Registrar/Chief Executive, NIM, during a visit to the former governor under 'NIM We Care' the polytechnics in the programme. Photo: Oscar Ochiogu country. BY PETER OKUTU

principal officers in the subsector. National President of ASUP, Mr. Chibuzor Asomugha , who made this known during the 1st ASUP Zone D national conference held at

285 ANPP members decamp to PDP in Ebonyi BY PETER OKUTU

BAKALIKI — NO fewer than 285 members of All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, in Ebonyi State, have decamped to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The event, which took place at Ezza North Local Government Area of the state during Governor Martin

Elechi’s 'Thank You' visit and commissioning of projects in the area, saw the decampees in their numbers pledging allegiance and support for the ruling party in the state. Governor Elechi, who welcomed the decampees to the party, urged the people of the area to desist from violence, especially during elections, noting that such an action was inimical to the

growth and development of the state. On the forthcoming local government election, the governor warned that any candidate found guilty of promoting or sponsoring mayhem to win election would be denied prospective political positions and made to face the music. He told the people of Ezza North LGA that his

administration was not bearing any grudge against them for not voting for him during the last April governorship election, adding that it was their right to either vote or not. He assured them that as soon as peace returned to the area, his administration would ensure accelerated development across the local government area.

Man remanded in prison for impersonating Army Lieutenant BY DANIA ONOZURE

AGOS — A 24-year-old man, Michael Lawrence Oguezi, was yesterday remanded in prison custody by an Ikeja Magistrate Court for allegedly impersonating a Nigerian Army Lieutenant and also robbing belongings worth about N7million. Oguezi, who was

arraigned before Magistrate Oshodi Makanju, is facing an eight-count charge of conspiracy, armed robbery, stealing, forgery and impersonation He was said to have conspired with others now at large, while armed with guns and other dangerous weapons, to rob one Honda Civic Saloon car with registration PQ 687KJA, one

ATM card of Keystone Bank, one ATM card of GTBank Plc and one ATM card of First Bank, belonging to one Ola Taiwo. The police prosecutor, Inspector Samson Ekikere, told the court that Oguezi and others committed the said crime on January 21, 2013, at about 3pm at Harold Shodipo Street, GRA, in Ikeja area of Lagos.

Salvation Army begins 4-week self-denial appeal

E SALVATION Army will on Sunday begin its Self-Denial Appeal 2013 programme, which is a fourweek exercise geared towards collection of funds contributed by Salvationists from all over the world. The principle is the biblical

example of denying oneself some things for the benefit of others. In his message during the flag-off of the programme in Lagos, the Territorial Commander of the church, Commissioner Mfon Akpan, said self-denial appeal was

the only funds collected throughout the Salvation Army world and redistributed to the most needed areas of the world for the betterment of humanity and the advancement of the gospel of Jesus Christ through the Salvation ministries.

Ekikere also alleged that on January 8,2013, at about 3.30pm, at Marina Road in Apapa area of Lagos, while Oguezi was armed with gun and other dangerous weapons, rob Shangai Eclon saloon car with registration CD 1141, Ekikere added that the suspect on November 25, 2012, Oguezi and others now at large, on the same day, impersonated by wearing the Nigerian Army uniform, a representation he knew to be fake. He also stated that the defendant forged the Nigerian Army identity card, adding that in the cause of the criminal activities, impersonated by representing himself as a Nigerian Lieutenant.

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Why Tukur should resign —Group

Group advises on amnesty for Boko Haram

BY UJU MBANUSI

BY TAYE OBATERU

OS— THE Federal Government has been urged to consider victims of the killings and bombings by the Boko Haram sect in the proposed amnesty package for the sect members. A group, Centre for the Advocacy of Justice and Rights, CAJR, in a statement in Jos, Plateau State, yesterday, said that the exercise would not achieve the desired objective unless the victims are also compensated. Programme Manager of the group, Mr Adeniran Joseph, said: “The Federal Government is proposing to grant amnesty to a faceless group, which has been engaged in the killings and destruction of innocent lives and property. "This call is insensitive to the thousands of victims killed, maimed and some displaced as a result of the activities of the group. “We urge the Federal Government to look critically into this needless destruction and find practical solutions that will not be rubbished at the end of the day."

....Another group slams FG

EANWHILE, a human rights group, Youth and Conflict Resolution Initiatives, YCRI, has slammed the planned amnesty for the Boko Haram sect . According to YCRI, President Jonathan should “draw a red line between politics and government policies. "This demonstrates that the presidency seems to act before thinking of the impact of its actions. This could lead the country to ruins in no distant future." YCRI through its Director of International Relations, Comrade Efemena Agadama, said granting amnesty to the sect would provide the group opportunity to rebuild their broken structures and re-arm themselves. C M Y K

VISIT—From left: Bauchi State Director-General, Special Projects, Mr Aliyu Jibrin; Registrar, Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN, Mr Wopa Maliki and Bauchi State Chief Inspector, Engineering Regulation Monitoring, Mr Stephen Abubakar, during the Registrar's visit to the project site of Bauchi State International Airport in Bauchi, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

FLOOD: Niger govt sets aside N26.5m to de-silt drainages BY WOLE MOSADOMI

INNA—NIGER State Government has taken steps to guide against flooding in the state, as it had set aside N26.5million for the de-silting of various drainages in Minna, the state capital . Similarly, it is now an offence for anybody to dump refuse in the drainages as anybody caught will be fined N3000 or jailed three months or both. Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Umar Nasko, who disclosed this after the State Executive Council meeting in Minna, said that mobile courts had been established to prosecute offenders. He said besides the establishment of the mobile courts, government had re-introduced sanitary inspectors to monitor and ensure that people live in clean and healthy

environment in the state. The sanitary inspectors, who will be recruited from the pool of unemployed youths in the state will be trained and adequately remunerated and empowered to visit houses, prosecute erring members of the public to serve as deterrent to others.

PVTA rallies support for immunisation BY ABDALLAH ELKUREBE

OKOTO — THE Polio Victims Trust Association, PVTA, with membership drawn from various age groups and sexes, yesterday, staged a rally in support of polio campaigns and

Oshiomhole appoints EDs, SA

ENIN—EDO State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has approved the appointment of Chris Okaeben as Executive Director, Petroleum and Gas Monitoring and Mr Samson Abu as Executive Director, Task Force on Forestry Monitoring. In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, the governor also approved the appointment of Mr

Nasko said that the state government had taken steps to revive its nurseries to produce tree seedlings and flowers in order to fight desertification. The sum of N9.7m, according to the commissioner have been set aside for the renovation of the nurseries and production of the tree seedlings.

Kenneth Ihensekhien as Special Adviser, Mr. Abiona Kenny Olawale, Executive Director, Information Communication Technology and Mr. Robert Okubo, Executive Director, Security and Marine Surveillance. Okaeben who was thrice Supervisory Councilor for Youth, Sports and Works at the cosmopolitan Oredo Local Government Area at different times and was also a one-time Senior Special Assistant to the Governor.

immunisation in Nigeria. Carrying placards with different inscriptions, the polio victims called for support for polio immunisation campaigns by all Nigerians. National Chairman and founder of the association, Alhaji Aminu Tudun-Wada assured that polio vaccines were safe. “We staged the rally to restate our commitment towards the eradication of polio. All of us here are victims of polio and have lost 85 per cent of our lives. We cannot be meaningfully productive again.” On his part, the Sokoto State Chairman of PVTA, Alhaji Buhari Ahmadu, called on parents to ensure that their children were immunised. He appealed to religious leaders to enlighten their followers in Mosques and Churches with a view to canvassing more support for polio immunisation campaigns.

A group, Mass Mobilization for Transformation, MMT, has tasked the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur to step down from office upon what it described as the increasing divisiveness traced to his leadership. The group in an open letter to President Goodluck Jonathan alleged that the Tukur leadership in over one year has failed to bring the party together, alleging that his actions could pose a challenge to the president’s chances in the 2015 election. The group in the letter issued by its national coordinator, Comrade Joseph Ambakederimo and made available to Vanguard, noted that where the national chairman has failed in bringing the party together, Chief Tony Anenih, the chairman of the Board of Trustees has progressed in winning the trust of d i s e n c h a n t e d governors in the party. While calling on President Jonathan to do away with Tukur, the group said: “If he cannot broker peace and hold the party together then commonsense dictates that he should quit."

Samaritan Women makes case for orphans

AGOS—THE Samaritan Women Association of Nigeria (SWAN), has urged Nigerians to use their wealth to alleviate the problems of widows and orphans. Speaking at the presentation of cash donation to the SOS Children’s Village Isolo and other gift items to Little Saints Orphanage Akowanjo, Chairperson of SWAN, Mrs. Omolaja Lawal said that the federal government should give more attention to women, youths and orphans who constitute a large number of the society.

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2015: Amaechi does not hate Jonathan — Princewill •Explains why he's running for gov TONYE Princewill, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was a former governorship candidate of the Action Congress, ACN, in the 2007 election in Rivers State. In this interview, he explains among other things why he wants to govern Rivers State in 2015, the proposed amnesty package for Boko Haram members and the perceived bickering between President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State. Excerpts:

HERE is this news filtering around that you are eyeing the governorship position in Rivers State, how true is this? Unlike most people I like to talk straight. I have been eyeing this position of governor of Rivers state since 2006, so to me your question is not news, what is news is that I have been heavily involved in consultations to the point that I have conducted researches across the state to find out what the people want, what they need, their perspective on governance coupled with many other issues that are dear to them, so I have gone very far and very wide. I have shared it with the Governor and other stake holders including the President and Atiku and as time goes by my decision will be made public. Where there is a will, there is a way and since my name is Princewill - with God, He will make me a way.

What is your take on the outcry on the Presidential pardon granted Alams? First of all Alams conviction was purely political, I challenge anybody to say it

What informed that decision, is it the desire for gain or the desire to serve the people of Rivers state? I think to me politics is a duty not a privilege, I don•ft think you should be going into politics because of what you can get or what you can gain, my purpose of joining politics is based on what I want to give. As a private individuals we provide our own light, water, education, health and security. That might be okay for me and you but what about the less privileged? Those who are better off and in a better position should start to ask themselves what can they give back so that the less privileged can also have those benefits? Until we can do that then there should be no peace for any of us. So I want peace and I want peace of mind that is why I am going into politics. I have come to the conclusion that

Presidential election. I think as much as 2015 may have a role to play in it, I think it is deeper than that. Some of us have been privileged to spend time with the parties involved and we know better. I know Jonathan•fs thinking on the matter and I also know Amaechi•fs thinking on the matter and I believe that at the fundamental root of it is a gross misunderstanding between the two. Who supported Jonathan most when he was Vice President? And who gave Amaechi rope in 2011 when many asked him to clip his wings based on the perceived leanings in Rivers state? Jonathan does not hate Amaechi and Amaechi does not hate Jonathan. In fact secretly if they are honest, they both like each other but I think they have been surrounded by people and events that have led to this gross misunderstanding and in the end the same Amaechi and Jonathan will surprise them all and settle.

*Princewill: Amaechi and Jonathan will settle unless you have equality, justice and fairness there won't be peace for any of us and that to me is a nonnegotiable position. I want the less privileged and the disabled to have more of a voice and I am committed to giving it to them. What new things are you going to introduce in Rivers State that the incumbent has not done? Well everybody comes into politics with their different perspectives, so don't let us start talking about my manifesto before I make a declaration. There is no doubt that Ameachi has done very well in a variety of areas. Though even he would admit that knowing what he knows now, there are many things he would have done differently. So if he has learnt,

so have I. But I always remind everybody when they complain about Amaechi or they complain about Jonathan or whoever they complain about, that leadership is not an easy task. Even the best of us can make mistakes that is why pencils have erasers, so what we need to do is to encourage the leadership through constructive criticsms and that is what I am trying to do, I am trying to encourage Amaechi so he can do better. The bickering between Jonathan and Amaechi as regards the 2015 Presidential election calls for concern, what is your own view about this? Coming back to your question, the bickering is not necessarily because of 2015

not believe that Nigeria is taking itself seriously on the issue of how to curb corruption. And if they are sincere, they never have. Alams or not. So for me, Alams pardon is not the issue, his pardon as in the granting or the refusal of it would not improve the index on corruption because you and I know that there are many measures that show if the government is taking the issue of corruption seriously. What is your position on the granting of amnesty to Boko Haram? As far as I am concerned the issue of amnesty for Boko Haram is like the carrot and stick approach which means when you want to bring your stick, you must also be ready with my carrot. If the amnesty was good for the Niger Delta of course it is good for the north but of course you must look before you leap. The President in his statement said let me see the people, I cannot give something to the people I cannot see. Well these people are there because the bombs are not created by magic there are individuals that are parts and parcel of this thing. My problem was that the Niger delta amnesty was created in a vacuum, it was ill conceived and it was not sustainable. What we did then was we rewarded people

I think to me politics is a duty not a privilege, I don't think you should be going into politics because of what you can get or what you can gain, my purpose of joining politics is based on what I want to give

was contrary. The reason Alams was convicted is because he opposed Obasanjo's third term bid and presented a credible threat to the political class who called the shots, so for me let us put that on the table. Is this true or not? If it is true and it was political, why had Jonathan not pardoned him since? What was he waiting for? Who more than anyone benefitted from the death of the third term? Some people have quite amusingly said that this shows the government is not serious about corruption. Please can somebody tell me when this or any of the past governments was serious about corruption? Why are we loosing our heads over a mango tree producing mangoes? The truth is that Nigerians particularly, and foreign governments generally, do

for carrying guns and we did not reward people for reading their books. So I think that in as much as government needs to address the issue of Boko Haram and possibly amnesty, we need to understand that every day they have neglected the people that have gone to school, they make our future even more dangerous. My brother Kingsley Kuku said something which we should ponder. Amnesty brought peace, which improved production. This in turn provided revenue. Our job as leaders was to convert that wealth into sustainable policy which would restore our values. Are we doing that? Job creation is the key to long term peace and prosperity. Not amnesty. One day we the youths of Nigeria will remind all of you about this.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013 — 47

OR the purpose of this article, amnesty means general pardon being proposed for members of the Boko Haram Sect by the Federal Government. As matter of fact, the definition of a ‘ghost’ is not that clear, considering its usage in the Nigerian political scene. I must confess that though I have heard about ‘ghosts’, I have not been that fortunate to have seen one. Leaders should therefore, excuse my flight into the world of fantasy. Many Nigerians in their benevolent disposition have called for amnesty for the murderous members of the Boko Haram Sect, piously hoping that mere call of a general pardon would signify the cessation of hostilities. These beautiful Nigerians have as a nice precedent in that amnesty granted to those clever militants of the Niger Delta. The result was the end of attacks on the oil installations; production of oil(mainstay of the Nigerian economy) has increased from the lowly figures of 700,000 barrel per day of those war years to the present promising figures of about 2.6million barrels per day. It should be realized that uninterrupted supply of oil has made possible the monthly queue of states and local governments at Abuja for their share of the national cake. However, the call for amnesty became more serious and emphatic when the Sultan of Sokoto, spoke. He was reported to have stated that, ‘we want to use this opportunity to call on the government, especially Mr. President, to see how he can declare total amnesty for all combatants without thinking twice; that will make any other person who picks up arms to be termed a criminal’. The Sultan’s call was ridiculed, without perhaps that sober moment of reflection by those who see in every word traces of religion or ethnic bias. The Sultan of Sokoto, Abubakar III, the head of Muslims in Nigeria and also a Fulani, is a descendant of the illustrious Fulani Jihadist, Uthman Danfodio – the founder of the Sokoto Caliphate. The Sultan’s view was widely supported in the

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The politics of amnesty:

Ghosts vs politicians and the rest of us North. Writing about the Fulani race, a notable Yoruba historian of the last century, Rev. Johnson noted in his History of the Yoruba, published about 1920, that, ‘Their mere generous treatment of fallen foes and artful method of conciliating a power they could not openly crush, marked them out a superior people in the art of government’. Before I am crucified by hack writers as a Yoruba Coward, it is necessary to hear from those who have tasted the honey from Umar Yar’Adua’s Amnesty Programme. As it has been argued in many enlightened quarters, the Jonathan administration failed to seize the initiative against the Boko Haram marauders and murderers earlier until they have now become more organized, stronger with greater capability to strike and cause havoc, at will. Perhaps that has been the misunderstood message of former President Obasanjo on limited military action in Odi (Bayelsa). In his book, ‘The State And The Citizen’, J.D. Mabbott noted that , ‘In 1928 I came

across two valleys in Roumania where all civilized activities had ceased, owing to the presence of a band of brigands. Markets were empty, fields untilled, houses barricaded. The terrorized population must have numbered some thousands. The brigands were finally rounded up by the Army; they numbered thirty-five’. A mere serious problem is that the Boko Haram insurgency in the country has been politicized beyond the realm of common sense. The opposition parties see the problem of insecurity as that of the federal government alone for President Jonathan to solve. The serious situation is being viewed in the narrow political sense and some politicians have become paranoid and others, ambivalent. In their ‘it’s your problem, not mine attitude,’ security situation is worsening, threatening the foundation of the country. Security is a national problem and should be viewed as such by all Nigerians. President Jonathan should be congratulated for being realistic on the

question of amnesty being thrown at his doorstep. He was applauded when he told his Maiduguri audience that he could not negotiate with ‘ghosts’, but he should have known better. There are no ‘ghosts’ anywhere but real human beings who had either been killed or arrested. ‘Ghosts’ do not throw bombs or carry guns and they are still armed to pursue their act of destruction. If there is another opportunity to dialogue and put a lasting end to disastrous insurgency, this is the time. A gate is now opened to bring happiness and help to the innocent and unfortunate victims of the Boko Haram evil gangs while at the same time evolve a mechanism for curbing or preventing future acts of terrorism. This is a case for all Nigerians and not for a particular party that has not shown enough capacity to solve the power problem in the last fourteen years. The simple truth is that it might be too late before the Opposition is organized and strong enough to provide an alternative and better government. And for the rest of us, there is still hope. Nigerians love and believe in the efficacy of prayers – a former Head of State is reputed to be a ‘Prayer Warrior’, and so are many politicians. The country is deep in the ocean of political, social and economic turbulence, begging for salvation. The government and the opposition preach the same sermon of prosperity and security. But how? That is the dilemma at the moment. Apart from Boko Haram insurgency, there are other problems of armed robberies, kidnappings, ritual killings and random killings by ‘unknown gunmen’. Many analysts attribute these criminal activities to one cardinal problem – POVERTY. This is by itself is a product of mass unemployment arising out of continuous application of wrong economic policies or right economic policies at the wrong time. May God bless the country with visionary leadership.

Soon politicians 'll be stoned with their money — Shuaibu, Niger CPC chairman

it. T h e unemployment rate is going higher and this poverty level has led many to fall victim to money politics. The money they even brought out to spend are fraudulently acquired and it belongs to all of us and so if you can resist not to take the money, it is better, but if you cannot because of the poor situation

LHAJI Umaru Shuaibu is Niger State Chairman of Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). In this interview he speaks on politicking in Nigeria and preparations by his party ahead of the 2015 general elections. Excerpts: BY WOLE MOSADOMI

OW prepared is your party CPC for the 2015 general elections in the state? Our party has been preparing for the forthcoming election since the last day of the last elections. While other parties prepare for the election few months to the election proper, this party CPC started immediately after the last general elections. We never failed to interact with our followers in all the nooks and crannies of the state where we exchange ideas. To what extent do you think money influences politics in Nigeria? That is the major problem of our country –Nigeria. It is true that your capability or chance of wining any election depends on whatever you have. Anybody that has spent a lot will definitely embezzle

when he comes to power because he has to recoup whatever he has invested in the campaign and this is why the masses should deemphasize collecting money from politicians because when they collect money from politicians, the politicians will consider it as if they have already delivered the necessary service to them. I am now urging the electorate to deemphasize money politics. It might take a long time because already, corruption has eaten deep into our system. So, does this affect the right party or candidate from winning? Mark you and I am emphasizing it, that we are going to reach a time that people with money will come and they will be chased away or people will collect their money but still vote according

*Shuaibu: I'm urging the electorate to deemphasize money politics to their conscience. In the first instance, how did they get the money? Many Nigerians are already impoverished. They are supposed to be supplied electricity but they cannot get

you find yourself, collect the money because it even belongs to you but end up by voting according to your conscience. Is the CPC also not guilty

of money politics? It is on record that since 1999, PDP has been ruling us at the national level and this is where policies come from. Even where they have opposition parties in some states, they have their own limitations. Look at the states being controlled by opposition political parties, they are doing better. Go to Lagos state. Lagos state is doing far better than any state that is being controlled by PDP. Go to Nasarawa state, the type of situation and debt CPC inherited are unimaginable but yet the present government has stabilized and is now making a lot of changes. There is a difference now. Just give an opposition party a chance and you will see wonders. So how do you asses PDP at local, state and national levels? Their assessment is low. Very low! If you have a corrupt leadership, there is no way you are going to perform.

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YOUR LUCK TODAY By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 LIBRA; Happenings within your working arena’ll give genuine cause to smile and with efforts on your part you’re in for a rewarding day. Take advantage of your sex-appeal to enhance your love life. Experiment with ideas creatively. SCORPIO ; Creativity may take front in what’s happening within your base of operation and the best for you is to join them. Lovers are fairly favoured. SAGITTARIUS ; Tomorrow is your great day. Yet your being creative today can earn you un-expected good result at the end of the day. Be family minded now. CAPRICORN ; Needed solution to challenges along your career/business lines will come through your being creative. Prepare to take good advice on your finances. AQUARIUS; If you take unusual ideas coming to your mind today more seriously, thins’ll work favourably for you. The more financially ambitious you’re the better.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY By Richard Eromosele

guess the vast majority of the people will chorus the university is the best school in the world. This is not necessarily so. Experience has shown that the best

The best education education has nothing to do with formal education. If you think that the university alone has a mo nopoly of quality education, I want

to ask you, which university did Bill Gates, the computer wizard who established Microsoft computer graduated from? It is a well known fact that he is

TERROR MUDA in “Never say goodbye”

a school drop-out. The best form of education is that which you gave yourself because you want it. This can only happen through commitment, dedication and discipline...

By Lanre Kehinde

PISCES; The Moon in your Star sign favours aggressive approach in a favourable way. Here is a day Artist among you can create master piece. Be stead-fast. ARIES You’ll have much to gain if you’re more co-operative and embrace creative ideas of your close associates. And it’s good to be friendly, loving and caring. TAURUS ; Aggressive approach is not what you need at work now, but creative approach. You’ve got nothing to lose if you take good advice from your friends. GEMINI ; Whatever anybody says about your ambition and desire success will crown your efforts today. The more creative you are the better for your cause. And lovers can make it an exciting and happy day. Show your sex appeal and be loving. CANCER; Your ideas are brilliant and if you blend them creatively the sky’ll be the limit. Let people within your home base know that you truly care for them.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

“Princess Shii’

By Andy Akman

LEO; It does not matter who initiates creative idea that lead to success what is important is you should not be left in the cold all alone. The more co-operative you are the better for you. Don’t ignore your magnetic se-appeal. VIRGO.; Good luck and happiness indicated for you today. But then, the scope of your success’ll depend on how co-operative and creative you are both with your loved one and at work. Prepare to take good advice especially from younger person(s).

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 characteristic of Capricorn Because they rarely day dream, Capricorn natives are set of practical people. This is because Capricorn is ruled by Saturn - the planet of career, sceptical and material things Although, the spirit of pessimism often times tempt the Capricorn born people, to succeed they will need to develop strong will that is indispensable to achievements of higher order because, series of challenges will come his/her way before he/she finally makes it to the top. Most natives of Capricorn are forced to shoulder many responsibilities early in life. Career building comes first in their priority lists which often leads to enviable career achievements that guarantee recognition. And another name for Capricorn is PATIENCE. Yet, he/she can appear mean in the business circle. And tell you that seriousness and business are synonymous. Above all, they are endowed with leadership capacity. Capricorn ‘s quality is cardinal, element is the earth. The cardinal aspect makes a natural leader with strong ability for hard work. Natives of cardinal signs crave for action and strongly desire prominence and often times make success of their love of action and desire for importance through relentless efforts. The earthly connection with Capricorn further confirms innate ability for hard work and practicality . Saturn is the planet of hard task, delay, depression, frustration, frustration but reward after so much struggles. Being a difficult teacher, Saturn usually takes its natives through many different tasks, challenges and delay. All these are meant to teach them virtues of patience and hard work. However, Saturn usually brings its natives recognition and reward. The cautious side of Saturn always manifest in all Capricorn born people thus, but it is necessary for them to watch that side of their characteristics as they often push their cautious side too far and most of the time it results to black mood.

VIRGINIA

Commen3

dadadekola@yahoo.com

by Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013 — 49

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50— Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013

Vanguard CLASSIFIED OLALEKAN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olalekan Odunola Madinat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olatunji Odunola Madinat. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NUNUGWO—I, formerly known as L i e u t e n a n t Commander Frances Isimeme Desmond Nunugwo, now wish to be known and addressed as L i e u t e n a n t Commander Frances Isimeme Esezobor. All my former documents remain valid. The Nigerian Navy Headquarters and general public please take note.

UGWU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ugwu Linda Erinna, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eze Helen Linda. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

M A D U B A — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Concilia Chinwendu Maduba, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Concilia Chinwendu Nwachukwu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UCHEGBU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chinyere Rosemary Uchegbu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chinyere Rosemary Agukpaha. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MADUEKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Madueke Augustina Chinwendu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Anih Augustina Chinwendu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OGBU—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. A l e x a n d e r Chukwuemeka Ogbu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. A l e x a n d e r Chukwuemeka Ezeh. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OGBU—I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Judith Chinyere Ogbu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Judith Chinyere Ezeh. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKHAREDIA—I, formerly known and addressed as Okharedia Oshioribhor Patience, now wish to be known and addressed as John Oshioribhor Jubilee. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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OKELEZO—I, formerly known and addressed as Okelezo Ogagaviri Daniel, now wish to be known and addressed as Oghenerobor Ogagaviri Daniel. All former documents remain valid. Sterling Bank Plc and general public please take note.

OKONJI—I, formerly known as Miss Okonji Sandra Ifeoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Avu Sandra Ifeoma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UGBEYAJEWHO— I, formerly known as Miss Ochuko Ugbeyajewho, now wish to be known as Mrs. Ochuko Oyovwe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UNAM—I, formerly known as Miss Mary Sam Unam, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mary Damian Achilike. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

N D U F O R — I , formerly known as Ndufor Chiazor Judith, now wish to be known and addressed as Osuoha Judith Chiazor. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EKUTU—I, formerly known as Miss Ejiafe Ekutu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ejiafe Ikpe. All former documents remain valid. Zenith Bank Plc and general public please take note.

NELSON—I, formerly known as Mr. Ogoyibo N. Efetobor is the same person addressed as Ogoyibo O. Efetobor. All documents bearing either of the initials, N for Nelson and O. for Omoyovwihwivwioni remain to the same person and are valid. General public please take note.

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AGBAJOH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Francisca Agbajoh, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Francisca Ejiro Oritseweyinmi Ikhalea. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

TOM—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mabel Tom, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mabel Madamedon. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHIANUMBA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss L a u r e t t a Ekenemchukwu Chianumba, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. L a u r e t t a Ekenemchukwu Ehiagwina (Nee Chianumba). All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UMUKORO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onome Umukoro, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onome Onovwakpoyeya. All former documents remain valid. The Nigerian Police and general public please take note.

MBARA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mbara Ngozi Benita, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Dike Ngozi Benita. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OPARA—We, formerly known and addressed as

OGBUEHI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Queen Esther Ogbuehi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Queen Esther Udih. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. AKANBI—I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Akanbi Obiageli Eunice, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nwaghanata Obiageli Eunice. All former documents remain valid; the Director, Maple Leaf Ventures Nigeria Limited, Total Exploration & Production Nigeria Limited and the General public please take note.

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OGUNNAIKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Ogunnaike Modupe Seun, now wish to be known and addressed as Atitebi Modupe Seun. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AKOR—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Faith Akor, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Faith Chika Wagbara. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EDOZIEM—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Augusta Edoziem, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Augusta Emeka Beke. All former documents remain valid; Nederlandse and General public please take note.

HELEN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Helen Unoma Chukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Madu Helen Unoma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ALFRED—I, formerly known and addressed as Blackson Ainabe Alfred, now wish to be known and addressed as Blackson Ainabe. All former documents remain valid. Authority to whom it may concern and the general public to take note.

RABO—I formerly known and addressed as Ali Rabo, now wish to be known and addressed as Peter Ali Asuenimhere. All former documents remain valid. The Nigeria Police Force and the general public please take note.

NWAKPUDOLU – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Caroline Favour C h i a m a k a Nwakpudolu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Caroline Favour Chiamaka Niangasa. All former documents remain valid. Supreme Court Of Nigeria Abuja and the general public please take note.

ALOZIE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Alozie Grace Cherechi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chinonyerem-Ekeh Grace Cherechi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. O K A F O R — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Ifeoma Okafor, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ifeoma Okoro. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Opara John, Opara Linda Oluchi, Opara Johnkennedy Ifeanyi, Opara Rita Chiamaka, Opara Ruth Chidiogo, now wish to be known and addressed as Chukwu John, Chukwu Linda Oluchi, Chukwu Johnkennedy Ifeanyi, Chukwu Rita Chiamaka, Chukwu Ruth Chidiogo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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Vanguard CLASSIFIED UGWU – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ugwu Lilian Chioma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nduka-Omeje Lilian Chioma. All former documents remain valid. University Of Agriculture, Makurdi Benue State, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the general public please take note.

ANO- I, formerly known and addressed as Victor Ano, now wish to be known and addressed as Victor Anomougharan Gabriel. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

GHAJI – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Sakina Ghaji, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Sakina Lucas. All former documents remain valid. British Embassy and the general public please take note.

AMOS – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Amos, Angela Chinonyerem, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chigbundu, A n g e l a Chinonyerem. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ANTHONY – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Maureen Emengo Anthony, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Maureen MegaAkpobi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

C O N F I R M AT I O N OF NAME This is to confirm that the name Ogundiran T h e o p h i l u s Oluwasegun, refers to one and the same person as Jacob T h e o p h i l u s Oluwasegun, now wish to be known and addressed as Jacob T h e o p h i l u s Oluwasegun. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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ADEYINA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oluwabunmi Bukola Adeyina, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oluwabunmi Bukola Lawal. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

TINUOYE-I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Tinuoye Funmilola Ibilola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Benson Funmilola Ibilola. All former documents remain valid. Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa and general public please take note.

ONDU-I, formerly known and addressed as Ondu Nelson Seidougha, now wish to be known and addressed as Ebisindei Newton Nelson. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AMADIGWE-I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Blessing Amadigwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Blessing Temple Offor. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that the name Anyalebechi Nduka, refers to one and the same person as Akpan Nduka Monday. Now wish to be known and addressed as Akpan Nduka Monday. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that the name Okere Andrew Monke, refers to one and the same person as Oweiziotubo Monke Andrew, now wish to be known and addressed as Oweiziotubo Monke Andrew. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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VANGUARD'S LAGOS OFFICE YOU CAN B O O K Y O U R A D V E R T S AT OU R L A G O S I S L A N D O F FI C E — VA N G U A R D MEDIA LIMITED (LAGOS OFFICE) K I O S K 4 8 E A S T P AV I L I O N T B S , L A G O S .

G8 ministers condemn N/Korea’s nuclear moves F

OREIGN ministers from the G8 group of nations have condemned in the strongest possible terms North Korea’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, even as tensions have risen on the Korean peninsula in recent weeks. The ministers also expressed deep concerns about the increasing human tragedy of the conflict in Syria They also endorsed what they called a historic pledge on preventing sexual violence in conflict. The Group of Eight nations comprises the US, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada and Russia. Britain currently holds the rotating chairmanship of the G8 and the talks are a prelude to the annual G8 summit later this year in Northern Ireland. In a news conference after the talks, UK Foreign

Secretary William Hague said that “if the DPRK [North Korea] conducts another missile launch or nuclear test, we have committed ourselves to take further significant measures”. Correspondents say Ja-

Jonathan, Polish PM call for UN reforms BY BEN AGANDE, Abuja

RESIDENT G o o d l u c k Jonathan and the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk have called for the reforms of the United Nations Security Council in tandem with the present realities in the world. Addressing a joint press conference at the end of Polish Prime

US to help Nigeria solve electoral challenges BY VERA SAMANYAGAFU & PRISCA SAM-DURU

HE Political Counselor, United States of America embassy, Greg Lawless, yesterday, disclosed that the U.S government has offered to assist Nigeria develop an intelligence fusion center in order to improve on her efforts towards overcoming some of the electoral challenges for progress and transparency in governance. Briefing pressmen on the strength of the U.S.Nigeria Bi-national Commission Greg Lawless who described the Commission as a high-level forum for advancing issues of mutual concern, noted that the United States supports efforts in helping Nigeria rebuild and strengthen her policies in several sectors of

pan, present at the talks, had been looking for a strong statement of solidarity over Korea. North Korea has been making bellicose threats against South Korea, Japan and US bases in

its economy have expressed the strength of the Bi-national relationship that exists between the two countries.

Minister’s trade visit to Nigeria, the Polish leader expressed the support for Nigeria’s bid for a nonpermanent seat in the United Nations Security Council. Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he was attracted to Nigeria because of its huge economic potentials, noting that he had come to seek the cooperation of Nigeria for complementary socio economic development. According to him there are dozens of areas in which such joint economic cooperation could lead the two countries to greatness. Earlier in his speech, President Jonathan described Poland as a very important European country with which Nigeria has had very cordial relations.

ECOSOC 2013: Nigeria to represent Africa

VEN as Nigeria strives to win back global appreciation of its development objectives in the face of mounting security challenges, the country has been selected as Africa’s sole representative at the Substantive Session of United Nations Economic and Social Commission, ECOSOC, annual Ministerial Review, AMR, coming up in June in Geneva Switzerland. This position, considered as strategic, was

made by the Senior Economic Affairs Officer, UN Department for Economic and Social Affairs, DESA, New York, Eric Olson, while presenting a paper on the objectives of the ECOSOC NVP at the stakeholders’ dialogue organised by the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs to review the National Report on Nigeria’s progress on the Internationally Agreed Development Goals held in Abuja.

UK earmarks £10m to fight sexual violence

T G8 Foreign Ministers’ meeting held yesterday, United Kingdom announced further £10 million to tackle sexual violence in conflict and violence against women & girls During the G8 Foreign Minister’s meeting held at Lancaster House, the British Foreign Secretary, William Hague, announced an additional

£5 million, from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office even as Justine Greening announced £5 million from the Department for International Development, to support UK efforts to tackle sexual violence in conflict and violence against women and girls (VAWG). “I am delighted that we

can support today ’s historic agreement by announcing additional funds to support grassroots and human rights projects on sexual violence in conflict and projects addressing violence against women and girls. Earlier today my G8 colleagues agreed to call for increased funding for international prevention and response efforts.”

52 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013

T could amount to a great disservice to Nigerian football if I do not let Nigerians know this. My conscience would haunt me if I do not make this public. Today, I want to expose the internal wranglings that have bedeviled the national team lately. I’m tempted to agree with Mumuni Alao of Complete Sports Newspaper that luck won Nigeria the Nations Cup and not the ingenuity of any person. But I must give credit to the two changes that dramatically changed our team. After the first two matches in the first round which were obviously rated poorly, the substitution of Fegor Ogude and Nosa Igiebor for Ogenyi Onazi and Sunday Mba brought life into the team. Nevertheless I give credit to the coaches who made these changes. But I still agree that Keshi and his crew were lucky. If you were not close enough to the national team you would know about the precious times spent on intrigues, pettiness, a consolidated effort to run people down and curry favour in exchange for gossips. It is a surprise that despite the behind-thescene games, the team succeeded at the Nations Cup. Mother luck. Take this: A top member of the Federation asked one of the coaches after the qualifier in Liberia: ‘’Do you guys practice set pieces at all, do you put heads together before making changes because your changes don’t seem to help our games?’’ The coach replied: ‘’Sir, you know that I’m not in charge and everybody has his own style.’’ That didn’t show team work and team spirit. It was a big indictment on Stephen Keshi, the head coach and even the coach who gave such an answer. Rather than attempting to ride on the back of the head coach would it not have been professional to suggest ideas or techniques as an assistant? Take another: A coach once grumbled over their travel arrangement when they spent hours at the airport on their way to a qualifier in Malawi. Before he knew it, he was battling to save his job. A backroom staff had gone to tell the leadership of the Federation that the coach had accused them of corruption. During a seeming interrogation, the coach admitted grumbling over the travel arrangement but denied any other accusation against the federation. Certainly, the backroom staff who went to tell tales did not want the success of the coach at the time. He had killed the team spirit in exchange for being in the good books of the federation. It has been one gossip after the other, some very disgusting, irritating and obviously petty. So coaches and backroom staff try to outdo each other in the gossip game instead of using precious time to plan for the team’s success. ake this one: A player based in Spain goes to the leadership of the federation to fault some aspects of their coaching techniques because, according to him, they differ from what they do in his club. Unfortunately, he gets the attention of some members of the federation. Just before the Nations Cup in South Africa, one of the coaches advised him to respect and submit to the instructions in the national team, educating him that coaching is never the same everywhere. Some other players are also fond of rushing to the leadership of the federation to gossip about the affairs in the team camp. Victor Ikpeba, a member of the NFF Technical Committee once lamented, ‘’Onochie, when I was playing, I did not even know those in the NFA. We probably knew the chairman because he was chairman and that was it. We never went to them to discuss anything. To discuss what? Discuss our coaches and colleagues? Your job was on the field and after that everybody went home. Even when there were issues with allowances or bonuses, it was the responsibility of the captain to discuss with the coach and not even the federation. But today players rush to members of the federation to backbite and say all sorts of nonsense about their team.’’ I told Ikpeba I also heard such several times and

Eagles: So much politics, gossip and blackmail that I might do a story on it. ‘’Please, do if that will help our football and make these boys to play more football and do less politics,’’ Ikpeba told me. nother one: When the Eagles played Venezu ela in Miami, USA, one of the coaches told a top member of the federation that the style of the coach that handled warm-up session before the match was faulty. Interestingly, the federation member came back to tell the other coaches all that the other man had told him. Warming up became an issue that moment. A case of a coach trying to outdo another coach. Luckily, they won the match. Take another: Just before the last qualifier against Kenya Stephen Keshi, to the hearing of all his coaches and backroom staff, told one of the coaches that ‘’all the things you go to tell them about us, I hear them. They also come to tell me what you go to tell them from time to time.’’ . Take another: The coaches sit to discuss strategy and select players before matches. One of them

later goes to a player and tells him a particular coach spoke against his selection. The player takes offence and stops greeting the coach. This happened in South Africa. Are these the Eagles that made up the kind of team our dear Clemense Westerhof called a family? I now know what contributed to the problems and failures of the likes of Amodu, Christian Chukwu, Berti Vogts, Lars Lagerback etc. hen I spoke to three members of the federa tion Tuesday night on the sacking of Sylvanus Okpala, one of them told me that Okpala’s offence were some uncomplimentary remarks that he made about the leadership of the federation which had been reported to them. But Okpala swore that he never said such things. He has been disengaged. NFF said it was because of lack of resources to sustain large crew. Another assistant, Valere Houndounou can only continue if Keshi could pay him. This is coming on the heels of the 50 percent Nations Cup match bonus slash attributed to paucity of funds. But why were only two coaches affected? Okpala was said to have aggravated his condition by reporting this to Patrick Ekeji, the just retired Director-General of the National Sports Commission, a man the federation perceived as their enemy. It then became a matter of time for Okpala to be eased out. Coaches come and go and Okpala should take this in good faith even if he has to make a case for the balance of his Nations Cup bonuses. Keshi might have offended the federation after the Nations Cup victory through his impromptu actions. But his reaction followed a looming sack which was only averted when Eagles won. NFF appears ready to take their pound of flesh. They are furious he traveled out of the country and plan to query him on arrival. A silent battle line has been drawn. We are watching.

Woods ffa avored at A ugus Augus ugustta T

IGER Woods has teed off at the Masters as the overwhelming favorite. He has already won three times this year and

Continues from BP federation furious. Chairman of the NFF Media and Publicity Committee, Emeka Inyama, told journalists in Abuja that Keshi will have to explain to his employers why he was absent from the meeting with the federation’s technical and development committee. “The federation officially invited Keshi to discuss with the technical committee on some salient issues affecting the team. These include his recent issues with captain of the team, Joseph Yobo as well as Osaze Odemwingie. Also, the technical committee wants to know his programmes for the (Fifa) Confederations

reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the world rankings. Woods played Thursday in a group with Luke Donald and Scott Piercy on an overcast day

at Augusta National. About three hours before Woods teed off, the tournament began with ceremonial shots from three of golf ’s

NFF Cup and the World Cup qualifiers. But he didn’t show up. “Yet we know he was in Lagos to take delivery of the cars given to him by Chief Mike Adenuga before leaving the country. Yes he had booked his flight to leave the country but I’m also a regular traveller and I don’t think spending $120 (about N19,000) to reschedule his flight would be too much. “The federation will be demanding a lot of explanation from him because this is serious business and a national business too,” said Inyama. Keshi guided Nigeria to win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South

Africa in February this year but fell out with the federation even before the final. Keshi raged because he found out how he would have been sacked if he failed. His actions and comments painted the federation in bad light and nobody gave the federation any credit for the success in South Africa. The African champions will start off their busy schedule with an international friendly with Mexico in Houston on May 31 before making trips to Kenya and Namibia in June for the 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifiers. Nigeria’s Super Eagles are drawn in Group B with Tahiti, Uruguay and world champions, Spain.

greatest players - 83-yearold Arnold Palmer, 77year-old Gary Player and 73-year-old Jack Nicklaus.

Uwaka is patron of Nigerian Unity Football Tournament

HE chairman of Uwaka Football Club, Kwale in Delata State, Chief Mike Uwaka has been appointed a National Patron of the the First Nigeria Youth Peace and Unity Cup. The appointment was made recently by the Central Working Committee during a courtesy visit to the Delta State born football-loving businessman’s Lekki office. Led by its chairman, Alfred Ejugo and the Project Director Comrade Moses Ebahor the Central Working Committee presented the National Patron Award on Chief Uwaka, who is also the CEO, Melka Group.

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Europa League: Chelsea reach semi-finals

HELSEA advanced to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals with a 54 aggregate win over Rubin Kazan despite suffering a 3-2 defeat in Moscow on Thursday evening. The Blues, who held a 3-1 advantage from the first leg twice took the lead at the Luzhniki Stadium.

Why NFF is unhappy with Keshi Eagles — Inyama drop one

FIFA rankings

step N

IGERIA dropped one spot to 31 in April’s ranking of the world’s senior national football teams released by Fifa. The Super Eagles were unable to consolidate on their 30th spot from March after emerging champions at the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. Their 1-1 draw against the Harambee Stars of Kenya in a 2014 World Cup qualifying match in Calabar meant that they dropped 18 points and finished with 757 points from last month’s 775. Still, Nigeria remain in fourth place among the African teams with Cote D’Ivoire retaining their top spot after they moved one step up to 12th position globally.

EXCEPTIONAL: Chelsea midfielder, Victor Moses vies for the ball with a Rubin Kazan defender Oleg Kuzmin (L) in their Europa League match in Moscow yesterday. Moses scored one of Chelsea's goals. Rubin Kazan won 3-2 but Chelsea qualify on 5-4 aggregate. PHOTO/ AFP

PUZZLE

The Nigerian coach was in Lagos this week to take delivery of two cars promised him by Globacom chairman, Mike Adenuga Jr. But Keshi, 51, left for California in the United States of America (USA) to see his family, leaving executive members of the

Continues on Page 52

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Sudoku TODAY'S

HE subtle battle between Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi and his employers, the Nigeria Football Federation may blow into a full scale war when the absentee coach returns from his trip to Carlifonia, USA. On return, Keshi is bound to meet a charged atmosphere which has been incensed by his alleged absence from the April 10 technical committee meeting in which he was expected to discuss Eagles’ busy schedule in May, June and July. To start with, sources at the Glass House hinted that the NFF will issue Keshi, a query for failing to attend Wednesday’s technical and development committee meeting in Abuja.

ACROSS

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

3 Flavour (5) 9 Stableman (6) 10 Admitting (6) 11 Expiate (5) 12 Gulp (4) 15 Solitary (4) 17 Flimsy (7) 20 Sorrow (3) 21 Reason (5) 23 Actuality (4) 25 Roguish (4) 26 Dog (5) 28 Curve (3) 30 Afar (7) 33 Valley (4) 35 Rim (4) 36 Journal (5) 38 Response (6) 39 Allowance (6) 40 Holiness (5)

DOWN 1 Push (5) 2 Tarnish (5) 3 Beverage (3) 4 Sly (6) 5 Cadence (4) 6 Sheep (3) 7 Relict (5) 8 Concur (5) 13 Well-being (7) 14 Ravine (5) 16 Nil (7) 18 Noise (5) 19 Through (3) 22 Box (5) 24 Pull (3) 27 Distract (6) 28 Worship (5) 29 Split (5) 31 Confess (5) 32 Small (5) 34 Cab (4) 36 Vigour (3) 37 Beam (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS

How to Play Sudoku

ACROSS: 1, Design 5, Sprint 9, Rogue 10, Bedlam 11, Larder 12, Buulk 14, Seer 17, Dry 18, Icon 20, Elder 22, Adept 23, Novelty 24, Ached 26, Elfin 29, Stew 30, Ace 32, Lace 33, Dryly 35, Eclair 36, Butted 37, Carol 38, Survey 39, Welded.

THE VIGILANTE

DOWN: 1 Debase 2, Sidled 3, Grab 4, Nomad 5, Sully 6, Peak 7, Induce 8, Tyranny 13, Urgency 15, Elect 16, Renew 18, Idyll 19, Optic 21, Rod 22, Ate 24, Assess 25, Healer 27, Fasted 28, Needed 30, Array 31, Elbow 33, Dice 34, Yule

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lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number). Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row. No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination. Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-8944295. Advert Dept: 01-7924470; Hotline: 01-8737028; Abuja: 09-2341102, 09-2342704. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Editor: MIDENO BAYAGBON. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.

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