22 senators, 57 Reps drag Tukur to court

...towards a better life for the people

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

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VOL. 25: NO. 61962

N150

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Plan to sanction Olu of Warri —JONATHAN crumbles ....Obasanjo lied Why I sacked Farida Waziri

— Atiku 9

Gunmen attack Bauchi village; kill 6, injure 2

50

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22 senators, 57 Reps drag Tukur to court

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, CLIFFORD NDUJIHE, BEN AGANDE, HENRY UMORU & IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

•Stakeholders plan soft-landing for him •nPDP hails Jonathan, blames crisis on Tukur •His war of words with Oyinlola

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AGOS—AFTER months of bickering that has polarised the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), 22 senators and 57 members of the House of Representatives elected on the banner of the party, yes-

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JONATHAN SACKS 9 MINISTERS EDUC ATION EDUCA FOR SALE: High fees, mercenaries bane of education sector •P.29

•P.8

zMailafia : Environment zAshiru: Foreign Affairs

zRufa'i: Education

zUsman: Nat. Planing

zPepple: Housing

zBassey: Science & Tech

zObada: Defence

zTijani: Agriculture

zHajia Kuchi: Power

Mr & Mrs

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

Josef Omorotionmwan •P.19

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2— Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

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4 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

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POCKET CARTOON

SPEED LIMIT—From left: Deputy Director, Transport Safety, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Mr Jide Oduyoye; Corps Marshal, Osita Chidoka and representative of Lagos State Governor, Mr Kayode Opeifa, at the 2nd Stakeholders Forum tagged: “Speed Limiting Device Enforcement in Nigeria”, held, yesterday, in Lagos.

22 senators, 57 Reps drag Tukur to court Continues from page 1 terday, dragged Tukur to court over moves to declare their seats vacant on account of their roles in the crisis.

However, supporters of

President Goodluck Jonathan and Tukur, yesterday, said that the search for peace embarked by leaders of the party has started yielding dividends.

“We have started making serious headway in the talks,” a source who

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

The Word of God, spoken out loud and in faith, is the most powerful weapon you have against the enemy. Speak the Word!

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

THE more you see yourself as what you’d like to become, and act as if what you want is already there, the more you’ll activate those dormant forces that will collaborate to transform your dream into your reality — Wayne W. Dyer

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ET go of our need to have more. The language of the ego is more. It is never satisfied. No matter how much you achieve or acquire, your ego will insist that it isn’t enough, you find yourself in a perpetual state of striving, and eliminate the possibility of ever arriving. Yet in reality, you already have arrived and how you choose to use this present moment of your life is your choice. Ironically, when you stop needing more, more of what you desire seems to arrive in your life. Since you are detached from the need for it, you find it easier to pass it along to others, because you realise how little you need in order to be satisfied and at peace.

The universal source is content with itself, constantly expanding and creating new life, never trying to hold on to its creation for its own selfish means. It creates and let go. As you let go of ego’s need to have more, you unify with that source. You create, attract to yourself, and let it go, never demanding that more come your way. As an appreciation for all that shows up, you learn the powerful lesson that St Francis of Assisi thought “....It is in giving that we receive.” By allowing abundance to flow to and through you, you’ll match up with your source and guarantee that this energy will continue to flow.

has been part of the meetings told Vanguard yesterday.

For peace to reign once again in the party, the source said that the feuding camps have agreed that there was need for leadership change as calls for Tukur to step aside gained currency.

However, they are yet to conclude on how Tukur should be eased out of office. While the New PDP (nPDP) wants him to go now, other people are asking for a softlanding for him, the source said.

Vanguard gathered that the leaders will meet on Sunday, September 15 to decide Tukur’s fate.

To boost peace efforts and reduce media hype, Vanguard gathered that stakeholders have been enjoined to keep sealed lips on decisions taken.

Meanwhile, Tukur and former National Secretary of the party, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola were embroiled in a war of words, yesterday, just as members of the nPDP hailed President Jonathan and accused Tukur of frustrating the peace talks.

nPDP accuses Tukur of frustrating peace talks, hails Jonathan In a move indicating

that peace is on the horizon, the Kawu Barajeled faction of the party known as the nPDP has showered praises on President Jonathan over his role in the peace process.

It accused Tukur of frustrating the peace efforts initiated by party elders and conceiving plans to bring former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Tony Anenih to ridicule.

Urging President Jonathan not to be deterred, it asserted that Tukur and many of his acolytes lack the electoral weight to pull the party through another election victory.

In two separate statements made available to Vanguard, the nPDP said it was ready for peace but expressed regrets at the belligerence of Tukur, whom it claimed had inspired plans to dissolve the state executive committees of the party loyal to the nPDP. The statements issued

by Chief Chukwuemeka Eze, the National Publicity Secretary of the nPDP followed inconclusive talks on Tuesday to resolve the crisis in the PDP. “Unfortunately, the belligerence of the Alhaji Tukur-led National Working Committee (NWC) has so far frustrated all efforts being made by the Party Leader, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, as well as by PDP elders such as Dr. Ahmadu Ali, Dr Barnabas Gemade and former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida to amicably resolve the crisis.

"We plead with them not to be deterred by those who are feeding fat on the crisis as we are ready to assist them in any way possible to enable them restore peace to our great party,” Eze said yesterday.

“The latest of the belligerent actions by the Tukur faction is the illadvised move to take over the party’s structures in the states of the governors loyal to Baraje’s leadership. We wish to advise Tukur and his NWC against this or any other action capable of worsening the crisis.”

While commending President Jonathan and the party elders for their efforts in the peace

talks, the nPDP charged them not to be deceived by the claims of Tukur and his allies.

“Mr. President should not be deceived by some party leaders who are making him believe that he can do without us.

Most of these leaders currently cannot, under a properly organised free and fair elections win their wards. It is obvious that no presidential election in Nigeria can be won without states like Rivers, Kano, Sokoto, Adamawa, Kwara, Niger and Kebbi, and these are states we are controlling. Check the past general elections and see that some of these media-created PDP leaders have no followers in their states at the moment talk less of making any impact come 2015.”

In another statement, Chief Eze also denounced what he claimed were plans by the Tukur faction to denigrate some of the party elders spearheading the peace initiative. The nPDP mentioned in particular, former President Obasanjo and the chairman of the BoT, Chief Anenih.

“We have noticed the erroneous insinuation and propaganda by Tukur ’s faction that the distinguished Statesman, General Oulsegun Obasanjo, had a hand in our staging a walkout during the ill-conceived mini-convention of PDP and that he is the brain behind most of our activities. We view this as disparagement of us creating the impression that we are not matured enough to determine our political future and most importantly it was as an attempt to smear the international image of General Obasanjo as a distinguished Statesman and father of PDP and rubbish his current efforts to restore peace to

a party the very existence of which is being threatened by the undemocratic acts of some of its leaders. We can now understand why Tukur ’s faction is hellbent on destroying every effort to bring peace to the party.

“We are also aware of the attempts being made to rubbish and ridicule the BOT Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih, for stating that we have genuine reasons for what we are doing. We want to assure Chief Anenih, knowing all his sacrifices and efforts in making PDP whatever it is by today, that we will not sit and watch some jokers in Tukur’s faction rubbish him or make him look ordinary in the affairs of the party. The truth will always see us through.”

He also affirmed that the nPDP was determined to take the PDP to the original ideals as conceived by the founding fathers and thanked Nigerians and state chapters of the party that have been bold enough to support the faction.

nPDP relocates secretariat While the search for peace continues, the nPDP, which secretariat located on Plot 3206A, No 4, Oji River crescent, Maitama, Abuja was sealed by the police, now operates from the Adamawa State Governor ’s Lodge, also in Maitama, Abuja.

A statement announcing the relocation of the secretariat to Adamawa State Governor’s Lodge, situated at 2, Gurara Street, Maitama, Abuja yesterday by the National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola read: “Following the siege mounted to its national secretariat in Maitama District, Abuja,

Continues on page 51

6 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Couple arraigned over assault, theft of N21m

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS — A HUSBAND and wife were, yesterday, arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate Court, Lagos, for alleged assault and stealing of goods worth N21 million.

The couple, who were arraigned before Magistrate Abimbola Oshodi-Makanju, are Femi Omoluabi, 36, and Oyinda Omoluabi.

The couple, who reside in Magodo area of Lagos facing a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, breach of peace, assault and stealing, preferred against them by the police.

The police prosecutor, Inspector Samson Ekikere, said the husband and wife and others at large, committed the alleged crime on August 21, 2013.

Ekikere told the court that the defendants conducted themselves in a manner to cause breach of peace by entering into the office of one Mrs Olubukunola Osonowo, to disturb her peace.

He said the couple forcefully gained entrance into the office of Osonowo, who is Oyinda’s mother and assaulted her and her daughter, one Miss Oyinlola Osonowo, who is a younger sister to Oyinda, by hitting and punching them.

The prosecutor also alleged that the couple stole cash of $8,000, two box of gold rings, three tray of staring silver rings, one lenovo computer with the key board, Hp CPU and one Sony LCD displays among others.

Four remanded in prison over cop's murder

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KURE — AN Akure Magistrate Court, Ondo State, yesterday, remanded four men in prison for allegedly killing a police corporal, Edema Omoniyi.

The magistrate, Mrs Bukola Kuye, who did not take the plea of the accused, said they should be kept behind bars pending advice from the state Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP. The accused are facing charges of conspiracy, robbery and murder.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Pelumi Adejuwon, told the court that the accused killed Omoniyi and robbed him of his unregistered Honda motorcycle valued at N120,000 on August 31 in Bolorunduro area, Akure-Ondo Road at 9p.m.

Family of 3 dies in their new house

BY WOLE MOSADOMI

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INNA — THEIR joy knew no bounds when they parked to their new house last Saturday.

It was a day they had looked forward to and they took the final decision to move into the new apartment in Gbeganu area in Minna, Niger State last Saturday.

Though not completed, the house was, however, habitable as the plan was to gradually complete the house as they moved in.

However, instead of relatives and well wishers trooping to the new house to congratulate them and “wash” it, it was the burial ceremony of the family of three that relatives and other well wishers went for.

The middle aged man, Seyi Adewale, a generator repairer, his wife, Felicia, aged 23 and their three-month-old daughter, Deborah, were, Tuesday, found dead in their room with the corpses already decomposing.

It was gathered that they died on Saturday night, the day they moved into the new house.

Vanguard gathered that the trio, who retired to one of their rooms late in the night to enjoy their first night in the house switched on their generating set close to the room while the fume emitting from the set consumed them overnight. They never woke up to see the next day.

Unknown to other neighbours

The late Mr & Mrs Seyi Adewale.

generator.

She immediately raised alarm which attracted other neighbours to the scene.

She said: “We last spoke on phone on Saturday night, when he was moving his property and family to the new house.

"On Sunday, which was the second day, I also called but nobody picked. I still tried on Monday thinking it was due to the poor network service or run-down battery and yet no response and that was why I decided to come down to the house only to meet my brother and family dead and decomposing.

“It is very unfortunate for this to have happened to my brother, especially at a time when we are supposed to be rejoicing with them on their new house.”

Land in contention

The uncompleted building that the trio had parked in, the corpses of the three-member family remained in the room unattended to and were gradually decomposing.

However, the junior sister of the deceased husband, Deborah, who had been making frantic ef-

fort to locate her brother got more worried, Tuesday, four days after they had moved into the new house.

It was a shocker to her after forcing the door of the house open to meet them dead after being killed by fume from the

Vanguard gathered that the land on which the deceased erected his house had been in dispute with another contender, which was, however, “settled” by the community head of the area.

Contacted, the state police command through its spokesman, Mr Richard Oguche, who confirmed the deaths, said they must have died as a result of inhaling the carbon monoxide from the generating set, which was turned on overnight and left close to their room.

The corpses have been buried in Minna, the Niger State capital.

How Nigerian jailed in US stole $11m

BY SONI DANIEL

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BUJA — Details emerged, yesterday, of how a Nigerian, Emmanuel Ekhator, successfully ripped off unsuspecting persons across the United States and Canada to the tune of $11 million (N1.782 billion) in a major mail and wire fraud.

Ekhator, who was handed a three-year jail term by a Pennsylvania District Court judge, was first arrested and investigated by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, before being extradited to stand trial in the US The 42-year-old man was also ordered by Justice Yvette Kane to forfeit $11 million (N1.782 billion) to his victims as restitution, after pleading guilty to the charges brought against him.

Justice Kane ordered Ehkator’s forfeiture of property he acquired with the illicit funds in Canada and cash lodged in several banks in Nigeria.

"Once the law firm agreed to represent the out-of-country client, it would be contacted by the US entity purportedly owing money with an offer to pay the client by cheque.

"The client would then instruct the law firm to deposit the cheque in the law firm’s trust account, retain the law firm’s fee, and wire the remaining funds to accounts in Asia.”

Counterfeit cheques

The clique, it was disclosed, often mailed counterfeit The convict, Emmanuel Ekhator cheques to law firms once they gave their consent for represencollection scam. tations and most of them got to Under the scam, the convict know about the sham cheque contacted many US and Canaafter funds from their trust acdian law firms by e-mail, claimcounts had been wired to Asian ing to be individuals or busibanks. nesses outside North America The counterfeit cheques, who were owed money by entiwhich appeared to be drawn on ties in the United States and legitimate accounts from wellasked for legal representation to established financial institucollect the money. tions, often included a telThe prosecutor narrated to the ephone number for the financourt that, “often, the prospective How he did it cial institutions. 'clients' said the money owed Lawyers attempting to deterWhile the trial lasted, the pros- came from a real estate transacmine the validity of the cheque ecutor informed the court that tion, tort claim, or divorce settlewould call the number only to Ekhator was part of an attorney ment. reach another conspirator who

would falsely verify the cheque.

The court was also told that Ekhator’s involvement in the scheme made him responsible for losses of more than $7 million and up to $20 million.

Co-conspirators

Ekhator’s co-defendant, Yvette Mathurin, has also been charged for conspiracy and is awaiting extradition from Canada, while another co-conspirator, Kingsley Osagie, was arrested as he arrived in Atlanta area from Nigeria.

He is currently awaiting trial in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

Other co-conspirators are awaiting extradition from several foreign countries as investigation continues against other members of the large, multi-national conspiracy.

Aside from EFCC, other agencies that investigated the crime were the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, the Toronto Police Services and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

It was prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney, Christy Fawcett.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013 — 7

Tension over alleged killing of 3 by vigilante group

BY EMMA AMAIZE

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ARRI — THERE was ap prehension in Owhase community, Udu Local Government Area of Delta State over the alleged kidnap and killing of three citizens by members of the Ovwian vigilante group.

The victims, an apprentice welder with Omote Fabrication Company, Enerhen, 28-yearold Onome Emakpor; 27-yearold shoe mender with workshop at Ekete Inland, Ekete, Samuel Obebe and one Boloko were arrested on July 30.

Vanguard learnt that members of the vigilante group stormed the Owhase town residence of the victims and arrested two brothers, Onome Emakpor, Akpevwen Emakpor and a family friend, Samuel Obebe, who was on a visit, while reportedly on a manhunt for one Ekugbe.

Counsel to the victims, Oghenejabor Ikimi, in a peti-

Suspected pirates kill 9-year-old girl in Bayelsa

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA—THE riv erside town of Gbaraun in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, has been thrown into mourning following the shooting to death of a nine-year-old girl by armed gunmen suspected to be pirates.

The deceased girl was identified as a pupil of Gbaraun Community Primary School.

The tragic incident which occurred at 2 p.m, Tuesday, led to a protest in the area, leading to the arrest of one person identified as a link between the bandits and their movement to the community.

Though it could not be immediately ascertained where the suspected pirates came from, they were said to have sailed into the Gbaraun from the Ikebiri axis of the creek.

The hoodlums were said to have fired sporadically into the air to scare away the natives before snatching a boat.

According to a source, the deceased was hit by the pirates’ bullet during their shooting in the community.

It was gathered that the arrested suspect was identified as the man that hired the boat for the suspected pirates.

tion to the Inspector General of Police, said after the arrest, “the above children of our client, Mr. Emmanuel Emakpor and their family friend were locked up in the boot of the cars that brought the said vigilante and were driven to the Ovwian Town Hall, where they joined four others arrested by the said vigilante men from Owhase town.”

He said all those arrested were tortured for hours by their captors, adding: “Onome, Samuel and one Boloko were separated from the others and taken to the back of the Ovwian town hall where several gunshots were heard and till date, nothing has been heard of the whereabouts of the said persons.

“Akpevwen and three others were later released at noon same day after our client and the parents of the other men were compelled to pay the N40, 000 each for their bail.”

He said the Divisional Police

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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Samuel Obebe, victim Officer, Ovwian, denied knowledge of the incident when he contacted him, “hence this formal petition to your office.”

Describing the action of the vigilante group as barbaric and unconstitutional, he called for a

Onome Emakpor, victim thorough investigation to unravel the whereabouts of the three persons and “bring men of the Ovwian vigilante group to book as justice delayed is justice denied.

Cultists rape woman, kill husband, three others during clash

BY EVELYN USMAN & LINDA AMALU

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AGOS — RIVAL cultists, Tuesday night, clashed in Somolu and Ketu areas of Lagos, leaving four persons dead and several others injured.

In Ajelogo area of Ketu, it was gathered that suspected members of Eiye confraternity stormed a suspected rival’s home identified simply as Seyi in the wee hours of Monday.

He was dragged outside and clubbed to death, after the cultists had raped his wife in front of him and flung his nine-month old baby out of the bed.

Vanguard gathered that three persons were arrested by policemen from Alapere division. The suspects said to have been transferred to the state Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba, were reportedly leaving the scene when they were accosted.

Seyi’s widow, who is yet to come to terms with her husband’s demise, told policemen at the station that there had been threats on her husband’s life by the cultists, who accused him of being an informant to another cult group, Black Axe confraternity.

to have accused him of raping one of their member’s pregnant wife during an earlier attack in Ponrele area of Abule Ijesha.

The attack said to have started at 10.30 pm was launched at Fadipe, Popoola and Oreofe areas.

Vanguard gathered that while the cultists were approaching a street in Bariga, their rival group laid ambush for them. Danger-

ous weapons such as cutlasses, axes and gun were said to have been freely used in the ensuing fight.

Contacted, spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Ngozi Braide, confirmed the clash in Epe She said though there was claim that only one person died during the clash but no official report had been made to that effect. She noted that the police had not seen any corpse either.

Houses, property destroyed after 14-hour rain in Kaduna

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ADUNA — RESIDENTS of Abubakar Kigo Road New Extension, Kaduna State, yesterday, said about 100 houses were submerged in the area following about 14 hours of rain.

News Agency of Nigeria reports that the rain started at 10p.m on Tuesday and ended at noon, yesterday.

It disrupted movement and flooded some areas of the city including Tudun Wada, Expressway and Rigasa.

The Somolu clash

Meanwhile, in Somolu area of Lagos, Tuesday night, what was described as a reprisal attack on the group that killed Seyi left three persons dead.

The cultists were said to have stormed Ajose area, where they first shot one Tunde dead. The late Tunde’s assailants were said

Truck crushes 54-yr-old widow in Bayelsa

Submerged houses in Kaduna

Mrs Esther Okpala, a resident of Kigo Road, told NAN that she evacuated her family but her property were submerged, adding that she did not go to work to safeguard her property.

Okpala said she had been in the house for more than eight years but that the problem of flooding started in the area four years ago.

Another resident, Alhaji Umar Musa said people had been moving out of the area for fear of the flood.

ENAGOA — A 54-yearold widow has been reportedly crushed to death by a truck in Opolo suburb of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

The tragic incident, it was learnt, occurred on the road leading to the new Commissioners Quarters in the state capital, Tuesday.

It was gathered that the deceased widow popularly called ‘Madam Blacky’ hailed from the Toru-Orua community in Sagbama Local Government Area of the state.

She was reportedly crushed in her restaurant by the truck, when the driver lost control of the vehicle due to alleged break failure.

The deceased, according to report, recently lost one of her daughters to stray bullet from an unidentified policeman in Bomadi area of Delta State.

Attempts by her customers and passers bye, who rescued her from under the truck and rushed her to a hospital with a view to saving her failed as she was confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital.

Dep Comptroller of Prisons kidnapped, released in Edo

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

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ENIN — ACTIVITIES at the Zone G office of the Nigerian Prisons Service, NPS, Benin City, Edo State, were brought to a standstill, yesterday, following the news of the abduction of a Deputy Comptroller of Prisons from the formation.

The Deputy Comptroller, Mr. Thomas Ashibuogwu, was said to have been abducted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers, Monday night. It was gathered that he was recently posted to the zone from Abuja.

He was said to have been seized on Sapale Road, Benin City, close to his residence while returning from work.

He was, however, reportedly released by his abductors, Tuesday night.

“It is true he was kidnapped.

Eventually, he was released,” a top official at the zonal office of the Prisons Service, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Vanguard, yesterday, in Benin.

8—Vanguard , THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

FEC METING: Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: Abayomi Adeshida.

Jonathan sacks 9 ministers

BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North; BEN AGANDE, DAPO AKINREFON & LAIDE AKINBOADE

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BUJA— PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, shocked members of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, as he sacked nine members of the council.

The sacked ministers did not have any inkling of their impending sack as some of them attended the weekly FEC meeting, yesterday.

President Jonathan reportedly thanked the sacked ministers for their services to the nation and wished them well in their future endeavours.

Topping the list of Ministers sacked yesterday were the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olugbenga Ashiru; Minister of National Planning, Dr. Shamshudeen Usman, and Professor Ruqayyatu Rufa’i, Minister of Education.

Others are Hajia Hadiza Mailafia, Environment; Ms. Ama Peppel, Housing; Minister of State for Power, Zainab Kuchi; Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusula Obada; Minister of State for Agriculture, Buka Tijani; and Science and Technology, Professor Ita Ewa. Minister of information, Mr. Labaran Maku, said the changes in the cabinet were due to the President’s commitment to deliver dividends of democracy to Nigerians by bringing in new hands and ideas into the system.

The minister said the changes had nothing to do with the current crisis in Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, adding that “cabinet changes over all the world was a normal thing in government.”

Before new appointments...

He said that pending the appointment of new ministers by the President, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be overseen by the Minister of State Foreign Affairs (1), Professor Viola Onwuleri.

Minister of State for Education, Mr. Wike, will take charge of the ministry until the appointment of a substantive minister.

The Ministry of Environment will be supervised by the Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Gayius Dahiru, while the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development will be overseen by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Musa Sada.

The Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, is to supervise the ministry of Science and Technology, while the Ministry of National Planning will be overseen by the Minister of State for Works, Ambassador Basir Yuguda.

Maku is to supervise the Ministry of Defence, while the Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, is to take full responsibilities of the Power Ministry pending when a Minister of State will be appointed.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development has also been directed to take full charge of the Agriculture Ministry until a new Minister of State is appointed.

Sacked ministers’ reactions

In an interview with reporters after the meeting, one of the affected ministers, Hajia Hadiza Mailafia (Environment) thanked President

Jonathan for the opportunity provided for her and other sacked colleagues to serve the country.

She said for everything in life, there is a beginning and an end.

“Right when I was appointed, I knew for sure that I will leave one day. We are still in government and will continue to provide every necessary assistance when the need arises,” she said.

Former Minister of Education, Professor Ruqayyatu Rufa’i, was emotional while handing over to the Minister of State, Mr. Nyesom Wike.

She commended President Goodluck Jonathan for giving her the opportunity to serve the nation for the past three years and said she would return to Bayero University Kano, where she was a lecturer before her appointment.

She tasked the Minister of

State to ensure that Nigerians have access to quality education.

She said: “I hope in the next few years all the challenges, which the education sector is facing would have been over. I am going back to the classroom, where I was before my appointment.”

Sagay reacts

Meanwhile, reacting to the cabinet reshuffle, constitutional lawyer, Professor Itse Sagay, said: “For me, it is a shocking development because nine is a very large number. I requested to know why and those who happen to know said the nine ministers were those nominated by the governors who have dispute with the president in PDP. “My question is can you now transfer the bitterness and boil on innocent people?

When did we start this my enemy’s friend is my enemy?

“The scale is too large for nine people to leave government for the wrong reason.”

Lagos PDP reacts

Lagos State chapter of Peo-

ples Democratic Party, PDP, welcomed the cabinet reshuffle, arguing that the radical decision is to further inject fresh hands into the nation’s governance for improved development and increased transformation results.

The party, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Taofik Gani, said the President’s decision at this period must have been well thought out and progressive.

On PDP crisis, 2015 polls

The list of sacked ministers showed that apart from the former Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Ewa, who was personally nominated by Jonathan in 2011, the rest were seen as lackeys of Obasanjo and PDP rebel governors currently fighting to stop Jonathan from seeking re-election in 2015.

Ewa, a nuclear physicist, who had known Jonathan for several years, was brought directly into the cabinet without the input of political stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State and is said to be almost apolitical.

Pan-Atlantic begins undergraduate programmes

BY DAYO ADESULU & JONAH NWOKPOKU

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AN-Atlantic University, yesterday, announced the commencement of undergraduate programme for Mass Communication and Business Administration.

The school’s Registrar, Rosemary Okolo, made the announcement at a briefing on the Victoria Island campus of the university.

The undergraduate programme will kick off by September 2014.

She said: “For 11 years, PanAtlantic University had been a graduate university that of-

fered exclusively post graduate programmes and executive education courses.

“In that time, it had created a reputation for high standards of ethics and professional competence both inside and outside Nigeria.

“The university will now extend its activities to become a full service university that will also offer first degree programmes.

“Initially, the programmes will be in professional fields such as Business and Mass Communication and they will begin at the Ibeju Lekki campus of the university.”

Dean, School of Media and

Communication, Professor Emevwo Biakolo said: “The undergraduate programmes will prepare young people for entry into the exciting world of media and communication, to serve an industry in desperate need of excellence and to provide firms with the first rate human resources to meet their communication needs.”

Deputy Dean, School of Business Administration, Professor Chantal Epie, noted that “Business Administration and Accountancy, which were the first programmes to be offered by the school, were not new fields of activity for PanAtlantic University.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013—9

Why I sacked Farida Waziri— Jonathan zSome people tried to kill me, says Ribadu zAs Atiku debunks Obasanjo's comments

BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North, & HENRY UMORU

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BUJA—ALMOST two years after firing the Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Farida Waziri, from her post, President Goodluck Jonathan has given reason for wielding the big stick against the former police commissioner.

Jonathan explained that he had to sack Waziri from the headship of the anti-graft agency because she no longer enjoyed the confidence of Nigerians as chairman of EFCC. The President’s comments are contained in a publication by EFCC entitled Zero Tolerance, to mark its first decade of existence.

Jonathan said in the publication, which was made available to Vanguard, yesterday, that contrary to claims that he was interfering with the work of the commission, he had no interest in doing so and would not stop any agency from exercis-

ing their duties.

The President said: “When I give you a job, I will give you time to do it. Assuming somebody, who is heading an agency that is supposed to handle corruption, is not doing that and says it is because of the President’s body language, that person is not competent.

“I am one Nigerian that has the privilege of holding this office that gives these people the latitude to do their work.

Confidence in Lamorde

“I am happy that Nigerians have confidence in EFCC and in its chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde and I also have confidence in him.

“I have no personal relationship with Lamorde. He even investigated me while I was the governor of Bayelsa State. But I have confidence in him, given his track record.

“Of course, there was a lady who was there. There were lots of complaints. Some may be

right, some may be wrong, but perception matters so much when handling matters like corruption.

“The confidence of the people must be there. I had to remove her and that does not mean that she is guilty of the allegations, but because I saw that Nigerians no longer had confidence in her.”

were brought to justice by EFCC were the same people that EFCC was handed over to, and they did what they liked with it.

“It was the group that was worst in our country that was given back EFCC. A lot of them are in prison in Nigeria and outside the country.

“Those that even attempted to kill me are still there.

Maybe if I meet one former governor today, I will hug him and shake his hands like so many others that I am doing daily now. It was never personal.

Ribadu

Conspiracy theory

Meanwhile, the former chairman of EFCC, Nuhu Ribadu, has said that there are many other criminals in Nigeria still walking the streets free because of their smartness or connection to certain influential persons.

According to him, EFCC, which had worked assiduously to stamp out corruption within the first five years, was deliberately weakened by corrupt persons in high places, who handed over the agency to those who were brought to justice by it.

Ribadu said: “Those that

“The attempt to destroy and mess up EFCC was a conspiracy of so many people, including those that pretend to be honest or good people now; including those that made money from EFCC, and they are so many.

“They turned EFCC into a money-making outfit, while destroying the work itself, because they are so afraid of what EFCC could do.

“They would rather have a weak or a completely compromised organisation. So if we narrow it down to that former governor alone, then we are

actually underestimating the way corruption fought back.”

Obasanjo lied, says Atiku

Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, yesterday, took a swipe at former President Olusegun Obasanjo, noting that his former boss lied in an interview he granted a magazine published by EFCC. Obasanjo reportedly claimed that Atiku risked jail if he travels to the United States of America, USA. A statement issued, yesterday, by Atiku’s Media Adviser, Garba Shehu, said: “The former President is wrong. It is widely known that Atiku didn’t enter government broke.

“He declared his assets at the commencement of his tenure as Vice President and did so at the end of his term as required by the constitution, which is a sacred document to Atiku.”

He noted that when the former Vice President left office shortly before late Musa Yar’Adua was inaugurated as President, Atiku spent three months in the US, adding that if they (US authorities) wanted him for anything, they would have met him.

HONOUR: From left— Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, Minister of Sports; Vice-President Namadi Sambo; Blessing Okagbare, Moscow 2013 IAAF Championships' medalist; President Goodluck Jonathan; Mr. Daniel Esemunor, Okagbare's coach, and Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, at a reception in honour of Okagbare in Abuja, yesterday. STATE HOUSE PHOTO.

STRIKE: Go back to negotiation, NANS urges ASUU

BY DAYO ADESULU & IKENNA ASOMBA

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ATIONAL Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has disapproved of the protracted industrial action embarked on by Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, calling on the lecturers to resume negotiations

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with the Federal Government.

Addressing newsmen in Lagos, yesterday, the apex students’ body in Nigeria averred that rather than continuing the strike, ASUU should seek an option ‘B’, which is “to file a legal suit against government, return to classrooms and resume negotiations with government.”

Mr. Yinka Gbadebo, President of NANS said: “We wish to categorically state here that it has become imperative for the government and ASUU to understand the position of Nigerian students in the tripod that constitutes the university community, which is management, teachers and students.

“Having taken a holistic review of the details inherent in the agreement as signed

by FG and ASUU, it has become germane for us to call on ASUU to reconsider its present adamant stand on the continued closure of our universities.

“We must, as Nigerians, accept that the problem with

our universities have developed over decades and would, therefore, be unimaginable that ASUU with its present stance want it totally resolved within the spate of four years that this agreement was signed.”

Contacted on phone, ASUU President, Dr. Nasir Faggae, did not respond. When con-

10—Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Fashola promises better life through quality education

NIMET warns pilots over hazardous weather

BY DANIEL ETEGHE

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AGOS — Nigerian Meteorological Agency NIMET, yesterday warned pilots flying the nation’s airspace to take precautionary measures to avert flying in hazardous weather condition.

Director General of NIMET, Dr. Anthony Anuforom, who spoke at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos, noted that pilots would normally experience thunderstorms at this time of the year and that adequate measures should be

taken to enhance safety.

According to him: “There is need for pilots to exercise restraint in adverse weather and always respect weather forecast.

“Pilots should visit the agency’s briefing rooms and forecast centres in the coun-

BY MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO & BY IKENNA ASOMBA

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AGOS — GOVER NOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday, reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the lives of residents through quality education.

He said education remained the best investment a society could bequeath to its citizens as an enduring legacy.

Represented by his deputy, Princess Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire, the governor spoke while commissioning a 24-classroom block at Gbagada Comprehensive Junior High School, Gbagada.

This came as residents of Mofoloku, a suburb community in Gbagada, appealed to the governor to construct a concrete bridge on the canal linking the community to the school.

The governor said his administration would continue to be pro-active on education by investing heavily in the sector to give the citizens the best opportunities to compete globally.

According to him: “Today, we are gathered to celebrate the fruit of a beautiful synergy and partnership between the agencies of our government.

“I am happy to note that the vision and passion to provide good governance to our people, which gave birth to the Lagos Metropolitan and Governance Project, LMDG, among other initiatives of our government, has continued to produce desired results.

Meanwhile, residents of Mofowoku, a suburb community in Gbagada, appealed to the governor to construct a concrete bridge on the canal linking the community to the school.

They displayed placards bearing inscriptions such as” “Governor Fashola, we need a pedestrian bridge,” “We will appreciate your effort regarding the construction of this canal.”

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COMMISSIONING: From left, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, representing Governor Babatunde Fashola; Mr. Hakeem Bello, Special Adviser to Governor Fashola on Media; Mrs. Omolara Erogbogbo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, and Mrs. Olayinka Oladujoye, Commissioner of Education, during the Commissioning of Ultra Modern 24 Classrooms, at Gbagada Comprehensive Junior High School, in Gbagada, Lagos State. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

try to obtain weather reports in order to enhance safety.

“We are in the mid-stream of rainy season which is usually characterised by severe thunderstorm and line squall and their attendant turbulence, microburst, lightening and low-level wind shear.

“Suffice it to say that such weather conditions can be deadly to aircraft on approach or departure from an airport and have been responsible for a number of fatal accidents in the world and in our country, Nigeria, “The challenges pilots often contend with are thunderstorms that accompany the rainfall, but this time, you can see that the thunderstorms are not intense.”

Anuforom, however, assured that with improved facilities at NIMET offices across the country, the agency was equal to the task of providing accurate weather report in the country.

He said: “For us in NIMET, we are equal to the task because our weather forecasts are getting more accurate.

“All we asked for is for pilots to visit our briefing rooms and forecast offices for information.”

NANS flays continued ASUU strike

BY DAYO ADESULU & IKENNA ASOMBA

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AGOS — IRKED by the protracted industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, umbrella body for students in the country, the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, yesterday, condemned the continued strike by university lecturers, calling on them to resume negotiations with the Federal Government to ensure that public universities were reopened without further delay.

At briefing in Lagos, the group averred that rather than continu-

ing the strike, ASUU should seek an “Option B” which is “to file a legal suit against government, return to classrooms and resume negotiations with government.”

Yinka Gbadebo, President of NANS on behalf of the students, said: “For over two months now, Nigerian public universities have remained closed due to an indefinite strike by ASUU on the basis of the disagreement over the implementation of a previous agreement entered into between the union and the Federal government in 2009.

“We wish to categorically state here that it has become imperative for the government and ASUU to understand the signifi-

cant position of Nigerian students in the tripod that constitutes the university community, which is made up of management, teachers and students...

“Having taken a holistic review of the details inherent in the

Lawmakers caution doctors against derogatory words on patients

BY EBUN SESSOU

LAGOS — LAGOS State House of Assembly, LSHA, has called on doctors and other health workers in the

Nigerian Muslims reject Boko Haram, suicide bombing — Study

BY UDUMA KALU with agency report

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AGOS — WITH the deathtoll from Boko Haram’s campaigns numbering in the thousands, majority of Nigerian Muslims are reported to have rejected the Islamic sect.

According to a study by a Global Attitudes Project from Pew Research, support for Boko Haram in Nigeria has declined to 26 points since 2010.

The report also stated that 69 per cent of Nigerian Muslims concerned by the violence associated with extremism rejected the Islamic sect.

The Pew Research produced its report after conducting

face-to-face interviews with 8,989 Muslims in 11 Muslim countries: Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Palestinian territories, Senegal, Tunisia and Turkey.

The survey also finds that Nigerian Muslims overwhelmingly oppose Boko Haram, the extremist movement at the centre of a violent uprising in northern Nigeria.

One of Boko Haram’s stated aims is to establish sharia, or Islamic law, as the official law of the land.

When asked about the Islamist group Boko Haram, roughly eight-in-ten Nigerian Muslims (83 per cent ) say they have an unfavorable opinion of the extremist

agreement as signed by FG and ASUU, it has become germane for us to call on ASUU to reconsider its present adamant stand on the continued closure of our universities.

movement. Even more Nigerian Christians (92 per cent ) say the same.

Fewer say their worries focus on the possibility that extremism will lead to reduced personal freedoms (19 per cent), hurt the country’s economy (15 per cent), or divide the nation (10 per cent) Christian Nigerians worried about Islamic extremism are also most concerned about the violent nature of extremist groups (64 per cent) Amid the plethora of terrorist attacks in Nigeria’s north, support among Nigerian Muslims for suicide bombing has plummeted since 2010 – from 34 per cent three years ago to just eight per cent today, the report continued.

state to desist from using derogatory and improper languages on patients as it negates the service charter of the state Ministry of Health.

LSHA implored the health workers to pay proper attention to patients seeking medical attentions because without them, there will not be hospitals.

Speaking through the Chairman, House committee on health, Suru Avoseh, during the committee’s oversight function to Orile-Agege General Hospital, the lawmakers lamented that some doctors in state hospitals were in the habit of using derogatory languages on patients seeking treatment.

This according to him, negated the “Service Charter of the state government which is geared towards efficient service delivery to the people.”

He said the purpose of the visit was to “know how medical personnel discharge their civic responsibilities particularly to the patients.”

Vanguard THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013—11

PDP crisis a blessing to APC — Amosun

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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BEOKUTA — GOVERNOR Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, has described the internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as a blessing to the All Progressives Congress, APC. The governor spoke when he received scores of PDP chieftains across the 20 local government areas of the state that defected to APC. Amosun, who spoke with newsmen after he welcome the new defectors in Abeokuta, said APC was poised to take over power at the federal level 2015.

He noted that the current crisis bedeviling the ruling PDP would boost the chances of the APC.

According to him: “The crisis rocking the PDP is a blessing to us in APC; we prayed for that, we all prayed that the PDP should have crisis, because we are in soup if they are united.

“I pray that the centre should not hold for PDP,” he remarked, noting that the momentum already gathered by the opposition APC would be sustained to oust the ruling party from government.

Speaking about his policies, Amosun said, “this is not about myself, it is about Ogun State and its development and progress.

“Governance cannot be solely done by the governor, it requires the collective input and support of the people.”

Amosun, however, decried the lopsided revenue allocation in the country, saying it was an albatross to develop-

ment and noted that but for lack of fund his administration would have created Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs, to enhance access to governance at the grassroots.

The defectors were received at the Gateway Hall, Ibara GRA, Abeokuta by Governor Ibikunle Amosun, the state House of Assembly Speaker, Suraj Adekunbi, and the state APC Interim Chairman, Alhaji Ola Bello.

Those who defected included a former House of Representatives member, Kazeem Salako; former state House of Assembly members, Tokunbo Oshin and Adekunle Adegboyega; former PDP governorship aspirant, Chief Kola Lawal; former Chairman of Yewa North local government, Prince Bolaji Aretola, and Otunba Fatai Sowemimo.

Others are former Special Adviser to ex-House of Representatives Speaker, Chief Kayode Odunaro; former Special Assistant to ex-Governor Gbenga Daniel on Local Government Matters, Elder Tokunbo Fakeye; former Chairman, Abeokuta South local government, Chief Dare Gbolahan; former PDP State Auditor, Adisa Ajayi, Chief Dele Oderinde, and Afolabi Afuape.

Most of them said they were motivated by the exemplary leadership and commendable performance of the governor in the last two years.

Amosun expressed satisfaction with the decision of the defectors, urging them to mobilise their supporters for success of the programmes and policies of the state government.

FRSC makes speed limiting device compulsory for vehicles

BY DAPO AKINREFON

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S PART of its sensitisation drive, the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has asked motorists across the country to instal speed limiting device to reduce road crashes.

Corps Marshal and Chief Executive Officer of the FRSC, Mr. Osita Chidoka said this, yesterday, at the sensitisation programme on speed limiting device organised by the FRSC in Lagos.

Chidoka attributed speed violation to road crashes in the country, arguing that the installation of the device would reduce road accidents minimally in the country.

Suspended 12 Osun PDP members say suspension ‘huge joke’

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

VISIT: Babatunde Soyemi, Senior Manager, Legal & Regulatory Affairs, Lagos Region; Emeka Oparah, Director, Corporate Communications & CSR, both of Airtel Nigeria; Barrister Wahid Enitan-Oshodi, Lagos State Commissioner of Sports, and Obinna Aniche, General Manager, Brand Assets, Airtel Nigeria, during a courtesy visit, yesterday, by Airtel Nigeria to brief the commissioner on the up-coming Airtel Rising Stars Africa Championship scheduled from September 16 - 22, 2013, in Lagos

Release of N130bn by FG to varsities not true — ASUU

BY OLA AJAYI

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BADAN — ACADEMIC Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, yesterday, described claim by the Federal Government that N130billion had been released to universities as untrue.

The union said the Federal Government was yet to re-

lease any kobo of the said amount but only sent a letter to the governing councils of universities through the National Universities Commission, NUC. This was contained in a communiqué read by ASUU Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Ademola Nasir, at the end of the zone meeting at the Uni-

versity of Ibadan.

The zone comprises University of Ibadan, Lagos State University, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, University of Lagos, Olabisi Onabanjo University and Tai Solarin University of Education.

According to the union, government was only interested

Ondo PDP members divided over nPDP

BY DAYO JOHNSON

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KURE — LEADERS of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ondo State are divided over the formation of the new PDP, nPDP, in the state.

While a faceless group, in an unsigned statement, said a meeting of the nPDP from South West met in Akure the state capital, the party execuC M Y K

tive in the state pledged its alliance to the Bamanga Tukur’s group.

The faceless group claimed some leaders of the party hosted some South West delegates in Akure, weekend.

The group alleged that movers of Ondo nPDP included serving and former members of the state and national assemblies, local government executives and ward

chairmen, councillors, amongst others, from the three senatorial districts.

They listed President Goodluck Jonathan and Tukur ’s sins to include the anti-party posture of the President and the National Working Committee, NWC, during the last election and court cases and lethargy of the NWC to the plight of the party during its travails.

in awarding contracts of a four-bedroom for N8.5million instead of the original cost of N800,000 and N1.2million, saying, “rather than for government to source for the intervention funds from other agencies outside TETFUND, it has decided to hijack the resources of TETFUND, which already belong to the universities and use it as intervention funds for this purpose.

“In doing this, the regular intervention of TETFUND is blocked. This attitude of government is fraudulent to say the least.”

The union, after passing a vote of confidence on its national leadership over the current strike, regretted that “a government that always says our graduates are not employable finds it difficult to put the best of its resources into the system to make it work.”

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SOGBO — THE 12 members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Osun State including the immediate past chairman of the party, Alhaji Ademola Razaq who were Monday suspended by the State Executive Council, SEC, of the party, have described their suspension as a huge joke.

The affected members in a statement in Osogbo, yesterday, insisted the action of the state chairman of the party, Alhaji Ganiyu Olaoluwa was unconstitutional and an arbitrary use of power.

ADDITION OF NAME EZEUKA—I, formerly known and addressed as Ezeuka Valentine Kelechi, now wish to be known and addressed as Ezeuka Valentine Nnamdi Kelechi.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

12— Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013 — 13

Marine erosion threatens Bayelsa community

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA—MANY years after indigenes of Anibeze, a predominantly fishing and farming settlement on the bank of the Forcados River in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, raised alarm over the devastating erosion ravaging their community, nothing tangible has been done to tackle the menace.

Unless urgent remedial steps are taken by the relevant authorities, this Isoko speaking community and one of the oldest in Isoko nation may be lost to the rampaging river- induced erosion.

Scores of buildings and farmlands have been washed away with several families displaced over the years.

Investigation by Vanguard revealed that this settlement, which is less than four kilometres from the East-West Road, cannot be accessed by land as the community self-help road project, the first of its kind in the then Sagbama council of the old Rivers State, is today abandoned and in deplorable state.

No government, be it in the old Rivers State or present day Bayelsa State, has deemed it necessary to rehabilitate the road.

Troubled by the yearly river

induced erosion, indigenes of the community have repeatedly appealed to the Federal Government to save their community from extinction.

This reporter, who has been monitoring the erosion menace in Anibeze, learnt from the concerned natives that over a third of the community located in what could be described as the

‘food basket of Bayelsa State’ has been lost to the erosion.

“It is always a pathetic scenario seeing families battling against this awesome force of nature during the peak of the flood season,” a native, who simply gave his name as Samuel, lamented, adding that over 100 buildings had been lost to the erosion menace.

This, it was learnt, include the old primary school building that was built in 1922, the Kingdom Hall of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Christ Apostolic Church, CAC, building, Anglican Church building and the generator house built by the Melford Okilo administration when Bayelsa was part of old Rivers State.

PRESENTATION: British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Pocock, (right), presents African September 11 Memorial Peace Tree Planting Gold Award to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, on behalf of Africa Initiative for World Peace, during a visit to Government House in Benin, yesterday.

Deltans short-changed in Federal Civil Service Commission’s recruitment —DTHA ...says only 3 out of 949 Deltans were employed in 2012 exercise

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

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SABA—MEMBERS of Delta State House of Assembly resumed from a long vacation, yesterday, protesting alleged gross imbalance in the 2012 recruitment exercise carried out by the Federal Civil Service Commission, saying it was disheartening that out of 949 Deltans that took part, only three of them were employed.

The House has, therefore, unanimously resolved, following a motion under matters of urgent public importance, to demand that “the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Deaconess Joan Ojo, should make public, the employment slots allocated to Delta State in the 2012 recruitment exercise as well as the ongoing 2013 exercise.”

The motion also called on the Chairman of Federal Character Commission, Shuaib Abdulraham, to ensure strict compliance with the federal character principle in the placement of Deltans in fed-

eral ministries, and agencies.

Mover of the motion, Mr. Basil Ganagana, who is the Deputy Speaker of the House,

while opening debate on the issue, noted that such imbalance was unfair to the people of the state that contrib-

utes about 40 percent of the country’s resources, adding that it was proper that same was corrected.

Probe waterways security funds, Edo lawmaker urges N’Assembly

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN—MAJORITY Leader of Edo State House of Assembly, Mr. Philip Shaibu, has called on the National Assembly to probe the funds allocated for the security of the country’s waterways, saying that the complaints by the Minister of Finance, Dr, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, over crude oil theft on the waterways was an embarrassment to the country.

Shaibu, who also faulted the statement credited to the Minister that the ratio of unemployed youths in the country stood at 37 per cent, accused her of misleading President Goodluck Jonathan on the true situation of the crisis in the country’s economy, noting that unless the President realises

the problems facing the nation, “we will all be in trouble soon.”

The All Progressives Congress, APC, lawmaker, who spoke to newsmen in Benin City, yesterday, described Okonjo Iweala’s economic policies as “imperialist and misleading,” adding that “Okonjo-Iweala owes the youths an apology.”

On the issue of crude oil theft, Shaibu said: “It is unacceptable for the Federal Government to claim that it is losing revenue to oil thieves.

What that means is that government has failed in

its responsibility by attributing drop in oil revenue to theft. The government should tell us the truth. I think they should look at their books because the National Assembly approves money for security and I will advise the National Assembly to probe the funds being allocated to safeguard the waterways, so that we can know the truth.”

Let me go home, stowaway kid begs

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

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ENIN—MASTER Ricky Daniel Ohikhena, who last month stowed away to Lagos in an Arik Air flight, yesterday, requested that he be allowed to go home with his mother to resume school.

It will be recalled that the teenager, who was brought back from Lagos two weeks ago, has been housed at Government House, Benin City.

The boy who answered questions in mono-syllables in the lonely facility, told newsmen in Benin City that he was happy with the award of scholarship to him.

He also said that he did not know that he took a risk when he hid in an airplane wheel saying, “I will not do it again. I regret the action. I want to go home. I am tired (of staying here). I will be happy to be trained as an engineer.”

Emerhor bags UN Peace Ambassador award

BY GODWIN OGHRE

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APELE—INSURANCE practitioner and frontline politician in Delta State, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, will on October 26, bag the prestigious United Nations World Peace Ambassador Award at the Nigerian National Merit Award House, NNMAH, in Abuja.

A statement by the Director, UN-POLAC Peace Award Centre, Dr Ramas Asuzu, and the Secretary, Award Organising Committee, UN-POLAC Peace, Nigeria, Mr Samuel Edoghotu, said Emerhor was tipped for the award, following what they described as “his selfless service to humanity.”

14 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Imo PDP okays Jonathan for 2015, backs Tukur

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN

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HE Imo State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan for a second term in office.

It also threw its weight behind the Bamanga Tukur -led mainstream of the party.

The endorsement followed concerns on the absence of the state chairman, Chief Eze Duruiheoma, SAN, among the PDP state chairmen that endorsed the assumed aspiration of the President last Monday.

The publicity secretary of the state chapter, Chief Blyden Amajirionwu who spoke on behalf of the chapter, said the endorsement was to enable the President complete major projects under the administration’s Transformation Agenda.

Anambra, Neimeth to build N1bn pharmaceutical plant

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BY VINCENT UJUMADU

WKA—ANAMBRA State government is to build a pharmaceutical plant in the state, in collaboration with Neimeth Pharmaceutical Company.

The project, which is expected to cost N1 billion, is to be completed in 24 months.

Governor Peter Obi said during a meeting with officials of the company in Awka, that the state government would provide the required land for the project before the end of this month.

He also said the state would assist the company to secure the licence and other documents needed from the Federal Government to facilitate the project.

Obi pointed out that when the company became operational, the state government would promote patronage of its products, in line with the policy of encouraging investors to expand and create more employment opportunities in the state.

Strike: Suswam's committee didn't advise FG properly, says ASUU

BY ANAYO OKOLI

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MUAHIA——THE Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has blamed chairman of universities’ NEEDS Assessment Committee and governor of Benue State, Mr. Gabriel Suswam, for the lingering strike by the union.

According to the union, the governor and his committee did not advise the Federal Government properly.

ASUU also accused Suswam of trying to blackmail the union but warned that no amount of blackmail or intimidation would stop it from pursuing the implementation of the 2009 FG/ASUU agreement, which was the only way to move the nation’s education forward.

Briefing newsmen at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, the Calabar Zone of the union, led by Dr. Charles Ononuju, accused the NEEDS Committee of rushing to release money to pro-chancellors and vice chancellors, instead of addressing abnormalities in the NEEDS Report Implementation Committee.

Flanked by ASUU chairmen at the university of Calabar, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, University of Uyo and Cross River State University of Technology, Calabar, Ononuju said by throwing arbitrary awards at the universities, the government had repudiated the 2009 agreement and 2012 MoU. He said: “Since the commencement of the strike, our union has met with government team for more than 11 times. After the last meeting, the union raised some observations/abnormalities on the Governor Gabriel Suswan-led

NEEDS Report Implementation Committee and communicated same to the chairman of the committee, Governor Suswan, expecting a response.

“Rather than responding to the observations raised by the union that would usher in quick and peaceful resolution of the impasse, the government summoned a meeting with prochancellors and vice chancellors and offered to them N130 billion with a matching order for the lecturers to return to work, thereby pulling out of the dialogue.

“Government, by throwing arbitrary awards at the universities, has in effect repudiated the 2009 Agreement and the MoU of 2012 based on that agreement. We reject the arbitrary imposition of money from the government. What makes a person, an organisation, including government honourable is honouring an agreement freely made.

“The government should honour the agreement it freely entered into with the union since 2009. ASUU is not making any fresh demands. This is our

position and where we stand and shall continue to stand.”

Ononuju also attacked Governor Suswam for accusing the union of playing politics with its demands, describing the governor’s position as “false, dishonest, calculated to misinform the public and cause disaffection towards the union."

“Rather than seek cheap popularity, he should tow the part of honour by asking his principal to honour the agreement.

“We hereby call on our members and the Nigerian people to reject this cheap blackmail and continue to stand on the path of truth and social justice."

REPORT—From left: Mrs Orezi Esievo, Commissioner of Infrastructure; Mr. Chike Ogeah, Commissioner of Information and Mr. Norbert Chaizor, Delta State NUJ Chairman, during presentation of a mid term report by Delta Statet Government in Asaba, Delta State, yesterday. Photo: Nath Onojake.

....As SSANU, NASU, others give FG ultimatum over August salary

BY KELECHI AZUBUIKE

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BUJA—THREE other unions in the nation’s university system, besides the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, yesterday, gave the Federal Government till tomorrow to pay the August salary of members or they

will begin an indefinite strike.

The unions are Senior Staff Association of Nigeria University, SSANU, National Association of Technologists, NAAT, and Non Academic Staff Union, NASU. President of SSANU, Samson Chijioke Ugwoke, in a statement said: “I, Samson

Chijioke Ugwoke call on Federal Government of Nigeria to release the August 2013 salaries of federal university workers without further delay.

Today is September 11, 2013, and August 2013, allocations to Federal universities are yet to be released and no one has given reasons for the delay.

“This situation is unhealthy and it is bringing untold hardship to the workers, their families and dependents. SSANU and other sister unions in Joint Action Committee, JAC, will be forced to review her stand with the Federal Government if by Friday, August 13, 2013, the salaries of our members are not paid”.

Anambra poll: Court decides Andy Uba's fate today

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI ORT HARCOURT – A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt is expected to rule today on notice for interlocutory injunction seeking to uphold the candidacy of Andy Uba in place of Tony Nwoye in the tussle over who represents Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election.

Before the substantive suit is determined, the plaintiffs in the

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case, including factional Chairman of Anambra PDP, Ejike Oguebego, are asking the court to order the PDP National Working Committee, NWC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to accept the August 24, 2013, party primary which produced Andy Uba as flag-bearer under Oguebego’s faction of the party in the state.

Arguing the motion at yesterday ’s hearing, the plaintiffs, through their counsel, Jude Nnodum, SAN, are also asking that INEC and the PDPNWC be ordered to accept Andy Uba as the candidate of the party for the November 16 Anambra governorship poll.

Nnodum submitted that the Ken Emeakaye-led executive of the Anambra PDP faction that produced Tony Nwoye’s

candidacy did not have the authority to conduct the primaries and produce any flag-bearer as expelled members.

“This has not been denied by the defendants and that tilts the balance in favour of the applicants.

So this court, in consonance with the Federal High Court Laws of the Federation 2004 has the power to issue the interlocutory injunction,” Nnodum pleaded with the presiding judge, Justice Nganjima.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013—15

6 killed, 2 injured in terror attack on Bauchi village B

AUCHI—SIX persons were killed and two others injured when gunmen attacked Gambiri village in Ganjuwa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, ASP. Hassan Auyo, who confirmed this yesterday in Bauchi, said preliminary investigations showed that the attackers were cattle rustlers.

“Our preliminary investigations show that the attackers were cattle rustlers,” he said.

The Director of Danga Vigilante outfit in Bauchi, Alhaji Yusuf Hassan, whose member was killed in the attack, said they were alerted by some villagers that Gambiri village was being attacked.

He said that by the time his men got to the village the attackers had fled.

“We received information that some gunmen attacked Gambiri village in Ganjuwa Local Government Area.

“Our men were dispatched to the area, but on reaching the place, they found out that the assailants had left.

“While conveying the dead and injured to the hospital, my men

were ambushed and one of them was shot dead,” he said.

Hassan pledged that the incident would not deter the commitment of the outfit in its fight against crime

and criminality in the state, and assured that the attackers would be brought to book.

He said those who lost their lives in the attack had been

buried according to Islamic rites, while the injured were admitted at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, ATBTH, Bauchi.

COLLABORATION—Professor Adedayo Fasakin, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, FUTA, (middle); Professor Ben Adewuyi of the Department of Metallurgical and Materials (right); Oluwalowo Abiodun (Metallurgical and Materials Engineering) (2nd right), Ogundana Ifedayo Joseph (Electrical/Electronic Engineering) (2nd left) and Ebere Onyewuchi Emmanuel (Mechanical Engineering) (left), when the four students departed for America to complete their studies under the FUTA/Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University collaboration.

....As IG laments attack, urges officers to double efforts

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI & GABRIEL EWEPU

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BUJA—THE Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, yesterday, expressed sadness over recent attacks by terrorists and kidnappers, and tasked officers and men of the Force to adopt new strategies to tackle the menace.

Abubakar said this in his address at the senior officers’ conference at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

He urged senior officers to redouble their efforts to further reduce activities of criminals.

He also stressed the importance of visibility policing in curbing criminal activities across the country.

He said: “There are still flashes of attacks that the imprints of extremism and terrorism. While efforts toward the success of the emergency rule are being intensified, proactive approaches must be adopted to tackle the menace.

“The isolated attacks were sad reminders that the battle for safety for the vast majority of our people

is still a task that must be achieved.

I enlist your enduring sacrifice to make Nigeria and indeed Nigerians comfortable to live in any part of the country that suits their choice.

“I need not stress the importance of visibility in most cases is adequate deterrence to crime and criminality.

“Kidnapping and armed robbery are still part of the vices that daily confront us. Your efforts to curb these menaces, I urge you to

redouble your efforts to further reduce the frequency of these crimes to the barest minimum.”

Abubakar further charged the officers to re-jig existing security mechanisms to ensure safety of lives and property during the forthcoming festivals for end of year.

“It is important to stress that we are nearing the end of the year and activities are going to be frenzy. Four important festivals are all in line to come

in quick succession. The EidEl-Kabir, Independence, Christmas/Boxing Day, and New Year celebrations.

“We must therefore re-jig our existing security architecture and emplace proactive intelligence templates that will ensure that these events are marked in an atmosphere devoid of crisis or rise in criminal activities. You must put in extra efforts to achieve this,” he stated.

Independence anniversary: FG may spend N651m on gold plated i-Phones

BY PRINCE OSUAGWU

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HERE is an indication that the Federal Government has ordered 53 units of gold plated version of the newly launched Apple iPhone 5S, to celebrate the country ’s 53 rd independence anniversary.

The gold plated phones are said to cost approximately £50,000 per unit if it is studded with hundreds of diamonds, including a giant piece that serves as “home” button or £3,000 if it is basic models in gold or rose gold.

These would translate to over N12.3 million per unit for the gold with diamond or N738, 000 for the basic model. This means on a rough estimate, the independence phones would cost Nigeria a whopping N651 million or N39.11 million, respectively, at N246 exchange rate with the Pound.

The ordered phones, according to sources, will be engraved with the symbols of the country’s coat of arms, a shield and two horses and delivered before the

Independence Day. According to a report from The Independent, a British newspaper, “a Bristol-born businessman based in Dubai, Amjad Ali revealed that he was fulfilling an order of 53 gold plated iPhones from the Nigerian government.

The report said: “Ali says he is fulfilling an order from the Nigerian government for 53 gold iPhones to mark the country ’s 53rd year of independence from Britain next month."

FG partners UN agency on revitalization of adult literacy

BY LAIDE AKINBOADE BUJA— SEQUEL to Tuesday’s declaration by the Minister of State for Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, that Nigeria currently has 35 million adult illiterates, the Federal Government has gone into partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO, to revitalize adult literacy education in the country.

Director General of UNESCO, Ms. Irina Bokova, stated this yesterday when she led her team to pay a visit to the Minister of Education, Prof.

Ruquayat Ahmed Rufa’i, in Abuja.

She commended the Federal Government for its efforts in improving the educational sector and urged it to do more to reduce the 10 million out-of-school children in Nigeria.

Bokova said: “I will say Nigeria took leadership in literacy programme out of the other nine countries that have challenges in education.

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US Authors' Guild hails Nigeria's anti-piracy campaign

BY CHRIS OCHAYI BUJA—THE antipiracy campaign embarked upon by the Nigeria Copyright Commission, NCC, has received the commendation of the United States Guild of Authors, which described the initiative as worthy of emulation by stakeholders.

The Guild in a report posted on its website, particularly commended the NCC’s secondary school awareness campaign aimed at teaching secondary school students the importance of exploring and respecting creativity and copyright.

The Authors Guild, founded as the Authors League of America in 1912 and seen by many notable authors as an authoritative voice for American writers, is a US leading advocate for writers’ interest in effective copyright protection, fair contracts, free expression, offering legal assistance and a broad range of web services to its members.

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16 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

240,000 Nigerians die annually from physical inactivity —Don

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BEOKUTA—NO fewer than 240,000 Nigerians die annually as a result of physical inactivity, Dr. Babatunde Adegoke, an Associate Professor of Physiotherapy, said, yesterday in Abeokuta.

Adegoke who is of the Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, made this disclosure at a lecture organised by the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy, NSP, Ogun chapter.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the lecture, which has the theme “The Aging Process, Disease and Physical Activity”, was organised to mark the 2013 World Physiotherapy Day The don, who expressed concern over the prevalence of chronic diseases in the country, attributed the cause of the deaths to failure of many Nigerians to engage in regular physical activities.

Groups condemn attack on Opeifa

BY OLAYINKAAJAYI

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AGOS—FOLLOW ING the recent harassment and attack on Lagos State Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, by suspected miscreants at the 4th anniversary of late human rights activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, a coalition of human rights groups, yesterday, condemned the attack describing it as a gross misconduct.

At a briefing, Buna Isiak who apologised on behalf of the civil society groups, however, assured the commissioner that those involved would be dealt with accordingly.

He said: “We shall take appropriate disciplinary measures against the perpetrators. Not because Kayode Opeifa is a commissioner but that the human rights community has been wrongly misrepresented and blackmailed.”

PDP crisis ‘ll end soon, says Gov Suswam M

BY PETER DURU

AKURDI—GOVERNOR Gabriel Suswam of Benue state has assured that the crisis currently rocking the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, will soon be a thing of the past, insisting that the party will emerge stronger and more united.

Suswam who spoke, yesterday, while fielding questions from newsmen in Makurdi said: “I am conversant with the issue that led to where we are today as a party.

But let me hasten to say that this kind of crisis in the PDP is not happening for the first time.

“We went into the convention and all the PDP delegates were there but then as we were told, the governor of Adamawa and his delegates had no accreditation to come in.

Five other governors

”The five other governors who as you know have been going around together insisted that he must be allowed to come in since the delegates that were supposed

to do the election were the ones that were elected in 2012.

“When that was not possible, they went out and then went to a different venue to declare a faction of the party. I think that the reason why people engage in that high level agitation is that they want the problem solved.

“They would have simply said they were going to another party but they said it is a faction of the party and they are insisting that

their own is the actual party. So, I think it is a crisis still within the family. It hasn’t gotten out of control. It is not a crisis that is out of hand. But, it must have to be taken seriously because when you have seven states out of 23 saying that they are pulling out to create a faction, it must be taken seriously but I want to assure you that this crisis will be sorted out and PDP will come out of it a stronger party.”

Solomon Lar’s era

“You would recall that during the time of Chief Solomon Lar, there was a factional PDP which led to the setting up of a parallel office.

The party was able to come together and resolve that crisis. Also, during the period of Chief Gemade, there were crises at the highest level. ”Of course, you know what happened during Chief Audu Ogbe’s era and also during the 2003 primaries of the party. So, these issues within the PDP as a big party have been reoccurring. The present crisis has assumed a different dimension and magnitude.

The governors who are agitating for a change in leadership have insisted that the leadership of the party must be changed.

FLAG OFF: From left: Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, Commissioner of Health, Sokoto State; Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State and Ms. Nonny Ugboma, Executive Secretary, MTNFoundation, at the flag off of the Foundation’s Eyesight Restoration Intervention Scheme, EyeRIS, at the Noma Children Hospital, Sokoto.

NSITF, NECA meet on implementation of Employee Compensation Act

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

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BUJA—THE Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF and the National Employees Consultative Association, NECA, yesterday, during the second award of the NSITF/NECA Safe Workplace Intervention Project, deliberated on the implementation of the Employees Compensation Act, ECA 2010.

Speaking at the occasion, Chairman, Board of Directors of NSITF, Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, said this year’s award ceremony was important as it afforded them the opportunity to hear views of the employers and employees on the performance of NSITF/NECA to enable the authorities adjust their methods for better service delivery.

Dr. Olejeme said the occasion should be seen to go beyond the donation of ambulances, accident prevention equipment, certificates and plagues but be seen as an occasion to meet and interact with employers to account for their stewardship under the Employees Compensation Scheme, ECS. She said: “I am happy to see that the central theme in this year’s discussion focuses on the implementation of the Employees Compensation Act, ECA 2010: the successes recorded so far and the challenges being faced towards implementing the scheme. I am glad to note that

unlike last year when the OSH (Occupational Safety and Health) audit covered only 25 employers in Lagos area alone, this year’s audit and award have

gone beyond that by covering employers/companies in four other geo-political zones involving 100 companies/employers. This is indeed commendable and it goes to show that the ECS scheme is living up to its promises of serving all employers in every part of

the country. The importance of today’s occasion should further be seen from the point of preventing accidents at workplace as well as enlightenment of employers and employees alike towards imbibing the culture of safety at workplace.”

Nigeria remains committed to global problems peacefully with our and stability in many peace —Maku peace neighbours, even when we have countries of the world. Because

BY EMMA ELEBEKE B U J A — INFORMA TION Minister Mr. Labaran Maku has said Nigeria remains committed to contributing to global peace, despite the security challenges in some parts of the country.

Maku told a delegation from the Global Peace Foundation who visited him in Abuja that Nigeria had been bearing the burden of maintaining peace especially in West Africa, which significantly stabilised peace and security as well as democratic governance in the sub-region.

Maku said: “We must also use the conference to emphasise the fact that far more than any developing country and even more than many advanced countries, Nigeria has contributed more to global peace keeping in maintaining the peace around the world. Even now as we face our own challenges, our troops are all over the world maintaining

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of its disposition to peace, Nigeria has always resolved disputes with its neighbours amicably in keeping with international treaties and conventions to achieve peace and security.

“We have always resolved our

territorial disagreement with Cameroun. Nigeria is the only major country in spite of its size, decided to subject itself to the ruling of the International Court of Justice on border dispute with Cameroun.”

Jigawa govt treats 23,000 eye cataract patients

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UTSE—THE Jigawa gov ernment, yesterday, said it had conducted free eye surgery for 23,000 eye cataract patients in the last six years across the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tafida Abubakar, said this while speaking with newsmen after the flag off of the phase two of the exercise in Dutse.

A b u b a k a r said that blindness caused by eye cataract in the state was high before the intervention of

the present administration.

His words: “From the research conducted, we discovered that about 44,000 people in the state were blind, due to eye cataract.

“And it is even the reason we started the programme to assist our people who cannot afford the payment of the surgery.’’

He said that the programme was currently ongoing in five centres- Dutse, Kazaure, Gumel, Hadejia and Jahun.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013— 17

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AST Sunday, I drove my children back to resume the new school term. The night before, I held a discussion with them about the responsibility of being educated, as a holistic pursuit of the life process. I tried something that I felt was dramatic, and able to convey the evolution we had gone through in the decades between my children and I. I showed them the sum of N90, then asked what they thought the amount could purchase and the answer was pretty little.

Well, that was the exact amount I paid per session as a student at the Government Secondary School, GSS, Ilorin, between 1972 and 1976! And what an education we received on the back of that amount of money: A boarding school system we were exceedingly proud of, teachers who worked with utter devotion, wellstocked libraries, laboratories and workshops; an impressive sporting infrastructure which allowed us to participate in a variety of games without neglect of the academic side of school and a generally useful dietary system.

The children of the rich and the poor got an equal opportunity to be educated and therefore become prepared for the task of building their individual lives and that of our country.

In the decades between then and now, there has been a seismic shift in everything about our lives. In my time, the best stu-

Burdens of contemporary education served our needs as students.

Those who designed the institution had remarkable foresight for a school they had envisaged was going to continue to expand into the future.

And whichever direction one looked, there was abundant land for the growth they had so elaborately planned for. But in the past couple of years, the school witnessed a systematic encroachment upon its land space and it has now been narrowed upon itself as a result of the systematic alienation and sale of its land.

There is no visual or aesthetic continuity between architectural pieces from different historical periods, while a small area has become clogged up with buildings,

,

In my time, the best students attended public schools while it was often that those who went to private schools, did not meet the requirements to enter the great public schools of those days

dents attended public schools while it was often that those who went to private schools, did not meet the requirements to enter the great public schools of those days.

Up to this moment, most of those who are in leadership, in the main, attended public schools and therefore enjoyed subsidized education which they either take for granted today or almost completely neglect.

There has seen a shift that makes private schools almost de rigueur for pupils today, because of the inadequacies of the public school system. The result is the huge sums parents have to pay in order for their children to go through these private schools.

First hand confirmation That there is a rot in the public school system is such a troubling fact, and when I got a first hand confirmation of that fact again recently, I couldn’t suppress a tear that dropped from my eye!

As part of a regular conscientising process that I embark upon whenever my children visit Ilorin during holidays, I recently took them to visit my alma mater. The GSS Ilorin will be 100 years old in January 2014 and is one of the old schools of Northern Nigeria. I had told several stories about the years we passed through and the elaborate infrastructure which C M Y K

,

which was ironic given the amount of land space the school historically possessed! But what shocked me to my marrows was the near total obliteration of the

regimes tried the insane idea of building a Principal’s residence on a sports field surrounded by students’ hostels!

As we drove round and I surveyed the alarming deterioration literally shellshocked, my children asked if that was truly the school that I had spoken so much about.

And yes it was, except that in its curImmediate past Education Minister, rent state of rot and Ruqayyatu Rufai chaotic appearance, sporting infrastructure we used to it just about encapsulated the be exceedingly proud of. The state of public education in our badminton and lawn tennis courts country today as well as the worwere gone and on the space was risome fact that in Nigeria there is absolutely no respect for tradian abandoned container.

The fives and squash courts tion while we have almost totally have completely disappeared, lost all sense of decency in the while the old football field with way we live or in approach to pubthe track around it, where gener- lic institutions. Given this backations of football stars and star ath- drop, it is no surprise that familetes (Auwalu Aliyu, All-Afro, lies put so much into educating Rochester and Bravo! Yes, that re- their children in often very exmarkable relay team!!) honed pensive, private schools today. their skills was long abandoned And it starts from the nursery level as one of our previous military through the tertiary levels.

It is no surprise therefore, that billions of naira goes into educating Nigerian children, even in neighbouring Ghana! Add the list for other countries around the world and the full impact hits home. It was this general picture that I was trying to convey when I spoke with my children, as they prepared to resume school on Sunday. This is a burden that all families share in contemporary Nigeria.

But it must still be said that there can be no retreat from very functional public school systems as the basis for the educational development of any society. Even ubercapitalist USA sets great store by its public school system because there is no better way to bring the growing children of a country into the loop of national development beyond the public school system.

It is the public school system that can help Nigeria capture into its development agenda a brilliant but indigent child, in say a Bayelsa village or in far-flung Kaura Namoda.

It is also impossible that Nigeria will find its development with pupils getting educated in French, American, British, Turkish or such schools (we cannot achieve anything producing American, British, French or Turkish children)! Our business is to produce Nigerian children upon a diet of Nigerian curriculum as a steppingstone into Africa and the world they have to be engaged with.

The basic foundation of educational development has to be sought in a radical reform of the public school system and as a parent who has to pay very exorbitantly for four children to be educated in a private school, I talk from experience and I am sure my angst reflects that of many parents too. We need to reclaim the space for very well appointed public school systems in Nigeria.

There is no other way seriously meaningful in the long run!

Obasanjo and the PDP crisis: Solution and problem return to source

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NE of the most abiding imageries out of Nigeria in the past week, is that of former president Olusegun Obasanjo, leading party elders in search of reconciliation of the two factions of the PDP: old and new. In truth, the whole thing is an elaborate burlesque assured to take the “Dead-on-Arrival", DoA, ride to the mortuary of politics. How could Obasanjo lead the search for reconciliation when he is an interested party?

Didn’t the old man walk out in utter frustration as the BOT Chairman? Ok then, whose sidekicks systematically got kicked out (no pun intended!) from various party positions at the centre and in the South West? Isn’t Obasanjo the same person feeling less-than-appreciated by President Jonathan, despite being the vehicle of his emergence in the first place?

If we can ask these questions from the sidelines of politics, why can’t or won’t those locked to the charade within the two warring factions? Maybe there are peculiarities to the PDP way of getting things done that we might not fully and comprehensively under-

stand. Afterall, wasn’t it said severally, that whatever happens under the leaky umbrella of the PDP, is stricto sensu, a family affair?

It was the Roman statesman, Pliny the Elder, who once remarked that something new always issues forth from Africa.

PDP’s politics must stand out tall as one of the strangest phenomena out of our beloved continent.

In truth, PDP started out with admirable ideals which transmogrified into a monstrosity, starting under Obasanjo. The party gradually saw the withering of its nation-building credentials and the transition into a platform which covets and will do everything to stay atop the float of power and access to lucre.

For a long time, the glue that held members on a tight leash, was that access to power and the tremendous opportunity to be able, in the long run, stay in proximity to inordinate affluence and influence.

Unfortunately, Obasanjo contributed a lot to reaching the point of impasse he has positioned to now break. It is even more poignant, that these

reconciliatory steps are coming at the point of hardening of positions between the two factions.

Toga of peacemaker Yet I get a feeling that even President Goodluck Jonathan is not taken in by the charade of Obasanjo wearing the toga of peacemaker. Old man EK Clark, the ultimate interpreter of presidential mindset and chief spokesperson for Jonathan has said that much. Even the President was alleged to have directly accused Obasanjo and then walked out of the talks!

We might try an imaginary peek into the Obasanjo mindset as he prepared to lead the elders at the first meeting of the factions.

Locked inside his bathroom, our former president chuckles at the naivety of those who employed him to find peace and reconciliation when he hurts so badly that he was systematically de-robed by Jonathan and his own faction of the party.

Isn’t the crisis an expression of vengeance? And soon as it broke,

wasn’t Obasanjo at the Aso Villa in the company of Beninois President, Boni Yayi? Those able to interpret portents must have shivered with cold sweat running down their backs!

Obasanjo was at Dr. Chuba Okadigbo’s residence; he danced with the late Senate President’s wife on the eve of the termination of his tenure. And why did they forget the infamous meal of pounded yam at Chief Audu Ogbeh’s house on the eve of his forced removal from office as PDP Chairman? There is an eerie pattern to the Obasanjo way of doing things that is not too difficult to put together, rather like pieces in a jigsaw puzzle.

When they appointed Obasanjo to look for reconciliation, the denizens of the PDP took solution and problem back to source.

It is rather like the famous story in the proverb of the man who hid a piece of meat in the mouth and yet got the onerous responsibility to lead a search for its whereabouts!

We can only wish them well in their search, knowing they have embarked on a futile effort!

18—Vanguard,TUESDAY,SEPTEMBER12,2013 SALE of babies has been going on for a while. Teenage girls with unwanted pregnancies give out the children, for adoption, usually to couples who want them. Such couples get the children at agreed terms.

With time, these practices have become blooming businesses. Entrepreneurs discovered that babies were in higher demands than earlier arrangements could accommodate.

They set up factories where young girls and virile young men are the raw materials. Their products, babies, like other merchandise, are sold to markets where they are in high demand.

If we were not talking of human trafficking and slavery, it would have been a business on its way to the stock exchange. There are no statistics on the number of babies sold, nor the young men and women entangled in this web that some easily excuse with poverty.

What else would we accept because of poverty? Has poverty become a reason to break the law wantonly? Has society considered the consequences of these illegal businesses that have extended to child theft for the same purposes?

The baby factory phenomenon is the per-

“Bab act ories" “Babyy F Fact actories" Growing Lawlessness verse commercialisation of human newborns in the manner of economic animals such as chicken, pigs, and cows. Some parents are known to have sold their children to raise money to solve pressing personal problems.

Some of these babies end up as adopted children of childless people in a society where childlessness is stigmatised. The less fortunate ones are rented to beggars or are used for rituals.

The upsurge in this wicked crime is a total negation of cherished Africa values which emphatically declare that children are above material valuation. This is emphasised by the practice of giving children such names as

Nwakaego, Omoboriowo and others, which indicate that a child is more valuable than money.

This shameful slur on our society is worse than slave trade because the infants and their helpless mothers are being dehumanised by avaricious adults whose duty it is to offer them protection and careful grooming. Nigerian citizens, with constitutionally guaranteed rights to life, freedom and dignity of the human person are sold off as merchandise. Society watches, the law waffles, and daily new “factories” are discovered.

The “baby factory” phenomenon has joined kidnapping, armed robbery, ritual killing and terrorism as rising crimes that lean on technology. Contacts and sales are made on telephone and money transferred, these provide trails that can help in apprehending the criminals.

Governments must close ranks with communities, the law enforcement agencies, religious organisations, civil society groups and the public to bring the perpetrators of this devilry to justice.

Our adoption laws are overdue for review.

Genuine adoptions should be facilitated to stop this crime.

OPINION

BY ROMANUS UWA

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S the 2015 general elections approach, those jostling to succeed their states governors in office should a spare a moment for sober reflection, considering the huge debts being owed by some of the states. Recently, The Guardian newspaper quoting a report by the the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, FRC, in a front page story of Friday September 6, 2013, disclosed that unless something drastic was done about reckless expenditure by states, efforts at the federal level to instill financial discipline would not record any positive impact.

The Commission, according to the report, said as at the end of 2011, more than nine states over-borrowed their limits, suggesting that their financial health is in dire financial straits. The commission said in the report that it drew its data from the DMO, banks, Securities and Exchange Commission and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation. The commission’s frugal borrowing limit for states is put at 50 per cent to ratio of revenue.

According to the report, top on the list of over-borrowed states, according to the yearly report, is Lagos, which it said, overborrowed to the tune of 155.40 per cent of her consolidated debt to revenue ratio. Next is Ekiti whose borrowing is put at 80 per cent; following Ekiti is Kaduna State with a debt to revenue ratio of 62.68 per cent.

Cross River State followed closely with a debt to revenue ratio of 61.44 per cent. Also

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Between Abia and the heavily indebted states listed by the Commission as states under the weight of indebtedness were Edo, Ondo, Bayelsa, Ebonyi and Kwara states.

“Nine states exceeded the loan limit of 50 per cent while four other states exceeded the states’ average debt of 36 per cent.

Twenty-seven of the states and FCT fell below states’ average debt of 36.36 per cent,” the Commission’s report revealed.

This is a very worrisome situation, especially for the people of the states affected and Nigerians in general, considering the level of infrastructural decay and unemployment in some of these heavily indebted states. Ordinarily, there is nothing wrong in borrowing, especially when such borrowed funds are well utilized for the benefits of the generality of people.

Also troubling is that in most of the heavily indebted states, there is nothing much on ground to justify the huge debts that are hanging on their necks. Some of them have not been able to pay workers minimum wage of N18,000 or create employment opportunities. But Abia, which is not among the heavily indebted states, is paying workers N21, 000 as minimum wage and at the same embarking on massive infrastructural projects.

Besides, some of the governors of the heavily indebted states are still borrowing recklessly, making their states to be surviving on borrowed funds. But for how long will these continue? This is despite the huge Monthly Federation Allocation to

their states coupled with internally generated revenues, IGR. I had thought that Abia State would be among the list of the heavily indebted states in the country, considering the ongoing massive infrastructural developments in the state.

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ut it is clear that the recent list of heavily indebted states released by the FRC has vindicated Governor Theodore Orji who had made it clear before now that his government has not borrowed and is not borrowing to run the state as being alleged by some opponents. So where did the false alarmists get their information? It has now become obvious that their criticisms and allegation were politically motivated to mislead the unsuspecting members of the public ahead of the 2015 elections.

I recall that sometime before the 2011 general elections, Orji’s predecessor, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, had raised a false alarm that his successor has been massively borrowing from financial institutions to run the state, thereby mortgaging the state through huge debts. But Orji’s administration presented a documentary evidence which were advertised in newspapers showing that they inherited more than N29.9 billion debts from Kalu’s administration which included backlog of council workers salaries and arrears, adverts placed during Kalu’s presidential

campaign and others.

Though I am aware that sometime at the beginning of his administration, Orji tried to raise bonds from the capital market for some developmental projects, but the idea was heavily criticised by the opposition party members in the State Assembly then.

So the idea ended dead on arrival. Since then we have not heard anything publicly about the state government borrowing from anywhere. It is obvious that the present government in Abia has been servicing the debts it inherited in 2007, while at the same time managing the state resources prudently to achieve so much in the state.

These include massive infrastructural developments such as access roads, a Specialist Hospital, 250 health centres across the state, State High Court Complex, New Workers Secretariat, New Government House, International Conference Centre, renovation of old schools and building of new ones, tackling security challenges, building housing estates, including that of civil servants in the state which is due for commissioning soon.

In the area of reforms and human empowerment, some many youths who were unemployed and idle before now have been empowered through Ochendo Youth Foundation in partnership with the state government.

•Uwa, a medical practitioner, wrote from Aba, Abia State.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013—19

, I

N this unfolding crisis of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, I have kept my eye on the familiar antics of one man.

This man has almost singlehandedly shaped the type of democracy we are practising. But for the gallant of efforts of his opponents and enlightened members of our society, Nigerian democracy would have degenerated to the type we see in countries like Zimbabwe, which is under the oldest president in the world, Bob Mugabe.

The man I speak of is no other than Olusegun Obasanjo, retired general of the Nigerian Army, twotime ruler of Nigeria, first as a military ruler for 31 months, and second as an elected president for another 96 months (and thus the longest Nigerian ruler, having dusted the nine-year national record which General Yakubu Gowon tenaciously held for 30 years).

Yet, Obasanjo is not satisfied. At “over 80” (as his son, Gbenga, once disclosed) Obasanjo is not tired of anything. He does not want to

retire from anything. He does not want to withdraw from anything to allow today’s people have a go.

He and his cohorts, such as Tony Anenih, Ahmadu Ali, Bamanga Tukur and other fossils of our political system, are stubbornly bent on hijacking the opportunities that rightly belong to the today’s people. People, who were called “leaders of tomorrow” 30, 40 years ago, are still in the queue, waiting for Obasanjo and his cohort of gerontocratic “sittighters” to shove along, but in vain.

Obasanjo as elected president, wanted to remove the two-term limit in our Constitution to enable him do a Mugabe. We said no.

Then, he delved into his political party, the ruling PDP, with a fallback option of installing himself as the Life Leader. If we would not allow him to rule us from Aso Villa, he might as well do it from his palatial mansion in Owu Abeokuta. Part of his elaborate scheme to achieve this ambition was to sponsor and plant his men, women and other

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loyalists in the ruling party, the states and the federal legislature.

In the South West wing of the party, he planted people from wards to the zonal levels.

Obasanjo, who prides himself as an Africanist, once abused the Great Zik of Africa for taking the title of Owelle of Onitsha. He had rudely grunted: “Mhm! From Zik of Africa to Owelle of Onitsha!”

Years later, a man whom the late Sonny Okosun once eulogised as “African soldier” went and took the title of Balogun of Owu. One of his self-confessed godsons, Alhaji Kashamu Burruj, a stalwart of the PDP in Ogun State, recently lamented that Obasanjo has fallen from convening national meetings of the party to being a regular facilitator of ward meetings! Zik can relax in his grave.

O

basanjo’s new game is called: “The game of the chicken”. When he retired as Nigeria’s military ruler, he grabbed a massive piece of land

PDP crisis: The messier it comes O

UR readers deserve to know that their Column is interested in silent revolutionaries who are unsung and uncelebrated largely because of society’s default and its apparent preference for rabble-rousers who only succeed in heating up the world around them. This is one way of explaining that today’s essay is dedicated to a Nigerian that fits the bill – Mr. Jimoh Afolabi Olawole, an upcoming politician in Shao South West Ward, Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Out of the blues and from the most unexpected quarters, we have Mr. Olawole, a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, man who had been successfully rigged into office, coming boldly forward to say that the victory he had been awarded does not belong to him: “I did not win that election. In all the eight polling units, APC won convincingly; we did not win. I am a loyal member of the PDP, but first and foremost, I am a Muslim and as a person, I won’t allow anyone to take what belongs to me neither will I take what belongs to another person”.

Olawole speaks further: “My rejection of the victory awarded to me by the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission, KWASIEC, became necessary because as a true son of Offa, I stand for equity and justice. One day, everyone would account for his deeds before God Almighty”.

The Olawole initiative provides a lesson in honesty, even to the advanced democracies. Meanwhile, the PDP that would have tapped into the advantage it provides to show that there could be honesty even in size is too busy fighting for its soul after its “Special National Confusion” of last fortnight.

Again, in the tradition of the bed-wetter who normally wakes up first, one should pray not to get used to the crooked ways of doing things for, once you do, decency eludes you. We hear that PDP is already trying to

address the Olawole initiative its normal way, including trying to disown Olawole as its candidate.

Truly, the Olawole initiative casts a credibility question on KWASIEC. Questions will now be asked about what happened in the other wards and the entire Offa local government where the APC chairmanship candidate, Prince Saheed Popoola, is already shouting hoarse that his victory was swindled in favour of the PDP candidate. This apparently small problem may soon snowball into the entire State so that we may begin to question even the past gubernatorial elections.

Flowing from this little beginning, we shall get to the point where rigging will become unattractive as candidates will begin to decline unearned victories at all levels.

We remember the animal, the meat and the bile. Like the bile of an animal, the Olawole affair is starting in a small political unit but like what happens when the bile is not carefully handled that it ruins the entire meat; the PDP must know that if the Olawole affair is not handled with care, it possesses every potential to blossom into catastrophe, capable of aggravating its already bad headache.

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ationalisation is good. It is a healthy defence mechanism that functions to enable individuals maintain self in situations that might be otherwise intolerable; attempting to soften the impact of failure and disappointment. But one must be careful to realise when rationalisation transcends the borders of crude irrationality.

There is the sociological concept, which holds that a man never sees himself as dead.

While the PDP crumbles, all its leaders who have looked at it invariably conclude: “We shall come out of it stronger and more united.” We are not asking how.

in Ota, Ogun State and went into poultry farming. He was immediately acclaimed as a chicken farmer. It is said that when man spends a lot of time with animals, he unconsciously begins to develop some character traits common to them. My people have a saying: Nke okuko na-erigh, ya abosaa. What the chicken cannot eat, it scatters.

That is what I see Obasanjo doing with the current crisis in his party (I thought he said his reason for resigning his post of Board of Trustees Chairman was to enable him face his “ numerous” international engagements?) Well, those of us who were hoodwinked now know better. Obasanjo was threatened with being disgracefully shunted out of the BOT seat which he importuned himself into before leaving the seat of President of Nigeria. Apart from the Umaru Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan regimes refusing to let Obasanjo rule from Owu, they also shut his lackeys from their cabinets. Some say that is why Obasanjo’s boys and girls, such as Nasir el Rufai, Oby Ezekwesili and Femi FaniKayode, have turned themselves into anti-Jonathan fireflies.

In the states, some of Obasanjo’s implants as governors were sent packing by the Judiciary. The most flagrant of such cases was Andy Uba, who was booted out after only 16 days as Governor of Anambra State. There was also Celestine Omehia, who was handpicked at a rally in Port Harcourt after Obasanjo said he discovered that the primaries which Chibuike Amaechi had won “developed K-Leg”.

However, because of the extensive nature of Obasanjo’s

It will be interesting to see how a situation where, for the first time, at the middle of their n a t i o n a l convention a critical segment of the delegates walked out in protest, will make them stronger and more united. It will also be very interesting to watch how they will emerge stronger and more united from a situation where they are gliding from an overwhelming majority to

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OBJ: Chicken farmer playing chicken

Obasanjo is merely fishing in PDP’s troubled waters; as soon as he is able to use the elders’ peace effort to negotiate a plum deal for himself, he will reconcile with President Jonathan

The Olawole initiative provides a lesson in honesty, even to the advanced democracies; flowing from this little beginning, we shall get to the point where rigging will become unattractive

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a microscopic minority at the National Assembly.

The situation in Taraba State is getting messier by the hour. For all we know, there is nothing there anymore to make anybody strong and united. The two camps have boxed themselves to the tightest corners.

The penultimate week, the Senator Hope Uzodinma-led Committee needed just enough time to get to Jalingo before reading out a prepared script, in which it created two parallel governorship slots: Apparently because Suntai was too ill for now to resume as Governor, Garba should continue to act but in doing so, the healthy

“investments”, many of his implants have survived. These include Sule Lamido of Jigawa, Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano, Murtala Nyako of Adamawa and Babangida Aliyu of Niger states.

Is it not interesting how these governors have formed the core of the “New PDP”, which is bent on ensuring that (a) President Jonathan does not get re-elected in 2015 and (b) power returns to the North.

Obasanjo has been manipulating these men, encouraging them to challenge Jonathan for the PDP ticket and murmuring that the PDP under Jonathan can no longer win elections. He was in Jigawa on May 27, 2013 while his fellow former rulers of Nigeria graced the elaborate Democracy Day events staged in Aso Villa. At the Dutse event he prodded Lamido, a high performing governor, telling him that Nigerians were now looking for a leader like him.

With Lamido and other Obasanjo boys active in the “New PDP”, a dilemma waits to be addressed.

Obasanjo’s most formidable opponent, Atiku Abubakar, is seen as the leader of the “New PDP”.

Atiku, just like Lamido, Babangida and Kwankwaso, wants to be president in 2015. Obasanjo and Lamido will definitely not be led

by Atiku. The party may be over before it even started.

Obasanjo is merely fishing in PDP’s troubled waters. As soon as he is able to use the elders’ peace effort to negotiate a plum deal for himself he will reconcile with President Jonathan. Where will that leave Lamido and company?

They should not follow Obasanjo with their eyes blindfolded.

man must consult the unhealthy one on all important issues! This turns logic on its head.

What we see here are political demagogues who, in their anxiety to appear friendly and cooperative with everyone seeking their favour, leave the impression that the pleader’s will is to be earnestly followed while failing to explain the countervailing interests that must be also be taken into account. That is far from what is required to clear the debris in Taraba State. The situation needs people who can take the hard decisions and they must act fast before other varying interpretations such as religious colorations begin to enter into the equation.

Much to the chagrin of the Speaker of the State Assembly and his group, Suntai cannot even be declared incapacitated as the State Executive Council that would have kick-started the process as required under Section 189(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution has since been dissolved. Right now, there is no State Executive Council and it is wishful thinking to expect the House of Assembly to approve the new nominees for commissioners.

Nothing short of the state of emergency can settle the Taraba situation for now. We shall quote President Goodluck Jonathan: “We must treat equals equally and treat unequals unequally.” Whatever happened to the two people who were in Suntai’s helicopter that crashed – the two that were abandoned at the National Hospital, Abuja, when Suntai was flown abroad?

20— Vanguard ,

THURSDAY THURSDAY,, SEPTEMBER 12 , 2013

One of the buildings deserted after land grabbers invaded Igbokuta. INSET: Oba Oyebo Akeem PHOTO: Bose Adelaja

Ikorodu: How land grabbers unleash terror on residents •Consternation over arrest of royal father

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KORODU and its environs have not known peace in recent time due to the activities of land grabbers popularly called “Ajagungbale” whom residents claimed have made the area uninhabitable for them. For example, Oke-Ogbodo residents were recently at the premises of the Lagos State House of Assembly to stage a protest over the activities of ‘’Ajagungbales”, claiming these individuals now constitute a serious threat to them, including raping minors in the area.

In the past few years, the community which comprises five local council development areas: Igbogbo-Bayeku, Ikorodu North, Ikorodu West, Imota and Ijede local council development areas, have had it rough in the hands of these land grabbers, especially at Igbokuta, Oreta, Ogijo, Agunfoye, Bayeku, Ijede and Agura where hoodlums routinely take the law into their hands by unleashing terror on residents.

A particularly agonising moment was recorded at Oreta in December 2011 when land grabbers invaded the community. A primary four pupil, Titi Vechenu, an outpatient, woke up to the ensuing sporadic gun shots and in an attempt to escape to C M Y K

safety, drowned in the nearby ocean.

The activities of land grabbers, have forced many residents into exile, after some were either maimed or killed.

The land grabbers have so far operated in defiance of the directive from the Lagos State government that the Nigeria Police should beef up security in this ancient town.

Another victim of their dastardly act, Akinrele Abiola, a civil servant, was kidnapped when land grabbers invaded Igbokuta. He almost lost his life in the process.

Communal clashes Also, Imowo-nla, a supposedly Ijebu settlement, used to be a very large community, that was until communal clashes broke out, almost reducing the place to ruins after property and lives were lost, and peace forced into exile. Investigations revealed that the crises were orchestrated by those who were supposedly sent there to maintain peace and ensure that normalcy returns.

War on trouble makers: Some concerned citizens in the town have, however, declared war on trouble makers, promising that peace will soon return to the town. One of them

is Obateru of Egbin kingdom, Oba Adeoriyomi Oyebo Akeem, who identified this as one of his priorities as soon as he was installed in April 2010.

According to findings, the royal father had immediately summoned two prominent land grabbers, Kamoru Lamina popularlly called ‘Sir K Oluwo’ and Alhaji Achebe, to his palace.

Thereafter, he handed them over to his superior, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu land as well as the Area N Command. It was an action that brought relief to the community. But to the astonishment of many, the culprits were never tried in the court of law.

Having waited till year 2012, the traditional ruler dispatched a letter to the Lagos State governor, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly as well as the state Attorney General which was dated May 30, 2012 with the title, ‘’The menace of land grabbers a.k.a Ajagungbale in Ikorodu Division of Lagos State”.

In the early part of 2013, ‘’Sir K’’ was arrested by the men of Force C.I.D. Abuja and he was brought to Lagos to answer criminal charges relating to arson, robbery, rape and murder, among others. However, he was charged with altering and was released on bail, while the criminal charges were allegedly

swept under the carpet. He was said to have threatened after regaining his freedom to unleash a reprisal attack on residents of the communities. He made good his threat.

Having waited without any positive response from the State government, the unrelenting royal father wrote an-

,

By BOSE ADELAJA

Governor to present the plight of his people and he was promised adequate attention.

On May 22, 2013, the royal father received a call from the Area N commandant requesting his presence in the State Commissioner of Police’s office with ‘’Sir K’’ in attendance. But unknown to many, the land grabber had written a petition to the Commissioner of Police and this led to the detention of the royal father who spent weeks in Kirikiri.

Having been released on bail, some well-meaning Ikorodu residents are calling on the Inspector General of Police, Mo-

Government should act fast and expose the brains behind our problem so that the community can continue to exist in peace

other letter dated February 11 andApril 15, 2013, reminding it about the increasing menace of land grabbers in Ikorodu.

Arrest of Obateru: In May 2013, the crises in Imowo-nla led to the death of two policemen which spurred the Nigeria Police into action. Few weeks later, eight people, including the royal father, were arrested. According to sources, the Egbin Kingdom had just celebrated its 14 days traditional Eeibi festival which drew many adherents, including the Olumale of Eluku in Imowonla.

Prior to that day, Imowo-nla residents had sent a Save-OurSoul appeal to the state government which yielded no response. The traditional ruler then decided to use the Council of Obas meeting with the

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hammed Abubakar, to step into the matter and ensure that justice is done.

A banker, Mr David Dideolu, who spoke with Vanguard Metro on phone, said the incessant attacks in the town had forced him into exile. ‘’As I am talking to you, I have relocated to my home town in Gbogan.

With no source of livelihood anymore, feeding a family of four is now a big problem,’’ he said.

A 78-year-old farmer who relocated to a neighbouring community also has this to say: ‘’My daughter, I have many dependants; 15 of us relocated to this place and I feed them from my farm produce. The government should act fast and expose the brains behind our problem so that the community can continue to exist in peace’’.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013 — 21

FG to create automobile clusters in Lagos, Nnewi, Kano T

HE Federal Government has finalised plans to create three new automobile clusters and training centres in Lagos, Anambra and Kano states as part of the National Industrial Revolution Plan and Industrial Skills Development P r o g r a m m e .

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, disclosed this at the ongoing Industrial Training Fund 19th Biennial Training Conference on Skills Acquisition and Job Creation.

Aganga re-affirmed the commitment of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration towards tackling unemployment through the implementation of an integrated, industrial skills and manpower development p r o g r a m m e .

He, however, said that the Federal Government had no plan to create a new agency for industrialisation as being reported in some sections of the media but was considering transforming an existing

agency under the supervision of the ministry (with a related mandate) to drive the implementation of its industrialisation policies, in line with an agreement reached at a stakeholders’ meeting on the NIRP about two months ago.

The Minister said, “As part of our National Industrial Skills Development Programme and the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan, the Industrial Training Fund is collaborating with Brazil to develop three

automobile training centres and clusters across the country that will meet international standards.

They are: Lagos (Ibadan Zone), Nnewi (Aba Zone) and Kano, Kaduna zone automobile clusters. The automobile training centres will train Nigerians in auto maintenance and spare parts production.

“For us to successfully diversify our economy, create jobs and generate wealth for our country, industrialization remains our only hope for the future. In

order to achieve this, we need to build strong institutions to drive our industrialization process just as it was done in other industrialized countries.”

He added, “The Federal Government is already working on how to reduce the cost of governance by reducing the number of government agencies, so what we proposed at a stakeholders’ meeting on the NIRP, held two months ago, was to transform to an existing agency within the ministry.

Publisher seeks N100bn bailout for media industry

BY EBELE ORAKPO

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From left: Dr. Ebunoluwa Jaiyesimi, Chief Executive Officer, Hope Worldwide Nigeria; a beneficiary and Mrs Ohunene Aliyu, Public Affairs Officer, Nigeria & Ghana, Citibank Nigeria Limited at the handover ceremony to the 25 beneficiaries trained by Hope Worldwide Nigeria under the Citibank Economic Empowerment Programme, in Lagos.

Shareholders okay unbundling of Access Bank’s shares in WAPIC

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BY PETER EGWUATU

HAREHOLDERS of Access Bank Plc,

yesterday at the Court Ordered Extra – ordinary General Meeting (EGM) endorsed the proposal by its Board of Directors to unbundle the Bank’s shares in WAPIC Insurance Plc to them.

To this extent, WAPIC Insurance Plc will cease to be a subsidiary of Access Bank Plc. The shareholders also approved the three special sub- joined resolutions, which among other things include: That in accordance with the scheme, the 4,883,039,474 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each of WAPIC Insurance Plc held by Access Bank Plc be transferred to the eligible shareholders of Access Bank pro rata in the proportion of their shareholding in Access Bank Plc, based on the application of the Allocation Ratio as specified in the Scheme document; That pursuant to the provision of section 106 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act and in consideration for the transfer by Access Bank Plc to its shareholders of its entire shares in WAPIC Insurance Plc, the Bank’s share capital account shall be reduced by the sum of N6,613,213,318 by the reduction of its

share premium account from N165,187,794,503 to N158,573,581,185.

Meanwhile, Group Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Aigboje AigImoukhuede explained to shareholders the benefits of the scheme, saying, “ The unbundling will ensure that Bank’s share holders have continued exposure to the insurance sector even after Access Bank divest its interest. Subsequent to the scheme becoming effective, WAPIC will be owned directly by eligible shareholders and the scheme shares will be held by eligible shareholders in approximately the same proportions as their shareholding in Access Bank.”

On the reason for divestment, he said, “ To comply with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN Regulation 3, the Board of Access Bank made strategic decision to adopt a commercial banking license with international authorization . The Bank is thus required to cease engaging in activities that are not permissible under the license category which necessitates the divestment of certain non-core subsidiaries, including WAPIC.”

ublisher/Editor-in-Chief of Journal magazine, Prince Cookey, has tasked the Federal Government to float N100 billion bailout funds for the media industry to support operators in the industry and safeguard jobs of journalists and other professionals in the industry.

Cookey, who said this at the 5th Anniversary Lecture/Awards of the magazine in Lagos, noted that the media industry remains a critical component of the Nigerian society, especially in a democratic dispensation.

“It is important to note that before, during and after independence, and even now, the media industry has continued to play crucial roles in sustaining the Nigerian dream.

If other sectors deserve bailout, the media industry deserves it even more,” he said.

He noted that the global financial meltdown led to the death of many media organisations and contributed to the current state of the industry, while the declining fortunes of the economy has made it difficult for many Nigerians to patronise the products of media houses and especially generate advert patronage from corporate firms. ”And today, even those that survived the economic tsunami are still limping and struggling to meet obligations to their employees as at when due. We cannot continue to pretend that all is well with the industry—all is not well. We need help urgently,” he said.

Cookey said rather than complain endlessly about negative coverage in the Western media, we must tell our own story through our own media. He lamented, however, that “our own media cannot tell our own story from the grave or hospital bed.

The media industry in Nigeria is sick and in dire need of medical attention in form of financial support. Accordingly, we are asking the Federal Government to support the media industry with N100 billion bailout fund to sustain operators in the industry and save jobs.”

22 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Access Bank institutes award to honour entrepreneurs

By JONAH NWOKPOKU

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BRIEFING: From left: Prince Jacob Adejorin, Chairman, Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter; Mr Temitope Oluwadipe, CEO of Global Exhibition Resource Nigeria (GERN) Limited; Mr Declan Ugwu of NAFDAC and Mr Francis Okanlawon of MACADAMS at a press briefing on the oncoming Bakery, Catering and Confectionery Expo 2013 in Lagos.

CCESS Bank Plc has announced the establishment of a reward platform, ‘Nigerian entrepreneur of the year award’, to honour outstanding entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

The bank which disclosed this during a media parley in Lagos, said the initiative is aimed at recognising, encouraging and rewarding entrepreneurship in the country.

Speaking on the awards, the bank’s Group Managing Director, Aigboje AigImoukhuede, said the awards

FCMB explains new CBN policies, bank’s products and services

By PETER EGWUATU

I

N its support for the cashless initiative introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited has commenced a nationwide customer forum to intimate them on the benefit of the scheme.

The Bank is also soliciting suggestions from its customer on how to improve the Bank’s services, which will inturn impact on the bottom line.

With a growing emphasis on cashless banking to provide safer financial services to customers, FCMB recognizes the need to significantly increase access to a range of financial services, including savings accounts, payments, transfers and other products and services for its customers and the unbanked population.

The regional meetings held in Abuja, Kano, Onitsha and Port-Harcourt with overwhelming attendance recorded active participation from the Bank’s customers and select clients. The excitement expressed by participants in the regions was an indication that the initiative was very timely. The regional forum was also used to explain the programmes of the Bank to the customers including effective banking services.

Some of the questions asked at the forum centered on the new banking policies by CBN; how they will affect local traders as most of their businesses are being transacted in rural areas.

Customers also wanted to know about the charges intra C M Y K

and inter-bank transfers attract and how ready the Bank is in handling the volume of e-transactions that the cashless policy will bring.

Commenting on the need for FCMB to hold regular regional interactions with her customers and clients, Ikechukwu Kalu, Group Head, Marketing & Communications said: “our customer is the reason we are in business, hence the Bank’s

commitment in maintaining regular contact and ensuring that information elicited through these engagements are structured into our strategic and tactical initiatives so we can be better for our customers. We take the voice of the customer seriously and we believe that information sharing is of utmost importance to the growth of our brand. The interactions in the four

locations provided quality education on the CBN cashless policy and a good platform for us to receive feedback from our customers on product and services and e-channels”.

He encouraged customers to avail themselves of the cashless inclined products of the Bank such as FCMBOnline, FCMBMobile, FCMB FlashMeCash, ATMs, Points of Sale (POS) etc as they are simple to use and secure.

Visa to shift focus on Nigeria’s tourism sector

By PROVIDENCE OBUH

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HE global payments technology company, Visa Incorporated is focusing on shifting its investment into Nigeria’s tourism sector and West African region.

“Another of Visa’s focus areas in Nigeria and the West African region is to continue to boost tourism and cross border spend, Group Executive for Visa’s CEMEA (Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa) region, Mr. Kamran Siddiqi said.

Siddiqi said this during his official visit to the country, saying, “Growing acceptance of Visa cards in Nigeria is making travel to the country easier. We are collaborating with many key players in the tourism industry.”

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s report on Visa’s Tourism Outlook shows that Nigerians enjoyed a 25 percent increase in spending by international travelers using the visa cards in 2012, while international visa cardholders increased

tourism spending from $95.2 million in 2011 to $119.5 million in 2012, even as total transactions rose by 31.1 percent from 553, 747 to 727, 113. Speaking on financial literacy and cashless payments drive in the country, the Group Executive, hinted that visa is dedicated to increasing financial literacy among the unbanked through strategic partnerships and educational

programs. In the past decade, Visa has helped bring financial literacy education to millions of people in more than 30 countries. He said: “ Nigeria is a very important market for us. It is exciting for me to be here to support the progress visa has made in driving financial inclusion and making electronic payments more accessible to everyone everywhere.

will have two principal categories; Entrepreneur of the Year Award and Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award. He noted that the awards which are designed to recognize owners of SMEs whose businesses have been judged worthy of recognition, will be granted at both state and national levels.

On the female category of the award, he said, “it signposts Access Bank’s commitment to ensuring that women owned-businesses are given equal opportunity and recognition in the development of the Nigerian economy.”

On his part, Herbert Wigwe, the Bank’s Group Deputy Managing Director said, “Access Bank’s next phase of growth will see greater focus on SMEs and Entrepreneurs,” adding that, “the bank’s 5-year corporate strategy will positively impact businesses at every level of economic activity”.

JPMorgan removes lending barriers in US markets

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S the economy rebounds and home values climb at about the fastest pace since 2006, lenders including the largest, Wells Fargo & Co., JPMorgan, Bank of America Corp., and mortgage insurers are easing the tightest credit conditions in two decades, lifting restrictions put in place after the worst real estate bust since the Great Depression. , the nation’s largest bank by assets, is easing mortgage lending standards in housing markets hard hit by the crash where prices are surging.

The bank lowered some down payment requirements in Florida, Nevada, Arizona and Michigan because they will “no longer be considered distressed states,” it informed smaller lenders it buys loans from in July.

Agusto assigns ‘Bbb’ Enhanced Rating outlook to Skye Bank

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HE leading indigenous rating agency, Agusto & Co. Rating, has issued a‘stable’ outlook on Skye Bank Plc in its current ratings released recently. In the rating, Agusto assigned ‘Bbb’ short term national ratings to the bank.

Agusto premised the bank’s rating on its good liquidity position, satisfactory capitalization and experienced management team, adding that the bank’s liquidity ratio stood at 43 per cent as at 2012 year-end, above the 30 per cent regulatory minimum.

“As at 31 December 2012, Skye Bank’s tier I and tier II capital stood at ?108 billion and ?15.5 billion respectively. The Bank’s capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of 17 percent exceeded the regulatory minimum requirement of 15

percent for an international bank”, it explained.

The foremost indigenous rating agency noted that Skye Bank’s planned to raise new equity of ?50 billion and $200 million tier II capital in the near term. It said the proposed tier II capital would be raised before 31 December 2013. “If successful, this should improve capitalization ratios”, it said.

“Supported by improved earnings and lower operating costs, the bank’s profitability ratios, pre-tax return on average equity (ROE) and asset & contingents (ROA) strengthened to 15.2 per cent and 1.4 per cent respectively from 2.9 per cent and 0.3 per cent in the prior year”, the Augustoreport further stated.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013—23

Govt patronage’ll lift manufacturing sector — Operators

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

A

STORIES BY FRANKLIN ALLI

BUJA Chamber of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ABBUCCIMA) has targeted to rake in N2 billion revenue from its soon to be held international trade fair.

Briefing newsmen, Dr. Solomon Nyagba, President of ABUCCIMA ,said 500 local and international exhibitors are expected to participate in the eight editions of the fair. It is scheduled to hold between Sept. 26 and Oct. 10 at the J.T Useni International Trade Fair Complex, Airport Road Abuja Nyagba said the theme of the fair “Promoting the culture of production and innovations in SMEs to achieve competitiveness for national development’ was chosen to showcase

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ANUFACTURERS of iron and steel for telecommunication and electricity industry have called on the Federal Government to “Be the First” in buying quality Made-In- Nigeria products, saying this will lift the sector out of the wood.

Recall that recently Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI’s Business Confidence Index (BCI) ranked the manufacturing sector lowest with a paltry five percent compared with the financial sector 35 percent, Hotel & Restaurant and Telecoms & Postal sectors 29 percent, and agricultural sector 18 percent.

W a l e Akinbiyi, spokesman for manufacturers of the telecom and power tower, attributed the little contribution of the sector to the economy to lack of government patronage, among other factors.

According to him,the dominance by foreign firms coupled with harsh business environment which creates additional burden on cost of production, lack of patronage and incentives from government are also clogs in the wheel.

“Local industries that manufacture these products are insisting that government should patronise them particularly for the reason that they create jobs for Nigerians and reinvest their profits in the economy, all in their bid to contribute to the growth of the nation’s economy. “ I f government patronise our products , it can increase our workforce and this would reduce the number of the unemployed in the labour market,” said Akinbiyi.

He disclosed that manufacturers in the sector now have an average capacity to produce 150,000-200,000 tons; hence they want government to patronise them by purchasing, if not all, at least, between 100,000-200,000 tons of their tower products.

Akinbiyi noted that private companies purchase from these local manufacturers, but the f e d e r a l government does not because it prefers to import these products from countries like Sri Lanka,

ABBUCIMA targets N2bn revenue from trade fair

•From right: Vice President/ Chairman, Trade Promotion Board, Mr. Babatunde Ruwase;Mr. Goddie Ibru, LCCI President and other council members during the maiden memberships’ Day/ Exhibition, in Lagos.

Turkey, China, Indonesia etc.

“This is not helping the local manufacturers and the economy in general.

Even foreign companies based in Nigeria which are owned by Turkish, Chinese and Indians patronise local manufacturers but the federal government prefers to seek the services of foreigners who will go back to their country to get the

materials duty-free while for the local manufacturers, raw materials import attracts between 20-25 percent import duty.

This is killing businesses and not encouraging local content”, he said.

“Continuing, Akinbiyi said manufacturers in this sector are h o p e f u l t h a t government’s patronage will

stimulate growth in their business and in the long run contribute to economic growth and development. “In countries like China, Sri Lanka, India etc, manufacturers pay about 50-70 dollars as salary. There is no corporate social responsibility unlike here where companies pay good salaries and still engage in community service,” he said.

Melon exporters tasked on regulatory compliance

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IGERIANS export ing melons seed to the European Union have been enjoined to comply with local regulatory certifications before sending them abroad.

“Right now we are having issues with the European Union. They are rejecting our melon seeds. The Whiteman likes ‘Egusi’ but it has a toxin and if the producers don’t do export certification that enables us test it with our international standard microtoxin laboratory, the Whiteman will reject it.

“The European Union has told us that if we don’t get our acts right, they will ban melons seed outright. We have passed a law that it must undergo 100 per cent testing in Nigeria before we could certify it for export,” said Mrs. Ogochukwu Mainasara, Director, Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Directorate, NAFDAC.

Speaking at a seminar organised for Small and Medium Scale Enterprise (SME) operators at BOI corporate headquarters in Lagos, she enjoined participants to comply with regulatory standards, stressing that the only difference between Nigerian made products and imported products was compliance with standards.

According to her, a potential exporter requires about five free export certificates from the agency covering: combined certificate of manufacturing and free trade; health certificate for semi-processed and processed commodities; export approval for personal items among others.

She therefore enjoined local manufacturers to obtain certifications from NAFDAC before exporting their products to save them loses arising from product rejections in foreign markets.

Corroborating her

views, an AGOA Manager, Mrs. Ogor Ifeoma, said understanding and complying with export guidelines and procedures of NAFDAC was the only way to avoid problems associated with export Nigerian made products, as it will encourage local production.

the best practices needed for economic growth.

He said necessary arrangement had been put in place to ensure a successful trade fair while plans were in place to do away with make shift exhibition stand. ‘’ We have imported an exotic Exhibition tent measuring 2125sq meters that can accommodate close to 200 standard exhibition stands.

“In addition, we have imported six standards exhibition booths –all Chinese products, all these are designed for the comfort of exhibitors.

“It is believe that the annual event has created opportunities for business development, especially on Small and Mediums Enterprises (SMEs), bringing about economic growth in the nation” he said.

Oilseed & Grain trade summit holds next month

BY NAOMI UZOR

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OMEN in agribusiness in the country have been called upon to participate in the forthcoming Oilseed & Grain Trade Summit and network with their industry peers, potential business partners and discuss key issues facing the industry.

The summit, the eight editions in the series will hold October 22-24, in Minneapolis, USA. In a chat with Vanguard, Michelle PelletierMarshall, the Public Relation Manager, of the organizing firm, said the summit is a globally recognised industry conference that brings together commodity and ingredient buyers and sellers from around the world for unparalleled networking opportunities.

According to her, since its inception in 2006, the

summit has attracted a growing number of participants across a broad spectrum of the global oilseed and feed grains supply chain, including soybeans, canola/rapeseed, sunflower, cottonseed, tropical oils and feed grains (corn, wheat, barley, sorghum and oats, etc.).

This year’s agenda addresses trend in the global oilseed and grains supply chain, trends in vegetable oil usage for food, fuel and industrial applications, new oil traits.

The summit event director from HighQuest Partners, Mark Dineen, said, developments in Brazil, Canada and China will also be discussed in detail, including how initiatives in Brazil are turning that country into an agricultural powerhouse., etc.

World Bakers storm Nigeria for exhibition

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IGERIA will this month become a tourist attraction for world exhibitors in bakery, catering and confectionery industry as Global Exhibition Resource Nigeria (GERN) Limited is to showcase latest products, equipment, machinery and ingredients in confectionary business at its global exhibition tagged BCC Expo 2013.

It will hold between 19th and 21st of this month.

According to the CEO of the company, Mr. Temitope Oluwadipe, over 30 exhibitors across the globe and five foreign missions have so far

booked to participate in the Expo.

He explained that the idea of the exhibition was borne out of the desire to expose master bakers to the modern trends in the baking industry and open up job avenues for young graduates who would be exposed to opportunities that are untapped in the bakery industry.

“It will be another great step towards freeing ourselves from the“ shackles of food importation as we spend N635 billion annually importing wheat alone.

Our“wheat import is growing at the rate of 13 per cent annually. By 2020,“it is es-

timated that, at this growth rate, Nigeria’s annual wheat“imports will hit 17 million metric tonnes, or the entire wheat exports of Canada, “the third largest wheat producer in the world. As we do, we will be“shattering the hope of our farmers who produce crops that“can substitute for wheat in bread.”

Oluwadipe noted that bakery products have become indispensable in the menu“of many Nigerians, saying that this has contributed“ in turning the bakery, catering and confectionery“ into one of the fastest growing businesses in Nigeria.

24 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

NCMDL CA raises alarm o ts NCMDLC ovver imminent congestion at por ports

By Godwin Oritse

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group under the aegis of the National Council of Managing Directors Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA) has raised alarm over an impending port congestion that might hit the nation if urgent steps are not taken to avert it.

In a letter to the Presidency, the President of the group Mr. Lucky Amiwero said that there is terrible build up of uncleared containers at Lagos Ports that might become a treat to the Economy.

The situation according to Amiwero has assumed an alarming proportion, adding that if not urgently checked, it will create serious economic imbalance and devastating effect to our Port system.

Amiwero explained that the refusal of some shipping firm to transfer their containers to off dock facilities and the absence of government to the stemming of vessels bonded warehouses are some of the causes of the congestion that is currently gathering momentum.

He also blamed the situation on inefficient and unethical attitudes of some terminal operators adding that most have no respect for the concession agreement they went into with government.

He said “ The Present congestion being experienced in Lagos was the refusal of shipping companies to transfer the containers owned by their Lines to off Dock facilities.

“The refusal has created build up in the Lagos Ports, which is presently associated with delay in the positions of containers for scanning, physical Examination and delivery, which sometimes take weeks, with the inefficiency and cost still borne by the Importer/Licensed Customs Agents.

“The contact of carriage by Sea, limit the action of the Shipping Companies, as such Containers are under lease to the Importer who can use such Container on “THROUGH” Bill of

Lading contract while the Terminal Operators who are the receivers of the Cargo from the Line to their facilities are the one responsible with the consent of the importer based on the Clause in the Bill of Lading to any agreed off dock terminal within reach at no cost to the importer.

Explaining further, Amiwero stated “The major cause of unethical practice and increase of port cost is the Total Control of the allocation/ steaming of Ship by Concessioners, which allows them to keep Containers at the detriment of the Economy and refuse to allocate Containers to off dock Terminal that are laying fallow.

Mr Zebulon Ikokide, National President of Institute of Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (IFFN), National Secretary of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Dr. Emmanuel Oparah and National President of ANLCA, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, at a meeting held at ANLCA secretariat in Lagos, Tuesday.

Ship re-cy cling, repair at er ways re-cycling, repairss going on w wat ater erw despit e NIMAS A ef ts despite NIMASA efffor orts D

ESPITE efforts by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety AGENCY (NIMASA) to control the activities of illegal ship repair and re-cycling yards along the nation’s waterways, these activities are still going on.

In its efforts to control these activities, NIMASA had gone round the waterways, mostly the Lagos area, stopping ongoing works and compelling owners of such outfits to register to enable them operate legally.

Following its efforts, a total of seven applications have been received and processed between August last year and July this year. Of the seven applications received, one was said to have attached fake documents to its application, resulting in none consideration of it.

This is reflected in a document made available to Vanguard by the Deputy Director in charge of Public Relations of the apex maritime regulatory body, Isichei Osamgbi.

The document also showed that the agency placed a “stop work order” on two of such companies intending to embark on ship re-cycling.

The names of the two companies were given as Morlap Shipping Company, owners of M.T Bethel which was stopped on the 29th of April, 2013 and Alhaji

Auwalu Sha’aibu Koko, owners of M.T Blue Gas. The document showed that MT Ocean View, MT M300 and MT Tamuno Dobra, owned by Bao Yao Huan Jin are waiting recycling while the owners’ registration is being processed. Others vessels awaiting re-cycling are Zenon Conquest and MT S215 owned by Century Energy and SAJE respectively.

The companies’ documents for registration were received in June, 2013.

The document further went on to state that safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships, otherwise known as the Hong Kong Convention

(HKC) 2009, is aimed at ensuring that ships, when being recycled after reaching the end of their operational lives, do not pose any unnecessary risk to human health.

According to the document, “Investigations revealed that ships were being scrapped at various locations within the Lagos shores, which prompted the department to take proactive measures by stopping the scrapping and inviting the company for a meeting. After the meeting, companies are issued with environmental requirements to fulfil before the issuances of scrapping permit to

enable them continue with their activities.

“This has resulted in the regulation and monitoring of ship scrapping activities by NIMASA. The agency has pegged the sum of #200,000 (two hundred thousand naira only) as fee for processing of the permit and #200,000 as approval of ship scrapping plan,” the document concluded.

However, investigation

by Vanguard revealed that some of the vessels have already been scrapped unknown to NIMASA, especially those on which stop work order were placed.

Of the two vessels, one

of them has been completely scrapped. An official of one of the companies who spoke to Vanguard on the condition of anonymity confirmed that they did receive a stop work order from NIMASA but that the management directed after a while to continue with the re-cycling work.

The official complained that NIMASA delays in the issuance of the registration and that stopping work will affect mant staff of the firm. The source called on the agency to encourage them to establish properly because of the economic benefits for the nation and for the jobs that will be created

Cust oms of e Customs offf icer icerss decr y indiscriminat indiscriminate transfer without allowances the Command are daring the Comptroller-General

BY GODWIN ORITSE

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group of unidenti fied Customs officers at the Tin-Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has protested the indiscriminate transfer of officers without paying them transfer allowances.

In statement by the group of officers, it was stated that the issue of transfer has now become a tool for punishment of erring officers.

It was said that officers who have barely spent one year in area Command are

booted out without recourse to the payment of 28 days allowance which enable officers to settle down to their postings.

An officer who spoke to Vanguard anonymously , said “we do not know what we have done to the ‘Oga’ (ComptrollerGeneral ) after all, we have exceeded our monthly revenue target, how can the Comptroller General be separating us from our families every six months?. The aggrieved officers also noted that the office of the ComptrollerGeneral has degenerated

to the level of hijacking the postings of junior officers.

Part of the statement reads “In the just released movement transfer, dead and retired officers were affected.

“In August, 2013, more 212 officer and 364 officers were moved from Apapa and Tin Can Island ports respectively while other commands were not affected in any way. In swift reaction, the Public Relation officer of the Tin-Can Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Chris Osunkwo, said that the report that officers of

to reduce staff strength of the Command was a baseless threat. Osunkwo stated that the Command is very aware of the enormity of the powers an incumbent ComptrollerGeneral of Customs wields, adding that no sane and discipline officer will regard the CG’s directive as an empty threat.

He said “ Since his assumption of office, the CGC has not been known for frivolities and has never acted on impulse as he is an officer that knows what is good for the Service.” he concluded.

Vanguard, THURSD AY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013 —25 THURSDA

How to ease pain naturally without drugs

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

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NLESS you have a genetic trait that keeps you from sensing pain, you know what it is like to feel discomfort. Everyone experiences pain differently; there are certain parts of your body that are especially prone to aches. The back, neck, shoulders, knees, joints, and head are all common areas where people experience pain.

However, drugs can help, but they are by no means a complete solution. Most studies find that medications offer only a 20 to 30 per cent reduction in pain.

Natural remedies for relief Lower back: Back pain can interfere with everything from your job to your sex life. Getting it under control can improve your productivity as well as your relationships. Research shows that massage therapy may be more effective than commonly used treatments such as drugs. A recent study showed that massage is not only helpful in relieving lowerback pain, but you can get the same benefits with the more commonly available relaxing massage as you can with a more targeted massage.

Knees: While there are many reasons for knee pain, a common trigger is plain old wear and tear from arthritis. To ease the aches, keep moving. Though it may seem counterintuitive, doing regular exercise such as walking can actually help soothe the pain because it strengthens muscles and tendons that support the joint and improves blood flow to the area for faster healing. Try using a heating pad on your knees for 10 minutes before walking to help muscles relax. If you find walking too uncomfortable, another good option is swimming because it doesn’t put as much pressure on your knees.

Joints: To ease the ache, take vitamins. Pills can offer some relief, but it is best to go for the natural kind. To ease aches naturally, experts suggest trying a combination of two cartilage-building nutrients known as glucosamine sulfate and methylsulfonylmethane.

Shoulder: To ease the pain, stretch yourself. If your shoulder is aching from overuse, some mild stretching

Infertility: Hospital slashes cost of treatment

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• A patient with back pain may help relax the tightness in those muscles to relieve some of the soreness. The easiest way to stretch your shoulders is to stand two to three feet from the corner of a room, and raise your arms out next to you shoulder height, one palm pressing against each wall.

Lean into the corner with your head dropped so that your shoulders get stretched back behind you. Hold the stretch for a count of five, relax for a count of five, and repeat five times.

Head and Neck: To ease aches, just breathe. Stress can signal the body to release

adrenaline, which can cause shallow breathing and those neck muscles to tighten that result in headache. Putting a hot compress on your neck muscles relaxes them to help relieve your headache.

Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, can also help signal your body to release less adrenaline and alleviate tense muscles.

S part of its own contribution towards encouraging couples with infertility challenges, St Ives in collaboration with Ives Medicare Foundation is offering 50 percent discount in the cost of In Vitro Fertilization, IVF. During the offer which takes effect from October through November, 2013, patients are to enjoy reduced treatment cost for fertility treatments for both drugs and injections. Patients seeking infertility treatment including drugs will pay N450, 000 for both drugs and injections instead of about N1 million ordinarily required for the treatment.

In a statement, Chief Medical Director, St Ives, Dr. Babatunde Okewale noted that IVF tests and treatments are expensive even in advanced societies where the health system works perfectly.

Okewale said: “We have identified cost as a major factor militating against stemming incidences of infertility in Nigeria.

Though cases of infertility appear to be abating, a high number of couples are still being challenged.

“The last three years have seen a steady though slow success rates in the crusade against infertility in Nigeria, courtesy of Half-the-cost discount. We have further been strengthened in our resolve to continuously make IVF accessible and relatively affordable to couples.”

He urged interested couples to take the 50 percent discount advantage and register for the treatment from September 9th to September 28th, 2013

COMMON SEXUAL PROBLEMS AND THEIR NOVELTY BASED SOLUTIONS (ADVERTORIAL)

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ELLO sir. Please I need your advice. I am in a wonderful relationship with this man and two days ago, he proposed to me. I didn’t know what to say and it is not as if I don’t want to marry him. It is about his brothers. He has two older brothers and I have slept with both of them a long time ago. Back then my fiancée was not in Nigeria. I don’t know what to do? When this relationship started, we were just having fun and I did not think it would lead to anything serious. But he is really in love with me and wants to marry me. What do I tell him? Mary Dear Mary, sleeping with three brothers complicates your engagement beyond resolution. Of course what happened in the past is in the past but sooner or later, your fiancée is going to know that you have slept with his brothers as well and he will not be thrilled. I am minded to tell you straight away that this won’t work but perhaps it is best you find out yourself. Tell him the truth. Tell him that you slept with his brothers in the past before you got involved with him, and then see what he will say. Maybe he is a saint after all and will tell you that it doesn’t matter because it is all in the past. But I very much doubt it – Uche I am 57 and I have been on blood pressure medication for over ten years. Presently my libido is very low and so is my sex drive. I would describe my current condition as first level erectile dysfunction. I am otherwise a healthy person. But my sex life has suffered severely due to weak erection and premature ejaculation. I thought I should ask for help and be guided on what therapy should apply in my case instead of simply making an order for your products. I await your professional counsel and guidance – Prince Dear Prince, writing us first is a good idea. Some of these supplements are blood pressure friendly while some are not. I suggest trying an arousal ointment first. Although they are not as effective as supplements,

they are safest for people with health conditions. Max 4 Men Arousal Excite Gel has received very positive reviews from users and is the best of the arousal gels.

However Xzen 1200 supplement is stronger and more effective. It is very good for arousal, gives hard erections and aids performance at the highest level. Patients with high blood pressure favour it as well and have not had any complaints – Uche Hello Uche. My wife had a baby three weeks ago and it was caesarean operation so sex is off limits for now. Please what sex toy do you recommend to keep a nigga busy till madam is ready to play? Thanks – OJ Dear Oj, congratulations on the birth of your child.

There are a variety of masturbators that can keep you relieved until intercourse can resume. I recommend the Noches Latinas UR3 masturbator. It is big but portable with a very realistic look and feel – Uche I am a mother of five and my vagina has slacked due to child birth. My husband is not happy and neither am I. please how can I repair it? Thanks – Mrs Ode You will need to commence your pelvic exercises to help repair the vaginal muscles. To achieve this, get a good set of Orgasm Balls, an example of which is the Leopard Duo Tone Balls. Do this your pelvic exercise for up to thirty minutes a day. Over time the muscles be repaired. But to enable you have tighter intercourse with instant results, use a vagina tightening gel for sex. Tight Stuff Oriental Oil is very good – Uche That’s it for today. Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 08027901621 or 08051924159 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. Zee Virtual Media delivers to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries send your emails to custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

26—Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Adichie's Half of a Yellow Sun rocks Toronto film festival

Onyeka Onwenu as his strident mother and John Boyega (who starred in British fantasy romp Attack The Block) as the servant boy who works for Olanna and Odenigbo, and you have a well acted film that sustains interest.

By JAPHET ALAKAM

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D

*A scene from the play

asunder by tribal feuds. he sheer scale and depth of the book makes – by its very nature – it hard to translate into a feature film, but Half Of A Yellow Sun is at its best when it comes to design, costumes and makeup to reflect the changing nature post-colonial Nigeria, and while it does feel a little bit soap opera at times, nothing can be taken away from the intensity of the drama or the strength of lead performances.

The film follows the twin storylines of sisters Olanna

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Life in my City Photo Africa international jury announced!

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HE Organising Committee of the Life In My City Art Festival (LIMCAF), the Enugu based annual youth art festival, has announced a cast of experienced and internationally recognised photo artists who have accepted to be members of the Committee of Jurors for the 2013 edition of its Photo Africa contest.

The Committee includes such well-known photo art practitioners as Uche James Iroha (Nigeria), James Banor (Ghana), Piere Dufour (France), Amaize Ojeikere (Nigeria), Yehia el Alaily (Egypt), and John Fleetwood (South Africa). The Committee’s work will be coordinated by LIMCAF’s Art Director, Ayo Adewunmi assisted by Emeka Egwuibe, a member of the Organising Committee.

The Committee’s task is to select the best 40 out of the 152 entries received from 18 African countries which will be featured in an exhibition to be mounted in Enugu during the grand finale week of LIMCAF. Photo Africa is a recent addition (the first one was held last year and was won by Nigeria’s Eremina Jumbo) to the portfolio of LIMCAF, the pan-Nigeria youth art project designed to encourage and promote awareness of environmental and cultural issues through art, as well empower young people economically by providing opportunities for the sale of their works, winning of handsome prizes as well as the exposure of their creative outputs on a credible national and international platform.

(Thandie Newton) and Kainene (Anika Noni Rose), daughters of a well-to-do businessman but who follow very different paths. Olanna

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T was a particularly momentous occasion for Nigerian art, especially the booming film industry as the highly anticipated epic and striking adaptation of Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Orange Prize-winning novel, Half Of A Yellow Sun, was staged at the 38th annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) which is going on at the Winter Garden Theatre, Toronto, Canada.

The event is the first ever red-carpet screening of a Nigerian film at a leading international film festival, and is a befitting debut for the , one-of-a-kind, iconic production as the audience were treated to an engaging and often gripping tale that follows two women during the dramas of Nigeria’s independence and then ensuing Nigerian-Biafran War, which ran 19567 to 1970.

Driven by powerful and moving performances from Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years A Slave), Thandie Newton (The Pursuit of Happyness) and Anika Noni Rose (Dreamgirls), the film is directed and adapted in matter-of-fact style by Nigerian playwright Biyi Bandele, and while it lapses into melodrama at times, the sheer scope of its story is absorbing and fans of the book enjoyed its vision of a tense and changing country rent

special attention paid to how the apartments are designed and what clothes the two sisters wear.

Thandie Newton to a de-

Half Of A Yellow Sun is at its best when it comes to design, costumes and make-up to reflect the changing nature post-colonial Nigeria

falls in love with falls in love with Odenigbo (Ejiofor), a revolutionary who fathers a child by another woman, while Kainene enters into a romance with a white British writer (Joseph Mawle), who has come to Nigeria to teach.

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s civil war spreads through the country, the sisters flee to Nigeria’s southeastern region where the short-lived Republic of Biafra is formed. Each sister leads different lives – academic Olanna accepts Odenigbo’s illegitimate daughter as her own and as they flee they have to live in increasing poverty, while Kainene moves from running a major company for her father to overseeing a refugee camp – but it is their strength and fortitude in the face of adversity that the story celebrates.

Adichie’s sprawling and complex story is shrewdly adapted by Biyi Bandele, and while as a director some of the set-ups are rather straightforward the era is wonderfully captured, with

,

gree has the showier role as the passionate and elegant Olanna, and her vibrancy adds much to the part of a woman who accepts everything to sustain her love, while Anika Noni Rose is wonderfully sarcastic and stylish as Kainene, a driven woman who has to deal with her own bout of heartache.

Add to the pot the ever-impressive Chiwetel Ejiofor;

irected by prolific UKbased Nigerian playwright, Biyi Bandele, and produced by Andrea Calderwood (HBO’s Generation Kill, The Last King of Scotland: winner of three BAFTAs and an Oscar), the movie received a standing ovation at the end of this it’s first-ever screening, in a spontaneous display of appreciation for the creative and cinematographic genius that it represents. In addition to the rapturous applause for the movie, Nollywood veteran and entertainer, Onyeka Onwenu, received a personalized ovation from the audience for her portrayal of Odenigbo’s mother, a key character in the movie.

Basking in the glory of a story well told and a movie that has enjoyed rave review internationally, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, awardwinning author of the novel of the same title, joined the cast at the movie premiere, adding to the panache and splendor of the evening.

The cast was out in full strength too – Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandie Newton, Anika Noni Rose, Genevieve Nnaji, Onyeka Onwenu, John Boyega, and Wale Ojo. They were all acknowledged and celebrated for their respective parts in telling this very strong story with such depth, reach and emotion.

The 38th annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) runs from September 5 to September 15, 2013.

L-R: Andrea Calderwood (Producer), Anika Noni-Rose (Actress) Chiwetel Ejiofor (Actor), Chimamanda Ngozi-Adichie (Author, Half of a Yellow Sun) Biyi Bandele (Director), Thandie Newton (Actor), Yewande Sadiku (Executive Producer) during the world premiere of the play in Toronto, Canada.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013‘—27

Why I wrote on the Nigerian civil war — Ebo What do we need to do to avoid a reoccurrence of this type of war in future?

The truth is that some of the things that led to the war are still around. Things like corruption. That was what occurred in the 60s and one of the things that triggered the mayhem.

There was corruption, tribalism, ethnicity, unhealthy regional rivalries which had been transformed to statesm, zonal rivalries; zones now struggle to use this candidate and that candidate and nobody is talking about merit. So these are the issues.

M

r. Nnamdi Ebo is a political scientist, public affairs analyst, author of Legal method and a scholar in legal literature and politics. Ebo recently launched a new book, There was a Time, a civil war memoir in Abuja. A book many felt he must have been inspired by Professor Chinua Achebe’s There was a Country which he said was just a coincidence because he had thought of the title eight years before Achebe came out with There was a Country in 2012. In this chat, Ebo speaks on what inspired him to write the book and many other issues. Excerpts:

By EBELE ORAKPO

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hy did you feel the need to rekindle old painful memories: “I was 11 years old in 1967.

I was in Nigeria during the public proclamation. I was suddenly told I was no more a Nigerian boy but a Biafran boy. I did not understand it so I consulted two of my uncles who are now late. I said to one; ‘Uncle, they said we are now Biafrans? He said yes and

experiences I had; domiciliation was a problem, you are domiciled in a village for a week, the next week, you are moving to another village.

The country was shrinking badly and the shrinking came with so many hardships. I stopped going to school. So with all these, I knew something was not quite right.

Then, three and a half years later, there was a handshake in Lagos, there was breaking of kola nut and a hug; after

,

Suddenly, I turned from a Biafran boy to a Nigerian boy; all these transformations were without my permission

walked away. Let me be honest, later I knew what it took to be a Biafran. Being a Biafran came with suffering, running from air raids, sleeping in bunkers. I saw children emaciated, suffering from what later was called kwashiorkor and all the other

By PRISCA SAM-DURU

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HE need for an improvement in the reading culture of Nigerians was brought to the fore once again during the celebration of the International Literacy Day held last week at the US Consulate, Lagos. The September 8th as it is customary, was celebrated as a day to focus attention on the importance of promoting worldwide literacy.

US Public Affairs Officer, Dehab Ghebreab while addressing writers who gathered during the September edition of ReaditLoud, described the day as special “because it is a day celebrated worldwide to promote literacy amongst people”, adding that “the earlier people begin reading, the better.”

According to her, “It is encouraging to see young children in school who are being brought up to imbibe the art of reading but it is regrettable that there is still a huge gap since the number

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that, they told us we are now Nigerians. Suddenly, I turned from a Biafran boy to a Nigerian boy; all these transformations were without my permission. So I knew I will tell the story someday, I did not know how but when I grew up, I decided to put it

I

• Nnamdi Ebo

on paper and that is what we have today as There was a time.” ow could you have gained a good grasp of the civil war as an 11-yearold?

I had two uncles who were employed by strategic arms of the Biafran government. One was in broadcasting and there are two institutions without which the rebellion would have collapsed may be two weeks into the whole thing.

The Broadcasting Corporation of Biafra was a strategic institution, the Uli Airport was another strategic institution because Biafra had been

H

encircled, it was then an enclave so you found a situation where one was in broadcasting and each time he came home, he had stories to tell. The other uncle was in Biafran Organisation of Freedom Fighters (BOFF) so with these two, I got to know quite a lot of things that happened and news were everywhere. The radio was there. So when I grew up, I got into the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and started gathering my information to buttress what I experienced as a boy and that was how the reminisces came.

World Literacy Day: Nigerians tasked on improved reading culture

“I expect that Nigeria would seize the mood of the celebration to renew their efforts towards promoting literacy and demonstrating the country ’s commitment towards providing education for all.”, she stated. uring the session, about 8 poems which include “Home Call” by Iquo Diana Eke, “The Art, Rhythm and Drama of Loving” written by Stephen Ipalibo-Lawson, “I am Looking for a Woman” by the same poet, “The Fire Next Time” by Chuma Onwudiwe and “Sunrise” by Adejobi Opeoluwa.

Iquo Eke one of the Poets that made the list of the 11 Poets shortlisted for the Nigeria Prize for Literature as usual, took the audience on a trip to her native land filled with reminiscences of childhood experiences an exercise with so much praises for her root.

D

US Public Affairs Officer, Dehab Ghebreab, addressing writers during the celebration

of adults who cannot read and write in the country is still discouraging. “ ehab noted that it was due to the United States’ commitment towards promoting literacy, that ReaditLoud was initiated in order to emphasise the culture of reading amongst Nigerians.

D

She advised Nigerians to utilize the opportunity provided by the Consulate’s Library and Resource Centre, where they can borrow or read useful materials, emphasising that this idea impacts positively not just on the children but also the family as well as the nation.

don’t think a lot of Nigerians have learnt from the civil war. We pray that Nigerians will see reason so that it doesn’t repeat again because no country can survive two civil wars. I learnt a lot from that war. It was the only war that we had refugees that did not spill into neighbouring countries. It was a war that ended amicably. There was no armistice, so to say. It was a war between brothers and the way Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd) handled the surrender is something to be emulated.

He did not give medals to the soldiers. Nigerians should try and learn from that war but there are a lot of people around now who do not remember the war. I think one of the reasons why people should read my book is to learn about the carnage, the suffering and all the accompaniments of a conflict.

It is not the best.

ANA, Imo chapter gets new EXCO

T

he Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA, Imo State chapter, last week elected new officials to handle its affairs for the next two years.

At the election presided by Dr Sam Madugba and observed by Dr Ngozi Ude, representing the national EXCO, last September 1, Mr. Chidozie Chukwubuike emerged chairman.

Chukwubike was the chapter ’s immediate past Vice Chair.

Chief Chukwuma Ibezute was elected the new Vice Chair while Mrs Nnenna Ihebom returned as the secretary having served in that same capacity in the last EXCO. Ihedom’s new assistant is Chidiebere Enyia.

Lady Chioma Enwerem got the position of Financial Secretary, while Dr Tony Ogu, the immediate past Fin. Sec. is now the Internal Auditor.

Nze Anusionwu Okoro is now the Treasurer, and Sylvester Nwokedi, the PRO.

28 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013 — 29

‘Why every Katsina girl-child must be educated’

Stak eholder of akeholder eholderss pr prof offfer solutions to ASUU/ FG fface-of ace-of ace-offf

— Page 34

— Page 35

Why ASUU strike will persist

— Page 37

TRAINING: From left: (seated): Mr Willy Ogbidi, Director of Corporate Affairs IOE; Mrs Dolapo Olaoye, Director Curriculum and Evaluation, LASTVEB; Dr Rotimi Oladele, Executive Secretary, IOE; Mr Olawumi Gasper, Ex. Sec. LASTVEB; Dr Folu Olagunju, Director, Membership and Marketing; Mr Laolu Oguntuyi, Director of Vocational and Technical Education, LASTVEB; and Mrs Florence also a Director in LASTVEB during the Train the Trainer workshop, on Lagos.

Education for sale: High fees,

mercenaries bane of education sector

"U

pgrade your WAEC, JAMB and NECO results by calling this number,” the post on a popular website read. And our reporter did just that.

Posing as an unlucky candidate who had failed her Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), this reporter got the following response from the other end of the line: “Listen, I work with JAMB. I have been doing this for a very long time; do you know how many admissions I have processed for people this year alone? Don’t worry, send me the details and leave everything to me, it will cost you N5,000. I am sure you can afford that.”

Considering the dwindling state of C M Y K

education in Nigeria, it is no surprise that access to higher education now boils down to what one can ‘afford’.

Whether legally through astronomically hike in fees, or illegally through mercenaries, education is becoming increasingly expensive and gradually slipping out of the common man’s reach. Investigations carried out by Vanguard Learning reveal that education, especially at the tertiary level, has become a profit-oriented venture.

Vanguard Learning sought the views of students, lecturers and educationists on the alarming rate of fee increment in the country.

A student of the University of Calabar who pleaded anonimity, told our reporters that sometimes, students have to pay lecturers before they can submit their assignments and that, more often than not, buying a lecturer’s textbook could be graded.

,

By Amaka Abayomi, Laju Arenyeka, Ekemini Eyoh & Josephine Mbaebie

Beyond these offthe-record levies, many varsity students have witnessed an increase in fees that is not at par with the pocket of the average Nigerian.

A student of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Miss Pauline Oke (not real names) said: “As at last year, we were paying about N32,000, which has now been increased to N45,000.” The Lagos State University (LASU), undoubtedly has the most dramatic report as far as fee hike is concerned. Before the 2011/ 2012 session, students paid about N25,000 as fees. However, with the

Beyond these off-therecord levies, many varsity students have witnessed an increase in fees that is not at par with the pocket of the average Nigerian

,

She said; “In my department, some lecturers will not allow you submit your assignment if you don’t pay. My exroomate had to buy an expensive drink and pay about N8,000 to have her project topic approved. Education is expensive here. In addition to all these, we pay a compulsory sum of N20,000 for damages once in two years.”

Continues on page 30

30— Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Education for sale new session, LASU students began to pay between N198,750 to N368,750 as fees.

To further buttress the high cost of education in the country, the coordinator, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-West Zone D, Monsurudeen Adeyemo, spoke against the hike on fees positing that the act is ridiculous and unfair to the citizenry. “The increase in fees is what we are fighting against. We don’t need the astronomically high school fees and that is what we have been telling the government. The government should ensure that education is free so that the common man can have it. It should not be denied the citizens, it is the responsibility of the government to educate her citizens.”

Adeyemo further affirmed that education in the country is expensive because the government is trying to privatize the sector. He stated that the government is deceitful in its dealings with the citizens and suggested that a state of emergency be declared in the sector.

“The education sector demands a state of emergency. The

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government is trying to privatize education in Nigeria, that is why it is not funding it like it should.

We need the government to be sincere. Let the government revitalise the sector and the economy will be stabilised.”

Our reporter also called another mercenary who advertised his expertise in

,

Continues from page 29

if the respondent by chance worked with JAMB, and how feasible it was for an already released Post-UTME result to be influenced and the response was: “I am a married woman, I have been doing this for long so don’t worry about that. I don’t work with JAMB but I have people in JAMB who would do

Education sector demands a state of emergency;the government is trying to privatise education in Nigeria, that is why it is not funding it like it should

helping upgrade UTME and Post-UTME results. The respondent asked for the name of the school of choice as well as the scores of the students after which she replied that she would do the job. “Let me have the details of the results and choices of school then, leave everything to me. But it will cost you N15,000.”

The reporter went further to ask

,

that for me. As for the upgrading of JAMB result, at the initial release of JAMB, the amount charged was N5,000 but I can’t say for now until I speak with those in the office.”

Results are not only ‘influenced’ after the exams, a lot of candidates for examinations such as the West African Senior School Certificate Examinations, pay outrageous sums to be

placed in special centres where they can be coached in the examination hall.

The commercialisation of the education sector is also very good news for the private sector. Barely any private university charges less than N250,000 for any course of study and UTME, Post-UTME and diploma lessons are springing up from every corner.

‘Clear all your papers in one sitting’ is the slogan on the banners of many tutorial centres in the country.

Tubosun Awoshika, a coordinator with Citigenius, a tutorial centre in Yaba said that the major work depends on the students’ capabilities but the teachers help them prepare by conducting tests.

“After the students register with us and lectures begin, we conduct test to determine their areas of weaknesses. After we discover a student’s weaknesses, we alert the parents and sometimes such student gets enrolled for special classes. We don’t ‘help’ our students other than that.”

Meanwhile, speaking to students in private varsities on the rate of fee increment in their various schools, Bisi Oladipe a student of Crawford University said that “as at 2012, students paid N450,000 per session, but now the fees have been increased to N480,000, Vincent Eze in Igbendion University, Okada told Vanguard Learning that he paid N514,000 in 2011 “but all of a sudden in 2012/2013 session, it was

increased to N643,000.”

Some other private varsities and their fees include: Bowen University in Iwo - from N650,000 to N750,000, Babcock University - from N340,000 to N620,000, Achievers University - from N330,000 to N420, 000.

The Deputy Director (Public Affairs), West Africa Examination Council (WAEC), Mr. Ari Yusuf, recently warned candidates sitting for the ongoing November/December 2013 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (Private) to be wary of rogue websites claiming to provide authentic questions/answers for the examination in advance.

“Such scams are not new to the Council as, over the years, old or fake examination question papers are usually circulated and sold by fraudsters as authentic current ones, at ridiculous or give-away prices.

However, the Council first got wind of the internet form of scam back in 2011. The security agencies were subsequently duly informed about the rogue websites.

“Since then, the Council has endeavoured to routinely carry out investigations into these claims and wishes to state categorically that the claims on these rogue websites that authentic question papers or answers for its examinations can be procured in advance are completely false.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013 — 31

32—Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

P

RESIDENT of Campaign for Democracy, a human rights group, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, has advised the Federal Government to comply with the agreement reached between her and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, so that the union would call off the strike, saying that giving money piecemeal would not help to improve the education sector.

Okei-Odumakin who stated this in an interview with Vanguard Learning, said that the onus to rescue the nation’s universities was on the government if she had the interest of the Nigerian people, development of education and the students at heart.

She said; “As a matter of consistency, there is no need

ASUU strike: Education doesn’t need piecemeal funding — Okei-Odumakin changing the goal post in the middle of the game because an agreement was reached and its implementation is paramount.

Therefore, giving another alternative or making some money available in lieu of an agreement that has been reached is like being insensitive.

“Education remains the heartbeat of the survival of any nation but our children have been at home and teachers out of work. So, as much as

possible, one will want to reiterate the fact that the onus lies on government because if government has education and the interest of the people at heart, government must and should as a matter of urgency, implement the agreement that was reached rather than this piecemeal money that is being given which is cosmetics.

“If this money is not made available, tomorrow there is going to

*From left: Ejiogu Emmanuel Onyekachi of Miketoy College, Ikotun; Obi Uchenna David of Barachel College, IfakoAgege; Victor Ike-Okoro of Topgrade Secondary School, Surulere; and Mgbemena Thankgod of Leeland International College, Oregun, Ikeja, all finalists of PZ Cussons Chemistry Challenge for Secondary Schools.

Though ‘have gotten’ is American English version of ‘have got’ in British English, ‘have got’ in American English is used in certain instances in the sense of possesion or obligation.

Frequently Confused Words

Got - Gotten B

oth got and gotten are past participles of get. The past participle of get in British English (BrE) is got while in American English (AmE), it is usually ‘gotten’. The British say ‘I have got…’ when Americans say ‘I have gotten…’ as in ‘They’ve finally got over the problem’ (BrE) and ‘They’ve finally gotten over the problem’ (AmE).

C M Y K

Many Nigerian users of English as a second language often use American English word ‘gotten’ as a substitute for got in all contexts.

Let’s note that ‘have gotten’ is not simply an alternative for ‘have got’.

The structure ‘have got’ is also used in AmE but not in the sense of ‘have got’ in BrE. Thus, the American English has both got and gotten – with clear differences in meaning.

Examples: I’ve got a lot of friends. (I have a lot of friends.)

I’ve got to go now. (I have to go now or I must go now.)

We’ve got relations in Ghana. (We have relations in Ghana.)

Gotten is not used in the sense of possession. American English does not allow ‘I’ve gotten the answer ’ or ‘I’ve gotten plenty of fruits in the fridge’ but uses ‘I’ve got….’

Noxious – Obnoxious Noxious and obnoxious are liable to be confused because they both refer to ‘unpleasantness or harmfulness’.

Note that though the two words

be another strike, so it is just like the barbers chair, it keeps going around in a circle, motion without movement, so we need movement, government must act now.”

The human rights activist said it was sad that government had allowed the strike to linger and pleaded with government to make the necessary sacrifice so as to rescue education in the country.

“We are really sad that these children are out of school but I think the solution has to be hit hard on the head so that it will be once and for all. The decision to go on strike can be very painful but if there is no logical conclusion, it will continue rearing its head. “When I was in the university, I knew how many years I was going to stay to graduate and I did graduate. People are in the universities now, they don’t know when they are going to graduate, that is the problem. We are suffering, students are suffering, parents are crying, government and ASUU must sit together and resolve it and I think government should try all within its power to resolve it,” she stated.

Commenting on the statistics that the country’s universities are among the lowly rated in the world, she said, “It is very sad that looking at the statistics of universities that occupy top positions in the world, no Nigerian university is there. I think that better funding, equipping of our laboratories, improving infrastructure and remuneration of teachers will go a long way in ensuring that excellence prevails.” share a similar meaning, they are used in different contexts.

Noxious is used in formal contexts rather than obnoxious.

Noxious means ‘poisonous, very harmful’ and is used especially of a gas/substance.

Obnoxious means ‘disapproving, nasty, offensive’, especially of a person or the behaviour/unpleasant/rude’.

Examples: A family had died from inhaling noxious smoke from their generating set.

Some factories dump noxious chemicals in the river.

Those who smoke noxious cigarettes do not know the Christ of Christmas.

Everyone hates him because he’s loud and obnoxious.

She has the most obnoxious neighbours.

*CONTINUES Next week.

Send requests/problems to Gabriel Osoba, Ph.D, Department of English, Lagos State University, Ojo, through Editor, Teach Yourself English, Vanguard Newspapers, PMB. 1007, Apapa, Lagos, or email: editor@vanguardngr.com

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013—33

ASUU urged to make case for reviving of intellectual decay in varsities … as ETL gives 5 lectures overseas scholarship training

BY DAYO ADESULU

A

s the hope of undergraduates in public universities is hanging in the balance, the Director of Research on African Environment and Development, University of Reading, United Kingdom, Professor Chukwumerije Okereke urged the

C M Y K

Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, to focus their attention more on reviving the mental intellectual decay in the sector.

He said; “More than the decay in infrastructure, I sympathise with the value, mental decay and intellectual decay in the sector because things

that are intangible are better than the tangible.

The things that are seen are controlled by things that are unseen.”

Okereke who came into Nigeria to deliver a lecture titled; Advancing Higher Education in Nigeria through Training and Retraining of Manpower at the 5th anniversary of

Executive Trainers Limited held in Abuja, charged lecturers to invest more in meaningful researches to develop themselves.

Lamenting the decadence in lecturers' scientific publications, he noted that in 1981, Nigeria had only 1,062 scientific publications of Nigerian scholars in

world scientific journals.

By 1995, he noted, when that number should have doubled, it dwindled to 711. Are we going forward or backwards?

According to him, “In the same year, South Africa had 3,113 publications, India had 14,883, Brazil had 5,444.

"Results do not lie, wherever you spend

your money, that is where you get the results. Whatever result you are getting, it is the function of the investment you are making in that field. If you spend money on your car than your brain, your car will run faster than your brain.”

The Director of Research who maintained that Nigerian government should invest heavily in technological education, pointed out that while Nigeria spends only 2.4 per cent of her GNP on technological education, America spends 37.3 per cent. “No wonder we have only 15 scientists paying one million Nigerians compared to 118 in Brazil, 159 in China, 158 in India and 4,103 in the United States,” he added.

He said, “The research on development that takes place in higher education has played immense role to enhance socio-economic development. Therefore, we cannot afford to toy with our tertiary institution. If tertiary institutions are so powerful in shaping the economy and society, maximum attention should be given to its development. “The state of our university system is very appalling. In the 1970s, our university graduates could compete favourably with their contemporaries anywhere in the world.

But today, no Nigerian university is ranked among top 1,000 in the world. OAU is 1,113th in the world and 8th in Africa.

“The university is where we train our citizens to be dynamic, purposeful and resourceful. We can test the vibrancy of a country in the vibrancy of her institutions. If the university is poor, the society is poor, if there are no values in the university, then there are no values in the society, if the university is compromised, the society is compromised, if the university is weak, the society is weak."

34—Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2012

LECTURE: From left: Bishop Mike Okonkwo presenting a trophy to the winner of the

essay competition, Miss Folatomi Alli-Balogun of Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls during the 14th Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture with the theme: "Overcoming the Nigerian Security Challenges: A Panacea For National Growth And Development" in Lagos. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

Expert blames falling education on lack of security

BY AMAKA ABAYOMI

T

he rising security challenges, which have led to the fall in the standard of education, poor leadership and governance, bad politics, among others, were brought to the fore at the recently held 14 th Mike Okonkwo annual lecture.

Themed Overcoming the Nigerian Security Challenges: A Panacea for National Growth and Development, the lecture was delivered by a former Minister of Finance and National Development, Dr. Kalu Idika K alu.

Identifying falling education standard, bad governance, absence of adequate judicial

system and inequities as fallout of security challenges, Kalu said providing security is beyond having a large army or police force which is almost always geared towards government officials without any consideration for the common man. “From the Aba women’s riot to similar struggles by Niger-Delta

communities, these sociopolitical events of pre- and immediate postindependence further illustrate the interplay of security and orderly growth and irreversible cumulative development. “The near total cessation of production and commerce is a measure of the total absence of security in Nigeria. This is because investment can only happen when there are certain measures of security as no one would want to tie down his money in an unsecured environment.

“Improvement in security can overcome challenges from administrative lapses, but deliberate retraining programmes will be required to beef up performances and overcome security challenges.” Meanwhile, winners of the annual essay competition were presented with their prizes. Folatomi Alli-Balogun of Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, Lagos emerged winner and won N100,000, a personal laptop, a trophy and three internet-ready desktop computers for her school.

Mark Nwanbiankea of Lagos State Senior Model College, Badore, came second and was rewarded with N75,000, a laptop and two internet-ready desktop computers for his school.

Third was Samuel Effion Edet of Government Technical College, Calabar, who went home with N50,000 and an internet-ready desktop computer for the school.

Okonkwo said the competition was his little contribution to the emergence of a new Nigeria.

‘Why every Katsina girl-child must be educated’

BY WALE AKINOLA

T

he Special Adviser to the Governor of Katsina State on Girl-Child Education and Child Development, Hajia Bilquis, says the Shema administration believes every girl- child needs to be educated. She speaks on what the state government is doing to make this possible.

The education of the girlchild is apparently a priority to Gov. Shema. What is on ground?

Governor Shehu Shema established the Department of Girl-Child Education and Child Development in 2008 as the first of its kind in Nigeria to improve the lot and the quality of life of girls especially those from poor background in the rural communities.

The establishment of the department underscores the governor ’s passion for the education of the girl-child C M Y K

preparatory to her holistic development. The state government also established schools exclusively for girls in each of the 34 local government areas. The department mapped out strategies and domesticated international practices such as Teacher-Trainee Scholarship Scheme (FTTSS) to produce female NCE teachers and Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), among others, to improve the lot of girls from poor families in rural communities.

How do the two programs aid the education of the girlchild?

F T TSS is one of the components of UNICEF/ DFID’s Girls’ Education Project (GEP). The scheme is a special intervention providing financial support to the tune of N50,000 for each female NCE student annually for registration, education materials and general upkeep.

Beneficiaries are drawn from poor families in rural

communities so that at the end of their training, they are bonded to return to their communities to teach. This increases the number of qualified female teachers in rural schools, provides mentoring services to girls, makes rural schools girl-child friendly, increases enrollment, improves attendance as well as raises completion and transition rates. FTTSS implementation in Katsina State started after 150 girls in 2008 secured admission into the State College of Education for their NCE program .It was agreed that the state government was to support 100 students and the remaining 50 by UNICEF/ DFID. The number of beneficiaries increased to 240 in 2009 and, in 2010, it went up to 340 after it was decided that each local government in the state should contribute 10 beneficiaries to the scheme while the state government supports 80 per cent and UNICEF/DFID supports 20

per cent.

Under the CCT scheme, the girl-child gets paid. An innovation to keep the girlchild in school in a society, where parents oftentimes are not disposed to educating the female children; 9,059 girls drawn from 125 primary schools in nine LGAs are benefiting under the program.

Each beneficiary is entitled to N5,000 every three months.

The state government is the main financier of the CCT with technical and moral support from UNICEF, MDGs, World Bank and other stakeholders. It is designed to increase the level of enrolment of girls in school and their retention until graduation.

Funding must have been a big challenge. How has the state government been able to overcome this, especially the CCT? The state government has committed more than N300million from the inception of the program in

20 make first class in Redeemer’s varsity

BY IKENNA ASOMBA

N

o

fewer than 20 students will be awarded First Class Honours degree at the 5th Convocation of Redeemer’s University (RU), Mowe, Ogun State on Thursday, September 13. Of the 519 graduands from the university’s three colleges, 20 graduated with First Class Honours; 184 - Second Class Upper Division, even as 227, 78 and 10 graduated with Second Class Lower Division, Third Class and Pass respectively.

Dignitaries expected at the event are Governors Ibikunle Amosun, Rauf Aregbesola, Babatunde Fashola of Ogun, Osun and Lagos states; the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie; Secretary-General, Association of ViceChancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU), Prof.

Michael Faborode; Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Tunde Lemo; the Visitor/General Overseer, The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, among others.

2009 to date on the CCT. The amount represents the expenditure incurred in establishing the implementation unit, purchase of monitoring vehicles, training, cash disbursements to beneficiaries and other logistics.

The CCT Program Implementation Unit has disbursed five cash transfers and 12 rounds of mandatory monitoring to be followed by three rounds of monitoring preparatory to the sixth cash transfer in August, 2013.

And in appreciation of Katsina State government’s commitment to the success and continuity of the program, the Millenium Development Goals (MDG) headquarters in Abuja contributed N200 million to facilitate successful implementation. UNICEF also engaged a Resident Consultant from Ayala Consulting Equador, who helped in laying solid foundation for effective and successful implementation of the CCT program.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013—35

AHI empowers 47 out-of-school adolescent girls with skills

BY DAYO ADESULU

I

n its quest to make life meaningful to hopeless youths, no fewer than 47 outof-school girls were empowered with different skills by Action Health Incorporated (AHI).

After two and half years of apprenticeship, the out-ofschool adolescent girls at Iwaya Community, Lagos became self-reliant as they received their certificates of graduation in the presence of the Commissioner for Education, Lagos State, Barr.

Olayinka Oladunjoye, Chairman, SUBEB, Lagos State, Mrs Gbolahan Daodu and the Executive Director, AHI, Mrs. Adenike Esiet.

The joy of the graduands knew no bounds as they were flanked by their parents and well wishers.

Going down memory lane, the Executive Director, AHI, Mrs. Adenike Esiet said it all began in 2010 when AHI commissioned a survey to explore and document mechanism for addressing social and sexual vulnerabilities of out-of-school adolescent girls in Nigeria.

The survey was conducted among 480 out-of-school girls aged 10-19 in Iwaya community between December and January 2011.

The survey according to Esiet, involved quantitative and qualitative assessment of the girls’ demographic, education, sexual and reproductive health and their livelihood status.

Iwaya is one of the slums in Lagos metropolitan area with

an estimated population of over 50,000 persons drawn from Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba.

The Executive Director noted that findings from the survey revealed that a significant proportion of these girls have no formal education. Based on the foregoing, she said her team concluded to empower them in 2011 with skills.

“Today, 23 of them have graduated as qualified hair dressers, while 24 of them

have graduated as qualified tailors based on their choices.

She, however, urged them to be focused and dedicated to their careers. Also speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Education, Chairman, SUBEB, Lagos State Mrs Gbolahan Daodu who lauded the innovation of AHI urged the graduands to reciprocate the kind gesture by being committed to their work.

*Cross section of out-of-school adolescent girls of Iwaya Community, Lagos during their graduation ceremony.

RSG restates support for French language

BY DAYO ADESULU

T

he Rivers State Ministry of Education has reiterated its commitment to French Language stressing that the study of French will provide the students in the state an opportunity to learn other foreign languages outside English Language.

The Commissioner for Education, Dame Alice Lawrence-Nemi disclosed this while on an inspection tour of facilities at the new site of Alliance Francaise at the Amadi Flats in Port Harcourt.

Lawrence-Nemi said; “The world is now a global village and the need to give our students an alternative was necessary. The project when completed, will enable Rivers people to have access to the facilities in the institute especially those who want to learn the French Language.

She pointed out that the Ministry of Education has been collaborating with French Institute in the area of teacher training and organising summer holiday school for pupils and students in the state. “We have been working with them since I became the Commissioner for Education. We have sent quite C C M M Y Y K K

a number of our teachers for courses and also have sent our students on holiday tours and summer schools to enable them speak the French language. You know the world is now a global village and the need to give our students the opportunity to learn an alternative foreign language outside English was necessary”, she said.

On his part, the ConsulGeneral of France in Lagos, Francois Sastourne said the

French Institute has a very good cooperation with the Ministry of Education and believes that the partnership will bring positive results. His words: “It is a very good thing that we have very good cooperation with the Government of Rivers State and the Commissioner for Education on this issue of developing French Language. There has been a long standing cooperation but in the years past, there have

been few hitches especially on the location of the premises of Alliance Francaise but this has been resolved. We now have a new place which is going to be completed soon and we should bring new phase to the teaching of French language in Port Harcourt and Eastern Nigeria.”

In her remarks, the Director, Alliance Francaise in Port Harcourt Helene GeneauOkutue said the partnership

Expert makes case for robotics education in schools

BY MUSBAUDEEN SHEKONI

THE Director, PLEDGE51, a Lagos indigenous Mobile Development Company, Engr.

Bayo Puddicombe has recently stressed the need to inculcate Robotics education, an aspect of technology that focuses on the design, construction, operation, and application of robots, into Nigerian school curriculum. He said it captures several elements of critical thinking, programming, logic,

artificial and intelligence adding, “ it is one of the ways Nigerians need to move this country forward into the 21st Century.

The call came as Exposure Robotics Academy (XRA), an initiative of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) students, which seeks to train students in Robotics, held the grand finale of her annual robotics training course for 45 secondary school pupils from 14

states across the country at Grange School, GRA, Ikeja.

Engr. Bayo who radiated strong support at the initiative noted that the incorporation of the practical aspect of this brand of education into the Nigerian school curriculum will encourage creativity which will solve numerous societal issues.

According to him; “There are so many things that we do in this country that are aided by expatriate workers or companies but when you look at it and break it down to the

Four FUTA students complete programmes in American varsity

BY IKENNA ASOMBA

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he collaboration between the Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA, and the Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University (FAMU), Tallahassee, USA has become reality with the departure of the first set of students for the USA. The students who are to complete their undergraduate programme at FAMU under the 4-1-1 programme are Oluwalowo Abiodun (Metallurgical and Materials Engineering), Ogundana Ifedayo Joseph (Electrical/ Electronic Engineering) and Ebere Onyewuchi Emmanuel (Mechanical Engineering), while Fasakin Tolulope is to pursue a Master's degree in Industrial Engineering.

Addressing the students on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebiyi Daramola when the management of the university organised a mini send-forth for them, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Adedayo Fasakin, urged the students to represent the university well as its ambassadors.

"Opportunities like this are rare and should be properly utilised, so don’t jeopardize this and future opportunities."

Group holds annual lecture

BY MUSBAUDEEN SHEKONI

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he Fafunwa Educational Foundation, a nongovernmental brain-child of the late Prof. Babatunde Fafunwa has braced up for the 2013 edition of her annual lecture which is billed for 23rd of September, at the National Institute of International Affairs.

Detailing the line-up of activities leading to the annual lecture, Chairperson of the local organising committee, Dr. (Mrs) Pat Akumabor, noted that the 9th annual “Post-Doctoral Seminar,” a week before the annual lecture, will provide an opportunity for the three winning Ph.D. theses to be presented to the academia.

“While the annual lecture gives us an opportunity to remember the legacies of our founder, it is also a very good opportunity to applaud his laudable gesture of giving back to the society via educational endeavour.

36—Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2012

Stakeholders proffer solutions to ASUU/FG face-off

attract funding for research to face mainly undergraduate studies. But what we have now is like they say, water, water, everywhere but not a drop to drink. Now it is universities everywhere and no one is coming out with good degrees.”

BY EBELE ORAKPO

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Tuition fee:

The respondents believe that as long as tuition in federal universities is free, the problem will continue.

Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Boniface Egboka believes that tertiary education should not be free.

“Tuition is free in federal universities in Nigeria and that is a problem because there is no free lunch in education,” he said, adding; “students are the future hope of their families and the nation, so they should be the centre of gravity of the university system and should not be made to suffer.”

Mr. Ajibola Olatoye, a polymer engineer, educator and Managing Director of Ibadan-based AugustMoon Plastics Ltd., said one of the reasons ASUU is on strike is because of the state of Nigeria's education sector.

“Educational standard has fallen much more than when I was in the university and this is the reason why ASUU is asking for government’s cooperation. I don’t know what ASUU can do to improve education standard without the cooperation of government. In other countries, government funds education massively. I know this in Japan and this is why it is one of the most literate nations today and it can be seen in their products.”

Olatoye suggested that ASUU should meet government half-way.

“The government might say ‘ok, let’s share the financial burden. Let the parents pay for accommodation and books and we will take up tuition.'

May be if it is done that way, they will meet mid-way. This is better than students and lecturers staying at home and government being unable to meet their demands 100 per cent,” he said.

On his part, Dr. Omadeli Boyo, Medical Director, Pinecrest Specialist Hospitals, Lagos and Senior Pastor, Chapel of His Presence, said both the Federal Government C M Y K

ASUU’s part:

*Dr. Omadeli Boyo... issue of post-graduate universities should be revisited.

*Mr. Ajibola Olatoye...

The parties should meet half-way.

and ASUU have a part to play.

He outlined a multi-pronged approach to the issue.

place to assess what they are actually doing and then we will be able to know what constitutes excess work. If we cannot define what they are paid to do, how do we define when they are overworked?”

Taking a swipe at government, Boyo said; “Price of oil is dropping and the agreement cannot be met, according to government. If government says it is broke, people outside government cannot see signs of being broke because the convoys, jeeps etc, are increasing everyday, so people cannot come to terms with the fact that the government is broke. They believe there is money.

During Obasanjo’s military regime, government cut down on ostentatious lifestyle and if people see such a thing happening

The problem:

“ASUU is complaining that they are supposed to be paid allowances for marking, teaching and supervising more than acceptable number of courses and projects. They have been drawing government’s attention to outstanding allowances. I think that sometimes government signs agreements to get ASUU back to work; they are signed with the intention to break them as they are reached under duress,” said Boyo.

Government’s part:

“Government has to learn to keep to bargains and meet up with their obligations; they should not wait to be reminded. ASUU has been drawing their attention to outstanding in terms of allowances. Again, instead of opening more universities, government should invest more in already existing universities and ensure they have enabling environment for academic pursuit. This includes ensuring that there are enough lecturers for students. Government is just interested in admitting students into the university and not asking themselves how many students a lecturer should handle. They should invest more in polytechnics and other specialised institutions; many more students deserve to go to vocational training institutes so that less pressure is placed on the university system.”

Checks and balances:

“The Federal Government must ensure that lecturers are appropriately monitored, ensure they get to work on time and have enough to do, not just saying they are overworked and they are not getting their allowances.

There must be a system in

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he Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has been going on strike for a number of years over the same issue – government not honouring agreements reached with the union; yet, nothing seems to have changed. In this report, Vanguard Learning sought the opinions of some Nigerians on the way forward.

Excerpts:

“The lecturers should have a peer review mechanism in which the university system itself is able to assess lecturers and at the end of every semester, find out how many of these lecturers are really lecturing and what their workload is because some lecturers are overworked while some are just there doing nothing.

"Students complain that tutorials no longer hold.

There used to be lectures and tutorials. You go for lectures and still have small group tutorials where graduate assistants and other lecturers go through the main lectures with you in different ways. In today ’s lecture halls, you have thousands of students gathered for one lecture and they hardly hear the lecturer.

Universities should also ensure that something like sexual harassment is curbed maximally.”

Instead of always going on strike; “ASUU should use internal mechanisms to ensure that government is reminded of these agreements and when the agreement is flouted, they should take pages in the newspapers and draw the attention of the media and the general public to how government is flouting the agreements. They could

I think the root cause, apart from corruption, is that sometimes government signs agreements to get ASUU back to work; they are signed with the intention to break them because they are reached under duress

now, the way government is being pruned, they will understand.”

Division of labour:

“We should revisit the issue of post-graduate universities; some universities should just face post-graduate studies and do more of research and training rather than lecturing undergraduates.

In many modern universities, when students are very few in a department, you close down the department. When research and training are not going on in the university system, they close down any department that cannot

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then appeal to the National Assembly ’s Education committees, appeal to the president and after that, they could give an ultimatum and do warning strikes like two days without lectures. It could also include refusing to hold convocation,” he said, adding; “Most people will be more concerned about ASUU raising alarm that students are not taking their academics seriously, the standard of people coming in from secondary schools is dropping, that they cannot teach these people because they don’t understand English, rather than going on strike just over emoluments.”

Nigeria needs skillful people not certificate holders —Afebioye

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

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N educationist, Mr. Wale Afebioye, has decried the inadequate training that students receive in many schools in the country and called for a change in curriculum that would make graduates skillful instead of being mere certificate holders.

Afebioye, the executive director and business development executive of Premier College, Ijebu-Ode, lamented that many Nigerian graduates are not employable.

“I have been in the educational sector for 15 years as a teacher and administrator and have discovered that many Nigerian schools train students to be holders of certificates rather than people who possess skills.

This is the major reason why many Nigerian graduates can’t find job because of their poor performance and those who have the opportunity of getting one have to undergo rigorous training by the corporate organisations that employed them.”

He said the problem with education sector is that our schools are not centres for creative expression as most times, people go to school to obtain a certificate in order to secure a job. “Rather, school should be about discovering and exploring your abilities to develop skills towards expressing your creativity.”

Afebioye identified other problems bedeviling the education sector as inadequate infrastructure, non-qualified teachers, bad government policies and non-implementation of agreements reached with teachers and other stakeholders in the sector.

He urged government, as a matter of urgency, to improve on the low standard of education and formulate a policy that will improve on the standard of education such that commitment and dedication would be the order of the day.

“We believe schools should not just be about teaching and learning, but a combination of practical expression of theoretical inputs and exploration of new frontiers based on individual peculiarities."

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2012—37

Why ASUU strike will persist

By Jeffrey Eboh, Esq “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”Matthew 6:21.

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here is no gainsaying the fact that Nigeria is one country that is enormously endowed with both natural and human resources. Chief amongst our numerous natural resources is oil which has unfortunately become our Dutch disease. Governance is now built on oil and revolves around the governors instead of the governed—what a paradox. Thus politics has metamorphosed into a money-spinning, permanent vocation for the players while education goes through the grueling crucibles of neglect and abuse.

While our leaders focus on 2015 elections, education suffers; while leaders are fighting over supremacy of a state and its legislature, ASUU strike lingers.

How would you explain when political leaders are being cajoled to honour an agreement they reached with ASUU after many years of foot-dragging? There is obviously want of sincerity and good faith on the part of government. I am aware that an agreement is a covenant, it binds parties, agents, successors in title and what have you? And since government is continuum, it is misconceived for a successive government to preclude itself from being bound except there is a clause for renegotiation in the agreement.

This explains why Nigerians seldom trust their leaders.

In the national budget, education is painfully left at the background while security, recurrent expenditure take a whopping chunk of the national budget because the people are not e m p o w e r e d educationally.

To buttress the foregoing is the consistent refusal and neglect of successive government to apply the 26 per cent of the national budget recommended by the United Nations Educational scientific

and cultural o r g a n i z a t i o n (UNESCO) to education.

Our institutions of higher learning have decrepit buildings with libraries stuffed with archaic books while the

few well educated lecturers are unmotivated. This is absurd and need to be addressed frontally.

ASUU strike will persist in Nigeria in so far as our leaders - and these include political

leaders, religious leaders and captains of industries - send their children to foreign universities to school at the detriment of our institutions.

Regrettably, some of their children immigrate

to fellow African countries like Ghana, The Gambia and South Africa. Perhaps they are now better than us.

Unfortunately, no African varsity happens to be in the top 100 higher institutions in the

*A cross section of students during lesson at the UAC coaching class.

world. On the other way round, even majority of the striking lecturers do not have their children schooling in Nigerian varsities. So, who is fooling who?

I concede to the verity that the ASUU officials have good intentions in the lingering strike. Be that as it may, the strike would always recur as long as majority of both parties do not have their children mounting pressure on them from the home front because, to them, Nigeria is not, factually speaking, home. More so, the minister and staff of the ministry of education have their salaries running while the strike is pending and lecturers will eventually be paid regardless of how long they stay out of class.

Another development that has been impacting on our public tertiary institutions negatively to an extent is the emergence of private institutions to the detriment of the former.

We are children, not brides —11-year old scholar speaks up

BY LAJU ARENYEKA

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leven-yearold Pearl Opara has a solution to the major challenges facing the country ’s education sector. Speaking on the adverse effect of early child marriage on the future of the Nigerian child, Pearl tells Vanguard Learning: “We are children, not brides.

Early child marriage is wrong; we must safeguard the future of the girl-child, and not deny her the experience of a good childhood. In this regard, our leaders must lead by example.”

The motive behind the passion in her voice cannot be mistaken; this 11-yearold scored 194 marks out of 200 at the last National Common Entrance examinations and believes that “all have the same number of brain cells when born, and others overtake us only when given the opportunity.” Pearl isn’t only calling for opportunities for unfortunate child brides; she also lends her voice on a way forward in education especially considering the 10.5 million out-of-school children in the country.

“Irrespective of the terrorist attacks in the north, I believe the government can do better when it comes to educating children in that part of the country. For example, I was going through the cut-

off marks for entries to JSS1 in some states and I realised that the cut-off mark in some north-east states is as low as 2 over 200. That doesn’t speak well of the sector at all.”

Speaking on her inspiration to excel academically, she goes down memory lane to her school’s speech and prize- giving day in her Primary 5. “My mother was present and watched when our head girl, Miss Adebola Osuntoki took home virtually all the prizes in her year as well as a trophy for being the school’s head girl. On our way home, she told me: “You see what that Osuntoki girl did in Primary six, that is exactly what you are going to do when your time comes.’ For my school’s prize-giving day this year, I won a total of eight academic prizes, in addition to being the school’s head girl. I got one scholarship, topped the list of admitted candidates in another, passed

others among the best first five, got admitted into the prestigious Loyola Jesuit College and finished off as the best overall performer in this year’s National Common Entrance Examinations. ” This scholar, however, says she had to sacrifice a lot to achieve this feat: I watch television a lot, but as a child in primary six, my mom restricted my T.V time so that I could spend more time studying my books and attending lessons. In the evenings, I was only given 30 minutes to watch my favourite programme Tinsel.

Was Pearl just born brilliant or can the average child achieve what she has? In response to this, she said: “Anybody else can do it. Everybody is born with the same brain; it just depends on how much work we put into applying it.”

2013 DSTV Eutelsat awards: Multichoice declares September 19 as deadline

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S secondary school students across the country prepare for resumption in September, MultiChoice Nigeria has declared that the closing date for entry forms for the 2013 DStv Eutelsat Star Awards still remains Thursday, September 19, 2013.

According to John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, the DStv Eutelsat Star Award is organised to raise awareness on the impact of information and communication technology (ICT), and in particular satellites, on society. “The new edition of the Star Awards challenged high school students from over 42 African countries to make a submission on how they would use satellite technology to address the problems in their communities, country or continent.”

38 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 , 2013—39

I N S I D E

Ethics and Code of Conduct for Security Operatives — 41

Anthony Cukwurah, pioneering expert in International Boundaries Law (1934-2013) — 41

You need to be careful about Rivers crisis — Ladi Williams

BY ONOZURE DANIA Chief Ladi Rotimi-Williams (SAN), is one of the prominent voices at the inner bar. He is known for baring his mind on National issues without mincing words in this interview he spoke on constitution amendment, immunity clause, six years single tenure, Sovereign national conference, Rivers crisis and the effort of the current Chief Justice of Nigeria to sanitize the Judiciary Excerpts:

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•Chief Ladi Rotimi-Williams (SAN)

dent cannot be prosecuted for civil proceedings. But for criminal offences, he can be prosecuted. This will make it very difficult for some of the executives who had been found guilty of embezzlement

terms of office?

The reason why some people feel we cannot wait till their tenure expires is because the damage would have been done irreparably. Money meant to develop infrastructural projects; purchase of In taking over Rivers State (House hospital equipments, to develop power and edof Assembly), we have to be very ucation could have careful because Rivers state is a been wasted before anything can be done very complex state to govern. The about it. Otherwise, demography is not monolithic. what we have now is like a man who is tryThere are various different groups ing to press the brake that are there of his car after the car has had an accident.

And it cannot continue like that. of public funds, abuse of office and What is your take on the argument treasury looting to do so if they know for a six year single tenure as against that even whilst in office, criminal pros- the current four years of two terms ecution can be brought against them. each?

They will be extremely careful. So far I think we should continue with what as the criminal aspect is concerned, I we have now. A man that is elected into will say that the immunity can be lifted office who knows that come four years but not for the whole proceedings. time, he will have to go back to his peoYou said they can be prosecuted for ple to renew his mandate will make sure criminal offences. Why can’t we wait that he behaves properly in that first four after four years since the constitution years so that he can come back to the stipulates that they can be prosecuted people and say ‘based on my record, I immediately after serving out their am requesting you to give me a man-

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OW would you describe the 1999 Constitution, which some critics have described as not a peoples’ constitution but a product of military rule? Do you think there should be continuous amendment, or a brand new one should be produced?

Well, it is not every part of the 1999 constitution that is defective. For example, the section on fundamental rights, section on citizenship, large areas concerning the legislative process and the judiciary are quite okay. But I agree that there are certain areas which need to be revisited. The legislators have the power to amend the constitution but they don’t have the power to do a wholesale reconstruction of the constitution. So, they may continue with the amendment but they should realize that they don’t have the mandate to totally change its character. For instance, some people have said that we should jettison the federal system of government. I don’t think they can do that because it is too fundamental.

Let us look at the removal of immunity clause for president and governors as being canvassed by the lawmakers.

Some Nigerians have said it will lead to distractions, do you share this view?

Yes, I agree with those who said the removal of immunity clause will lead to a lot of distractions. Perhaps, what can be considered is to look at the immunity clause and limit it. For instance, a school of thought feels that when it comes to criminal proceedings, we should lift the immunity clause such that an incumbent executive office holder can be liable to be prosecuted for a criminal offence. But then, can you have that situation whereby the Attorney- General and Minister of Justice who is an appointee of the executive prosecutes his boss? Don’t we need to have a separate office, maybe like they do in Sweden where they have an ombudsman, a separate office with an independent prosecutor that is independent and is appointed by the legislature and not the executive to carry out such prosecution? When it comes to civil proceedings, I think the immunity clause should remain so that the presi-

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date for another four-year term’. And then it will now be up to the people to determine if he is justified in asking for another term. But if it is just one term of six years, immediately he gets there, he may not be bothered to please the people. He can just do whatever he likes, knowing full well that he holds office just for a single term of six years without having to come back to his people for another mandate, especially in situation like this where there is immunity from civil and criminal actions.

Don’t you think it is time to convene a Sovereign national conference to address some of these anomalies?

I know that a lot of people have said this; I have also mooted the idea. But the problem is this, what will be the parameters?. How do we appoint the members of that body? Some people have said we should have market women, workers, farmers included. Now the problem is that Nigeria is a vast country, complicated. How are they going to communicate in English language? So, we have an interpreter, so when a farmer from Gbaraun Bayelsa state or a fisherman wants to talk to a cattle rearer in Kebbi , how do they sit down to talk if they don’t speak English? So, it is not an easy thing and the difficulty is the way that we have been structured. So, let us do what we can for now. Let us use our representatives. You can‘t have a market woman who can hardly read and write legislating for us or drafting a constitution for us. So, these are the problems which I foresee. It is not that they should be excluded, but what are they coming to say?

If the masses cannot undertake the project, don’t you think the elites should do that , as long as all the various ethnic nationalities are represented?

Even if you bring in only the elites, they will tell you that it is an elitist constitution, it is not for the masses but for the few. So, there is nothing you can do that you will not have such criticism.

What I believe has to happen is that we have to be realistic. Usually, those who propel a change in society are few in numbers and you cannot carry the entire population with you because of the disparity in educational standards. Writing a constitution is a very serious matter. So, it will be very difficult not to rely on the elites at the same time the elites will have to realize that they are not making the constitution for themselves but for the people of Nigeria with diverse ethnic nationalities. The problem

Continues on page 40

EDITORIAL TEAM Dayo Benson (Editor) Innocent Anaba Wahab Abdulah Ikechukwu Nnochiri

40—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

'CJN alone can’t win battle against corruption' of Nigeria is monumental and this is because the country is founded on certain assumptions which have proven not to be quite right. But because we have shed blood in making this country remain one, those who have been involved in fighting the cause of Nigeria’s civil war

will obviously not like to feel that their efforts have been in vain.

But one thing is certain, Nigeria cannot continue the way it is right now, whereby some people will say it is our turn, another people will say ‘no, it is our turn. Even when you look at various states, there are certain states that you find certain people who cannot be in charge of the executive of the state because of the demography. Take Benue state for instance, an Idoma will find it very difficult to be governor of Benue state because the Tiv are in the majority. You come to Delta, it will be difficult for somebody from Delta North, that is the Ibo speaking area of the state to be governor because the Ijaws, Itsekiri and the Urhobos will tell you that ‘look, you have the capital in Asaba already. Why do you want to have governorship in addition?’. So, the complexity of the problem is such that it will take a superhuman to blend this country into an indivisible, one strong united company. Be that as it may, we will continue to strive for unity.

To move the country forward from where it is presently, don’t you think we should begin to look at merit when making appointments into key positions as against the zoning arrangement we currently have?

The whole idea of merit is good, that is the right man for the job. but because of the nature of Nigeria, you can only do that maybe in sports. If you look at the senior national team, I dare say that most of the footballers were from the core east.

Some people have remarked on this saying it is because the coach, Stephen Keshi is from the East, so he is putting his people there. The answer the coach will give you is that ‘these are the people that he finds that are good enough to be members of the team’. This may not

be so and it could also be so. So, in order to avoid suspicion, that one group is dominating the other group, that is why they have put the federal character principle in the constitution. That is where you have various commanding heights in the economy that is being distributed among the various groups in the country. That is why for instance; in the federal cabinet you have ministers from various parts of the country. Even within the states, they look at the local government you come from, otherwise, if you take Ogun state for in- •Chief Ladi Rotimi-Williams (SAN) stance, you cannot put everybody from Abeokuta fighting in the Western House central into Governor Amo- of Assembly and somebody took sun’s cabinet and say that they the mace and then shouted are the only ones who merit the ‘There is fire on the mountain, posts. There will be problems run, run, run. When that hapbecause what about the Ijebus, pened, the federal government Yewas etc. Again, if President took over and appointed the late Jonathan were to fill his cabi- Dr Moses Majekodunmi as adnet with only Ijaws, and all of ministrator. One thing led to the them from Bayelsa, won’t there other and we had the first milibe a problem in the country? tary government. When former That is why we have to retain President Obasanjo declared the federal character principle. emergency rule in Plateau, he What we can say is that where actually went ahead and apthe government wants to give pointed a military administraa particular post and there are 10 applicants for that post from Taraba state, then out of those 10 applicants, the government has to pick the best among them and be given the job. That best from Taraba state is not necessarily better than that person from Sokoto who is also probably more competent to hold that post. So, we have to blend the two, a bit of merit and federal character.

Let us look at the current tor for that period and suspendpolitical crisis rocking Rivers ed the governor. President state. Are you in support of the Jonathan did a similar thing but taking over of the state’s he did not go that far when he House of Assembly by the declared emergency rule but left National Assembly? the political structures in AdThis is not the first time that a amawa, Borno and Yobe states. regional or state government is In taking over Rivers State being taken over by the feder- (House of Assembly), we have al. It started with the old West- to be very careful because Rivern region, when there was ers state is a very complex state

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Continues from page 39

to govern. The demography is not monolithic. There are various different groups that are there. I believe that the National Assembly did not need to take over the legislative functions of Rivers Assembly. Time will make everybody calm down and go back to their normal business after sometime.. It has not helped in the past and we should learn from history because we are not learning at present.

Maybe the National Assembly

Ican also assure you that lawyers who don’t take money to judges appreciate her too, but she cannot win because a tree cannot make a forest.

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is afraid that the same ugly scenario will play itself out again if the lawmakers are allowed to continue sitting.

Well, they do not need to have had that fight before an incident happened. After all, when that incident happened the last time, there was no fight. So, whatever will be, will be. But I think that the lawmakers have

learnt their lessons. I believe that those who actually fought have regretted it and probably ashamed because it was a show of shame. What they did went on internet and across all social networking sites. People in Japan saw it, even those in Siberia saw it. I don’t think they will want to do that again. I believe they will respect themselves and will also remember the reason why they were elected into the Rivers State House of Assembly that is to legislate for order and good governance of the state.

ASUU is presently on strike and the Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike is neck-deep in the Rivers crisis, don’t you think the president should call him to order?

I think what the president should do is to redeploy the Minister of State for Education and give him another portfolio or make him an ambassador somewhere. Because he is one of the president’s loyalists and even though the president may not have endorsed every step that he has taken, at the same time, the president will not want to abandon one of his loyalists.

But the interest of Rivers state is higher than the loyalty of Wike to Mr. President. Just as the presidency is higher than the president. So, I believe the best solution is to redeploy Wike quietly and bring somebody from another part of the country to take that post. Get the Minister of Labour to intervene in the ASUU crisis alongside Prof. Ruquayatu Rufai.

Let us look at the current Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Aloma Mukhtar’s one year in office. How will you describe her journey so far?

You see the best way to appreciate the efforts of the present CJN is to compare her one year in office with that of her predecessor, Dahiru Musdapher. If we are to be brutally honest, let us just compare, the records are there. If it was an elective office and the immediate past CJN were to contest for an elective post with the present CJN, which one will you vote for? Obviously, it is the current CJN. It is when you measure it like that that you begin to respect the input of the Honourable Justice Aloma Mukhtar.

She has taken the bull by the horn and she is determined to fight the battle. Mind you, I am not that naïve. She alone cannot win against forces of corruption. She needs alliances from men of good will and patriots, those who love Nigeria. She also needs encouragement from the executive and the legislators. We in the inner bar appreciate what she is doing. I can also assure you that lawyers who don’t take money to judges appreciate her too, but she cannot win because a tree cannot make a forest. She can only make a start and try to institutionalize some of the things she is doing but that she will win the fight against corruption, she cannot because just a single person cannot do it. But she is making a very bold start by trying to make the judiciary better than how she met it.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013—41

Ethics and Code of Conduct for Security Operatives PREAMBLE VERY profession has got its Code of Conduct for the control of conduct of their members.

You have codes of conduct for the legal profession, medical profession, business ethic and ethics in government and so on. Until recently in August 2013, the Nigeria Police has no code of Conduct for its members.

It is true that Part XV of the Police Act, CAP, F19 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 has provisions for Code of Conduct for Police Officers. Its provisions are not only outdated but also inadequate to meet the needs of policing in the modern world. Of course, you have the Code of Conduct for Public Officers contained in the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of Nigeria 2010 as amended.

There is also the United Nations Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officers.

All these Codes establish standards of conduct binding on police officers, inter alia.

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Theoretical Framework he context of policing is changing. So also are the challenges of policing fluid. The world is faced with increasing globalisation.

National boundaries are more and more irrelevant both in the commission of crimes and the prevention and detection. Terrorism, trafficking in human beings, dealing in drugs, money laundering and cyber crimes do not respect national boundaries. A new world disorder of clashes of civilisations, rapid technological and social change, pressure for National Governments to provide security are emerging. Such pressure also find expression in Nigeria and the Security Operatives.

A new agenda or broader mission for policing based on the protection of human rights may offer policing a new platform for legitimacy and authority.

Human rights has ethical catchet. It enjoys moral power by its commitment to human flourishing and a reduction in cruelty and humiliation. The police duty of providing a service to the public carries with it a special duty of care; a duty to deliver such service in a way which respects the fairness, dignity and autonomy of the individual. A high-tech, highly trained police force operating with sensibility, impartiality and integrity is advocated.

The Nigerian society needs an open and accountable police force trained in the proper exercise of discretion. Therein lies the importance of ethics in policing.

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Importance of ethics to police duties Police have discretion to make decisions which affect the life, liberty and property of individuals.

The knowledge of ethics will enable police to make the right decision. The police have a duty to enforce the law. The knowledge of ethics would enable police to enforce the law with human face exhibiting high standard of integrity and impartiality. Ethics is the greatest training and leadership needs in the Nigeria Police Force. Its knowledge will guide police officers’ conduct and ethical behaviour. This is more so as stewardship is at the heart of policing. And this stewardship demand ethical standard and practitioners of high moral character. The study of ethics helps to develop police grasp of these standards, their ability to think critically, weigh up the consequences of their decisions and understand their personal responsibility. To achieve ethical policing there is the need to take cognaisance of the character of the personnel; the need to recruit men who have a habit of integrity. Although character is necessary, it is not sufficient. The environment of temptation for police officers is also important.

How can police officers make the right judgments?

The idea is on competent based training for police officers to do things right rather than to do the right thing. The focus is on skills, knowledge and procedure.

Our laws are precedent

directs’ will not suffice. A grasp of ethics and the ability to relate theory to practice are essential part of policing. For instance, discretion or the scope for choice is highly significant in policing. Ethics will enable police officers exercise discretion fairly and impartially with integrity.

Code of Conduct for Police Officers ode of Conduct for police officers is necessary because of a few overzealous officers and the fact that police sometime succumb to the pressure of public expectations and circumvent the law.

The benefits of such a code lie not only on improved police service delivery; an awareness of the ethical implications of decision making; a significant reduction in unethical behaviour; improved confidence and trust in the police and improve public perception of police actions. It is with these in mind that I examine the recent Code of Conduct for Officers and Men of the Nigeria Police Force published by IGP M.D. Abubakar. The Code contains eight principles. Every police officer is expected to aspire to their attainment. A police officer breaching the Code does so at his own peril of discipline. Regrettably, the Code does not contain scales of sanctions. The purpose of the Code ‘ is to provide all members of the Nigeria Police Force with a set of guiding principles and standards of behav-

C

•Ehindero driven. So police rely on procedure developed in response to problems. While this provides for stability and certainty, the level of change and challenges confronting the police re-

,

BY SUNDAY EHINDERO, IGP(Rtd.)

quires reflective, analytic, ethical and value driven approaches. More and more police officers are being asked to account for the decisions they take. A response that ‘Oga at the top

The police duty of providing a service to the public carries with it a special duty of care; a duty to deliver such service in a way which respects the fairness, dignity and autonomy of the individual.

,

iour while on and off duty.

It is intended to be used by Police Officers in determining what is right and proper in all their actions...It will enable Policemen to know what is right and what is wrong.’

Principle One provides that ‘ Police Officers shall conduct themselves, whether on or off duty, in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all applicable laws, ordinances and rules enacted or established pursuant to legal authority.’

There are four Rules under this principle. These are that Police Officers shall not knowingly; •exceed their authority in the enforcement of the law •disobey the law or rules of criminal procedure in such areas as interrogation, arrest, detention, searches, seizures, use of information and preservation of evidence;restrict the freedom of individuals, whether by arrest or detention, in violation of the Constitution and laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; whether on or off duty, commit any criminal offence under any laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or any State or local jurisdiction in which the Officer is present, except where permitted in the performance of the duty under proper authority.

Principle Two provides that ‘Police Officers shall refrain from any conduct in an official capacity that distracts from the public faith in the integrity of the criminal justice system.

To be concluded.

Anthony Cukwurah, pioneering expert in International Boundaries Law (1934-2013)

BY CHIDI ANSELM ODINKALU & SONI AJALA

A

S Nigeria prepared to finally cede control of the oil-rich Bakassi Peninsula in August 2013, one of the principal actors in the protracted legal dispute over the territory passed on.

Anthony Oye Cukwurah, a law professor who died on July 12, 2013 at the age of 79 was a distinguished university administrator, public servant, a pioneering African scholar of international law, and Africa’s foremost expert in the arcane area of the law of international boundaries. Long before the word became a title or conferment, Ben Wortley, the famous Professor of Jurisprudence at the University of Manchester who supervised his Doctoral research described Oye Cukwurah in 1966 as a “distinguished” Nigerian.

One of the co-counsel in the Bakassi case, Professor Cukwurah’s unique expertise was in the study of international boundaries. His book on The Settlement of Boundary Disputes in In-

ternational Law was copiously relied on as authority by both sides in the Bakassi case. At the time of his death, he was working on a book on the Bakassi case.

Born on 30 April 1934, in Abatete, Idemili Local Government Area of Anambra State, young Oye Cukwurah attended the African College, Onitsha and the famous Christ the King College, (CKC) Onitsha, between 1949 – 1953.Thereafter, he studied Law at the prestigious University College, Dublin Eire obtaining B.C.L and LL.B degree and University of Manchester, England, where he obtained a Ph.D. Inspired by the challenges of post-colonial settlements in Africa, his path-breaking Ph.D. thesis on the Settlement of Boundary Disputes in International Law published by the Manchester University Press in 1967, remains unquestionably the leading authority on the international law of boundary settlements, nearly half a century after it was issued. In 1991, he complemented this with another book on The Management of Inter-State Boundaries and Borderlands in Nigeria.

Oye Cukwurah had to his credit over 50

published works in law, jurisprudence, international boundary adjudication, peace and conflict resolution, theology, human rights and international relations. He was the author of The International Status of the South-West African (1962) and The Law and the Nursing Profession (1991).

Nigeria’s present leaders and their aspiring successors would do well to read his Anarchism and Anarchist Tendencies in Nigeria (2004).

Oye Cukwurah graduated as the best student at the Bar examinations, and was duly called and enrolled as Barrister of the Kings Inn, Dublin, Republic of Ireland in 1961 and the Supreme Court of Nigeria, in 1962 respectively. He later proceeded to The Hague Academy of International Law for a post-doctoral research where he was tutored by Bhoutros-Bhoutros Ghali, who later became Secretary-General of the United Nations. Back in Nigeria, Oye Cukwurah taught several generations of lawyers over more than five decades of teaching and research in various universities and institutions, thirty-two years of which he spent as a professor of law. Some of the institutions in which he taught included: the University of Lagos, University of Nigeria, Imo State University, University of Uyo in Akwa Ibom State, and the University of Abuja.

To be continued

42—Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Being taken for granted?

AVE you ever felt like you are being taken for granted in a relationship?

Do you find yourself being taken for granted all the time, be it by your lover or your friends? Love, as happy and blissful as it seems, can still be a minefield of confusions, if you are unaffectionate, your partner may think you don’t love them and if you are too giving, your affections and your giving nature could be taken for granted.

Do you ever wonder why some people get taken for granted so easily, while a few others are never taken for granted? The truth is, not all of us get taken for granted and almost all the time, it’s just a few kinds of people who get taken for granted all the time, by everyone around them. Every relationship always starts with insecurities. and confusions. Does my partner really love me? Am I good enough for my partner? Will they ever leave me?

Even if both of you are madly in love with each other, you may find these questions floating in your mind every now and then and it’s this insecurity that makes you try harder to woo them all the time.

Even if both of you are dating already, you want to be reassured in love, because uncertainty just drives you crazy. But as the first few weeks turn into months or years, you may start to feel more reassured in love.

And you may start to realize that your partner really does love you and may not leave you for anyone else. And it’s at this point, that lovers start taking each other for granted.

It’s at this point of time when gestures and expressions turn into expectations and demands. When you start to believe your partner would never leave you because they are so much in love with you, your mind starts to take it easy and you may not try hard to woo them or impress them.

Not all lovers take each other for granted, but most people do, even if we don’t realize it. Ever since both of you started dating, you may be doing something special for your partner all the time, like plan-

ning a surprise birthday party or cooking them a hearty four course dinner each time they come home and at some point of time, your partner may turn this romantic gesture of your affection into an expectation.

If you plan an elaborate birthday party for your partner every single year and surprise them with a big gift on each birthday, you save for months to afford it and one birthday, you decide to take it easy and just take your lover out for dinner at a fancy restaurant, you may still find that your partner may be slightly annoyed with you!

And that’s a clear case of being taken for granted in the relationship.

Does that mean you have stopped being affectionate to your lover? No, it only means you need to start letting your partner know just how much of an effort you are making each time. Don’t be a martyr. You may think being a silent martyr works because your partner would understand just how devoted and loving you are someday. But it doesn’t always work that way.

Your partner may realize it at times, and at other times, they may not. And you’d just end up disappointed.

When you are being taken for granted by your lover, it all starts with your overwhelming silent love, and your partner’s lack of reciprocation and increase in expectations. You have every right to expect your partner to treat you with the same love and affection that you shower upon them.

And the day you start to believe that you need to do more to win their affection or to hold on to them, that is the day they start to take you for granted.

We are not all saints and any of us could feel just a bit disappointed now and then when it comes to expectations from a lover. But there is a thin line between taking your gestures for granted and taking you as a person for granted!

If your partner starts taking you for granted, they may not care enough for you or they may treat you like you don’t deserve their love or attention, all because they believe they are too good for you or that you’d never leave them no matter what they do because you need them so much more than they need you.

To be continued

around. We were like night and day, our paths never crossed and I always wished she did not come home at all. But she did not really have a cordial relationship with the others too but she was treated with respect as the eldest and perhaps the apple of our mother’s eyes.

Dear readers; comments, opinions and views on this story are very much welcome. Please send contributions to: The Human Angle, Vanguard Media Limited, P.M.B. 1007, Apapa, Lagos. Email Address: thehumanangle93@yahoo.com hoping to read from you soon.

BY ONOZURE DANIA

H

Help! My mother is denying me!

T

HE story you are about to read will no doubt evoke several emotions in you by the time you finish reading next Thursday. It is the pathetic story of a young lady seeking to know her true identity. I was moved to tears after listening to this lady as she narrated her story. At the end of it all, I concluded that this was a classic case of over indulgence on the part of this lady’s grandparents as well as sheer wickedness and lack of fear of God and humanity on the part of her mother. That is if indeed she qualifies to be called a mother.

I have advised Idara (not real name) to seek for solace with God who does not abandone nor forsake anyone. However, as is our style on this column, we would love to know what our readers have to say about this story. Your contributions may help heal this lady’s broken heart as well as provide inspiration and courage for and anyone with a similar story to face the future. Happy reading!

Rich business woman “I have no parents. I mean, I do not know my father or mother. I was not adopted by anyone so, sometimes, I feel like I just dropped from heaven. I always feel lost and alone, even though I am now married and my husband tries to console me and makes me feel wanted all the time.

As I child, it took a while for me to know that I had no father like the other children. I lived with my mother with a few other people in the house. She was a rich business woman and it took a while for me to realise that the other girls who were older than me were not her children.This was because of the frequency with which these people came and left our house.

They all came to work for her or learn to trade, so they always left after a while.

A few people called my mother by my name, Mama Nkem, but most of the people, especially family members called her by other names. I learnt that my mother had four other children who were much older than me and lived abroad.They have all returned to Nigeria now.

My mother used to travel very often too. Most times, she went for her businesses and also to see my brothers and sisters.

They too used to come home once a while but we were nevC M Y K

er close. it was as if they resented me for a reason which was not clear to me at the time. I used to think it was because of the wide age difference between us.

My mother too never related well with me. It obvious that I was a problem to her and she never liked me. She did not treat me differently from the other people that worked with her. She would rain abuses and curses on everyone and I was not spared. Her favourite abuse for me was eyen anana ete (bastards) and that I will never do well in life and would die in the forest. And she would beat me for every little thing.

I did not like her and sometimes wondered if truly she was my mother. However, over time, I began to discover things that gave me great concern. I would wonder why I had a different name from my other siblings and why they too also have different names. For instance, the first two children bear the same name while the third and fourth have different names.

When you add my own name, it meant that my mother had children by four different men.

This added to my resentment of her person and would always wonder why she would continue to blame me for her own mistakes.However, I eventually discovered that my name was

,

HI!

me the truth about my identity, she just laughed and asked why I wanted to know. At that time, I had not informed her that I knew my surname is the same as our mother’s maiden name.

She then told me that our mother was not lucky in her relationships with the men she married and so, had married at three different times. That did it, it was her answer that encouraged me to ask my main question. Her three husbands confirmed that all my four older siblings bear three different names. If our mother had married three different men, who then is my own father or why am I not bearing the same name with at least, one of my older siblings?

Would that mean she had a fourth husband? And if that is so, why am I not bearing the man’s name? It was as if I had spoken something taboo. My sister began drilling me, demanding to know why I was asking such questions and what I wanted to do with the information. She advisd that if I loved myself, I should never allow my mother to hear such nonsense from my mouth or I would wish for death because of what she would do to me. I was so scared, I begged her not to tell her that I was just worried because of the different

However, I eventually discovered that my name was actually my mother's maiden name, this meant that I did not have a father and it bothered me to no end, especially since she always called me a bastards and treated me like one of her helps

actually my mother's maiden name. This meant that I did not have a father and it bothered me to no end, especially since she always called me a bastards and treated me like one of her helps. I think it was at this point that I started thinking about my identity and who my father was. But I did not have the courage to ask my mother for fear of what her reaction would be.

However, one day, I summoned up courage and asked about it from one of my sisters, the fourth child who was home on holiday. Of them all, it was with her that I could relate. She bought me many of the things I could boast of owning at the time and she would always advise me to ignore our mother and older sister and that one day, I will be free from them.

The first time I asked her to tell

,

names we were all bearing and the fact that my mother hated me so much and was always calling me a names. The next day, she called me and told me to be patient, that with time, I will know the truth about who my mother is and that she is not in the position to tell me yet.

Neither should I also discuss it ever with anyone.

I was about 12 years then and had just gained admission into Secondary School. and rather than put my heart to rest, my sister had confirmed my fears that there was something wrong with me. The truth would hit me about four years later. Ever since, I have not been the same again. Our first born, a girl who ought to be like a mother to us all was the most selfish and arrogant of all my mother’s children and treated me the worst.

I kept to myself anytime she was

Vanguard Vanguard,,

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013—43

YOUR LUCK TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 LEO; Coming of monetary and loving Venus into a positive angle to your Star sign is a big plus. On a day like this the more ambitious you are the better. It’s good to be loving.

VIRGO; The more willing you are to listen to your partners and/or spouse the better for you today. Friends are trying to convince you that the are reliable.

LIBRA; The more push-full you are along your career/ business lines the better. Embrace new method at work.

Don’t neglect your love life.

SCORPIO; Here is a day you are not meant to ignore new ideas that come suddenly. It’s good to take matters of the heart more seriously. Listen to your spouse please.

SAGITTARIUS; Monetary and romantic Venus at positive angle to your Star and bringing you good influence. Be more ambitious.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

H

AS somebody asked you how do you do what you are doing? If you are a creative person, this is one major question you will be asked by a number of persons at different fora. My simple answer to such a

Ideas beget ideas question is to tell them that there is a higher power that gives me the idea and on my own part is human, I have ensured that I keep on developing and improving on it. More-

over, there is a principle that guides idea formation i.e. the principle of multiplicity.

Every idea begets more ideas if you do not lose focus. For example, you may be a

TERROR MUDA in “Never say goodbye”

writer, from writing you become a publisher, thereafter, you may add the production of toilet tissue etc.

Ideas beget more ideas. The only way to produce ideas is to keep on creating ideas.

Think about it!

By Lanre Kehinde

CAPRICORN; Although your being co-operative can enhance your scope, your personal ideas and initiative are guarantee for a bigger do.

AQUARIUS; Those of you who are more consistent will have more to gain. Good ideas on monetary issues will enhance your finances. Be more family minded.

PISCES; Entrance of monetary and romantic Venus into a positive angle is meant to enhance your finances. The more willing you are to take good advice the better. Be loving..

ARIES; Monetary Venus makes an ingress into your Star sign with good luck to you. Financial success is closer to you than you can imagine. Give it a big push.

TAURUS; Here is a good day when influential personalities around you will be willing to assist you but you will need to take the initiative. Take good advice.

GEMINI; This is your day. The more ambitious you are along your career line the better for you. And friends are willing to give the needed supports.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Princess Shii’

By Andy Akman

CANCER; Your mind is truly active and if you’re more practical about it success’ll crown your efforts. Reason with your tried and trusted friends.

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

Basic characteristics of Scorpio TIME SCOPE = OCT 23 – NOV 22 RULER =AGGRESSIVE MARS AND MANIPULATIVE PLUTO. QUALITY = FIXED ELEMENT = WATER. SYMBOLS =SCORPION AND THE EAGLE. GROUP = FEMININE. ZODIACAL POSITION = THE 8TH. Scorpio stands for secret, sex, sin, death, jealousy and regeneration. You can see that sex and death have powers to compel any earth’s inhabitant to surrender. Thus, Scorpio is the most powerful of all the 12 zodiac signs. That is why you are endowed with strong will powers that can be used to regenerate either yourself or those close to you.

Scorpio is a water sign. It’s natives are emotional types with powerful intuition. They are of inclination to protect their loved ones and/or the people with weaker personality, however, if they have any cause to doubt the loyalty or sincerity of such person/persons, they tend to become jealous and the strong love they have for the person can turn to hatred. And as they are the type capable of intensive love and bitter hatred, it is not good to incur their wrath.

Scorpio-being a member of fixed signs, it’s natives are not keen lovers of change. That is why you always love to make success of any important project of yours before consideration can be given to another one. And by so doing, you make yourself a reliable person.

The water element of Scorpio makes them highly mysterious personalities who intuition (and emotion) can be regarded as extra-ordinary. Although, other influence in your natal horoscope can tempt some people to think that you are very open; the truth is, you can be highly secretive person who knows what he wants and how to get it.

Your being secretive has many advantages, thus, you are encouraged not to be tempted to open up unnecessarily whenever it comes to manipulation of unseen forces or psychic energies. Let it be known that African Scorpio born person that refuses to acknowledge the reality of occult forces heads for failure.

Whoever tries to jeopardise your interest and/or anything that is important to you and yours will be met with resistance. Equally, Scorpio tends to nurse grudge; that is why some people will say natives of this powerful zodiac sign are truly good friends but dangerous enemies.

Pluto’s ruling influence over Scorpio makes Scorpio’s desire for unknown to be strong. That is why many Astrologers call Scorpios the deadly detectives. And a well-developed Scorpio is as bold as aggressive soldiers and fears no death. In other words, you have all the traits of the most powerful Star sign Scorpio.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

44—Vanguard , THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Ijaw group endorses Jonathan'sp presidency

CRP threatens FRSC with lawsuit over new number plates zSays no difference between old, new plates

BY INNOCENT ANABA

BY EDIRI EJOH

I

JAW Peoples’ Assembly, IPA, has pledged its support for the Goodluck Jonathan-led administration in view of his performance in critical areas, such as aviation, agriculture, economy and the relative peace that had pervaded the Niger Delta region.

The group, in a statement at a one-day roundtable on the state of the nation and steps to take to re-establish the relevance of the organisation in the democratic dispensation of Jonathan's administration, noted that the president had succeeded in infrastructural development throughout the country in a bid to better the standard of living of the average Nigerian.

The Assembly identified the fact that there was need to re-establish its relevance in the political climate, recalling that it was the first organisation to push for a Jonathan’s presidency as far back as 2006.

The event, held in Lagos, was chaired by Chief Ikiobofa Amasamana, during which a speech was delivered by IPA President, Elder Asu Beks.

Beks reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to re-establish the Assembly ’ relevance in the democratic dispensation of the Goodluck Jonathan's administration.

A

N advocacy group, Consumer Rights Project, CRP, has begun moves to institute action in court, challenging the propriety of the new number plates introduced by the Federal Road Safety Commission,

FRSC, which strict enforcement commences on September 30.

The group, as statutorily required, has issued pre-action notice to FRSC, threatening to mobilise Nigerians for peaceful protest nationwide to resist the planned restriction of movement of Nigerians with the old

number plates.

CRP, in the pre-action notice by its Executive Secretary, Onu Eke Uche, said that as an organisation concerned with the composition of consumable goods and services by Nigerians, it has become a great concern to it that the intended en-

‘I'm in the race to rescue Urhobo'

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—FORMER Secretary to Delta State Government, SSG, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege, yesterday, said that he was in the senatorial race to rescue the Urhobo from the seeming political low tide the ethnic nationality was going through.

He spoke separately in OtorUdu and Isiokolo, headquarters of Udu and Ethiope East local government areas, respectively, while addressing executive and leaders of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Omo-Agege explained that he decided to join the senatorial race after much pressure mounted him by some

political pressure groups and Urhobo leaders of thought.

He lamented that the Urhobo, the fifth largest ethnic group in Nigeria, have nothing to show for their enormous contributions to the country’s wealth and no representation at the Federal Executive Council.

Lawyer advocates better service conditions for police officers

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

B

ENIN—AN Edo Statebased lawyer, Mr. Afolabi Olayiwola, has appealed to Federal Government to increase the salaries and emolument of police officers and provide them with modern communication gadgets with a view to boosting the security system in the country.

Afolabi, in an open letter to President Goodluck Jonathan, said: “The security system can be improved upon to achieve a crime-free society if government considers the need to increase the salaries and allowances of police officers.

“When a police officer is earning N18,000 monthly, while Senators earn millions,

it is tantamount to injustice to a man that swore an oath to lay down his life for his country.”

Abuja hosts W'Africa youths

T

HE maiden edition of the West Africa Youths Conference will hold from October 21 to 25 in Abuja.

The event, which is expected to attract participants from the 16 West African countries, with the Mozambican President, Dr. Amando Guebuzza, delivering the opening keynote address, is aimed at building global leaders, who will positively change the scheme of things in their re-

spective countries.

Mr. Uyero Junior, the conference organising chief, said: “We have perfected plans to host a very fruitful convention. Our goals are simple.

“We want to create a platform, where African youths can brainstorm and proffer solutions to the myriads of challenges confronting individual countries and the entire continent collectively.”

The constitution

Uche lamented that apart from the fact that the action was a clear violation of Section 41 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, as it constitutes an infringement on the rights of Nigerians to free movement, the enforcement will also create gross economic hardship for the populace individually and collectively.

He said: “The rationality for the introduction of new number plate and driver ’s licence is greatly in doubt as there exists no material difference between the old number and the newly introduced one.

“Moreover, the overall interest of the end users, which form the bulk of the consumers, was not properly considered before such a burdensome, cumbersome and cruel decision was arrived at.

“The functions of the Commission are clearly spelt out under the Act establishing it and as such, the Commission is not at liberty to deviate from such entrenched functions or apply measures besides its powers as is stipulated under the relevant Act. “We shall, therefore, not hesitate to file an action in court against FRSC to stop them from commencing with the disruption of movement of Nigerians over the use of old number plates and drivers licence if the directive to enforce the deadline for the use of old ones is not retracted within the next 30 days from the date of delivery of this letter.”

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

forcement of the deadline on the use of the old number plates was unconstitutional and oppressive to the citizens.

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On boy found in airplane's wheel well

LEASE, if this boy should be trained, let his training be outside Nigeria because he will definitely be inflicted by the viral disease that flows through the veins of our leaders, right from the Federal, state, through to the local government chairmen.— Mr. Robert Robzee, Student.

P

G

OVERNMENT should train this boy because it is rare for you to see a little boy like this take such risk. This is to say that we have no security, for a little boy like this breaking the security walls, just to find his way to that plane.— Mr. Frederick Chucks, Worker.

HE boy said he thought the plane was going to USA. This is to tell you how bad this country has turned.

It is not the boy’s fault.

Government has to do something to arrest this ugly trend and give him special training. He has talents.— Mr. Aigbogun Abraham, Businessman.

T

wonder why we sleep with all eyes closed in this country. It is obvious that the little boy got something upstairs, for him to think to that extent. DSS should not just release him. Let them train him. He is a smart boy, taking such risk.— Mr. Hassan Olajuwon, Sales Officer.

I

W

ONDERS shall never cease.

For me, this is just another wonder. A teenager to have hid in the wheel well of an airline and still came out alive. Honestly, I do not know how else to describe such but as “wonder.”— Mr. Okafor Paul, Accountant.

TUNT indeed! I can’t imagine a little boy of such age (14) could come up with a plan of taking that kind of risk, just to make ends meet. May be our Nigerian actors and actresses should take a cue from his stunt. He has something in him.— Miss Chinyere Onye, Lawyer.

S

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013—45

Kingship tussle: Contender cautions Amaechi against pre-empting court

Magistrate Dada wins Law Pavilion star prize

M

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

P

ORT HARCOURT – ONE of the three contenders for the vacant stool of the Eze Apara Rebisi, otherwise known as the King of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Eze Emeka Anyagbulem, has cautioned Governor Rotimi Amaechi against recognising anybody, pending determination of a suit over the stool.

Eze Anyagbulem said that the caution became imperative, following alleged misleading reports that himself and the Oroworukwo Ruling House, laying claim to the vacant stool had relinquished their right of ascendance.

“I am appealing to Governor Amaechi that neither myself nor the Oroworokwu people will ever mortgage or alienate our right to the Eze Apara Rebisi to the duo, in particular the Oro Olozu people."

DESOPADEC presents 2013 budget to Delta Assembly

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—THE 2013 budget proposal of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, is now before the state House of Assembly for scrutiny.

The budget proposal of N37 billion was laid before the House Committee on DESOPADEC, headed by Mr Alphonsus Ojo. Speaking at the budget defence, Chairman of the commission, Mr. Oritsua Kpogho, said N17.8 billion representing 48 percent of the total budget was for recurrent expenditure, while about N19.2 representing 52 percent was for capital expenditure.

Kpogho stated that the proposal, when compared with the 2012 budget saw an increase in recurrent expenditure and decrease in capital, saying that in the 2013 budget of the commission, recurrent was 38 percent, while capital expenditure was 62 percent.

C M Y K

BRIEFING—From left: Dr Chidi Nwagu, Manager, External Relations; Mrs Rosemary Okolo, Registrar; Professor Emevwo Biakolo, Dean School of Media Communication; and Professor Chantal Epie, Deputy Dean, School of Business Administration, all of Pan-Atlantic University, at a briefing on the 2014 undergraduates programme in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

Delta govt recruits education marshals zTo arrest parents whose wards hawk during school hours

A

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

SABA—DELTA State Government said that it had concluded plans to implement a new policy introduced to ensure that no child of school age was found loitering or hawking on the streets during school hours with effect from the next academic year, which begins next week.

Special Assistant to the State Governor on Education Matters, Lady Stella Blaize in a chat with newsmen in Asaba, said that the governor was personally heading the implementation committee in view of the great importance he holds the policy while some

persons of reputable standing have been recruited as “EduMarshals” that would go round and effect necessary arrests.

She said: “ we have established a clear and effective governance structure to govern the planning and management of the policy with the governor as Chairman of the committee, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary as Vice Chair and myself as Secretary amongst other stakeholders. The committee was set up to monitor the Delta EduMarshals and the outcome of the programme.

“The government and parents have a responsibility for school attendance, but the onus is also on us as the general public to raise awareness of this scheme.

The governor having so much value for education has made it accessible for Basic and Secondary School age learners.

“The Delta EduMarshal is a new programme being introduced by the Uduaghan administration to deal with unauthorised school absenteeism and reduce truancy. It is the first initiative of its kind in Nigeria and we are very proud to pilot this programme in Delta.”

Oshiomhole does not interfere with LG allocation — EDO ALGON

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN CITY—CHAIRMAN of Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State and Secretary of Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON in the state, Mr Jimoh Ijegbai, yesterday, described as untrue, insinuations that the Governor Adams Oshiomhole-led administration tampers with allocations meant for the 18 local government areas in the state.

Ijegbai, who said that though he backs autonomy for Local Governments in Nigeria because future administrations in the state could act contrary to what is in practice under Oshiomhole’s administration, he urged other governors to emulate Oshiomhole’s non interference in Local Government administration to deepen democracy at the grassroots.

He spoke while commissioning projects, which include six blocks of classrooms at Akugbe Primary School,Arokho and Evbiamen;

newly constructed Referral Medical Centre, Afuze; purchase and installation of 500KVA transformer in three communities, distribution of

1,000 desks and chairs to primary schools in the council and other projects executed by his administration since April, 2013.

Group lauds JTF boss, Delta CP

I

JAW People’s Congress, IPC, has commended the Joint Task Force, JTF commander, MajorGeneral Bata Debiro and Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr Ikechukwu Aduba for restoring peace to Akparemogbene community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.

In a statement by its National President, Mr Ekanpou Enewaridideke, the group noted that for the prompt intervention of soldiers in Ayakoromo, the community would have turned into a theatre of war as “some persons who parade themselves as untouchable unleashed

mayhem on the community and in the process beat up on Mr. Collector to pulp. The JTF soldiers stormed the community and restored order though the perpetrators escaped into the forest.”

He said that the perpetrators of the act were, however, arrested by policemen from state headquarters in Asaba and are being interrogated to ascertain the extent of their involvement in the crisis.

He urged the police to ensure that the culture of some people parading themselves as untouchable in a community was eliminated.

AGISTRATE Eunice Dada of the Cross River State magistracy won the star prize of an Ipad in the Law Pavilion promotion at the just concluded annual conference of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, in Calabar.

The promotion, according to Head, Business Development of Law Pavilion, Mr Temitope Olufranye, is “to encourage lawyers and judges to appreciate technology, which is the way to go and particularly, to make legal research for case argument or judgment writing as much faster and efficient as possible. It is also our contribution to the NBA’s goal of encouraging lawyers to be more efficient.”

An elated Magistrate Dada, speaking on the prize, said “I am excited and happy naturally. Even when I was entering for the promo, I did tell myself that I want to win the star prize. I have seen it happen for real.

I have an Ipad, which is out dated but I thank Law Pavilion for the fantastic replacement. I am glad to have won."

Engr. Chikere, 77, for burial

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devout Christian and community leader, Engr.

Herbert Chikere of Umukoto, Umudibia Nekede, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State is dead.

He died after a brief illness at the age of 77 years.

A statement on behalf of his family by Cornell Chikere, the late Chikere will be buried in his compound in Umukoto Umudibia, Nekede tomorrow after a church service.

Service of songs by the Assemblies of God Church Umudibia Nekede holds in his residence today.

He is survived by wife, children, and grand children among who is Mrs. Chinyere Ikeanyi (nee Chikere) of Champion Newspapers Limited, Lagos.

•Late Engr. Chikere

46—Vanguard , THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Poor healthcare delivery blamed on inadequate infrastructure

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

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AGOS—EXPERTS in the health sector have blamed inadequate infrastructure for poor healthcare delivery system in the country and West Africa generally as well as the sector’s inability to give affordable service to the people.

Consequently, they urged managers of hospitals in Nigeria and other West African countries to assume the driver’s seat to make positive change in the healthcare delivery systems in the sub-region.

The experts, who spoke at a special session for chief executive officers of hospitals at the ongoing 9th West African Conference & Exhibition (WAH 2013), also noted that lack of infrastructure was responsible for the reason quacks had continued to have a field day in the sector.

Chief Executive Officer, Mecure Healthcare Ltd, Mr. Anil Grover, noted that Nigeria was faced with shades of infrastructure challenges that had affected the quality of health services accessed by the populace.

He said: “Nigeria is faced with power shortage, huge medical technology gaps as well as manpower challenges.”

Pasage

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HE proprietress of Appollian Schools, Mrs. Taiwo Subusola Olunaike, aged 44, is dead. She passed on after a brief illness on August 31, 2013.

A statement by Olunaike and Shoyinka families said the wake keep will hold on tomorrow, at Appollian School premises, 3, Disu Street, Isawo Road, Agric, Ikorodu, Lagos, while internment takes place the next day at the same venue.

She is survived by widower, Mr. Olunaike, children and other relatives.

Late Taiwo Olunaike C M Y K

Imo Assembly moves to amend abortion law

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

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WERRI—IMO State House of Assembly has commenced the process of expunging the offensive sections of the obnoxious abortion law that drew the ire of the citizenry.

Addressing his colleagues after the presentation of the amendment Bill, the Speaker, Mr. Benjamin Uwajumogu, explained that the House passed the law for the good of the state.

“The law against violence became necessary in the bid to find solution to the growing occurrence of various forms of violence against persons, especially women and children, who are vulnerable members of the society,” Uwajumogu said.

While noting that the prescribed punishment for offenders as contained in the law was capable of reducing to the barest minimum incidence of violence in the state, the speaker also assured the citizenry of speedy amendment of the offensive law.

Meanwhile, some concerned members of the legislature have distanced themselves from the abortion law, which they claimed never passed through the prescribed legislative processes before being signed by Governor Rochas Okorocha.

The lawmakers, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity for fear of victimization, challenged those who claimed the law passed through the processes to produce the Hansard relating to the issue.

They said that “on the face value, the law looked good and commendable but some of us did not know how the offensive sections were smuggled into the law.”

The aggrieved lawmakers said it was only the chief sponsor of the Bill, Mrs. Adaku Ihuoma, representing Ahiazu Mbaise constituency, the speaker, other principal officers of the House and the Governor that could say with finality how the law came into existence.

Vanguard recalls that Governor Okorocha sent an executive Bill

to the House, urging them to quickly amend the offensive sections of the law without further delay.

Okorocha, who handed over the Bill when he addressed the lawmakers, also expressed concern that his political enemies were anxiously waiting for the outcome of the abortion law saga.

FLAG OFF: Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State (right), receiving the new charter of accounting from Mrs. Adanma Iheuwa, Permanent Secretary, state Planing Commission, during the flag off of the 2014 budget defense in Umuahia.

Controversy trails Anambra LG election postponement

BY ENYIM ENYIM NITSHA—CONTRO VERSY, yesterday, trailed the postponement of the scheduled October 5 local government election in Anambra State to December 14 by the state Independent Electoral commission, ANSIEC. Two political parties, Labour Party, LP and All Progressives Congress, APC, reacting to the postponement of the council

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Onolememen wins Africa Leadership Award

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EW YORK’S media and public policy think tank, the Centre for Media & Peace Initiatives, CMPI, has named the Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, as winner of its coveted Africa Leadership Award for 2013.

In a statement announcing the award, the Centre’s Director of International Programmes, Mr. Francisco Bozzano-Barnes, outlined Mr. Onolememen’s “outstanding performance in the provision of accessible roads in Nigeria,” and the impact of such accomplishment on the country.

Bozzano-Barnes noted that the award was ‘’bestowed to promising leaders who offer scalable and proven solutions to some of the world’s most daunting problems.”

poll by the ANSIEC acting chairman, Mr. Sylvester Okonkwo, said it was not a surprise to them.

Both parties contended that right from the date the election was fixed, they knew it was all a deceit by Governor Peter Obi. State chairman of Labour Party, Mr. Sam Oraegbulam,

said the development had vindicated the party ’s earlier statement that the election would not be conducted by the present administration.

He said: “For us in the Labour Party it is not a surprise because the acting chairman of ANSIEC lacked the legal right to conduct the local gov-

ernment election while the substantive chairman is still in court over his removal from office by the governor.

“It is all APGA gimmick to hoodwink the people of Anambra State that they want to conduct local government election at the twilight of their administration.”

Govt tasked on menace of herdsmen in S-East

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BY UDUMA KALU

AGOS—THE menace of Fulani cattle rearers in Igboland has drawn the ire of a professional group, Oganiru Ndigbo Foundation, ONF, and its online platform, Igboville.

The group in a statement signed by its president general, Uche Onu, said the cattlke rearers had been shooting and killing people in some states of South East without checks.

Specifically, the group cited the violence on August 8, 2013, between residents of Umuekwunne, Irete, Imo State, and the Fulani herdsmen, following the destruction of their farmlands by cattle and the incessant complains of rape of their women going to the farms.

The community alleged that its people were attacked by the herdsmen with dangerous weapons.

There were also reports of the

menace of the herdsmen at Ohafia in Abia State, with the locals alleging that the herds-

men destroyed their farms by allowing their cattle to graze on them.

FUTO receives N4bn from FG

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

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WERRI—THE Federal Government has commenced the distribution of the N130 billion recently released for infrastructural development in universities, as well as the payment of earned allowances of lecturers.

Confirming this when he played host to members of Correspondents’ Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Imo State Council, the Vice Chancellor, VC, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, FUTO, Professor Chigozie Asiabaka, said his administration had received N4 billion of the total sum released.

The VC said: “FUTO has received N3 billion from the Federal Government for infrastructural development of this institution. We have equally received another N1 billion for the payment of earned allowances of lecturers.”

According to the VC, the current release will further enable his administration go into other areas of infrastructural needs of the university.

“We are pleased that the money promised by the Federal Government has started reaching the institutions. For us in FUTO, this money will enable us go into other areas of infrastructural needs.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013—47

CONFERENCE: Executive Director, International Association of African NGOs, Joyce Halliday; Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, the Founder of Access to Basic Care and Initiator of Educate a Rural Child; The Founder/Board Chair, Partnership Opportunities for Women Empowerment Realisation, POWER, Mrs. Obioma Liyel-Imoke; and Secretary of State, the State of Maryland, John P. McDonough, at the IAAN Annual International Conference, in Maryland, USA.

WEDDING: Oba of Lagos,Oba Rilwan Akiolu, groom's father (2nd left); Mr. Muyiwa & Mrs. Mayowa Akiolu, newly wedded couple, and former Oyo State governor,Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, Chairman of the occasion(right), during the wedding ceremony, at City Hall,Lagos.

SEMINAR: Participants at the one day seminar on national security organised by the Police Assistance Committee of Nigeria with stakeholders from the Army, the Navy, the FORUM: Leader of the Yoruba Unity Forum, Yeye Oodua, Chief Police National Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Senate Committee on Police AfH.I.D Awolowo (right), receiving the Forum's approved constitufairs, and the Tradesmen/Artisans group, in Abuja. tion from the Secretary General, Senator Anthony Adefuye, at the Forum's meeting at Ikenne, Ogun State.

AWARDS: From left, Managing Director, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, Alhaji Umar Abubakar; Regional Logistics Director, (Lagos/ West), Nigerian Bottling Company, Mr. Ademola Richards; and Director General, Nigeria Employers' Consultative Association, NECA, Mr. Olusegun Oshinowo, at the NSITF-NECA Safe Workplace Intervention Project 2013 Forum/Awards ceremony, in Lagos.

SUMMIT: Mrs. Julie Guman, Director, NIMASA, Mr. Edmond Chilaka, programme coordinator of Nigerian Dredging Summit, NDS, and Mrs. Regina Folorunsho of the Nigeria Institute for Oceanography at this year's NDS, in Badagry. Photo: Godfrey Bivbere

VISIT: From left, Head, Information Technology, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Richard Amanfoye; Executive Director, Corporate & Investment Banking, Mr. Timothy Oguntayo; Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, and Chairman/CEO, IBM International, Mrs. Ginni Rometty, during Rometty's courtesy visit to the bank.

C M Y K

COMPETITION: From left, Mr. Richard Akinnola, organiser of essay competition; Mr. Alabi Ajibola Abass, 1st position winner, student of University of Benin; Mr. Inibehe Effiong, 2nd position and student of University of Uyo; Mr. Okegbola Rasheed, 3rd position, student of University of Ibadan, and Mr. Deji Elumoye, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, during the presentation of prizes to winners of Richard Akinnola Essay Competition to commemorate his 55th birthday, at NUJ Press Centre, Ikeja, Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

UNVEILING: From left, Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Professor Graik Obafemi; Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, Professor Omolayo Ajayi, and Vice Chancellor, Professor Bamitale Omole, at the unveiling ceremony of the Mascot for OAU 2013 Nigeria University Games by the governor in his office, Osogbo, Osun State.

48—Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Group hails Jonathan over cabinet reshuffle

Health care managers tasked on quality delivery

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group, Concerned PDP Youth Forum (CPDPYF), has commended President Goodluck Jonathan’s sack of some of his ministers.

In a statement issued yesterday by its President, Ayoola Adeseun, the group said the reshuffling of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, was long over-due, adding that “Mr. President’s action was a step in the right direction. The President needs to inject new blood into his government to position it for the challenges ahead.”

The group, however, urged the President to go the whole hog and relieve other ministers who are distracted by either ambitions or the fight for the control of party structures.

“While we commend Mr. President for the courage in effecting these changes, we make haste to add that we are opposed to the retention of some ministers who have divided the party along their selfish and inordinate ambitions.

"We need a level-headed, humble and respectful minister who will rise above selfish interest and serve as a rallying point for the young and old."

Northern govs postpone meeting on oil and gas

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HAIRMAN of the Northern States Governors Forum, NSGF, and Governor of Niger State, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu has announced the postponement of the inaugural meeting of the proposed Association of Inland Basin States earlier scheduled to hold today Governor Aliyu in his capacity had invited his counterparts from 13 northern states which fall under the region’s sedimentary basin to attend a meeting of the association in Minna.

But a statement signed by Governor Aliyu’s Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo, yesterday, announced an indefinite postponement of the meeting, saying a new date would be communicated later.

C M Y K

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

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BRIEFING—From left: Minister for Labour, Chief Emeka Wogu; SGF, Senator Pius Anyim; Minister for Information and Ag. Minister of Defence, Mr. Labaran Maku and Transport Minister, Senator Idris Umar briefing newsmen after the cabinet reshuffle following the weekly meeting of the Federal Executive Council at the State House, Abuja, yesterday.

Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

Comptroller of Prisons raises alarm over insecurity I

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI

LORIN—THE comptroller of Nigeria Prisons Service, in Kwara State, Ayokanmbi Adebiyi, has raised an alarm over state of insecurity in prisons in the state following black-out for over four weeks.

It was gathered the black-out due to disconnection of power supply

by Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, as a result of N551,000 debt.

Adebiyi in an interview with newsmen in ilorin yesterday, described the development as very embarrassing, urging that the issue be addressed immediately before it degenerated to irreparable state of insecurity.

According to him: “We have been in darkness for four weeks now.

This idea, witch-hunting, I would

say, should not be extended to the prison yards, where the whole yards will be in darkness and we keep criminals, even condemned, in our prisons”.

The Prisons Comptroller, who said the disconnection had hindered duties and operations of his command, added that the monthly returns on inmates in their custody to SSS, police, immigration and Abuja have been hindered.

He said: “We cannot even perform our official duties and operations. When the PHCN staff came to the state headquarters to read our metre, the Works officer met with them and told them the Controller was around, but they refused to see him, instead they disconnected us

from pole outside the premises.

My predecessor paid N650, 000 to PHCN this January for prison formations in the state.

I sent our officers to PHCN office on three occasions, but they refused to reconnect us. I wrote again to appeal to them, yet they refused. We told them that we know we are owing and that they will be paid from Abuja, more so we paid N650, 000 this January. This is government to government and not personal. I also met with PHCN business manager; he told me PHCN is now privatized.”

It was gathered that the total number of inmates in Kwara prisons is 641, including 22 condemned criminals.

Union directs NIMET workers to begin strike over non-payment of arrears

BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG

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BUJA—AMALGAMATED Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees, AUPCTRE, has directed members Nigerian Meteorological Agency NIMET, across the country to begin indefinite strike from next Wednesday to force government pay staff’s arrears of salary relativity of 26.68 percent to since 2011.

Already, there are apprehension in aviation industry and other sectors that depend on NIMET for weather reports that their operations would be disrupted should the workers make good the

threat.

The union said it had earlier issued a 21-day ultimatum to the management of NIMET, over the issue.

A statement by the General Secretary of AUPCTRE, Philip Agbonkonkon, “the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees, AUPCTRE, has given 21 days ultimatum to the management of Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET, for its failure to pay the arrears of salary relativity of 26.68 percent to its workers since 2011. The Union

noted with dismay, the lukewarm attitude of management of NIMET to pay the arrears for six months (July to December 2011), as agreed at the joint meeting of the Federal Ministry of Labour, the Federal Ministry of Aviation, Accountant General’s Office, Budget Office, National Incomes, Salaries and Wages Commission and our Union.

It could be recalled that the meeting where the agreement was reached to pay this arrears, was at the instance of the Federal Ministry of Labour who arrested the looming industrial action at that time.

ANAGERS of health institutions in Nigeria and other West African countries have been urged to put more effort to ensure better service delivery and create positive change in the healthcare systems in the subregion.

Stakeholders and experts in the healthcare delivery system spoke at a special session for Chief Executive Officers of Hospitals at the ongoing ninth West African Conference and Exhibition, WAH 2013, said the poor state of infrastructure in countries like Nigeria was a major impediment to making health system work for better and affordable for the people.

Speaking, Chief Executive Officer, Mecure Healthcare LTD, Mr. Anil Grover, noted that Nigeria is faced with various shades of infrastructure challenges that have affected the quality of health services accessed by the populace.

Listing some of these challenges, he said, “Nigeria is faced with power shortage, huge medical technology gaps as well as manpower challenges.”

Ogun govt settles chieftaincy rift

BY PEACE ONYEUKWU

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GUN State Government has resolved the lingering Shala Ayetoro chieftaincy crisis and unified the hitherto split community under the duo of Chief Afolabi Olaleye and Chief Benjamin Adigun Oyagbola.

The crisis which started in 2007 after Shala Ayetoro was divided into Shala and Shala Isogun. The unification of Shala Ayetoro under one Baale was precipitated by the community’s agitation seeking for government’s intervention to salvage their culture and tradition.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Muyiwa Oladipo in Abeokuta had earlier directed at a meeting with stakeholders that the agitation for the unification be put to vote by the Ayetoro Council of Chiefs, while the ministry ’s representatives were charged to observe and monitor the voting proceedings.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013 — 49

BY HUGO ODIOGOR with agency report

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HAT will be the consequences of President Barack Obama’s failure to get the needed domestic and international support to punish Syria’s President Bashar Assad for gassing his own citizens with serum and other deadly chemicals? That is the million dollar poser before Americans and the global community who are watching the outpouring of emotions on both sides for and against the impending military strike on Damascus.

For some international observers on the Syrian crisis: is Obama weeping more than the bereaved? The United States lawmakers are expected to seat today to take a comprehensive look at the presidential request for Congressional approval to use limited military force to incapacitate Syria’s President Bashar Assad who has in the past two years killed over one million Syrians and sent over two million others into refugee camps in Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt etc. The plan to strike limited targets especially the Syrian Military command and control structures, the strategic institutions and intelligence centers, and infrastructures that have been used to overwhelm the opposition will cripple the military capabilities of the Assad regime.

The military action by the US and its allies is aimed at achieving a limited goal of telling Assad that he can be punished for crossing the red line. The US is however, facing a catch 22 situation in Syria. While the opposition camp would welcome the ouster of

•Obama: Assad crossed the red line

•Assad: I'm innocent

Understanding Assad’s devils alternative in Syria's crisis

change has often thrown up some unintended consequences as they have seen in Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Libya and Egypt.

The complexity of the Syrian situation is amplified by the fact that the most potent rebel group in Syria is backed by Al-Qaeda.

Assad also enjoys the support of other radical groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Hamas.

The US would not want to replicate the experiences of Iran, Iraq, Libya and Egypt in the name of exporting democracy and human rights to Al Qaeda infested groups. Russia knows that only Assad Turkey is ready to support the can guarantee and protect its strike but the fear of Syria economic interest degenerating into another in Syria.

B r i t i s h Lebanon is potent dupicity: With the Assad from power, the US British already cold on joining in political establishment, its public the proposed military strike, the and diplomatic communities are alliance between US and France concerned that toppling Assad continue to suffer from the will only create another anti-US expected global consensus to deal with Assad for allegedly using regime in Syria.

The failed experiment of regime chemical weapons on Syrians, a change campaign in Iraq, Egypt practice that was banned globally and Libya has warned after the Second World War. Then the British Parliament Washington to be wary of the voted against going to war, and forces pushing to topple Assad.

Nuisance diplomacy: Prime Minister David Cameron, Emboldened by the lack of an advocate from the beginning, international consensus at the now had to bow out. The British United Nations and domestic had been part of wars the divisions among the political Americans had dreamed up. This establishment in America, was one crisis that the British had President Bashar Assad seems to helped create and the parliament be lapping up the joy of seeing voted against it.

Many British members of the great powers unable to come to terms on how to handle the parliament openly said the United Kingdom was no longer Syrian situation.

The situation in Syria remains the Americans’ lap dog. For those dicey and Western powers are who know, Britain would not want coming to terms with the fact that to make their daughter a widow, their concept of promoting regime the decision of members of British

‘

‘

•Hollande: Let's punish him

forth coming elections. Turkey is ready to support the strike but the fear of Syria degenerating into another Lebanon is potent. Jordan and Israel are not immune from a possible domino effect of the proposed military strike.

Survival of the regime

•Map of Syria in conflict parliament to join America to attack their son-in-law in Damascus has not come as a surprise.

Obama’s dilemma: Obama on his part has tried to avoid the leadership mistake of George W. Bush in going to Iraq, but there are discussions that the President reserves the right to over ride the Congress in the event of the Congress turning down. France seems fascinated by the outcome of its interventions in Libya and Mali, now it want to add Syria to the list. But surely there will be unanticipated result of the planned punitive strike on Syria for the alleged use of chemical weapons against civilian population by yet to be identified culprits. As far as Washington and Paris were concerned, President Bashar Al Assad was culpable and there is no reason for the civilized world to let him go scot free.

The United States and France have taken it upon themselves to

strike the fear of God into Assad, who has been waging a two year costly war on his people. On the surface, the proposed military strike is planned to destroy Assad’s war making capacity and title the balance of power in the war that has been heavily against a well armed Syrian Army. The second goal is to ensure that exit of President Assad from power but the issue of the post Assad regime in Damascus is frightening evening to those who are thinking along that line.

The prospects of the emergence of an Islamic state in Syria or paving way for Al Qaeda backed groups to take over the reign of power in Syria. This could further complicate the US geo-strategic calculations in the Middle East and beyond. The Canadians have decided that much as they disliked chemical weapons use, they would not be available for military intervention in Syria.

Germany has also excused itself, given the logistics of its

The relationships between Russia and in Syria dates back to the 1970s when the defunct Soviet Union supported the coup that brought Hafiz Assad to power.

Relationship between the defunct Soviet Union, now Russia, and Syria has been institutionalized at personal and institutional levels. Russia has supported the Assad clan since the 1970s and remains totally committed to the survival of the regime. Weakening Assad’s power base in a political environment that requires strong leaders with despotic tendencies will produce another unstable country like Iraq, Libya, Egypt and Afghanistan.

Options of military strikes of Syria: Those who are sceptical of military entanglement fear that any action could escalate those Western forces might get drawn into a more protracted struggle, “mission-creep” risking an openended military commitment in Syria which could become another Iraq or Afghanistan.

The US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen Martin Dempsey, gave the most authoritative assessment of the military options as seen by the Pentagon that is available in an unclassified form. Although these are not mutually exclusive; a combination of different options could well be employed. The US has Four destroyers that are equipped with cruise missiles in the eastern Mediterranean USS Gravely, USS Ramage, USS Barry and USS Mahan. It has Cruise missiles also be launched from submarines.

To be continued

50 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

24 hours after siege: Plan to sanction Olu of Warri crumbles zChief Lori-Ogbebor says nobody can penalize Olu zPro-sanction group meets

BY EMMAAMAIZE, REGIONAL EDITOR, SOUTHSOUTH & EMMAARUBI

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ARRI—UNDER GROUND move by some Itsekiri opinion leaders to impose sanction on the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse II, for supposedly embarrassing the Itsekiri nation with his September 4 denunciation of the ‘Ogiame’ kingship appellation that was reversed on Tuesday, has collapsed.

Lori-Ogbebor, Emami, Omolubi kick against sanction The Igba of Warri, Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor, who led Warri chiefs to prevail on the revered monarch to recant his position, told Vanguard, emphatically, yesterday, on phone, “The Itsekiri cannot sanction their Olu.” Akulagba of Warri kingdom, Chief Ayiri Emami, also told Vanguard that it was a huge joke for anybody to think of penalizing the Olu of Warri over the matter that had just been resolved.

Also, prominent Itsekiri youth leader, Comrade (Prince) Omolubi Newuwumi, who led the four-day siege to the Olu's palace, also told our reporters, “Nobody is going to sanction the Olu of Warri, he is our father, as I told you, it is no victor, no vanquished.

His children spoke, he listened, and that is the end.”

Pro-sanction group meets A powerful Itsekiri leader is understood to be behind the move to sanction the Olu for his September 4 proclamation and supposed lack of consultation with the Itsekiri leadership.

His group was said to have held a meeting outside Warri on Wednesday, but the plan is not popular.

The pro-sanction group maintained that the monarch did not consult widely as he ought to have done before he made the pronouncement and, therefore, humiliated the Itsekiri people.

It is not known if the influential leader has the support of members of his group, but some of them contended that the action of the monarch had damaged the revered position of Olu, who the Itsekiri pride as one who speaks and never recants (Afomasin).

A leader of the group asC M Y K

and waste materials that littered the arena in the last few days.

Mr. John Amadu, who spoke to Vanguard at the palace ground yesterday, said: “Nobody will know that the protest that happened for four days took place the way the place is looking clean this morning (yesterday).

“You can see for yourself, the place is empty, everybody had gone home, there is no sign of protest anymore, only the Olu and his family and maybe, some visitors will be inside the palace now, there is calm.”

Former Chief of Staff, Government House, Asaba, Mr. Solomon Areyenka, who hailed the monarch for listening to the voice of the people, told Vanguard that Itsekiri people were peaceful citizens and would not do anything to undermine their monarch.

Describing the volte face of the monarch as “pleasant and marvelous”, he said: “That is the end, as long as the monarch has accepted the wish of the people, he remains our king.”

Religious leaders hail Olu

PEACE, SWEET PEACE: Calm at the front of HRM, Ogiame Atuwatse II Palace, a day, after reconciliation between the Olu and his subjects. Photos: Akpokona Omafuaire. serted, “Without consultation, he (Olu) issued an edict and recants. He has embarrassed the throne and embarrassed Itsekiri. So recanting now is not enough. If he had consulted enough he would have got our (stakeholders’) explanation.

“A situation where the monarch makes a statement and recants is not desirable. He has recanted, that is fine, but the danger now is that up to now he has been acting outside the checks and balances.”

The leader said the incident makes it expedient for Itsekiri leaders and traditional chiefs to resuscitate ancient mechanism used to put monarchs in check and ensure balance in the kingdom.

His words: “The Itsekiris now have a problem of reviving their checks and balances for controlling the Olu. Itsekiris can’t have an Olu who would be behaving as a medieval tyrant.

“A situation where he makes such far-reaching pronouncement, without wide consultation is most undesirable. Recanting because of the pressure is very good; but the Itsekiris would not want such a situation to arise again.”

Misconception over ‘Ogiame’ The king had anchored his rejection of the kingship “name and title” of Ogiame, which he and his ancestors had borne for over 500 years on grounds that “it connotes allegiance to Umalokun and other deities of the sea, all of which are false gods.

"He reversed his position after Itsekiri elders and chiefs told him bluntly on Tuesday that he was in error, as Ogiame does not mean goddess of the river, but king over a region (read riverside communities), and had nothing to do with Umalokun, the water deity, which he referred to."

Why Olu cannot be penalized —Lori-Ogbebor However, Chief LoriOgbebor, who left the palace at about 1.52 pm for the airport to catch her flight back to Lagos, said in reaction to the move to sanction the monarch, “We do not have a culture of sanctioning the king, Ogiame Atuwatse II of Warri kingdom. We are completely loyal to him, he is our king.”

Her words: “We love him, we are carrying on with him, we are not prepared to subject the matter between the king and his children to any further argument, it has been resolved and there is peace.

“We, the chiefs and people of Itsekiri have reconciled with our monarch, there is nothing to sanction him for. That is the end of the matter.”

Newuwumi, who spoke to Vanguard from Sapele, said he was not part of any group canvassing sanction for the Olu of Warri, adding, “As far as I know, the matter has ended, I know that some chiefs and other people are meeting, but

sanction is ruled out.”

According to Chief Emami: “If Olu says anything, he cannot take it back, once Olu has spoken, what he said cannot be withdrawn. He cannot withdraw his own words, but can take suggestions from his subjects or from people while mediating in a matter.

“That is what he had done in what took place in the last few days; he listened to his people and worked with their suggestion. Nobody, I repeat, nobody can sanction him. The main issue to me was his refusal to answer to the traditional salutation of Ogiame and cause of disagreement has been resolved.

“We have greeted Ogiame and he answered, so who is talking of sanction and what for.”

Normalcy returns When Vanguard visited the palace, yesterday, 24 hours after the monarch bowed to the wish of his people, it was discovered that normalcy has, indeed, returned.

Everything connected with protest, including the canopies mounted for the soup kitchen and chairs had been dismantled.

Various meetings were held

by Itsekiri leaders and chiefs, hours after the Olu retracted his statement up till yesterday, to reconcile their differences and point the way forward.

The open area, which was a beehive of activities since Saturday was empty and the vicinity was also swept clean of sachet waterproofs, drink cans

Bishop-elect and national cocoordinator of Niger Delta Ministers Peace Forum, NDMPF, Rev. Duke Akpososo, told Vanguard, “I rejoice with the Olu of Warri for the withdrawal of his statement that he should not be addressed as Ogiame anymore.

Like I said in my first reaction on this matter, which Vanguard published, the Olu is a forthright man and a man of courage.

“It is only a man of courage that can do what he has done, he is a man of peace, the Bible says follow peace with all men (Hebrew 12:14). His subjects say he should stick to the title, if not; there will be problem, so he obeyed their wishes.

“This is wisdom because he cannot preside over the liquidation of his own empire. Wisdom is the principal thing (Proverb 4:5-7). If this decision will cause such an unexpected uproar in the kingdom, then a wise king should say what the people want to hear.

“He has demonstrated a great sense of wisdom for peace to reign. Heaven will not hold him guilty. However, the people won't enter into his mind to know what is inside, Heaven bears the monarch witness that he has made his point.

“His rescinding is an outward expression and not real expression of his inner mind, the monarch has done what is right to save his kingdom. Only a man of courage can say I am sorry.”

Also, international preacher, Rev. Stephen Gbejero of the Hour of Truth Ministry, Warri, in a statement made available to Vanguard, said: “I thank God He never hardened our King’s heart, as was done to King Pharaoh of Egypt (Exodus 7) to King Rehoaboam in Ist King 12, thanks to all wonderful chiefs in Warri kingdom.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013 — 51

22 senators, 57 Reps drag Tukur to court Continues from page 5 and the failure of security agencies to vacate the premises, the Barajeled Peoples Democratic Party says it has chosen not to engage security agencies in confrontation but toe the path of peace by pursuing the matter in court. But temporarily, the party would commence entertaining solidarity visits and granting audience to its teeming members and associates at the Adamawa State Governors Lodge situated at No. 2, Gurara Street, Maitama, Abuja.”

Oyinlola, who also assured its supporters and well-wishers of his faction’s resolve to continue to pursue its legitimate course of promoting a party that is constructed on true and tested democratic ideals, justice, fair play and respect for the rule of law, said, ‘’the Baraje-led PDP would not be provoked or deterred by actions detrimental to its existence, including the unlawful occupation of its national headquarters by security agencies that have prevented the Baraje-led PDP from moving into its offices located in Maitama District, Abuja”.

Tukur, Oyinlola in war of words However, Tukur and Oyinlola were at each other’s throats yesterday over the cause of the crisis in the PDP. Yesterday, Tukur who threw the first punch, described Oyinlola who came on board with him as national secretary of the present National Working Committee, NWC, in March last year as an unrepentant dictator. Countering, Oyinlola described Tukur as having gone senile.

In a statement signed yesterday by Prince Oliver Okpala, his Special Assistant, Media, Tukur said Oyinlola’s grouse against him and the party was familiar and notorious since he was removed as the national secretary of the PDP on account of the flaws discovered in his election.

Oyinlola in a swift reaction said: “While we don’t want to join issues with Baba Tukur out of respect for old age, one can excuse him on account of senility. Tukur has gone senile. I remember he once granted an interview in which he described me as a fine officer and a gentleman, this same view was expressed by Olisa Metuh in a media interview recently. His statement shows inconsistency and poor leadership qualities.”

22 Senators, 57 Reps drag Tukur to court Meantime, 79 members of the PDP in the National Assembly who decamped to the new faction of the party, yesterday, went before a Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge moves by the Bamanga Tukur leadership to declare their seats vacant.

Specifically, the plaintiffs, comprising of 22 Senators and 57 members of the House of Representatives, are praying the High Court to determine among other things, whether considering the circumstances in the national and various state chapters of the PDP, there exist a faction or division within the party.

“Whether any of the Plaintiffs or other members of the PDP holding elective seats who desire to become a member of another faction of the party or any other political party is not saved by the proviso to section 68 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended; “Whether in view of the proviso to section 68 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, the 1st Defendant or any other officer of the 4th Defendant or authority howsoever described can declare the seats of any of the Plaintiffs or other members of the 4th Defendant that opted to join another political party vacant in the present peculiar and precarious circumstance of the 4th De-

fendant”.

The plaintiffs in the suit they filed through their lawyer Mr Tairu Adebayo, maintained that it was the division within the party that occasioned the holding of a parallel convention, saying they were justified legally to defect.

The case is yet to be assigned to any judge for adjudication.

Governors' demand unconstitutional – Gulak The Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Ahmed Gulak yesterday said some of the demands being made by the aggrieved governors of the PDP are unconstitutional.

Though he did not reveal what these demands were, there have been reports that the governors allegedly asked President Jonathan to shelve his ambition to contest the 2015 presidential election.

Speaking with State House correspondents on the Tuesday’s meeting between President Jonathan and some of the aggrieved governors, Gulak said: “Leaders are discussing. This issue with PDP is not uncommon, they are not unexpected. PDP is the biggest party in Africa and the only national party in Nigeria. Everybody wants to belong to PDP and once you have various shades of opinions, that is why in a party like this, we are bound to disagree to agree.

“We have the internal mechanisms to sort out ourselves. I’m assuring you that this so-called crisis would be a thing of the past. We are on peace course, we are discussing some of the demands that you media men are speculating are unconstitutional. These demands would not be in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and certain demands would not be in accordance with the party ’s constitution.What we are saying is that the elders are talking. We are talking in accordance with the law of the land and of the party.” he said.

52—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Guber election made us postpone LG polls – ANSIEC

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

T

HE much publicized October 5, 2013 date for the conduct of local government election in Anambra State will no longer stand. The Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, ANSIEC, has shifted the council polls to ensure there is no interference in November 16 governorship election.

Acting chairman of ANSIEC, Chief Sylvester Okonkwo, who announced the postponement of the exercise while addressing leaders of the various political parties in Awka explained that the decision to shift the election was to avoid acrimony in the state.

He said: “For sometime now,

Ubah flags off campaign in Onitsha today

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

T

HE governorship candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Chief Ifeanyi Ubah will today at the Holy Trinity Cathedral field, in the commercial city of Onitsha, kick off his governorship campaign.

Described by many followers of the oil magnet as the mother of rallies, the magnificent field has been decorated and podium mounted at the centre.

LP supporters in all the 21 local councils have been fully mobilized to attend.

Various groups, including traders, youth organizations and women groups, among others are also expected to participate.

National Chairman of the party, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu is expected to lead a delegation to the event.

the commission has been inundated with telephone calls and petitions by some stakeholders of some political parties urging us to cancel the election because of the governorship election of November 16.

“Many political parties had refused to submit the list of their candidates to us and start their campaigns as required by law. After considering all the variables during our meeting, we came to the conclusion that we may not be able to satisfy

everybody if we go ahead with the election. We have been given money for it, but you know that money is not everything. We do not want an election that will be violent. We also do not want anything to spill over to the November 16

Multiple candidates: LP, APC distance selves from emerging trend primary which was broadcast live, Dr Ifeanyi Ubah was elected the party ’s candidate. His emergence has equally not been challenged by anyone or INEC. Obviously, there is no faction in Labour Party, there has not been and there won’t be.’ ‘’Labour Party does not have double candidature and we are against it. The party has been in the forefront against such. It was surprising that KOWA party included our party as among those fielding multiple candidates.

Multiple candidature places some parties at advantage over the others. By the time you have two candidates running for an election, you end up creating impression that the two are running the election.’’

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

F

OR a state that is always on the amazing side of political developments, the fallout of the recent gubernatorial primaries by most political parties, has once again reaffirmed that Anambra may not be in a hurry to quit being the hotbed of intrigues.

The most dramatic aspect of recent happenings, is the emergence of two candidates each from the All Progressives Grand Alliance,APGA, Peoples Democratic Party,PDP and Labour Party,LP. At the moment, the PDP has Comrade Tony Nwoye as its mainstream candidate, while Senator Andy Uba is laying claims to the same ticket. APGA is also presenting Chief Willy Obiano and Dr. Chike Obidigbo.

The same scenario obtains in LP where Ifeanyi Ubah and Peter Nwosu are the party’s flagbearers. This situation has remained a source of concern to observers, who have questioned the rationale behind having six candidates rather than three as required by the law. What the trend portends for the state ahead of the November governorship elections is also a source of worry.

While this is not the first time such is happening in Anambra, the alarming dimension it has assumed, ahead of the polls, has sent tongues waging. It will be recalled that there were cases where multiple candidates laid

•Jega claims to a single party ticket, and eventually making the judiciary the last arbiter in the ensuing dispute.

In a pattern that usually appears questionable, the litigation are always concluded after the results of the polls have been announced leaving in its trail contradictions. Against this backdrop, not a few are beginning to see it as a deliberate ploy by the parties to manipulate the polls. ‘’PDP,APGA and LP have made an underground conspiracy to rig the forthcoming election as was done by PDP during the rerun senatorial election between Andy Uba and

Nicholas Ukachukwu. The so called factions were created by their leaders to present double candidates,’’ State Chairman of KOWA party, Prince Isaac Onuka said.

Whether the claims are true remain to be established, but many are beginning to reason in that direction. But the state Chairman of LP, Mr. Sam Oraegbulem would not accept the claims, as he insisted that LP has been in the forefront of the campaign against multiple candidates. His words: ’It is ridiculous for a party like that to say that Labour Party is fielding two candidates. From our

Forum questions PDP’s double candidacy

BY TONY IGBOAMALU

T

HERE was a man who serially conducted his own governorship primaries/congress using his powers to dictate and force down his ambition upon the party. Yet no one asked the simple but necessary probing questions of how he always does such.

Reports had it that there was supposed to be full investigations on him by the party leadership.

What has become of that. Have the findings become blurred like other leads begging for attention?

Is he above the party? So his cocky arrogance and boasting of having sunk above N5billion in C M Y K

governorship election.

“We are therefore pleading with the political parties to allow us to shift this election. Apart from the date, every other process that will lead to the success of the election will still go on.”

the project, earlier suspected to be mere smear campaign trip and name-dropping have been made to look realistic.

A man, who, when queried for his penchant disregard for constituted party directives sued the party with impunity for questioning his schemes and antics.

All in an effort to cause chaos and destabilize the party which was founded by great men with vision and drive for democratic excellence; a man parading the Villa and the nation’s corridors of power to enable him impose himself on Anambrarians.

Mr Party Chairman, what is

your stand in this? Do you stand for justice and fairplay? Do you hear the cries of peace-loving Anambra citizens towards a change that can only be implemented by our great party, the PDP? Can this man be accepted as a bargain chip in the current crises tearing the soul of the party apart? Can we afford to ignite a political volcano in Anambra which we all know would spread to all parts of the South East zone, just like what is currently going on in Rivers and the North; all ahead of the 2015 general election?

By the way, was the party

merely grandstanding when his so-called suspension was announced?

Or when has PDP started noticing court orders?

Agreed, the court ordered that the suspension order be rescinded, what about appeal?

Why was he suspended in the first instance has he complied with the invitation of the party’s disciplinary committee summons? What legacy are we really striving to leave behind for our children and the future generation?

* Mr Igboamalu, co-ordinator, Anambra Good Governance Forum, wrote from Enugu

Multiple candidates In addition, he said, ‘’We join hand with others to kick against multiple candidates. It has become a trend because of the crisis rocking political parties because of the absence of internal democracy. This is one reason why democracy should be allowed to be enshrined in the political parties.”

Similarly APC State Chairman, Chief Chukwuemeka Orjiako distanced his party from the matter, even as he accused the PDP of being the culprit.

“I know that such has not been had of ACN, ANPP or CPC and it will not happen now that we have fused together. During our meeting with INEC Chairman, Professor. Attahiru Jega, he did assure us that the commission will not tolerate such this time around,’’ he reportedly said.

While APGA had during the primaries said the party was not interested in having more than one candidate, Obidigbo’s emergence appears to have punctured that position.

In what appeared as an apparent reference to the PDP, Chairman of APGA gubernatorial primaries, Chief Martins Agbaso said, “we want to be the only party to present. one candidate.

Other parties have one or three candidates but we will have one to show that integrity for which APGA is known for.”

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013—53

Delta Central Senatorial poll:

I won’t step down for any candidate — Majemite FRED Majemite, a lawyer, is the Political Adviser of Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, one of the strong voices of Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU), a stalwart of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and an aspirant for Delta Central Senatorial bye-election. He was in Lagos recently where he spoke to newsmen on why he is in the race and why he stepped down in previous elections. Excerpts:

BY LAJA THOMAS

O

N why he is in the contest The sudden death of Senator Pius Ewhèrido, a highly respected gentleman politician and very kind hearted man created a vacuum.

Though the vacancy is yet to be declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), my people comprising the elders and youths called me and asked me to go and represent them. And as a grassroots man and a politician I believe that if the people are asking me to represent them, then they are convinced that I possess the intellectual capacity, the charisma and what it takes to actually represent them.

On a personal note, as a member of the PDP, I know that given the structure that I have and the structure that I have built over the years I can win the PDP primaries in Delta Central. Besides, you will recall that I was one of the top contenders for the senatorial seat for Delta Central in 2003 until the Leadership of UPU, led then by Chief Benjamin Okumagba of blessed memory

and the Leadership of the PDP family prevailed on me to step down for Olorogun Felix Ibru and I did, in deference to them, more so when I was going to represent the good people of Delta Central, and not myself, and I have since then, been very steadfast with our Party, PDP. If 10 years ago, I thought I was qualified to be at the Senate, 10 years after, I’m even more qualified, because I have had a lot of experiences in Government, haven held political offices, including a cabinet member in the last six years. My present office as a Political Adviser, has made me traverse the whole of Delta Central, and now know the needs of our people.

As a lawyer, I know the law making process; I am going there to position the Urhobos in the main stream of Nigerian politics and to give us a voice both at the Senate and different facets of our national life.

On whether he won’t step down again as he did in the past The Governor of the state, His Excellency Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and his Deputy, Prof Amos Utuama who are

•Majemite leaders of the party in the state have said that all the aspirants should go and slug it out in the open field by convincing the people of their constituency on their programmes, and at the end, anybody elected at the primaries of the party will get the support of the party.

So, why should l step down?

I have never given a thought to that and believe me, there is no stepping down this time around, instead, they should step down for me, since I have

done it before, in deference to UPU and our party, PDP. On whether PDP can wrest power from DPP and the n e w l y registered APC Any PDP candidate that emerges from the party ’s primaries will defeat any of the candidates that will emerge from DPP or APC. I can assure you that Delta Central Senatorial seat will go to PDP by the grace of God. The Urhobos can no longer be in opposition, as we don’t want to be marginalised again. it is time for us to occupy our rightful place in Delta and Nigerian Politics.

His relationship with other aspirants, UPU and monarchs I know all of them and they are my friends and brothers in politics. I do not play politics of bitterness and I am known for it. The UPU is the apex

Urhobo Cultural Organisation.

Every Urhobo man who is a true son of his father recognises that fact and accords the UPU leaders their respect, hence I withdrew from the race 10 years ago, in deference to them.

They are our fathers and most of them have contributed immensely to the unity and growth of Nigeria in diverse ways.

I have so much respect for General Patrick Aziza (Rtd) the current president of the UPU and all our other leaders. I have also had cause to relate with most of them as a grassroots man and as one of their industrious sons. Similarly, the traditional rulers are my fathers I also enjoy a good relationship with all of them.

The Urhobo people are marginalised at the central so to speak and they blame it on some of our Urhobo leaders, how can you change that trend and make the Urhobo relevant politically at the federal level?

The Urhobos which are the sixth largest ethnic group in Nigeria have always presented a common voice through the UPU.

Enugu: Ugwuaji people take cry of marginalisation to Chime

BY IKENNA ASOMBA

D

ISTURBED by perceived marginalization of their community in the governance of Enugu State since 1991, indigenes of Ugwuaji community in Enugu South Local Council have pleaded with Governor Sullivan Chime to come to the aid of the area.

The move was part of decisions taken at the gathering of eminent sons and daughters of the community recently.

Considered as one of the most peaceful communities in the Coal City state, Ugwuaji Community, apart from councillorship and House of Assembly slots, has not produced any higher political office holder.

According to them, the community has not produced local government chairman, commissioner, member of House of Representatives or senator in spite of having a glut of qualified people.

Other communities that make up Enugu South Local Council apart from Ugwuaji are Amaechi,

Obeagu and Akwuke.

Among the communities, Amaechi, where the former governor of old Anambra State, Jim Nwobodo; former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani and former House of Representatives member who is also the Ambassador to Japan, Goddy Agbo hail from, has produced many chairmen such as Hon Ikengwo, Dr Okoh, Mr. Onyia, Goddy Agbo, Sunday Anyawu, Hon Charlie Nwabueze, Hon Emma Okenwa and Nwabueze Okafor who is actually serving his second term.

Obeagu has produced three: Sam Ngene; two-time transition chairman, Goddy Nnamani and Ignatius Chiene.

On the other hand, Akwuke has been represented in the House of Representatives by Hon Nick Agbo. They have also produced deputy council chairman and transition chairman.

Pained by this development, leaders of Ugwuaji gathered last month to brainstorm on the way forward.

Eunice Ugwu, Mrs. Nnena Ugwu and Mr. Thomas Agwu among others.

•Chime

Those at the meeting included Ezeudo 11 of Ugwuaji, Igwe Reuben Agwu; Okado of Obagu of Ugwuaji, Igwe Christopher Nyia; President General of Ugwuaji Town Union, Okoh, Dr. Emmanuel Nweke, Comrade Chinedu Nwobodo, Christopher Chukwu, Dr. Donatus Ani, Chief Emeka Chukwu, Chijioke Egbo, Mr. Ejiofor Ani Nwene, Mr. Dennis Atu, Mr. Oliver Ugwu, Mr. Anene Ani Nwene, Mrs.

Their demands The leaders pleaded with Governor Chime who is advocating for power shift to the people of Enugu North senatorial district where Nsukka is majority, to also do the same for Ugwuaji people in Enugu South, a community that has been crying and advocating for power shift since the creation of Enugu State in 1991.

In a statement, they said the imbalance which has continued till this day cut across the appointment of people to political offices and most importantly election to chairmanship of Enugu South Local Council.

Qualified men and women from Ugwuaji and Obeagu-Ugwuaji communities, the statement said, “have been denied the opportunity of effective and active participation in the development of our dear Enugu State. The perpetrators have jettisoned the

essential democratic principles of equity and fairness in the distribution of positions and other political largesse that come to the local government council.”

Pleading to Governor Chime to redress the injustice, they said: “It is a verifiable fact that since the creation of Enugu South Local Government Area in 1991 and election to the headship of the Local Government, Ugwuaji and Obeagu-Ugwuaji have never had the opportunity of heading the local government. Our kith and kin from Amechi and Obeagu communities have been playing a domineering role.

“We, however, request the attention of your Excellency to the lopsidedness inherent in appointments being made in Enugu South Local Government Area since its creation.

These lopsided appointments have led to the unwholesome marginalisation being suffered by Ugwuaji and Obeagu-Ugwuaji communities since the creation of the local government council in 1991.

54 — Vanguard, THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

World leaders divided over Syria’s weapons W

ORLD leaders were divided yesterday on Russia’s proposal to disarm Syria of its chemical arsenals .

Russia has shared with the US its plan to put Syria’s chemical weapons under international control one day before a meeting between the two nations’ top diplomats, reports said.

Sergey Lavrov, Russian foreign minister, a n d John Kerry, US secretary of state, are preparing to discuss today amid a diplomatic deadlock over a suspected chemicalweapons attack in Damascus on August 21.

“We handed over to the Americans a plan to place chemical weapons in Syria under international control. We expect to discuss it in Geneva,” Russian news agencies quoted a source in the Russian delegation to the talks yesterday. The source did not provide any further details on the plan.

But Obama’s decision won the applause of Assad’s close ally Iran, which has provided military and financial support to the Syrian government

since the uprising began in March 2011.

“We hope that the new US attitude toward Syria would be a serious policy and not a media campaign,” Iranian state TV quoted Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as saying.

But public support for military action has been low in the US, and in a televised speech on W e d n e s d a y announced Obama was postponing a congressional vote on the matter.

He said that he still retained to right to order military strikes, adding: “I’ve ordered our military to maintain their current posture to keep the pressure on Assad and to be in a position to respond if diplomacy fails.

“Let me make something clear: The United States military doesn’t do pinpricks. Even a limited strike will send a message to Assad that no other nation can deliver.”

But Obama’s words left many unconvinced.

Speaking to Al Jazeera on Wednesday, US Senator John McCain said he was “sceptical” of the diplo-

UN chemical weapon inspectors working in Syria. matic efforts because of Russia’s strong ties to the Syrian government.

“The Russians have never done anything but veto resolutions in the Security Council,” McCain said.“[President Assad] should be punished militarily.”

Also yesterday, France produced a draft resolution for the UN Security Council that would put

US marks 12 years 9/11 attacks

B

AGPIPES, bells and a reading of the names of the nearly 3,000 people killed when hijacked jetliners crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a Pennsylvania field marked the 12th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in 2001.

More than a thousand people gathered Wednesday on a hot and hazy morning at the National September 11 Memorial plaza in Manhattan, for the annual reading of victims’ names from both the 1993 and 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center.

Bagpipes and a youth choir ushered in the start of the solemn proceedings, held around two reflecting pools that stand in the footprint of the fallen twin towers.

“To my nephew Michael Joseph Mullin, we miss you and think of you every single day,” said one of the 250 people chosen

C M Y K

Syria’s chemical weapons under international control and condemn their use by President Bashar al-Assad’s forces.

Reports from the UN in

New York, said the French resolution is “highly contentious” and will probably be rejected by Russia, an ally of the Syrian government.

“This first draft of the French resolution is simply the negotiating position of the West, things now move to Geneva,” he said.

Benghazi blast rocks Libyan ministry

A

CAR bomb outside a building that once housed the US consulate in Benghazi has damaged the Libyan Foreign Ministry building but caused no casualties.

Wednesday’s blast in the eastern coastal Libyan city occurred on the anniversary of an attack on the current US consulate that killed four Americans, including the ambassador.

The bomb blew out a side wall of the building, leaving desks, filing cabinets and computers strewn among the concrete rubble, an Associated Press news agency report said.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

An AFP photographer said a large section of the building had been destroyed and parts of the

nearby local offices of the central bank seriously damaged.

The branch is located along a major thoroughfare of Benghazi.

A Libyan Foreign Ministry official said the US consulate had been located in the building during the reign of King Idris but was closed a few years after Muammar Gaddafi overthrew the monarch in 1969.

Nigeria partners UK to train diplomats

BY EMEKA AGINAM

Hundreds of Americans gather to commemorate the 12th anniversary of 9/11 attack in New York. to read names. “You’re gone but not forgotten,” another woman said of her lost cousin.

In keeping with a tradition that began last year, no public officials spoke at the New York ceremony, though former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, his successor Michael Bloomberg, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, and other city and state leaders were in attendance.

In a memorial service at

the Pentagon, President Barack Obama called on Americans to pray for those whose lives had been lost.

T

O further straighten the two country’s diplomatic relations, 36 members of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs joined their counterparts from the UK’s Foreign &

Commonwealth Office recently for joint training in Diplomatic Excellence.

The capacity building programe was targeted to Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs mid career diplomats who are likely to be future leaders in the Ni-

NEPAD takes stock of progress

R

EPRESENTATIVES of African governments, United Nations Agencies, the African Union Commission and other strategic development partners have concluded a two day meeting of the NEPAD Steering Committee in Centurion, South Africa,

with a clear map of activities for the Agency. The Committee is grouping of personal appointees of African heads of state and is responsible for developing the terms of reference for identified NEPAD projects and for over-seeing the work and activities NEPAD’s regional Pro-

grammes Making his presentation to more than 40 delegates Chief Executive Officer Dr Ibrahim Mayaki highlighted some of NEPAD’ s achievements since the last meeting which was held prior to the AU Golden Jubilee Summit in Addis Ababa in May this year.

gerian diplomatic service.

The training, according to Rob Fitzpatrick, Head of Press & Public Affairs Section, British High Commission, Abuja marked a high point in an ongoing programme between the UK and Nigeria to strengthen and increase cooperation between our respective diplomatic services. Whilst in the UK , the Nigerian diplomats, he said joined their UK colleagues for a week of training across a range of core diplomatic areas such as: high level negotiation; the role of legislators in the oversight of foreign policy; commercial and economic diplomacy; report writing and policy analysis.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 , 2013—55

PDP, Anambra and 2013 polls

By DENNIS OKECHUKWU

A

S the November 16 governorship election in Anambra State draws near, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), both in the state and at the national level, are still embroiled in one crisis or another, which may lead to the party not presenting a candidate for the election. Top notchers of the party have been fingered as the arrowheads behind the entire crisis in the state, as they are alleged to have compromised on their dealings with the aspirants through their double standards in the handling of the affairs of the party in the state.

For example, Dr. Bamanga Tukur, in May, wrote a letter to the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega affirming Mr. Ejike Oguebego as the authentic chairman of the party in Anambra State. Last August, Prince Chibudom Nwuche, then Acting Deputy National Chairman of PDP, wrote another letter to INEC forwarding the name of Ken Emeakayi, as the state chairman of the party.

Now there’s a controversy as to who is the chairman of the state PDP. However, Prof. Attahiru Jega was said to have ignored the last letter written by Nwuche and went ahead to endorse Mr. Oguebego, as reflected in the letter to the PDP, signed by the former INEC secretary, Mr. Kaigama.

Map of Anambra State

of the Oguebego faction was said to have been monitored by INEC, but was not supervised by the national body of the party. It was, however, conducted by a parallel state executive.

With this, PDP should be worried that the congresses, by the factions in Anambra, did not meet the requirements of the law. According to a source in the party, this is why the national body is contemplating either conducting fresh primaries or nominating one of the aspirants that participated in the congresses, other than Uba and Nwoye. Indeed, party loyalists have queried the action of Tukur for hurSubmission of riedly presenting PDP certificate of return candidates’ names to Nwoye, when his earlier letter to INEC endorsing Oguebego as state party chairThe commission was said to have acted man has not been withdrawn and when on the strength of the previous letter from there are several court cases over the exTukur. The INEC chairman was quoted ercise. to have told the PDP executives, who visThere appears to be an agenda being ited his office recently, that he would not played out by the national chairman of accept the letter from Nwuche and that the party, which may be an albatross to Tukur’s letter subsists until withdrawn by the success of the party in the state. This him. is so because, when there are obvious acts On the submission of candidate’s of indescraetion, at a time when a crucial names, there’s no doubt that PDP is now election is coming, this more than meets at a loss as to what to do about Tony the eye. Perhaps, PDP does not know that the oppositions in the The only option left for the party at state is watching and waiting to take advanthis crucial stage is to reconcile all the tage of the mistakes the warring factions, advise them to withparty is making. For the draw all the court cases and then settle opposition, crisis in the PDP is a blessing. for a consensus candidate I am persuaded that Nwoye, who was announced as winner PDP could make amend. The only option of the congress held by Ken Emeakayi’s left for the party at this crucial stage is to faction. This is because his nomination, reconcile all the warring factions, advise from every material particular, does not them to withdraw all the court cases and meet the provision of the Electoral Act. then settle for a consensus candidate For one, the electoral law states that for through the conduct of a fresh primaries any ward congress to be valid, it must be or through electoral college. conducted by the state executives of the In seeking for a consensus candidate, if party, where such executives are in place, the party really wants to win Anambra while the state congress for the primary State governorship election, is for it to beam for the emergence of the standard bearer its searchlight in the direction of any of for the party will be done by the National the aspirants who is not involved in the Working Committee (NWC) of the party factionalisation of the party, a person that with authority from the National Execu- has massive acceptance by divergent tive Committee (NEC) of the party. Equal- groups in the state, that include the ly, both congresses are deemed legal if churches, students, youths and the tradmonitored by INEC. ers.

From what happened, the nomination Equally, the candidate should be a of Nwoye met two requirements, as the grassroots politician, someone that will be congress was conducted by a state execu- acceptable and serve as a bridge to all the tive faction and supervised by the nation- stakeholders. Above all, the person must al body of the PDP. However, INEC did have credibility and should stand shoulnot monitor it. Also, the nomination of ders high above candidates of other parSenator Andy Uba, by the Ejike Ogue- ties. bego faction, has a problem. The congress • Okechukwu writes from Onitsha

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56—Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2013

Bits

PHCN workers more concerned about entitlements than sack — Ajaero

Labour party rejects decentralisation of minimum wage

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AS the Federal Government races against time to handover the assets of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, to private sector investors amidst unclear position on how to handle the workforce, General Secretary of the National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, Comrade Joe Ajaero, NUEE General Secretary.

Ajaero in this interview with Labour Vanguard, said the issue of termiare going to give Nigerians 10000 mega then, still there is no electricity, what is nating the employment of the watts, the capacity of generation should be workers is of less importance to the real problem? more than 10000 mega watts because there I have said earlier I will not comment staff. Excerpts

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HERE are insinuations that a lot of PHCN workers will lose their jobs once the new investors take over the assets of PHCN. How prepared are you to deal with the challenge?

Well, when we started negotiation, they came up with a committee on rationalization. We told them not to waste their time with that committee because we would not serve in the committee since every worker is going. So, if everybody is going why will form a committee to sack few people? So, the committee has been wasting time because it does not make sense. We have aid the over 40,000 workers are all going and what matters to us is for you to pay us our entitlements, and you are talking about sack. Who are you sacking? Everybody is already sacked by virtue of our agreement which says every worker will be paid off. I can tell you that we have not given their sack comment any attention.

In fact, if not their pleas, we would have directed workers that any day they receive alert of payment of their entitlements, the next day, they should not go to work. In that case, let the government officials go and get people who will work in those offices or plants. I think as at today, nobody is disturbed about sack or no sack, retire or no retire. The Minister of Power has been appealing to us, saying look, you know this cannot work, you know tomorrow if you say workers should not go to their offices, it means there will be no electricity. We said alright, if that is not the option you are looking at, when you pay, we will sit down and look at a proper transition process to make sure that electricity supply is not disrupted. Since then, they have not invited us.

Nigerians have been promised increased in mega watts every now and

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BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

must be reserves. If you put 10000 mega again on this issue because we are not watts today and if there is no gas in any of the people that promised increase in the plants and such a plant is giving you Mega watts. If there is any Nigerian who 1000 mega watts, you will be losing 1000 does not know my position on all these mega watts. So, if you have 12000 mega things, I think such a person is a watts, and that plant is losing 1000 mega stranger in this country. The issue of watts, you have to from the reserve of 2000 saying we are going to give you 10,000 mega watts feed additional 1000 to remain mega watts by December for instance, at 10000. The transmission network should when you don’t have a power station be ready to carry over 10000 mega watts, that you are commissioning between the same thing with the distribution network. now and then, is mere deception.

So, we have to work in these three areas so As we speak, we are under 4000 mega that our distribution point will be able to carry watts now, you should line up power more than 10000, our transmission carry stations that you would be commissioning that would give you We said alright, if that is not the 6000 plus mega option you are looking at, when you watts for us to have 10000 mega watts. pay, we will sit down and look at a Now, assuming we proper transition process to make sure succeed in generating that, that electricity supply is not disrupted you must have the transmission, the line that is the more than 10000, our generation carry vehicle to transmit. It is like, you have more than 10000. But today, none of cooked 10 pots of rice and then it is these points can carry more than 4000 equal to ten tons, you cannot have five mega watts. So, if they are now promising tons vehicle to carry it to for example, Nigerians that they will give them 10000 Oshodi market. So, if you now mega watts, we wish them luck. generate 10000 mega watts and your What are you driving at? transmission network is for 4000 mega Our point is that there should be a watts, it cannot carry 10000 mega watts to conscious master plan. In 2001, 2002, the distribution point. Yet, that is not the Liyel Imoke with obasanjo made sure end because it is in three folds. In the they fired all our plants and they gave distribution point, we have transformers, Nigerians 4000 mega watts. Within one if you check the transformer on your street, week, it relapsed and since there was when it was installed; it was supposed to no reserve to bring it up to that same supplying maybe 100 persons, today it is 4000 and between 2001 and 2002 till now, supply 300 persons. In most cases, when we are still battling with 4000 mega there is supply, you will hear a loud bang, watts, people are still playing politics people will say the transformer has blown with the issue. I am saying that Liyel because of over load. Now, if you make a Imoke and Obasanjo based on installed mistake from the 4000 or 3000 we are in, capacity not even new power plant, were and you say you have 10000 mega watts able to bring 4000 mega watts to the moving to the same transformer, the whole system and between that time till now we system will pack up. So, between now are still battling with 4000 mega watts, it is and maybe that period you are saying you very sad.

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HE Labour Party, LP, has rejected move by the National Assembly to removed labour issues from the exclusive legislative list in the ongoing amendment to the 1999 constitution, warning that the action will erode the nation’s desire to be part of 20 leading world economies by 2020.

National Chairman of Labour Party, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu who spoke at a briefing on the vex issue, said the effect of moving labour matters from exclusive legislative list to concurrent list would have negative effect on the nation’s economy.

According to him, “the effect on the economy is better imagined. Investors both local and foreign definitely will not put their resources in an uncoordinated and unregulated labour management regime when each state of the federation makes uncoordinated labour laws. The military regimes in Nigeria with all their draconian laws left labour on the exclusive list because they realized the importance of labour as critical factor of national development and national cohesion.

NNEW to train teenagers on entreprenuerial skills

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ECA’s Network of Entre preneurial Women, NNEW, has said it is prepared to help more youths to develop their entrepreneurial skills.

Some facilitators at its annual training programme in Lagos said the initiative was to sharpen business skills of teenagers.

Mrs Lola Okanlawon, President of NNEW, who initiated the workshop, said that it was an intervention to address the increasing rate of unemployment and reduce miscreants in the country.

According to her, ‘There is the need to build future leaders, promote and develop entrepreneurship among teenagers. ‘There is also the need to improve our business skills and financial power given the current financial state of the country. The solution is to groom the entrepreneurial skills of children at an early age.”

Okanlawon said that the teenagers would be trained on leadership, health and wellness, financial intelligence, personal discovery and wealth creation.

Vanguard, THURSDAY , SEPTEMBER 12, 2013—57

PenCom wants licensing of life insurance companies as PFAs removed Continues from last week m ) Letters of Administration (S. 8(4) of the Bill): The exclusive jurisdiction of the National Industrial Court (NIC) to issue Letters of Administration for payment of retirement benefits may result in multiplicity of Letters of Administration in respect of the estate of one deceased person. It is therefore recommended for deletion. n) Charge on the Consolidated Revenue Fund (S. 12 of the Bill): The pension contribution of FGN employees is proposed to be a charge on the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation. This is recommended for deletion because it may be contrary to S.80(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). o) Disclosure of personal shareholding (S. 19(6) of the Bill): The requirement for disclosure of personal shareholding of Board members as well as their family members or close associates in any PFA or PFCs is recommended for deletion in view of the existing provision that Board members and their related persons should not have financial, equity or other interest in any PFA/PFC. Outsourcing of functions p)Delegation of powers (S. 24 of the Bill): Delegation of any of the Commission’s powers under the Act to anybody corporate or person who is not an officer or employee of the Commission is recommended for deletion as it is liable to be abused by way of outsourcing all the functions of the Commission. q ) Pension Transitional Arrangements Department (S. 45(1)(iii) of the Bill): The FGN and FCT Pension Transitional Arrangements Departments are to issue payment instructions to the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, subject to clearance from the Commission. We recommend that the Commission, as regulators, should not be involved in operational issues of the Departments. r)Existing private sector pension schemes (S. 50(3) of the Bill): The provision on submission of statement of affairs by all pension schemes existing before the commencement of the PRA 2004 is recommended for deletion because it was only relevant C M Y K

at the beginning of the pension reform. s) Life insurance companies (S. 60(4) of the Bill): The provision on licensing of life insurance companies as PFAs is recommended for deletion since clear provisions have been made for licensing of PFAs under S. 60(1) & (2) of the Bill.

t ) Payment of Court fines (S. 99(4) of the Bill): The provision is recommended for deletion because fines imposed by the courts are usually remitted to the Consolidated Revenue Fund and pursuant to section 80(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

u ) Notifications (S.114(2) of the Bill): The provision on requirement for notification of the employee or the employer whenever information is provided to another institution is recommended for deletion because it would discourage information sharing among regulatory agen-

A cross section of Federal civil service pensioners in Lagos, trying to force their way into the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Yaba, venue of the election of officials of the Federal Civil Service, Lagos Pensioners Lagos branch of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP.

cies.

4-0 Conclusion 4.1 Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members of the House of Representatives, the Commission tried to show in this memorandum the genesis of the exercise for the review of the PRA 2004.

Having implemented the Act for eight years, it has become clear to all stakeholders in the pension industry that there is a need for a review of its provisions in order to take the reform to the next level.

4.2 Indeed the National Assembly is a critical stakeholder in the pension reform process which seeks to consolidate the gains of the Contributory Pension Scheme and sanitize the administration of pensions under the Define Benefits Schemes.

Consistent with this resolve, the National Assembly is requested to accept the proposal in the PRA 2013 and recommend its passage to enhance the legal and institutional frameworks for the administration of pension in Nigeria.

Concluded

Employee sues Microsoft over sack, alleged sexual harassment

BY INNOCENT ANABA AND MAGBEGOR ZINO

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ACKED Enter prise Marketing Manager of Microsoft Nigeria Limited, Mrs Ejieke Maduka, has dragged the company before the National Industrial Court, NIC, sitting in Lagos, contending that she was relieved of her appointment because she refused to give in to sexual advances made on her by her immediate boss.

Respondents in the suit are Microsoft Nigeria, Microsoft Corporation, Emmanuel Onyeje and Adefolu Majekodunmi.

She is praying the court to declare that the termination of her employment was simply because she refused to succumb to the sexual harassment from Onyeje, the ratification of same by the other respondents and the subsequent conduct of all the respondents constituted a violation of her fundamental rights to human dignity and freedom from discrimination as guaranteed by Sections 34 and

42 of the 1999 constitution as amended and Articles 2,5,14,15 and 19 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, CAPA9, Laws of the Federation, 2004.

According to her, the termination of her employment by Microsoft simply because she was opposed to Majekodunmi’s acts of alleged insider dealings and conflict of interest which is a direct contravention of Microsoft Corporation’s internal policies, the ratification of same by the other respondents’ and the subsequent conduct of all the respondents constituted a violation of her fundamental rights to human dignity and freedom from discrimination as guaranteed by sections 34 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as Amended) and Articles 2, 5, 14, 15, and 19 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Right (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, CAP. A9, Laws of Federation 2004.

She is also asking the court to

declare that the acts of the 3rd respondent, an agent of the 1st respondent– by incessantly physically assaulting and handling of her waist against her will and without her consent, constitutes assault, battery and trespass on her person.

Meanwhile, Onyeje in his defence, denied sexually harassing the claimant, praying the court to dismiss the suit, while also Majekodunmi denied being involved insiders dealing, contending that at best, that the company had not made any complain.

Sack of the claimant Similarly, Microsoft Corporation has asked the court to strike its name from the suit, contending that it was not directly or indirectly involved in the sack of the claimant.

Also, Microsoft Nigeria is arguing that it did no wrong by terminating the appointment

of the claimant, asking the court to dismiss the suit.

Insisting that Microsoft Corporation is a necessary party to the suit, the claimant argued that the company, through correspondence, admitted that it investigated the allegation of sexual harassment adding that it will be out of place for it now to say that it has no hand in running Microsoft Nigeria, when also Microsoft Nigeria key policies are determined by Microsoft Corporation.

She added that some of her functions at Microsoft Nigeria were assigned to her by Microsoft Corporation, including being the Diversity champion of the company, Microsoft West, East, and Central Africa Region, WECA, with the role of being an activist for women’s rights and opportunity within companies across the African region, so Microsoft Corporation cannot say that it was not a proper party in the suit.

58 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Extend the BRT lane on Mile 12 - Ikorodu road Dear Sir, OVERNMENT exists everywhere to take care of the needs of its people. This accounts for the reason why the Lagos State Government acceded to the request of the people for the expansion of the Mile 12 to Ikorodu Road.

I have lived abroad for several years before deciding to relocate to Nigeria to contribute to the development of my fatherland. I was very happy when I heard that the road would be expanded from a two-lane dual carriageway to a three-lane dual carriageway.

We were disappointed when we learnt that the additional lanes to be added on both sides were actually to extend

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enough for other traffic after taking two lanes for the BRT? Government needs to think through it very well.

Point number two is the issue of the construction methodology. The contractor handling the project sometimes becomes insensate to the plight of users of that road during construction period.

Traffic would sometimes snarl five or more kilometres.

Some of the construction being done in the daytime could indeed be done at night to minimise traffic issues encountered on the road particularly during peak hours of going and returning from work.

All said, I think one should give kudos to the Lagos State

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Some of the construction being done in the daytime could indeed be done at night to minimise traffic issues encountered on the road particularly during peak hours of going and returning from work

APC registration and religious insensitivity

A cursory look at the list of national officers of the All Progressive Congress, APC shows clearly that they are mostly Moslems. Nigeria is a circular state, it is therefore unimaginable for a national party to display such a high degree of insensitivity.

I hope APC will not turn out to be the counterpart of Moslem Brotherhood that has made Egypt ungovernable, or is this the political wing of BH? Dedemo 08074490347

ASUU strike

Since the 1980’s when I was in the university, ASUU and their strikes have always had very adverse effects of the academic pursuits of students.

When will there be an end to strike in our universities?

Strike ought to be the last resort in trade dispute matters.

Lecturers should please go back to work while they employ other legal means to drive home their demands.

Government under Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola for embarking on this gigantic project. It will sure change the face of Ikorodu when it is com-

Barr. A.O. Obi 08056009586

Police brutality and harassment

one to support the government to achieve a prompt delivery of the project.

Lola Magnus, Ajegunle, Ikorodu Lagos

Allocation of new stall at Eke Oyigbo Dear Sir, TRADERS in Oyigbo mar ket in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers state have been relocated to a new twostorey building built by the LGA. Before the relocation exercise, the traders were rejoicing that they would soon leave the old haphazardly built dwarf stalls that did not give enough room for the display of their wares, to the ultra modern building which has enough space for the display of wares.

Their joy was unfortunately short lived. This is because

the hapless members of the public are fleeced of their hard earned money ranging from N2000 to N20,000 depending on the gravity of the offence.

I appeal to the Inspector General of Police to kindly do something urgently to this gestapo and naked reign of terror.

Kola Olawuni, writes in from Apapa, Lagos State.

most of them, especially those who were not very wealthy but who had earlier paid for the new stalls, were skipped in the allocation exercise.

These unlucky traders are now in a fix as they cannot go back to their old stalls nor take up the new ones they had already paid for On thorough investigation it was discovered that most of the stalls were allocated to persons who are neither traders nor have any business to do with trading. Most of the allottees are civil servants.

The question now is “Was

a rethink. I am very sure they are taking note of the wastage this democracy has turned into. Since we have refused to learn any lesson, I will not be surprised if revolution takes place.

Frank 08182920398

Fraud in Nigerian banks Banks must put measures in place to frustrate any attempts to commit fraud by insiders who have tricks up their sleeves. They must be proactive rather than allowing loopholes that can be easily exploited by greedy staff.

K.C. 07035010016

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the Bus Rapid Transit System, BRT to Ikorodu.

The plan, no doubt is desirable but can we be so sure that the four lanes would still be

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pleted. Today, the experience might be harrowing but at the end of the day, road users will have cause to smile. There is therefore the need for every-

In the past, banks were the safest places to keep money and other valuables; these days, however, bank staff tamper with customers’ deposits; when the laws that are supposed to make an example of bank Frauds in fraudsters are not applied because the custodians of those laws are also criminals, our banks what do you expect?

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The menace of police brutality and harassment in Oyo state has reached an alarming stage. This negates the avowed zero tolerance for road blocks throughout the nation by the current Inspector General of Police,( Abubakar Umar ).

At the Iwo road end junction towards Ife in Ibadan, there is a well organised collection point by the men of the Nigeria Police. At that point,

Rivers State crisis I do not see the reason why Nigerians should hold President Jonathan and his wife responsible for what is happening in Rivers state.

The people of Rivers state are to be blamed for allowing themselves to be used as pawns.

Those who think the military has been subdued should have

there no proper documentation by the Local Government as regards giving the offer of first refusal to the bonafide traders?

Under normal circumstances, names, passport sized photographs and other requirements of the traders ought to have been taken by the department in charge of the exercise in order to make sure that the allotment did not shift to wrong hands.

This unfair treatment to these traders, if not reversed would definitely render their lives hopeless as their only means of livelihood has been completely halted.

Against this backdrop, I earnestly call on the Oyigbo Local Government Chairman, Mr. Uche Nweke to intervene in this crucial matter by reviewing the allotment process in order to give the displaced traders value for their money and a sense of belonging.

Allotting stalls to civil servants who are non traders is very unfair and not in consonance with justice, equity and good conscience. Please come to the rescue of the displaced traders because the Almighty God will never hold those responsible for this heinous act guiltless.

Nkemakolam Gabriel Port Harcourt 08072257360

In the past, banks were the safest places to keep money and other valuables. These days, however, bank staff tamper with customers’ deposits.

When the laws that are supposed to make an example of bank fraudsters are not applied because the custodians of those laws are also criminals, what do you expect?

The problem with Nigerian banks is that they are less concerned about customers accounts. What they are interested in is what accrues to them in bank charges.

Worse still, there is no due diligence on staff .

Anonymous writes in from Lagos state

SAYINGS OF OUR ELDERS 1.You have to know when to stop and let go of somethings for they say "A stubborn fly follows the corpse to the grave"

Simon Adewale08056180103, Lagos State .

Send us your Sayings of Our Elders. They must be African sayings or proverbs. Biblical or English proverbs are unacceptable. You will be paid N100.00 for every saying published. Address your sayings to: The Co-ordinator, Sayings of Our Elders,Vanguard Media Ltd., PMB 1007, Apapa,

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013—59

Neuroscientists reveal sexiest parts of the body

W • Bromated bread

• Arsenic poultry

• Brominated vegetable oil

HY is a nuzzled neck sexy when few would be turned on by a nuzzled nose? And why do men seem to have fewer erogenous zones than women? A new study has measured just how erotic the human body bits are – and there are a few surprises for neuroscientists.

In the research, billed as the first "systematic survey of the magnitude of erotic sensations from various body parts", surprisingly found that feet were not considered sexually attractive by the 800 people, mostly from Britain and sub-Saharan Africa, who took part in the study.

Men and women listed the 41 body parts they were asked to rate in remarkably similar order. The obvious bits of genitalia were at the top of the rankings, as were lips, ears and inner thighs, followed closely by shoulder blades.

There were a few major differences between the sexes – the back of the leg was barely acknowledged by women, for instance, while men rated it as important as their ears. Hands were also more erotic for men than for women, researchers found.

It was discovered from this that we all share the same erogenous zones in at least two very different continents, whether we are a white, and natural. middle-aged, middle-class Arsenic Though a known poison, woman sitting in a London ofarsenic was used in some fice or a gay man living in a chicken feed to make the meat village in Africa. It suggests it appear fresher. Chickens is hardwired, built in, not based raised for meat are no longer on cultural or life experience.

The central issue is not so given feed additives containing much where the erogenous arsenic, but that didn’t stop the zones are, but why non-geniEuropean Union from putting tal ones are erogenous. a ban on it. If you eat poultry, A lot of people think that sciparticularly the frozen variety, ence shouldn't be looking at make sure you know where it such things, but if it's someis coming from and how it is thing that human beings are raised. interested in – and we clearly are around sex and intimacy – then it's something scientists should study.

Beware of these banned food products

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

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LIST of food products and ingredients banned in several places around the world was released recently.

Surprisingly, many items on the list are still available in Nigeria.

It is not unexpected that a host of the banned ingredients are disguised and passed off as “safe” and “healthy”. Here are tips for avoiding the offending ingredients.

Artificial food colourings

– Today, many companies are removing artificial colours from their products, so a little

research should help you find safe alternatives. Many common snack foods contain Yellow #5 in their ingredient list, but it’s not the only artificial food colour that is banned in other countries. Blue #1, Blue #2 and Red #40 may also cause health problems.

Brominated vegetable oil

Banned in over 100 countries world-wide because it contains toxic bromine, brominated vegetable oil is used in many brands of beverage drinks to prevent the flavouring from separating and floating to the surface.

Basic Life Support — and the ‘Greatest Dancer’ A

N incident occurred, yesterday, on the London Underground.

Basic Life Support (BLS) refers to the act of supporting an unconscious patient's breathing and circulation in order to preserve their life until professional help arrives.

Everyone, especially, healthcare workers, must learn these basic simple skills and facilities such as an emergency numbers and defibrillator devices made available.

Little did I know, as I boarded the Tube on Westminster Bridge Road, that my newly re-certified BLS skills was about to be dramatically tested.

I was confronted by a boisterous man, about 20 years old, wearing headphones and dancing the most vigorous moves I have ever encountered! His violent body moves consisted of a mixture of twerking, martial arts and a traditional dance I last saw in Ondo town! Chubby in his jeans and T-shirt, this 5ft salsa sensation took the entire cabin space as his stage.

The other passengers in my carriage smiled initially and then ignored him.

The carriage doors shut and the train chugged into the tunnel.

The man did not sit. As he marched up and down the carriage two things got my curiosity. I could not find the

Bromated flour

In Nigera, many kinds of bread (notably the agege variety) are still made from bromate flour, which is banned in Europe, Canada and China, and linked to kidney damage, cancer and nervous system damage.

BHT and BHA

Japan, the United Kingdom and other European countries have banned these preservatives because they have been shown to cause cancer in rats. To avoid BHT and BHA, best option is purchasing food that is fresh

source of the music, walkman, or iPod; and no sound came from his headphones.

Sensing my perplexity he stopped in front of me. I smelt no alcohol but saw pinpoint pupils. He backed off and sat down, still body popping and breakdancing to his imaginary music.

Seconds later, he let out a loud yell, jumped up, ran down the isle, grabbed the hand rail in the roof of the carriage and swung upwards to the ceiling like a wild monkey.

In typical British fashion, no one batted an eyelid.

Unfortunately, this belligerent druggie was neither monkey nor chimpanzee.

His gymnastic swing towards the upper part of the cabin terminated with a massive thud to the ground, that must have shaken the fast moving train .

At this point someone glanced from a newspaper but continued reading.

Some women tourists started a concerned chatter.

Then my just concluded BLS training kicked in!

First, look for danger. No traffic..no falling debris..no potential injury to yourself.

Second, ask the victim " Are you all right?" This incapacitated pseudogymnast groaned a reply and moved

his head in an attempt to sit up.

Had he not responded, the full BLS algorithm would have come into play: Call for help.

Clear airway.

Look for breathing. If not breathing, call "999" and "Automated External Defibrillator" (AED) Start chest compressions.....etc.

Causes of unconsciousness is best remembered by the mnemonic: FISHSHAPED. Faint, infection, shock, heart attack, stroke, head injury, asphyxia, poisons, epilepsy and diabetes.

Our " greatest dancer" had none of these.

No BLS needed.

I remained seated.

It seemed he had fractured the arm used to break his 7ft fall.

As soon as the train pulled into the next station, one of the arguing ladies leapt out of the carriage and ran to the train driver's cabin to report the incident.

I followed and added " I think he's broken his right arm. He will need an ambulance."

The train driver ignored me.

All he could see was a black man in jeans, trainers and a baseball cap.

I walked off to board another train.

Within the hour the "greatest dancer" will lie in a bed in an NHS Casualty.

After many tests, doctors may manipulate his fracture or do some special carpentry with hammer and nails. A junior anaesthetist will have to deal with his obesity, full stomach, and possibly his recreational drug use.

In the next 24 hours, our acrobatic dancer will cost the British taxpayer thousands of pounds.

After a couple of days in hospital he will follow up in clinic weeks later. If his ( acute ) pain is not well treated, he may, months later, develop chronic pain in the form of neuropathy, or, worse, sympathetic dystrophy.

I wondered what would've happened to this man in Nigeria.

I wondered if BLS was mandated by Health authorities in Nigeria.

One thing for sure, I will not be taking the Underground again on this trip.

60 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Vanguard, THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2013 — 61

Jonathan wants Olympic gold medals

BY BEN AGANDE, ABUJA.

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has challenged sports administrators and athletes in the country to ensure that Nigeria gets gold medals at the 2016 Olympics games billed for Brazil.

He gave the challenge while receiving the medals won by Blessing Okagbare at the 2013 IAAF World Athletic Championship shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council meeting y e s t e r d a y .

The president who announced a N3Million reward for the athlete and N3.5Million for her coach Daniel Esebinimo added that they would be conferred with national honours.

While congratulating Okagbare for making the nation proud, President Jonathan said “Today is a day that we are all celebrating this young lady, Blessing Okagbare.

We are celebrating success, we are celebrating dedication, we are celebrating patriotism.

This is to formerly congratulate Blessing Okagbare and other young men and women

like her who have been working very hard to make this country proud.”

“Sports, we know, is one key event in our country and globally, the success of a nation in sports is a key thing that helps to project that country. Nigeria has been known as a sporting nation, but we slid for sometime. But we are lucky that we are building up today. I believe that with young ladies and men like Blessing Okagbare, Nigeria will get back to where we belong and even go further ” he said.

The Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi in a brief remark attributed Nigeria’s successes in sports in the past two years to the leadership and support of President J o n a t h a n .

Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the ceremony, Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan who attended the ceremony said: “What’s exciting to me today is the personal recognition by Mr. President of Blessing’s efforts.

Whatever you’re given materially, to me is not the major thing. The major thing is that she is being nationally recognised by Mr. President himself and that is very important.”

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Obudu stars shine at WMRA Championships

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013 race to feature only professional runners Obudu international mountain race stars dominated the senior men’s race at the just concluded 30th Association WMRA World Mountain Running Championships held at Krynica Zdroj, Poland.

The Ugandan quartet of Philip Kiplimo,Geoffrey Kusuro,Nathan Ayeko and Peter Kibet who are regular faces at the annual Obudu mountain

Nigerian players hit q’finals IGERIAN players continued their good run at the ongoing ITF West and Central Africa Junior Tennis Championship in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

Yesterday, Nigerian player, Edward Christopher created the biggest upset of the first leg of the ITF Junior circuit when he defeated the number one seed of the tournament, Courtney Lock of South Africa 62, 6-4 to advance to the quarter final.

Another Nigerian player, Joseph Imeh similarly defeated C M Y K

Ivorian Yannis Moulod 6-3, 6-0 to also make it to the quarter final.

However, the country’s good run was cut short as highly rated Sylvester Emmanuel lost his single’s game to Ouattara Abdulkarim 63, 7-6.

National tennis coach, Ubale Mohammed who is leading the team at the two-legged junior tennis fiesta said on telephone from Cotonou last night that the pair of Imeh and Chetty defeated Brauer and Ague of Austria 61, 6-3 in the doubles.

Another Nigerian duo

HE Honourable Minister of Sports and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi has lauded the decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to reinstate Wrestling as an Olympic sport.

The IOC had downgraded Wrestling from a sport that would feature in the 2020 Olympics to a candidate status in February 2013, meaning Wrestling had to compete for a space in the 2020 Olympics with sports such as Squash, Baseball and Softball.

•Blessing

ITF Junior Circuit

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Abdullahi lauds IOC on Wrestling

of Edward and Sadiq similarly advanced to the next round of the doubles with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Sylvester and Michael to move into the q’final.

Coach Ubale remained hopeful that by the time the second leg of the championship begins in Lome, Togo, the fortunes of Nigeria would have improved tremendously.

“Like I predicted before coming here, our players are doing well and will definitely return home with good results from their outing here,” observed the national coach last night.

race at the Obudu Ranch Resort swept the top four places and earned a gold team medal with a perfect score of 10.

Kiplimo won over the three_lap 13.56km course in 54:22 putting more than half_a_minute between himself and his nearest rival Kusuro,with his better_known compatriot

crossing the line in 55:06.

Team mates Nathan Ayeko and Peter Kibet were third and fourth in 55:19 and 55:27 respectively.

Kiplimo was fourth at the 8th edition of the Obudu mountain race last year while Kusuro came second behind Ethiopia’s Habtamu Fikadu Awash in 2009 at the fifth edition of the race.

Carlos Continues from BP at the Russian club to the point that he considered quitting.

In 2011, Carlos was at Anzhi when they sanctioned a deal to buy Eto’o from Inter Milan, making him the highest paid player in the world.

After scoring 36 goals in 71 appearances, Eto’o moved to Chelsea on a free transfer this summer and could make his debut on Saturday at Everton.

But in an interview with newspaper Globo, Carlos expressed his disappointment at what Eto’o contributed during his time at Anzhi.

He said: ‘I’ve known Eto’o since I was 16, and from that time on he’s always been a good guy who I’ve liked a lot.

‘He’s a good person, but there a part of him that thinks ‘I, and not the group’, which is really

damaging.

‘When a footballer, instead of playing, is interested in signing players who are his friends... it’s confusing and strange.

‘He did everything at Anzhi, except play football.’

Reflecting on how their relationship broke down, Carlos added: ‘I came to the club and in my first year we finished in the top five.

‘We managed to professionalise the team.

In the second year, we signed Eto’o and I had control of the team _ I organised the players and worked with the coach. I put Anzhi among the best.

‘With the arrival of Eto’o, with the values of everyone involved, I had some little problems in the dressing room and had to talk to the Russian players and explain why Eto’o was there.

The decision had irked many countries, including Nigeria, where Wrestling is popular. Nigeria thus became a leading member of the lobby to reinstate Wrestling, sending an official position to the IOC.

Amosun tasks ITF Junior Circuit Uplift Football players

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GUN State G o v e r n o r, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has charged the 22member of Uplift Football Team not to neglect their academic pursuit at the expense of developing talents, “education is the key no matter your depth of talents.”

The governor gave this admonition during the official presentation of the pioneering 22-member of Uplift Football Team following their arrival from a two-week football training programme at Udinese FC in Italy.

According to the governor, “You need education alongside the football you are playing to do better in your career. We would not allow your education to suffer. We would monitor your academic performance as you go on in life.”

The governor expressed his satisfaction about the testimony that the Italians were impressed with the team’s disposition during their stay in Udine. He cited the likes of Chief Segun Odegbami, Ambassador John Fashanu, late Muda Lawal and among other illustrious sons of Ogun State who had done the nation proud in the world of round leather game with their attitudinal excellence.

Argentina Continues from BP South American World Cup qualifying competition, with 29 points from 14 games.

They are assured of one of the four automatic places for Brazil 2014, and hence become the 10th team to book their place in the competition.

62 —

Vanguard, THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

LMC fines Shooting N3m •Sunshine gets full points

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N its preliminary rul ing on the abandoned Week 30 Glo Premier League match in Akure, the League Management Company (LMC) has faulted Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), fined them N3m and ducked 3 points from them for abandoning the match against Sunshine

•Irabor

Stars in Akure on Sunday, September 8.

LMC announced the decision in a letter to the Management of the two Clubs and said the findings were based on the official match reports which did not support the claims of 3SC. The letter signed by the

Chief Operating Officer of LMC, Salihu Abubakar cited relevant articles of the Regulation guiding the conduct of the Glo Premier League and subsequently invited some persons for further hearing on Friday, September 13 at the Abuja National Stadium.

Trapattoni leaves Ireland G

IOVANNI Trapattoni has left his post as the Republic of Ireland manager after the disastrous losses to Sweden and Austria that realistically ended the nation’s hopes of qualification for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The 74_year_old Italian had remained defiant until the last, insisting after the 1_0 defeat to Austria on Tuesday that he would not resign. He said he intend-

Keshi warns against slips at home in playoffs N

IGERIA coach Stephen Keshi has said the goal they conceded against Burkina Faso has warned his team ahead of next month’s World Cup playoffs.

The Super Eagles on Tuesday let in a late goal to the mainly home-based team from Burkina Faso after they were coasting to a comfortable 4-0 win inside the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.

“Conceding a goal at home could be very dangerous as regards our qualification because an away goal could be very damaging and so we would need to be very careful,” he said.

“Sometimes it’s good this way because then we have a point of reference and we will make corrections. “In the proper game, we have to be very cautious how we defend and how we play.”

He said the friendly against Burkina Faso afforded him the chance to have a closer look at players like Shola Ameobi, Victor Nsofor and James Okwuosa, who are knocking hard on the first-team door.

“I gave some players the opportunity to play, I wanted to see more of Nsofor, Shola and James,” Keshi said.

“It was not about the score line, it was more about our tactical shape and understanding what we want to do in future.”

Striker Emmanuel Emenike, who got his second goal in as many matches in three days, said with the current form of the team, the Eagles will be very difficult to stop on their way to Brazil 2014.

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ed to stay until his contract ended next June and that it would be up to the Football Association of Ireland to decide whether it wanted him to leave before then.However, the governing body, which expressed its frustration at the two losses in a statement late on Tuesday night, felt his position had become untenable and that the players were no longer responding to his methods, which had brought qualified success over his fiveand-a-half-year reign.

Okagbare: Jonathan thumbs up for Uduaghan, AFN • Delta hosts her tomorrow

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CONTEST . . . Super Eagles attacker Ahmed Musa tries to dribble past Malawian defender Moses Chavula during their FIFA World Cup qualification match in Calabar. Nigeria defeated Malawi 2-0. Photo: AFP

IGERIA’S sprint sen sation, Blessing Okagbare was yesterday in Abuja honoured by President Goodluck Jonathan for her exploits at the last IAAF World Championships in Moscow, Russia.

Okagbare rescued a silver and a bronze in the long jump and 200m respectively at the event to end Nigeria’s 12 year medal_less run in the championships. President Jonathan rewarded the athlete with N3m and urged young Nigerians to emulate her. He specially commended Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State for his tremendous support to Okagbare and investment in sports. He equally thanked the AFN board led by Chief Solomon Ogba for their drive on athletics in Nigeria.

Okagbare rose from a school of junior athletes to become a world contender. The coach who

Federation Cup: NFF, Lagos State conclude arrangements for epic finale

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HE Nigeria Football Federation and Host City, Lagos have perfected arrangements for a captivating 68th Federation Cup grand finale at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere on Sunday.

Sunday’s showpiece at the venue incidentally named after one of the

true legends of the Cup will kick off at 1.30pm with the Women’s Final, between Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt and Nasarawa Amazons of Lafia.

NFF General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu, said: “We are working in harmony with Lagos State to achieve a

spectacular show, even better than what we had last year. I must commend the Lagos State Government for its support and commitment to bringing back the glory days of the Federation Cup”.

Organisers have confirmed an expansion of the State Box at the

Teslim Balogun Stadium, to accommodate more top dignitaries.

The NFF stated on Wednesday that the Honourable Minister of Sports/Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi will be special guest of honour.

groomed her from the grassroots, Dan Etsebiminor was also rewarded with N3.5m.

Okagbare said after receiving the cheque that she was very happy with the recognition by the President adding that it will spur her to do more for the country.

Sports minister, Bolaji Abdullahi on his part, said he was grateful for the discovery of Okagbare and the support of the President and the Delta state governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan as he looked at athletics in Nigeria with nostalgia. Governor Uduaghan, Athletics Federation of Nigeria president, Solomon Ogba were present at the ceremony.

Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan will host the new queen of track and field on tomorrow morning at the Government House, Asaba, Delta State.

Okagbare opened her international medal account at the 2007 All_Africa Games when she won the silver medal in the long jump.

The following year she won a bronze medal in the women’s long jump event at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing She went on to win the double in 100 m and long jump at the NCAA Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championship for University of Texas at El Paso, completing an undefeated collegiate streak that year.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013 — 63

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VANGUARD, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 , 2013

Carlos warns Chelsea: Etoó can damage a dressing room

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OBERTO Carlos has warned Chelsea that new striker Samuel Eto’o can have a ‘damaging’ influence on the dressing room.

Jonathan wants Olympic gold medals

The former Anzhi Makhachkala team director revealed that the Cameroon striker interfered with his work Continues on Page 61

The Galacticos meet at last as Ronaldo greets £86m Bale in Madrid

— Story on P61

•Uduaghan hosts Okagbare tomorrow — P.62 The world’s two most expensive footballers have met for the first time since Gareth Bale’s incredible £86million move to Real Madrid. He shook hands and shared a warm greeting with new teammate Cristiano Ronaldo — the former most expensive player in the world — after reporting back to the Bernabeu following the international break.

Argentina qualify for Brazil in style

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President Goodluck Jonathan (R), Blessing Okagbare (m) and Vice President Namadi Sambo moments after a reception in honour of the speedster who brought honour to Nigeria at the World Athletics Championships in Moscow yesterday at the Presidential Villa Abuja.

seven-goal thriller b o o k e d Argentina’s place in the 2014 football World Cup, as Lionel Messi hit the target twice in a 5-2 destruction of Paraguay.

Needing a win to confirm their place in next year’s tournament, the Albiceleste enjoyed a perfect start when

Sergio Aguero was taken down in the penalty area. Messi stepped up to convert the kick and put his side 1_0 up in Asuncion, after just 11 minutes.

Paraguay hit back through José Núñez, but it was a mere blip on the way to a dominant Argentine victory.

Aguero restored the lead on the half hour, and further goals from Angel Di Maria and Maxi Rodriguez, plus a second penalty from Messi, put Alejandro Sabella’s men out of reach.

The win means Argentina sit top of the Continues on Page 61

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 2 Adequate (5) 7 Talon (4) 8 Overwhelm (6) 9 Lawful (5) 11 Sphere (3) 13 Vitality (3) 15 Zone (4) 16 Pull (3) 18 Cautious (4) 19 Lee (7) 20 Foolhardy (4) 22 Lean (4) 23 Judge (4) 27 Fruit (3) 28 Frill (4) 30 Finish (3) 31 Speak (3) 33 Cleave (5) 36 Sullen (6) 37 Boulder (4) 38 Sycophant (5)

DOWN 1 Dazzle (5) 2 Tool (3) 3 Dowel (3) 4 Fish (3) 5 Era (3) 6 Talent (5) 10 Fever (4) 11 Push out (7) 12 Reddened (7) 13 Different (7) 14 Bemuse (7) 16 Prickle (5) 17 Boast (5) 18 Moist (3) 21 Border (3) 24 Pit (4) 26 Relish (5) 29 Whim (5) 32 Bashful (3) 33 Clique (3) 34 Meadow (3) 35 Attempt (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Lasso 5, Option 8, Organ 10, Seller 11, Curt 14, Errand 15, Succumb 18, Nip 19, Bet 21, Dead 23, Alarm 24, Deem 27, Era 29, Aired 39, Threat 40, Needy.

How to Play Sudoku

DOWN: 2, Ape 3, Solace 4, Ore 5, Once 6, Torrid 7, Needed 9, Grumble 12, Urn 13, Tape 16, Urge 17, Beard 20, Trainer 22, Alas 24, Digest 25, Elan 26, Mature 28, Recede 30, Did 33, Seat 36, Men 37, God.

TWO WEEKS TO LIVE

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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