Fashiola, Amaechi emerge super-ministers by Vanguard Media Limited

...towards a better life for the people

VOL. 25: NO. 62626

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015

JONATHAN: PDP replies Dokpesi, says 'you can't speak for us 8 We'll capture Sambisa before Dec deadline —Theatre Commander 9

Fashola, Amaechi emerge super-ministers By Levinus Nwabughiogu

•Fashola in charge of Power, Works, Housing; Amaechi, Transportation

•Two permanent secretaries to work for Fashola •I didn't make mistake in choosing my ministers— Buhari •Appoints self Petroleum Minister, tasks ministers on performance •Mixed reactions trail assignment of portfolios; ministers react •Pgs.A1-A7 NEWS ANALYSIS: Ministerial portfolios: So long, too long — Page A3

Salary arrears: 30 states benefit from CBN's concessionary loans— Buhari 9 MODIBBO KAWU HRH Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari:

20 years on the Ilorin throne C M Y K

P.19

OCHEREOME NNANNA

Renewed agitation for Biafra (1)

P.19

JOSEF OMOROTIONMWAN

Land use charge as modern day Robin Hood

COLUMNISTS:

P.17

Lawan, Akume, others boycott Senate plenary as Ekweremadu presides 8

BUJA — PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, assigned portfolios to the 36 new ministers with former Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, and former Governor of Rivers State Rotimi Amaechi Continues on Page 5

Mr & Mrs

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C M Y K

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POCKET CARTOON

BOOK PRESENTATION—The Public Presentation of the book: "Darkness Invisible Until the Evening", written by Engr Solomon Omorodion Uwaifo took place at the Nigerian Institue of International Affairs, NIIA, in Lagos, yesterday. From left: Prof Stanley Orobator, Mrs Helen Uwaifo, Engr Omorodion Solomon Uwaifo, author; Obong Victor Attah, Chairman of occasion; Mr Franklin Ogbemi and others at the occasion. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

Fashola, Amaechi emerge super-ministers

Continues from Page 1 emerging as the administration’s point men in the drive to improve the country ’s infrastructure and transportation system. Fashola emerged Minister of Power, Works and Housing with the distinction of having two permanent secretaries working under him. Amaechi on his part, will supervise the nation's transportation system, including Aviation, with a minister of State, Aviation under him.

President Buhari, who presided at the swearing in ceremony of the new ministers, said that the assigning of portfolios was done to put square pegs in square holes, adding that he strove to avoid the mistakes of past administrations in placing the new ministers, who he said were carefully chosen to reflect their capacities. Ye s t e r d a y ’ s inauguration of the new Council of Ministers was attended by President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki; Speaker of the House of

IT'S UP TO YOU

BY AYO ADIO

HE change you seek is activated when your life becomes a message. To lead a new age, you must become the message. It's up to you.

TAKE HEART BY ELLA RANDLE

Follow three rules; Respect yourself, Respect others, and take responsibility for your actions— Dalai Lama

AKING full responsibility for one’s life is the key to living a life of absolute freedom. It means to stop blaming others, the unreasonable demanding employer, ungrateful children, unpredictable weather; irritating spouse, unreliable friend, unreliable government, unfavorable circumstances, and even the feeling that life’s not fair on us. Blaming everybody else is great until you’ve got no one to blame but yourself. Instead, realize that you are the creator of your own life story.

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE

F a man cooks for the community, they will eat all the food, but if a community cooks for a man, he can never consume all.

Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief John OdigieOyegun among other leading political stakeholders. Following the inauguration, the first meeting of the Council of Ministers took place in the council chambers. Earlier, the new ministers had taken turns in groups of four to take the oath of office administered by the President. Following the swearing-in, the President read out a speech during which he spelt out the portfolios for the new ministers. He assigned to himself the Petroleum portfolio, while assigning the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu as Minister of State, Petroleum. As he read out the portfolios, the President seemed to enjoy the element of surprise as the portfolios, with very few exceptions, differed from speculations in the social media.

Buhari's charge to ministers

Charging the new ministers to work speedily to justify the confidence reposed in them, he said: “Since our inauguration on May 29, 2015, the Vice President

and I have been mindful of the need to constitute a cabinet that will best deliver our expectations of a better country than we inherited. We want to work towards a prosperous nation respected for the right reasons, and whose citizens can hold up their heads up anywhere in the world. And we are optimistic that bringing this set of ministers into the service of our country today is a step in the right direction, a timely move towards realizing our positive goals for our country. “Since we assumed office in May, I have been mindful of the need to ensure that the appointment of new ministers translates into putting round pegs in round holes while showing sensitivity to our diversity as a people and our various positions as groups of stakeholders in our country. “I have also been conscious of the need not to repeat such mistakes of the past where the right people were allocated the wrong portfolios, which translated into their performing poorly to our collective detriment despite their obvious capabilities. Also, I have responded to the counsel to consult as widely as possible, given the need to build a stable and allinclusive government by reaching across our various ethnic and political divides.

“Our new ministers must proceed to work speedily and do their utmost to justify the confidence we have placed in them not only by their conduct but also by their performance in their various positions.” Highlighting areas of utmost importance to the government, President Buhari listed selfsufficiency in food production, improved security with the defeat of insurgency, among others. “The primary aim is to achieve self-sufficiency in the production of such staples as rice and wheat and to become a major consumer and exporter of both items as well as solid minerals. We intend to pursue policies that will generate massive employment for millions of our youth. “We shall also continue with greater determination and focus to pursue our goal of ensuring improved security for our country and its citizens, and without letting up on our fight against corruption. Our commitment to defeat Boko Haram and all the threats it constitutes remains as strong as ever. So is our resolve to root out vices such as kidnapping and neutralise the various

forms of criminalities that threaten the social peace of Nigerians. Speaking briefly on what his government has so far done to tackle corruption and financial recklessness, President Buhari said: “Our adoption of the Treasury Single Account has resulted in the blocking of financial leakages in the public sector, making more funds available for the business of governance and ensuring the welfare of our citizens. “The Central Bank of Nigeria has also assisted more than 30 states of the federation with concessionary loans to offset salary arrears for their workers. On the monetary side, the CBN has also implemented country-specific and innovative policies that have helped to stabilize the exchange rate and conserve our reserves. “Over all, our economy is poised for sustained job creation, poverty reduction and inclusive growth. Regardless of the present challenges we are confronting, I believe all Nigerians will keep hope alive and sustain their optimism about the future of our economic wellbeing”, he said.

Naira maintains slide at parallel market L AGOS—THE Naira, yesterday, maintained its previous depreciated value at the parallel market. It exchanged for N232 to the dollar, a value it had previously traded. Meanwhile, the official rate at the inter-bank window also maintained its previous value of N196.98 to the dollar. Traders at the market noted that the naira could witness a rebound if activities at the Bureau de Change (BDC) bounce back. Dr Evans Osabuohien, an economist at the Covenant University,

Ota, Ogun State, said that the naira was reacting to forces beyond the regulations imposed on BDCs by the apex bank. Osabuohien said that the more the economy depended on importation, with the attendant trade deficit, the more volatile the naira would become. He called for greater interaction between the government and the organised private sector in finding the best way to improve the ease of doing business, thereby growing the economy.

6 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015

Bureau de change operator in prison over $20,000 fraud By Onozure Dania

AGOS—A 53-year-old bureau de change operator, Shukurat Abebei, was yesterday remanded in Kirikiri Prison custody for allegedly stealing $20,000. The defendant, who was docked before Magistrate H. O. A. Amos, is facing a three-count charge bordering on obtaining, fraud and stealing preferred against her by the police. The prosecutor, Corporal Cyriacus Osuji, told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offences in 2013. He said the defendant obtained the said sum under false pretence of giving the Naira equivalent to the complainant, Austine Daniels, which she failed to do. However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges against her. In view of her plea, the magistrate granted the defendant bail in the sum of N 500,000, with two responsible sureties in like sum. He said one of the sureties must be a blood relation, show evidence of employment and that both sureties must pay tax and have verifiable addresses; he adjourned the case to December 16 for mention.

Sergeant allegedly rapes neighbour’s 9-yr-old daughter Nigeria Police won't cover any officer's crime—COMMISSIONER By Esther Onyegbula & Faith Ake

AGOS—OFFICERS of Edo State Police Command are investigating a sergeant, Umoru Babalola, who allegedly raped a nine-old-girl (names withheld). It was learned that Edo State Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, ordered the arrest of the sergeant, following a report from the girl’s mother that the policeman, who was her

neighbour, allegedly lured her daughter, a primary four pupil, and raped her in his apartment. She said: “I came home and was told that Sergeant Umoru sent my daughter to buy him recharge card. “I waited for her to come back, but she did not. I decided to look for her in his apartment. I knocked but nobody answered. I asked after him from his son and he said his father was inside.

“I peeped through the window and I saw him naked with my daughter crying. “I started shouting and banging on the door. Other neighbours came out and we forced him to open the door. I took my daughter to the hospital where it was confirmed she was raped. Umoru had threatened to kill her if she told anybody. “I reported to the police and another test was conducted in a specialist hospital, where it

was also confirmed that my daughter was raped.” Confirming the report, Edo State Police Commissioner Chris Ezike, said: “The case is being handled at the Family Unit. I have ordered that a test be conducted on the girl and we are waiting for the result. “The command and Nigeria Police will not cover any crime among its officers and men. If it is true, he will face orderly room trial, dismissed and charged to court.”

ALAUSA JOURNALISTS WALK: Chairman, Lagos State Governor's Office Correspondents, LAGOCO, Joshua Bassey (3rd left); President, Counselling Ambassadors Organization, TCAO, Mrs. Iyabo Obasa (4th right); Chairman, Press Week Committee, Olasunkanmi Akoni (2nd right), and others, at the Walk Against Sexual Abuse and Domestic Violence, during the 2015 LAGOCO Press Week in Lagos. PHOTO: Bunmi Azeez.

Woman's death in India: Family alleges foul play, petitions envoy By Gabriel Enogholase

ENIN—THE family of Mrs. Monica Sunday, who died in India while recuperating from illness, has petitioned the country’s High Commissioner in Nigeria to urgently step up investigation into the matter. In the petition filed through their counsel, Olayiwola Afolabi, the family also appealed to the high commissioner to order an autopsy and criminal inquiry to unravel the circumstances of the death and examine the alleged complicity of some Nigerians, who were said to have been with Mrs Sunday before her death. Besides, the family appealed to the High Commissioner to halt the hurried deportation of the corpse of the deceased to Nigeria, a move they said was to prevent a forensic investigation into the case. According to the petition,

“we, therefore, on behalf of our clients, make the humble requests that first, preliminary autopsy onto the cause of death be conducted and a follow up criminal investigation be launched, especially with respect to the suspected foul play by some individuals and if culpable, that they be brought to book. “Similarly, on completion of investigations, the corpse be returned to Nigeria for proper burial according to traditional rites.”

It added that after her treatment, she was advised to stay further in the country as the nature of her treatment would require constant medical checks and follow up procedures. The family added that being in an unfamiliar environment, she found it expedient to be in the company of some Nigerians in that country, who were privy to her plans to come back to

place, only to get a call from a neighbour in India on November 6, informing of Monica Sunday’s death and explaining the highly suspicious circumstances of her death and the clandestine involvement of the individuals, who were her supposed friends. “Sadly, until the time of her death, the said Monica Sunday was pregnant.”

Cults clash leaves one dead in Warri By Akpokona Omafuaire

Travelled 3 years ago

The family informed the Indian High Commissioner in Nigeria that late Mrs. Sunday travelled to India in 2012, when she had severe medical health conditions, to seek the expertise of some doctors, who successfully carried out the prescribed medical procedures on her.

Nigeria next month. The family alleged that the said Nigerians were the ones that were with the late Monica and interacted with her in her residence hours before her neighbours confirmed the unfortunate incident of her death. The petition added: “That our clients lost contact with the deceased on November 2, when the incident supposedly took

ARRI—THERE was tension at Igbudu area of Warri, Delta State, yesterday as a clash between Aye Confraternity and the Outlaws left one Emuobor dead, with another seriously injured and property worth millions of naira

destroyed. The cultists stormed Igbudu Market area with dangerous weapons, maiming and dispossessing residents and shop owners of their personal effects. They also shattered windscreens of vehicles. Vanguard gathered that Emuobor, a suspected member of the Outlaws, was allegedly

killed when he went to see his girlfriend at Igbudu area, after his group had attacked and collected the mobile phone and wristwatch of a member of Aye, simply identified as Agbalagba, during a burial rally to Warri Cemetry. At press time, stern-looking soldiers had been drafted into the area to restore law and order.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015 — 7

Rabbit causes pandemonium at Rivers Secretariat By Gift Nwankpa

SUSPECTED VANDALS: Suspected pipeline vandals arrested at Ijeododo-Ijegun area of Lagos State by men of Inspector General Special Task Force on Pipeline Vandalism.

I was under the influence of evil spirit —Man, 50, who raped 2-yr-old girl By Chioma Onuegbu

YO—A 50-year-old man, identified as Okon Michael, has said that he raped a two-year-old girl while under the influence of an evil spirit. Michael, who spoke to journalists yesterday while being paraded at the Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpan, Akwa Ibom State, is an indigene of Mbak Ekpe in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area. He was paraded alongside other suspects arrested for offences, ranging from illegal possession of firearms, Indian hemp to armed robbery and theft. While parading the suspects, the state Commissioner of Police, Murtala Mani, said the suspects were arrested at various locations in the state through sustained patrol and intelligence sharing.

Rapist’s story

Fielding questions from newsmen, Michael, who confessed to the crime, said that he was under the influence of an evil spirit when he committed the crime. He said: “Even as I am

standing before you, I do not know what came over me and what had really happened. Someone came to my house and

told me something serious was going to happen to me but I did not take it seriously.” Two of the suspects, Umoh

Police arrest Fulani men for robbery in Ibadan By Ola Ajayi, Deji Oke & Adesegun Olayinka

BADAN—THREE Fulani men were, yesterday, paraded along with other suspects for armed robbery by the Oyo State Police command. The suspects (names withheld) were alleged to have been involved in series of robbery operations at Ajebamidele-Atogun road in Oyo State. Also paraded by Mr. Leye Oyebade, the Police Commissioner, was a male student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, who allegedly broke into female hostels, raped and stole their properties. About a week ago, students of the institution protested on major roads in Ogbomoso, calling on the police to check raping of female students in their hostels.

Asked why he took to breaking into female hostels, the 400-level student of the Department of Transport, said he only stole laptops and other items. He added that the other two suspects paraded with him were

ORT HARCOURT—NAVY has arrested eight illegal migrants from Niger Republic at mammy market in Port Harcourt for armed robbery and drug peddling. Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Sanusi Ibrahim, who disclosed this to newsmen yesterday in Port Harcourt, said 18 other Nigerians were also arrested for similar offences,

He said the Navy acted on a tip-off to carry out the operation at a hideout at Borikiri, adding that the suspects had been handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Services and other appropriate security agencies for further action. Ibrahim, who was represented by Base Operations Officer, NNS Pathfinder, Cdr Chidi Ejiofor, said the Navy would continue to collaborate with other security agencies to rid the state of unwanted

not thieves but buyers of the items he stole. He said: “The toy gun does not belong to me. It was left behind by my sister, who was staying with me. Some people come to my room to play game and they use the toy.”

Kidnapped RCCG pastor regains freedom By Emem Idio

ENAGOA—THE kidnapped pastor of Redeemed Christian Church, RCCG, New Anointing Chapel, Yenagoa, Pastor Mark Christmas, has been released after 20 days in captivity. Pastor Christmas was abducted on October 19 alongside two others, in his

Navy arrests aliens in Rivers for drug peddling By Jimitota Onoyume

Samuel and Blessing James, blamed their plight on their brother, Samuel James, who is now at large.

miscreants. He said: “Troops of NNS Pathfinder raided a mammy market around Borokiri area of Port Harcourt, following intelligence report of criminal activities and the presence of illegal migrants in the area. “Following the raid, eight illegal migrants from Niger Republic were arrested over their involvement in drug peddling, robbery and harassment of innocent citizens in the area.”

home town of Biseingbene, a riverine community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Christmas, who spoke with newsmen in Yenagoa yesterday, described his release as miraculous, stressing that no ransom was paid. He said: “I was released on November 5 after spending three weeks in the den of the abductors; it was an awkward experience. “I was kidnapped on October 19 in my home town, Biseingbene, with two other people from my community; among them were the community Chairman, Mr. Amos Ezetu, and Mr. ThankGod Geregere. It was a horrible experience. “On the way to their den, our boat capsized. I was able to swim to safety and tried to escape, but was recaptured and beaten up mercilessly. “However, I am happy to be free and can be with my family once again.”

ORT HARCOURT— THERE was pandemonium, yesterday, at the Rivers State Secretariat following the mysterious appearance of a rabbit. It was discovered beneath a car belonging to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Otonyetarie Okoye. Fear sent some civil servants home before closing hours. One of the civil servants told Vanguard: “Some persons later summoned courage and went after it. Even policemen also joined in pursuit. It was later killed. “Rabbits are normally found in the bush and not in the office. That rabbit is a witch. “It neither looked like the type we used to pursue in the bush as children not the English rabbit.”

Middle-aged man commits suicide in Lagos By Esther Onyegbula & Faith Ake

AGOS—BARELY 48 hours after a police officer attached to Safer High Way Patrol committed suicide at the Nigerian Police Training School, Ikeja, Lagos, a yet-to-be identified man has hung himself on a mango tree in Amuwo Odofin area of the state. The middle-aged man was found at about 7a.m. yesterday, dangling from the tree at a deserted plot of land in Uche Edemenu Street, Prayer Estate, Amuwo-Odofin, with his luggage beneath the tree. When Vanguard visited the scene, social workers from State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit, SHEMU, and a police officer from Festac Divisional Headquarters were at the scene evacuating the corpse. When contacted, spokesperson of Lagos State Police Command, Mr. Joe Offor, said he would get back to Vanguard, but had not done so at press time.

8 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015

Lawan, Akume, others boycott Senate plenary, as Ekweremadu presides A

By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

BUJA — The Senate yesterday witnessed another drama in the leadership contest between the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the ruling All Progressives Congress as Senator Ahmed Lawan, who contested the Senate Presidency seat against Senator Bukola Saraki at the inception, and his supporters boycotted the sitting, presided over by Deputy Senate President, Senator Ekweremadu. For the first time since he emerged Deputy Senate President in the 8th Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, yesterday, presided over the plenary. The Senate plenary, which usually begins shortly after 10:30 am was delayed up to 11:30 am, yesterday, following the absence of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, who was at the Presidential Villa to attend the swearing-in of ministers by President Muhammadu Buhari. Senators, who had turned up for the day ’s sitting were seen loitering in the Senate lobby with a few of them already seated in the chamber waiting for Saraki to come and take charge. But as the Senate President did not show up and because of communication he was believed to have had with his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, the latter came into the chamber to take charge of the day’s activities. Immediately the Deputy Senate President mounted the seat of the Senate President, preparatory to presiding over the affairs of the red chamber, Senator Lawan and his loyalists, among who were the former governor of Benue State and senator representing Benue North West, George Akume, and Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, representing Kaduna Central, refused to go inside the chamber. Senators Lawan, Akume and Hunkuyi, who stood at the Senate lobby for over 15 minutes, discussing among themselves, while the plenary was going on, were later joined by a few others. After rounding off their secret meeting, the lawmakers were seen going away to an unknown place, leaving others at the chamber.

Product of illegality

One of them, Sulaiman Hunkuyi, later told Vanguard on phone that their action was predicated on their belief that the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, was a product of illegality. He said: “I, personally will never attend any sitting of the Senate that is being presided by Senator Ekweremadu because he is a product of illegality." Later, Senator Hunkuyi, in an unsigned press statement,tagged:

Repulsive odour forces Reps to adjourn till Nov 17 By Emman Ovuakporie & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

PLENARY: Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu (right) discussing with the Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume while presiding over Senate plenary, yesterday. ”The conspiracy against the APC finally consumated,” which he released to journalists, accused the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, of handing over the Senate leadership to the opposition PDP. He said: "As President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurates the new Federal Executive Council of the change agenda, PDP takes over the hallowed chamber of the Senate. ‘’We noticed with great sadness, the handover of the hallowed chamber of the Senate today (yesterday) to the opposition party, the PDP, by the Senate President to Ike Ekweremadu as the PDP helmsman to preside over the majority membership of the APC-led chamber.

"It is a very sad development that must be denounced by all well meaning APC members and leaders alike. "This is to show our protest as APC senators of the 8th Senate. We wish to announce that we shall cease to attend any sitting presided over by the PDP in an APC majority chamber of the 8th Senate.

Senate reacts

But the Senate, reacting swiftly to the allegation, through its chairman, Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Aliyu Sabi Abdullah, denied that there was conspiracy of any nature against senators. Sabi, at a media briefing, after plenary, said the allegation raised by the aggrieved senators,

was the figment of imagination of those behind the allegation and asked people to ignore them. The Senate spokesman, added: “The Senate wishes to reiterate its total commitment to providing robust legislative actions to support the change agenda of Mr President as he strives to move Nigeria to new height. The bi-partisan stand of the Senate has not and will not be an impediment. "The distinguished senators are happy with the inauguration of the Federal Executive Council and look forward to having harmonious, rancour-free but inclusive and participatory relationship that has at its heart the welfare of Nigerians."

BUJA—THE House of Representatives, yesterday, adjourned abruptly as a result of a stench within the premises which made the environment not conducive as well as lack of water to take care of the conveniences. The Deputy Speaker, Yussuff Lasun, who presided, adjourned plenary till November 17 to allow overhaul of the place even as he assured that the House Committee on Services was handling the situation. The member representing Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency of Cross River State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Rep Michael Etaba, had in a Point of Order lamented that the entire environ was full of offensive odour and that water was not running in his office. He also told his colleagues that the chamber was not conducive as a result of the stench. But responding, the Deputy Speaker said that the situation was being handled by the House Services Committee, but after exhausting motions on the order paper, the House adjourned to Tuesday.

PDP replies Dokpesi, says ‘you are on your own and can’t speak for us’ By Henry Umoru

BUJA — BARELY 24 hours after Chief Raymond Dokpesi admitted that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was wrong to have fielded former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate in the 2015 election, national leadership of the party, yesterday, disowned him, saying he cannot speak for the PDP. Reacting to Dokpesi’s statement, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said: “That statement made by Chief Raymond Dokpesi is his personal opinion and does not represent in any way an official position of the PDP. "In the first place, Dokpesi is not a member of the national executive of the PDP and he can only speak in his personal capacity and his opinion

remains personal and does not represent that of the party. “The decision to field former President Jonathan in the 2015 presidential race was approved by the National Working Committee (NWC), the National Executive Council (NEC) and the party’s national caucus. "In addition, the constitution of the party gives a sitting president chance to exercise his personal right to run for a second term if he so desires. “This is not the time for buckpassing or blame game. We are repositioning our party. What we should do is to join hands to reposition PDP based on the report of the Senator Ike Ekwerenmadu report to reclaim the party’s lost glory. This is what is expected of us all at this time. On whether the party now regrets its action, Metuh said: “How can you regret a decision taken where everyone was there, the NWC, NEC and the national caucus. What are we talking

about? Everybody was conscious of the decision, nobody was coerced into supporting the position.” Addressing journalists, Tuesday, in Abuja ahead of today’s national conference, chairman of PDP national conference organising committee, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, who noted that the party was repositioning itself to bounce back in 2019 and deliver dividends of democracy to Nigerians, admitted that PDP made a lot of mistakes in the past and that the first fundamental mistake was the jettisoning of the 2011 zoning arrangement. Dokpesi, who is leading a 53member committee, said Umaru Ya’Adua had died while in power and instead of the PDP allowing a Northerner to complete his tenure, the party fielded former President Goodluck Jonathan from the south, who

was acting President, as its presidential candidate in 2011. Dokpesi argued that in 2015 when it was expected that the party would field a northern candidate, party leaders unanimously adopted Jonathan as the sole presidential candidate, leading to the party’s defeat at the elections. He explained that the party in the build up to the last general elections lacked internal democracy, saying there was impunity, imposition of candidates and breach of the zoning arrangement as well as lack of a level playing field for members. Dokpesi had said: “Make no mistake, the PDP is aware that there were errors made along the way. We admit that at certain times in our past, mistakes have been made, we did not meet the expectations of Nigerians. We tender apology. But the past is exactly what it is. We call on all party faithful, supporters and sympathisers to partner with us going forward."

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015 — 9

AnheuserBusch takes over SABMiller in $107bn deal By Adekunle Adekoya, with agency reports

VENTS on the global landscape of the brewing industry got more interesting, yesterday, as global brewing giant, Anheuser-Busch InBev, announced acquisition of a major competitor, SABMiller in a $107 billion (£71 billion) deal. The union of the two brewers will create the world’s largest brewing company. Both brewers, yesterday, in a joint release said the transaction would be actualized through the acquisition of SABMiller by a special purpose vehicle, Newco, to be formed for the purpose of the transaction. If the transaction goes ahead, SABMiller investors will choose between a cash offer of £44 per SABMiller share or stock in AB InBev. SABMiller operates in Nigeria as the owner of two breweries — Intafact Beverages Limited, in which SABMiller made an investment of about US$100m in the Onitsha brewery that was commissioned August 30, 2012, and Pabod Breweries. SABMiller produces and markets Hero Lager, Castle Milk Stout, Grand Malt and Beta Malt in Nigeria. Carlos Brito, Chief Executive Officer of AB InBev, said: “Our combination with SABMiller is about creating the first truly global beer company and bringing more choices to beer drinkers in markets outside of the U.S. We are pleased to have reached this agreement with Molson Coors to divest SABMiller’s U.S. assets. We will continue to proactively address any regulatory concerns regarding our combination with SABMiller in other relevant markets.” Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. is a brewing company founded and based in St. Louis, Missouri. Its major products include brands like Budweiser, Stella Artois, Beck’s, Bud Light, and Busch Beer. Last year, AB InBev produced a total of 458.8 million hectolitres, with SABMiller trailing with 245.8 million hectolitres, and Heineken placing third with a production volume of 181.3 million hectolitres.

Salary arrears: 30 states benefit from CBN’s concessionary loans — Buhari A

BUJA — PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has said that the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has so far assisted more than 30 states of the federation with concessionary loans to offset salary arrears for their workers. The president, who stated this in Abuja, yesterday, at the swearing in of ministers, said the bank also implemented countryspecific and innovative policies that had helped to stabilise the exchange rate and conserve the nation’s reserves. He said: “The Central Bank of Nigeria has also assisted more than 30 states of the federation with concessionary loans to offset salary arrears for their workers. "On the monetary side, the CBN has also implemented country-specific and innovative policies that have helped to stabilize the exchange rate and conserve our reserves. “While recognising the challenges we face and the need to surmount them, let us not fail to note the progress we have made in the short life of this government, as an indication of how much better we can do as a people driven by patriotism and a common resolve to do things right.” Buhari expressed delight over the progress recorded by his administration so far, saying: “This is an indication of how much better we can do as a people driven by patriotism and a common resolve to do things right.” According to the president, trust is slowly but steadily being re-established between the government and the people. He said government business was being conducted with transparency and “cynicism is waning as a result.” “On the moral sphere, trust is slowly but steadily being reestablished between the government and the people. Now, when the government speaks, the people listen; and when the people’s expectations are not met, they appreciate that it is not for lack of commitment or trying on the part of government. In effect, government business is now being conducted with transparency and cynicism is waning as a result.”

On the new ministers

On the new ministers, the president, who reduced the number of ministries from 38 to 24, said they must proceed to work speedily and do their utmost to justify the confidence reposed in them not only by their conduct but also by their performance in their various positions. Meanwhile, addressing State

House correspondents after the maiden Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the council reviewed the report of the ministerial retreat held last week. He said the president challenged the ministers to see their appointments as call to duty and urged them to redouble their efforts in meeting the

expectations of Nigerians. He said: “Today was not a very heavy meeting in terms of attendance. The highlight of the meeting was the President welcoming us to the executive council and we reviewed the report of the ministerial retreat that took place last week. "During the meeting, the President, once again, reiterated his charge to all of us to see our appointments as

a call to duty and for us to also understand the precarious nature and the situation of Nigeria, today. And we should all double our efforts to justify the confidence Nigerians have in us and (the confidence) he has in us.” Mohammed, who pledged to partner with the media, however, solicited their cooperation and support to enable him discharge his duties diligently.

CABS SCHEME: From left: Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Bala Bantex; All Progressives Congress, APC, National Leader, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu; Governor Nasir elRufai of Kaduna State and state Assembly Speaker, Hon. Aminu Shagali, at the flag-off of first phase of Kaduna cabs scheme at Murtala Square, Kaduna, yesterday. Photo: Olu Ajayi.

We'll capture Sambisa before Dec deadline —Theatre Commander M

AIDUGURI—MajorGeneral Yushau Abubakar, Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, says the military will capture Sambisa forest, den of the Boko Haram terrorists, before the December presidential deadline. Abubakar said this in an interview with newsmen shortly after a routine visit to troops in Betta, near Sambisa forest. He said the military had recorded lots of successes in its anti terrorism campaign, adding: “We have achieved a lot and we are still doing much, but you know that the job is still there until we finish it. We are very close to Sambisa, we must enter and capture the forest before the Presidential deadline.” He said the main target was to end terrorism and terrorists activities in the country. “Our major concern is that we must fight Boko Haram to a standstill and ensure that we

eliminate them,” he said. The theatre commander expressed happiness with the troops’ performance, so far, noting: “I am happy that we are progressing very well, we have not reached the promised land but we are making progress. We are making efforts to clear all Boko Haram terrorists camps.” Abubakar said a number of Boko Haram terrorists had been taken into custody after they surrendered their weapons. “For those surrendering we have shown all the human side of the military to them, we are receiving them and some of them are very impressed by what they are seeing. “We are screening and deradicalising them for eventual re-integration back to society.” Abubakar said his visit was aimed at boosting troops’ morale at the frontline in the fight against terrorism. “My

visit was based on a directive by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) that we must be close to our troops. “We must be able to know what they are doing, guide them, look at their challenges, move with them and encourage them to fight the war. When I addressed the officers that was exactly the message I gave them.” Abubakar said that Betta town was strategic to the military because of its proximity to the Sambisa enclave of the Boko Haram terrorists. He said: “Betta is very strategic, because a few months back it was in the hands of terrorists, but we cleared and dominated the place, it is one of those areas liberated. “If you look closely, the distance between Betta, Yamtaki, Sambisa and other villages which are Boko Haram enclaves is short, for us to be here means we have done lots of job. We are using the place as a launching ground for attack."

C M Y K

10 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015

Court to hear KPMG vs FRC suit Nov 19 By Innocent Anaba & Onozure Dania

AGOS— A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday, adjourned till November 19, for hearing in the fundamental human right suit by KPMG Professional Services and its partner, Mr Ayodele Othihiwa against Financial Reporting Council, FRC and its Executive Secretary, Osayade Obazee. When the matter was mentioned, Mr Norrosion Quakers, SAN, appearing for FRC told the court that he had just been briefed about the matter, adding that he was still studying the file and, therefore, needed time to file response to the suit, while Mr Babatunde Fagbohunlu, SAN, representing the applicants, informed the court that they had not been able to serve the court process on Jim Obazee. Therefore, there may be need for time to bring application for substituted service. The trial judge, Justce Ibrahim Buba adjourned the matter till next week when all the parties must have been served. Meanwhile the order of the court restraining FRC and its executive secretary and CEO, Mr. Obazee, from taking any action, sanction or measure against KPMG Professional Services and Mr. Othihiwa, a partner in the firm, pending the hearing and determination of the suit filed by the applicants still subsist.

Ibeju-Lekki tribunal fixes Nov 16 for inaugural hearing By Wahab Abdulah & Bartholomew Madukwe

AGOS — THE five-man tribunal set up by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to investigate the civil unrest that occurred in Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State on October 12, 2015, which reportedly led to the death of one Alhaji Tajudeen Disu, has fixed Monday for commencement of its inaugural sitting. The hearing will hold at the Law Reform Commission, along Oba Akinjobi Way, GRA Ikeja. Disu, Managing Director of Lekki Worldwide Investment Limited, was said to have been shot dead when Ibeju-Lekki villagers and mobile policemen clashed in Okunraiye community near Ibeju-Lekki.

The Economist's article on Lagos reckless, defamatory — LASG By Our Reporter

AGOS — THE Lagos State Government, yesterday, described the article published about Governor Akinwunmi Ambode's performance in the latest edition of The Economist magazine as reckless and defamatory, noting that the issues were ill-conceived. Reacting on behalf of the state government, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, said the government deemed it fit to write a rebuttal to the article entitled: “Paralysed: Why Nigeria’s largest city is even less navigable than usual,” as it contained series of bias judgment in it. Ayorinde wondered why the article, published just about the time Governor Ambode read the riot act to traffic offenders on the readiness of his government to carry out comprehensive enforcement effort on traffic management, was latched on by traditional and social media. Attributing it to the handiwork of fifth columnists, he said the article failed to take into account the bigger picture of an emerging reform policy, designed to address the larger concerns in the management of security, traffic and the environment. He said: “If we were to conclude hastily, like the article did, we would have described the magazine’s effort in the same words it once famously used as “an unpleasant nose-tostranger’s-armpit experience.” Ayorinde said it was inaccurate and preposterous for the article to suggest that Governor Ambode cut the powers of traffic controllers by banning them from impounding vehicles which it concluded had made officers reluctant to enforce the rules. He said what the governor did instead was to enjoin the officers to look at other options to apprehend traffic offenders by adopting the ticketing system backed by the same type of technology used in licensing and tracking vehicles instead of impounding the vehicles as first option. “That The Economist sees nothing wrong in recalcitrant officers refusing to carry out a directive by their employer is as surprising as it is shameful. Shockingly still, the veil finally came off this curious article when it stated that by choosing a compassionate approach to enforcement, Governor Ambode is less competent and has deviated from his predecessor’s template. “But what legacy has The Economist bequeathed to former Governor Babatunde Fashola?

'Cars were terrified into order by a state traffic agency, LASTMA, whose bribe-hungry officers flagged down offending drivers.' “This is clearly an uncharitable summation of traffic management under the last administration. It is disrespectful, even more condescending to the officers of LASTMA and to Lagosians in

general for whom the magazine purports to be fighting. "In any case, if indeed some officers were corrupt in LASTMA, by The Economist’s damning verdict, should Governor Ambode continue to maintain such a tainted template? Is this the magazine’s idea of the end justifies the means or it is

negligible because this is Africa?” “Perhaps, it is high time that this vaunted magazine learnt to restrict itself to strict journalism rather than seeking to impose jaded views in a volatile political climate where, we dare say, the gluttonous lot can choke on their own bile, almost hoping that the elections leading to the emergence of the governor could be held over again.”

CELEBRATION: From left,Prof. Pat Utomi, founder, Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL); Honourees, Richard Ogundele, Intervention Manager, The Good Handling Practices Team of GEMS4 (A DFID Funded project); Richard Hargrave, Managing Director, Dizengoff Nigeria and representative of the CEO, The Place Restaurant & Bar, Kola Adewale, at the CVL economic growth sector celebration of the agricultural sector, in Lagos.

Court to rule on Kashamu's fundamental human rights suit Nov 18

By Onozure Dania

AGOS — JUSTICE Ibrahim Buba of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos yesterday fixed November 18, 2015 to rule on the fundamental human rights case filed by Mr. Buruji Kashamu against the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA and the Attorney General of the Federation. Kashamu is praying for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the NDLEA and the AGF from taking over his property, including a 24-flat housing estate at Egbe and several hectares of land on Lekki Peninsula, Lagos, worth over N20 billion. Justice Buba adjourned the matter for ruling after hearing the arguments of the parties. The AGF, in its preliminary objection, said that Kashamu’s suit is premature, incompetent and an abuse of court processes and asked the court to dismiss it. A counsel from the office of the AGF, Mr. Oyin Koleoso, submitted that Kashamu failed to substantiate his claim that the AGF had or was about to take possession of his property. Koleoso said: “There is nothing to show that the applicant has

been prevented from owning property or is about to be divested of the ones he owns. “It is in view of this that Your Lordship should dismiss the applicant’s suit with substantive cost.” Meanwhile, Kashamu’s lawyer, Mr. Ajibola Oluyede, said Kashamu was in court to protect his fundamental right to own property as enshrined under sections 43 and 44 of the 1999 Constitution.

“That is the reason we have come to the court this time around to protect the right of the applicant to own property. “This action is not pursuing a right in property, the action is pursuing a right to own property. The right in property and the right to own property are two different things. “It is on the basis of these facts and on the basis of this law that we urge Your Lordship to discountenance this argument,” Oluyede said.

Dangote Group vows to strengthen Naira back the foreign exchange and By Naomi Uzor & Nwajiobi Obinna

AGOS — DANGOTE Group, yesterday, said the major aim of its investments is to boost foreign exchange in the country and help strengthen the naira. Disclosing this at the Dangote special day at the ongoing Lagos International Trade Fair, Group Executive Director, Dangote, Mansur Ahmed, said Dangote conglomerate, with diversified projects, is aimed at bringing

boosting the naira. “This trade fair is about value addition and we will continuously increase value chain in Nigeria. In every sector we operate, our goal is to add value. In cement, we are already manufacturing and exporting in several countries. We will keep investing, especially in Nigeria, so as to boost the economy.” he stated. Manager, Dangote Sugar, Ms Jane Ugbechi, said the sugar refinery, which is the second largest in the world, will soon create over one thousand jobs in Nigeria as it plans to expand its sugarcane farms.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015 — 11

IPMAN blames tank farms, DPR for fuel scarcity By Ola Ajayi

BADAN—THE Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, has put the acute shortage of petrol being experienced nationwide at the door step of owners of private tank farms and alleged lack of will by the regulatory agency, Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, to enforce operation rules. It alleged that the private tank farms owners hoard fuel and sell only to those that can buy for N95 per litre as against the regulated price of N77.66. The allegation was made yesterday by the Ibadan depot Chairman of the association, Alhaji Olakunle Busari. He said: “As of today, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, depot that services Oyo and Osun states, has not loaded a single litre of fuel in the last four months. As a result of this, IPMAN members are forced to patronize private depot operators in Lagos who sell to us at exorbitant price. “If we add the cost of transportation and other depot

expenses to the price of buying in Lagos, it makes it virtually impossible for us to sell at the official pump price. “Related to this is also the fact that the little product

allocated to us from NNPC is not given preference of loading at Lagos private depots. “It takes eight weeks to load and no independent marketer

Mimiko rewards outstanding teachers, students

has been serviced more than twice since January.” NNPC's action, he said, had adversely affected the daily volume of product given to IPMAN for loading.

How I survived dethronement by Daniel— Alake By Daud Olatunji

BEOKUTA—THE Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, yesterday, narrated how he survived dethronement by the administration of former Governor Gbenga Daniel. The monarch, who stated this at a briefing on his 10th coronation anniversary in his palace in Abeokuta, Ogun State, said he was saved by an Abeokuta court judgment. The Alake was said to have escaped being removed as a traditional ruler by Daniel’s administration in 2008 for allegedly criticising the poor state of the roads in the state. Recounting his ordeal, Oba Gbadebo denied criticising

Daniel’s administration, saying he only called the attention of the government to the deplorable condition of roads in Egbaland at that time. He said: “I did not criticise the government. The Chief of

Staff was there and I told him to tell his boss to fix the roads.” The monarch added that he would continue to ask for more until the state capital becomes a paradise.

Ondo APC condemns Mimiko’s N7bn loan By Dayo Johnson

KURE—THE opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ondo State and the state government, yesterday, bickered over Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s request for a N7 billion loan to complete ongoing projects in

the state. Lawmakers in the state had approved the governor ’s request to take the loan from Zenith Bank. Surprisingly, opposition member of the Assembly, the Minority Leader, Mukaila Musa (Owo constituency 2), seconded the motion that the loan request be approved. They cancelled the previous resolution dated August 4, which enabled the state government borrow N7 billion. APC, through its Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, said: “We would not have raised any eyebrow if the previous loans had been used to better the lot of Ondo State citizens.”

O V E R N O R Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State has rewarded Dr. Oladotun Olalusi, an indigene of the state, with a new car for emerging best medical student. Governor Mimiko made the presentation at a ceremony at the State Cultural Centre, Akure, tagged Celebration of Excellence. The event was held in honour of pupils and students of the state’s primary and secondary schools for their o u t s t a n d i n g performances in the various examinations conducted in the state, including national and i n t e r n a t i o n a l competitions. At the event, Mimiko announced a prize of a brand new car for Dr. Olalusi for emerging the best medical student at the Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, in 2013 and cash rewards to the best teacher and second best teacher in Nigeria, both from Ondo State, with other awardees who got cash rewards ranging between N250,000 and N100,000. Governor Mimiko, who was elated at the o u t s t a n d i n g performances of the recipients, reiterated his administration’s determination to invest in education as the bedrock of developmet, saying no nation can develop beyond the level of the enlightenment of her citizenry.

Soldiers sack Ogun quarries By Daud Olatunji

B E O K U TA — PANDEMONIUM broke out, yesterday, when soldiers and armed operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, took over no fewer than five quarrying sites located in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, injuring some of the workers. Vanguard gathered that the soldiers and the civil defence operatives stormed the quarries commando style in a van C M Y K

marked OP Mesa, with number plates NA 875 012, causing panic among the operators and workers, who took to their heels. Reacting to the development, Sola Aikulola, Chairman, Society of Quarry and Mining Operators in Ogun State, accused the ministries of Environment, Commerce and Industry, the local government councils and other government agencies in the state of forcibly disrupting the mining operations.

12—Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015

Why I'll prosecute former Gov Igbinedion, Esama —Oshiomhole By Simon Ebegbulem

ENIN—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, yesterday, said that he will take all the files containing alleged fraud perpetrated during the tenure of former governor of the state, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, to Abuja next week to commence prosecution. Vowing to prosecute the former governor and his father, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion and send them to jail if convicted, Oshiomhole alleged that both the former governor and his father converted property and funds meant for the people of the state to their private use. He also expressed his readiness to publish the sales of government property during the administration of Chief Igbinedion and also fingered the former Secretary to the State Government, Pastor Osagie IzeIyamu, as one of the beneficiaries of some of the sales. The governor spoke when he addressed youths, civil society organisations and students who embarked on a solidarity march to condemn what they described as the Monday protest in the state allegedly sponsored by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The youths had earlier condemned the protest, commending the governor for his developmental strides and introduction of the land use charge which, according to them, is geared toward uplifting the

lives of the poor to the detriment of the rich. Oshiomhole, who said he wanted to be remembered for eliminating god-fatherism in the state, commended the youths for their solidarity, saying: “It shows your support and your endorsement of my stewardship here in Osadebey Avenue.” He said his problem with the Igbinedions started when he revoked the over 2,000 hectares of land the former governor gave to his father in Okada which, according to him, belonged to the state government and also the

termination of the MoU the former governor signed with his father, which according to him “allowed medical students in Igbinedion University to use our state- owned hospital at the expense of Edo State Government while Chief Igbinedion collected N1 million from each medical student.” According to him, “Every body born of a woman in this state must be subjected to the rule of law. I decree in the name of God my creator and in the interest of Edo people, even the ones yet unborn, that I want to be remembered, not only for roads, hospitals, schools but much more importantly, I want to be remembered as the man who

brought an end to exemptions. I want to be remembered as the man who took from those who have bastardized, raped and privatized the resources of Edo State, used our money to build their private universities and walk around our streets when they are supposed to be in Oko prison. “We provided leadership that has banished godfathers in Edo State, they can never forget that once upon a time there was Adams. I did not promise to make everybody happy, what I promised was to make majority happy. And to make majority happy we must make some people cry, so that others can smile.”

SUMMIT: From left: Director-General, National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, Mr. Emeka Mba; Chief Executive Officer, Nollywood Global Media Group, Mr. Charles Igwe and Chief Executive Officer, BSP Media International (UK), Mr. Benjamin Pius, dring the opening of a 3-day international summit on broadcasting content for children and young adults, in Lagos.

Bayelsa poll: INEC to hire gun boats for distribution of sensitive materials By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

BUJA—AHEAD of the December 5 governorship election in Bayelsa State, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, yesterday, said it has concluded plans to hire gun boats to convey sensitive election materials to many parts of the state. The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mr. Baritor Kpagih, who stated this at a strategy meeting with Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, in Abuja, said that the decision of the electoral body to hire gun boats for the election was due to the activities of militants. He regretted that with barely 24 days to the election, the commission was yet to receive money for the required boats. He said: “Even though Bayelsa State looks small in terms of the number of local government areas which is only eight, it is the most difficult terrain in the country. The challenge we are facing is overwhelming. “This is made worse by the presence of militancy, requiring the use of gun boats rather than

C M Y K

motor vehicles to distribute election materials. “This difficulty not withstanding, sufficient

arrangements have been made for the movement of both materials and personnel. “Our prayer is that we get

money early so that we can pay for the gun boats ahead of time. We have been promised that by next week we will get some money to pay for it.”

Reps, CEPEJ urge Agip to contain oil spill in Bayelsa By Samuel Oyadongha, Emman Ovuakporie & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

HE House of Representatives, yesterday, urged the Nigerian Agip Oil Company, to move into the spillravaged communities in Bayelsa State to contain the calamity, avoid fire outbreak and do the needed clean up. The House also directed that oil companies operating in the region should publish monthly updates of oil spills in five national newspapers and submit copies of same to the House, as well as disclose the existence of potentially dangerous equipment andreportbacktotheHouse within six weeks for further legislative action. Similarly, Centre for Peace and

Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, has called on Agip, to immediately kick-start the process to clean up the communities allegedly ravaged by oil spills in Bayelsa State. The appeal is coming against the backdrop of last week's multiple oil spills that reportedly ravaged Kalaba/Ayamabele and Akumoni communities of Okordia clan in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state. National Coordinator of CEPEJ, Mr Sheriff Mulade, in a statement in Yenagoa, however, urged the youths of the affected communities not to take the law into their hands to avoid inflicting more damage on the environ-ment. He said: “Going by reports, we understand that Kalaba/ Ayamabele and Akumoni communities of Okordia clan in Yenagoa Local Government Area

of Bayelsa State were seriously affected by the spills. “Feelers coming from the communities indicate that the oil firm has not paid surveillance contractors since July this year for clean-up jobs in impacted areas. If that is the case, we condemn in its entirety the poor relationships between the oil company and the communities.” Meanwhile, the House call on Agip oil to clean up areas where it recorded spills, was part of the resolution on a motion of urgent national public importance sponsored by Douye Diri. Diri, in the motion, noted that oil companies have continued to treat resolutions passed on same matter with disdain, adding that if the trend was allowed to continue, the National Assembly would lose it’s respect before the public.

Glo gives quadruple bonus on data recharge, plus 200% free airtime

UBSCRIBERS of the Next Generation Network, Globacom, will henceforth enjoy as much as four times the amount of data they subscribed to. In addition, they will also receive free airtime worth the amount recharged to call all networks and another 100% bonus to call friends and family. These enticing benefits are part of a new promo called Twin Bash. Announcing this new offer in Lagos on Wednesday, Globacom’s Executive Director, Legal Services, Mrs Gladys Talabi said that any subscriber who recharges N200 data will get 200 MB of data worth N800, another N200 airtime to call or send sms to any network and N200 airtime to call 10 friends and family. The subscriber will therefore get N1,200 value for a data recharge of N200 and the recharge is valid for four days. She also said that a subscriber who recharges with N500 data plan will get 500 MB of data, N500 airtime to call or send sms to any network and N500 airtime to call 10 friends and family, adding that this is valid for 10 days. The Executive Director further explained that from now, every subscriber who recharges with N1,000 for data will get 1.2 GB of data and not 1GB as it was before now.

NESREA begins enforcement of EPR policy

HE National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has announced its determination to commence the enforcement of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy in the first quarter of 2016. This was disclosed recently by the agency’s Director-General, Dr. Lawrence Anukam, at a 2-day workshop with stakeholders organized in Lagos to further sensitize companies in the food and beverage sector, in particular, on the EPR operational guidelines released by the agency last year. Dr. Anukam said the EPR is “the extension of the responsibility of producers, and all entities involved in the product chain, to reduce the cradle-to-cradle impacts of a product and its packaging”.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015—13

Don’t mislead us, Minister warns staff of N-Delta Ministry By Chris Ochayi

BUJA—THE new Minister of Niger Delta Affiars, Pastor Usani Uguru and his Minister of State, Cladius Daramola, yesterday, assumed duties with a warning to staff of the ministry not to mislead them in the course of carrying out their duties for the benefit of the region. Pastor Uguru, in his remarks shortly after receiving the handover note from the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Wakama Asifieka, who herself assumed duties at the ministry less than 24 hours earlier, urged Directors and other top management of the ministry to transparently guide the new leadership “because you are on ground.” He said that the new team required the cooperation of all staff, including the messengers, to deliver on the mandate of the ministry, adding: “We are going to work with Nigerians from different backgrounds and so you have a duty to guide the leadership and the ministers.” Warning against

embarking on egocentrism, the minister said: “Be open to one another. When there is anything you will want to hide, tell us and we will hide it well together. Avoid scheming for popularity. I believe in working together and not individual championship.” He charged departmental heads to come up with memos detailing the requirements

and activities of their departments. “We are happy that we are going to work with Nigerians of different backgrounds. We also appreciate the fact that we are gathered here today. We also appreciate the fact that all of you are going to guide the management team, both the Permanent Secretary and the ministers.”

Delta Speaker tasks lawmakers on dedication

PEAKER of Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Ovwigho Igbuya, has called on members to re-double their efforts in the area of lawmaking for peace and good governance of the state. He also told the members to jettison selfish interests. “In the next few days, our decisions and deliberations can define the direction of the state. We need to set our hearts on a greater purpose than our personal interests to lift the state to a greater height. We must give hope to our people despite the gloomy situation. “I welcome you all from the first annual overseas

lecture and vacation of the 6th Assembly which took place at the Georgia Technical Students Centre, Atlanta Georgia, USA. I know that we will apply the experience gathered from the training and tour towards the execution of a just, fair and equitable legislative agenda in the pursuit of good governance and development during the remaining period of the first year of the 6th Assembly. “I wish to thank Governor Ifeanyi Okowa who, in the face of the tight situation in the country, deemed it necessary that we should go for this training to enhance our productive capacity," he said.

Security, key element to win investors —Okowa By Festus Ahon

S A B A — GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, yesterday, said that security of lives and property was a key element to win investors’ confidence.

Speaking when elders and leaders of Delta South senatorial district paid him a solidarity and thank you visit at the Government House, Asaba, Okowa said he was glad that the Gas City project in the state was on-going, adding that the Nigerian National

Uguru’ll reposition N-Delta —Senator

R E S I D E N T Muhamadu Buhari has been commended for appointing Pastor Usani Uguru as the Minister of Niger Delta Ministry as he is the most suitable person to address youth restiveness and move the zone into mainstream politics. Speaking to newsmen in Abuja, yesterday, shortly after the President inaugurated and assigned the new ministers to their respective ministries, a stakeholder in Niger Delta, Senator Musa Adede, said: “The President has again demonstrated that the five months wait was not in C M Y K

vain. It goes to show that he was meticulously striving to put square pegs in square holes as can be seen in the choice of ministerial portfolios." He described the new Niger Delta Minister as a go-getter who will turn around the fortunes of the ministry for good. “Usani is a thoroughbred technocrat who left a track record as former commissioner during the military regime in Cross River State. He is a bridge builder with the capacity to mobilize a team that will help him set and achieve a well-grounded agenda of change for the Niger Delta.”

Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, had assured that the project would see the light of the day. The governor said that with the dwindling revenue from oil, it was important to boost investors’ confidence to enable them come to the state to shore up its revenue base. He disclosed that a high-powered committee, which has his deputy, Mr Kingsley Otuaro, as chairman, would organise a security summit in the near future. He said: “I plead with Deltans to give peace a chance so that investors can come to the state. Delta State is a place that must be investor friendly so that most of the investors coming to the country will invest here. I want to thank Warri South-West Local Government Area for the peace we have enjoyed in that area. They should continue to maintain it for the sake of the Gas City because both the Federal Government and the NNPC are still very much interested in delivering that project."

14—Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015

Why EFCC couldn’t arraign CCT boss

HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission did not put the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Mr. Justice Danladi Yakubu Umar, on trial over an allegation of N10m bribery because the evidence against him was not weighty and not sufficient to sustain a possible prosecution. An official document obtained by PRNigeria, the anti-graft body claimed that the facts as they are against the CCT Chairman raised just mere suspicious which in law, cannot take the place of proof. It states that: “The facts as they are now against Justice Umar raised a mere suspicion and will therefore not be sufficient to successfully prosecute for the offence.” In a memorandum forwarded to the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), on March 5, 2015, the EFCC, however, confirmed that one Ali Gambo Abdullahi, a Personal Assistant to the CCT boss admitted receiving N1.8m in 2012 from one Rasheed Taiwo standing trial at the tribunal. The said Abdullahi was alleged to have used his salary account at Zenith Bank to collect the graft. In the letter with Reference No EFCC/EC/ SGF/03/56 (dated March 5, 2015) and personally signed by the immediate past Executive Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, the complainant in the bribery saga, Mr. Rasheed Taiwo, a retired Deputy Comptroller General of Customs was said to have failed to produce the alleged telephone conversations and text messages exchanged by him and Justice Umar. The former Customs chief was said to have persistently claimed that he had lost his phone since 2012 and could not trace or recover it. EFCC said that the telephone of the complainant would have been subjected to independent scientific analysis with a view to corroborating the bribery allegation against the CCT boss. Justice Umar was, however, said by EFCC to have admitted meeting the complainant in his chamber at the tribunal and that meeting was most unethical and highly suspicious conduct on the part of the chairman. C M Y K

Senate probes alleged abuse of TSA •Decries payment of N25 billion commission to a private firm •Mandates Committees to investigate and Report in 2 Weeks •As Senator vows to mobilize the youths against it, if nothing is done By Henry Umoru/ Joseph Erunke

BUJA— NOT comfortable with the appointment of a company by the Federal Government as an agent for the operations of the Treasury Single Account, TSA, the Senate, yesterday, mandated three of its committees to carry out a holistic investigation into activities of the company. The Senate which, however, hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for introducing the TSA, gave the Senate Committees on Finance, Banking and other Financial Institutions and Public Accounts two weeks to carry out its work and submit its report. According to the Senate, the three committees would find out the truth or otherwise of the allegation that a private consultant was paid some N25 billion for services in the management of the TSA. The upper chambers also urged the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to stop further payments to the consultant pending the outcome of its investogation.These resolutions were sequel to a motion by Senator Dino Melaye, APC, Kogi West. The motion which was titled, “Abuse and Mismanagement of the Treasury Single Account Regime”, was cosponsored by 31 other Senators of both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Federation Account into which all revenues collected by government of the Federation excepts the proceeds from the personal income tax of the personnel of the Armed Forces of the Federation, the Nigeria Police Force, the ministry or Department of government charged with Foreign affairs and the residents of the FCT Abuja. “Going by this provision, all revenues accruing to the Federal Government of Nigeria ought to be paid directly to the said Fund or account as the case may be. The CBN is the sole Institution that is mandated to collect and disburse moneys on behalf of the Federal Government and where it has no branch, it may appoint another bank as agent to perform the function of collections and disbursement of revenue on behalf of the Government of the Federation. So, using REMITA who is not a registered Bank

completely offends the CBN Act.” Senate Majority leader, Mohammed Ali Ndume, who seconded the motion disclosed that he had sought to know from the CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, the authority that approved the appointment of the consultancy firm, and Emefiele said he was not aware. Ndume who urged the Senate to take the investigation very seriously described it as the litmus test for the eighth Senate, stressing, “I didn’t believe that this could happen under this government. However if it is true the people involved are saboteurs and must be compelled to return the money and face the wrath of the law." In his contribution, Deputy Majority Leader, Bala Ibn Na’Allah who urged the Senate to act decisively on the matter, said, “The eighth Senate is distinct and must do what is right and in accordance with the law.

We will do what is right at all times. The 8th Senate will not subject itself to public referendum through the social media.” Senator Shehu Sani, APC from Kaduna State, said, “TSA is a good idea to move the economy forward but is clear that the idea is being abused and exploited. We have to investigate the matter.” In his own argument on the floor, Senator John Enoh, Cross River Central said “it is condemnable and the eighth Senate has to rise to the occasion. We have to wait for the investigation before recommending punitive actions” Senator Kabiru Gaya, APC, Kano South said, “This is government of change and the eighth Senate should not leave any stone unturned in bringing the N25bn back to the treasury.” Also contributing, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, PDP, Abia South said, “is this the change we are looking for? I will not ask the question. Somebody made the decision who made the order somebody then must be made responsible. In matters like this we must not be partisan.

Total collapse of road network Meanwhile, Senator Bassey Akpan, Akwa Ibom North East, who vowed that if nothing was done about it, he would mobilize Nigerians especially the youth against it, adding, “if nothing is done on this matter I will lead the youth of this country on a nationwide protest against this government. There is total collapse of road network and,other infrastructural facilities in the country." Melaye, in his presentation of his motion said, “In the course of the Treasury Single Account, the Federal Government mopped up the sum of N2.5 trillion through its E-collection agent called REMITA which charges one per cent of all monies passing through it, the implication of which is that one percent of the N2.5 trillion mopped up on September 15, 2015, alone amounted to N25 billion largesse to REMITA for doing nothing. “The appointment of REMITA as an agent for the operation of the TSA negates and contravenes section 162(1) of the 1999 Constitution which provides that “The Federation shall maintain a special account to be called

From right, Hon. Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef, Commissioner of Home Affairs, Mrs. Grace Oladimeji, Permanent Secretary Home Affairs, Mr. Hakeem Oyetoro, and Mrs. Olayinka OyeBamgboshe, Secretary, Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, during the One day Seminar for Intending 2015 Pilgrims to Jerusalem and Rome in Lagos, yesterday

Magu, as he takes over from Lamorde, pledges to wage war against corruption By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor

EW Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, yesterday, took over the reins of power at the agency with a firm promise to tackle corruption in the country to a standstill. Magu also made it clear that there was no better time than now to confront the menace of corruption and instil international best practices in the nation’s scheme of things so as to make Nigeria a better place. Accordingly, the new helmsman, who received handing over notes from his predecessor, Ibrahim Lamorde,

said he was all out to tackle corruption in all its ramifications and save the nation from its throes. The chairman said it was imperative to do away with corruption to ensure that the commonwealth of the nation does not end up in a few private pockets, thereby impoverishing the majority. Magu said: “Indeed, there is no better time to ginger up the anticorruption campaign than now that we are faced with economic downturn and the attendant sharp decline in government revenues. There is, therefore, the need to make sure that whatever is gotten for common use did not end up in private pockets. Again, to attract

foreign investments that would complement the income of the government; we need to clean up our systems in line with global best practices. We intend to pay serious attention to these important areas.” While promising to be guided by the rule of law in running his administration, Magu warned staff against corruption so as to be taken seriously in the task ahead. He said: “In all that we do, I will be guided by the fear of God and patriotism. We will also have as our watchwords the rule of law and national interest. We will work in an open and transparent manner to ensure accountability. We will also take whatever decision with the highest sense of responsibility.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015—15

By Emeka Mamah, Jimitota Onoyume, Vincent Ujumadu & Chimaobi Nwaiwu

HERE WERE indications yesterday that lingering rifts within the leadership of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo and that of the South-East Governors’ Forum may be hampering opportunities for Igbo leaders to take a collective position on the recent wave of pro-Biafra protests taking place in parts of the area. Moreover, according to competent sources, Igbo leaders are also said to be in a fix on what to do about millions of the youths from the South-East agitating for a sovereign state of Biafra following what they described as marginalization and discrimination by “the owners of Nigeria.” The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo is enmeshed in crises, with Enwo Igariway and Ralph Obioha leading different factions of the group. Also, the South-East Governors’ Forum, which met frequently when Mr. Peter Obi and Chief Theodore Orji, former governors of Anambra and Abia states respectively held sway as chairmen at different periods, appear to be in limbo. The governors, who had been at logger-heads over where the forum should hold its meetings, with Okorocha insisting on Owerri while his colleagues argue that Enugu remains the headquarters of the South-East and should serve as venue. It was also gathered that the governors with the exception of Willie Obiano of Anambra State, had been bogged down with court cases challenging the validity of their elections, thus preventing them from taking special interest in the affairs of the forum and Ndigbo in general. Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr Joe Nwaorgu, declined comments on the issue when Vanguard cornered him at the national secretariat of the association in Enugu, yesterday. However, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has not met for a long time to discuss issues of marginalization, appointment of ministers and other officials of the Federal Government, among others, as Igariway, from Ebonyi State, who had since completed his tenure, was accused of still clinging to the position instead of giving way for Enugu State to produce the next president of the association, based on the group’s rotation of offices sharing formula. In an apparent move to give a semblance of existence of leadership for the Igbo, a former National Secretary of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Professor Ben Nwabueze, had since formed the Igbo Leaders of Thought, who met in Enugu recently. Some members of the Nwabueze- led Leaders of Thought include Professor Lawrence Ocho, Col. Hyacinth Chukwuka (rtd), Major Goddy Onyefuru, Chief N. O. Izuako and C M Y K

Rifts in Ohanaeze, Governors’ Forum stall discussions on Biafra agitations •No successful dialogue with Kanu in detention –MASSOB •Rivers govt bans pro Biafra protest •Njiko Igbo urges Buhari to release detained Biafran agitators

•Ohanaeze disowns Radio Biafra Director, condemns medium's hate speeches Col. Ben Gbulie (rtd). Others include Chief Chris Okoye, Professor Ike Oluka, Bishop Obi Onubogu, Professor Chiweyite Ejike, Justice G. U. Oniniba, Professor Chukwuemeka Ike, Senator Anyim Ude, Evangelist Elliot Uko, Prince Emeka Onyesoh and Chief Enechi Onyia, SAN, among others. Nwabueze’s group blames the crises facing the country on lack of what he described as true federalism and marginalization, and not corruption or Boko Haram, among others. A former Minister from the South-East, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described marginalization of Ndigbo in the security forces, Police, Customs and Immigration, among others, as main reasons for the agitation. However, the President of Igbo Youths Movement, IYM, Evangelist Elliot Ukoh, who spoke on the issue, attributed agitation for Biafra to what he called unfair treatment of Ndigbo. According to him, “the feeling among our youths is that Nigeria has been unfair to the Igbo and Ndigbo believe that they will never get justice in Nigeria. “They believe for example that the JAMB cut-off marks are skewed against them because they get higher marks and, get dropped for northerners who score lower grades in the name of federal character. “They have no jobs because of quota system which ensures that people are given jobs because of where they come from and not based on merit or competence. “They are frustrated and therefore, the agitation for Biafra becomes an option. The older ones are more cautious. “The military leaders like Generals Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari, among others, who designed Nigeria want the country to remain the same. ... No successful dialogue with Kanu in detention —MASSOB A faction of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, said yesterday that the muchpublicized meeting scheduled to take place in Owerri, Imo State, could not hold because of the continued detention of the director of Radio Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu. Director of information of the faction, Mr. Uchenna Madu, in a statement, yesterday, said the continued protests by pro-Biafra groups in some cities in the South

COMPETITION: From left, Mr. Mobolaji Balogun, Chairman, Lafarge Africa; Mrs. Olufunso Amosun,First Lady of Ogun State; Evelyn Oputu, Chairperson, Board of Directors,Ovie Brume Foundation, and Mrs. Adepeju Adebajo,CEO, Cement Lafarge Africa Plc, at the 2015 Grand finale of Lafarge National Literacy Competition, in Lagos. Photo: Akeem Salau East and South –South did not the public and create fear and responded to the text message create a conducive atmosphere for an atmosphere of insecurity in sent to him at the time of filing this report. the state or any part thereof. such a meeting to take place. But the Chairman of Arewa "Consequently, after due Madu’s statement read: “We support the meeting of the South consultations with the members of Consultstive Forum in the state, East governors and Ohanaeze the State Security Council, and in Usman Ibrahim Tudawanda Ndigbo, with pro-Biafra groups to exercise of my constitutional alleged yesterday that the prodouse the tension, but we believe responsibility to preserve the Biafra protesters attacked Hausa that such a meeting cannot take safety, security and corporate in Eleme and Gambia Street in place while Nnamdi Kanu is still integrity of the Federal Republic Diobu area of the state. of Nigeria, it is hereby ordered in detention. ...Group calls on Buhari to that all forms of street protests, ...Rivers govt bans pro-Biafra demonstrations, rallies or unlawful release detained Biafra agitators In another development, Igbo gatherings associated with the protests, gatherings leaders under the aegis of Njiko agitations for the secession of any Meantime,Governor Nyesom Igbo Forum, NIF, yesterday, group from the Federal Republic Wike in a state wide broadcast, Tuesday night, said the state of Nigeria are banned in Rivers asked the Federal Government to release all detained Biafran cannot continue to remain a State,” he said, agitators including Nnamdi Kanu ground for the illegitimate and Benjamoin Onwuka ...Army/Police take over demand by the pro-Biafra agitators, stressing that he took an Gambia Bus Stop Area of Mile immediately and unconditionally. However, former Chief Judge of oath to defend the sovereignty and Two Enugu State and one time T o drive home his point, soldiers unity of Nigeria, which he will not President General of Ohanaeze were deployed yesterday morning compromise. The governor also alleged in his to maintain peace around Gambia Ndigbo, who is also being presumed to be the founder of broadcast that most of those that Bus stop area of Ikwerre Road. Indigenous People of Biafra, At about 10a.m. the fierce protested in the state under the IPOB, Justice Eze Ozobu has looking soldiers positioned their aegis of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, were mainly from patrol vehicles on Gambia street denied knowing or ever seeing and other streets connecting the Director of Radion Biafra, Mr. neighbouring states. “While individuals and groups Ikwerre road in the area. Vehicles Nnamdi Kanu. Eze Ozobu who was reacting are free to exercise their freedom were seen driving slowly through of expression, they must do so the Gambia Bus stop portion of to the IPOB constant protest in peacefully and strictly within the Ikwerre road while pedestrians the South East and South South bounds of the constitution of the raised their hands in the geo-political zones said that the Federal Republic of Nigeria. No surrendering position as they incarcerated Radio Biafra Director is not known to him. individual or group has the right, walked past the soldiers. Also reacting, the Director Police Public Relations Officer, whatsoever, to disturb public peace General of Igbo Mandate DSP , Ahmad Muhammad had not and order, threaten the safety of Congress, IMC, Rev Obinna Akukwe,condemned the hate s p e e c h e s associated with Radio Biafra, saying it promotes hatred and is not good for a developing nation like Nigeria.

C M Y K

16 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015

FOI Act: Legal practitioner wants court to compel FETHA to produce list of employees By Peter Okutu

BAKALIKI—LEGAL pro ceedings, yesterday, continued on the case filed by a lawyer, Luke Nkwegu, against the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA) and the former Chief Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr. Paul Ezeonu, demanding the list of employees in the hospital from 2011 to 2013. The suit which was filed, January 8, 2015, pursuant to Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, is requesting the court to compel the defendants to make available to the plaintiff, the list of persons employed between 2011 and 2013, with their names, their local government of origin, state of origin and their great levels. When the matter which has suffered many adjournments in the past, came up at Federal High Court Abakaliki Division headed by Justice Maureen Ada Onyetenu, counsel to the defendant, Victor Okechukwu and Princess Ivo Chaka Nweze filed a fresh preliminary objection which, among other things, challenged the jurisdiction of

the court to hear the matter. The defence counsel argued that the information sought by the plaintiff contains personal data including local government and state of origin of the personnel of the teaching hospital, which according to them were outside the provisions of FOI Act. They applied for the withdrawal of earlier preliminary objection they filed and to substitute same with the fresh and amended preliminary objection. But the counsel to the plaintiff, Barr. Hosea Nwofe objected to the preliminary objection and asked the court to strike it out as it was a delay tactics. He argued that he was only served the preliminary objection that morning even when the counsel to the defendants knew that the day was meant for definite adoption of processes for ruling on the substantive application. “My Lord, defendants filed preliminary objection this morning, it should be thrown away because its intention is to stop adoption of processes this morning. This same preliminary objection was filed before and later withdrawn

and was struck out by this court. It is filed in bad faith, and it constitutes abuse of court process,” he maintained. But replying, one of the defense counsel, Mrs Chaka Nweze, argued that the fresh preliminary objection was an amended version of the previous one withdrawn and struck out, and that it was not on the same grounds as the former. In her ruling, Justice

Onyetenu over-ruled the plaintiff ’s counsel’s objection and allowed the defendants to withdraw the previous preliminary objection and to substitute it with a fresh one. Onyetenu said that the court would have acceded to the plaintiff ’s counsel’s argument to throw away the preliminary objection if the earlier preliminary objection had been dismissed and not struck out. She maintained that since the

previous preliminary objection was struck out and not dismissed, the defence counsel can file it again more so as the fresh one contains some amendments to the former. The judge however awarded a cost of N10, 000 in favour of the plaintiff, which the defendant must pay before the next date of adjournment. The matter was adjourned to November 24, 2015 for adoption of processes, which is both the preliminary objection and reply by the plaintiff; after which adoption of processes on substantive application can be taken.

Shun cultism, other vices, Sports Commissioner counsels Ebonyi youths By Peter Okutu

BAKALIKI—EBONYI state government, yesterday, charged youths in different local government areas of the state to shun all forms of crime especially cultism. The State Commissioner of Youths and Sports Development, Mr Charles Akpuenika, who stated this while briefing newsmen on the forthcoming Ebonyi State Governor’s Cup Football competition scheduled to hold in December lamented the increas-

ing wave of cultism in the state and enjoined youths to give themselves to meaningful ventures. He said, “We cannot get anything good from cultism as it does no good to anyone except violence, destruction and death", adding that the government would only empower youths who would use their talents to bring honour to the country and not those that would engage in cultism to cause problems. Akpuenika said the competition was organized in collaboration with the 13 local government

areas of the state and would involve teams from the councils and a team from the Abakaliki Urban community” noting that winners of the competition would receive N300, 000, the runners up will receive N200, 000 while the third placed team will receive N100, 000. “We hope to use such competitions as a launch pad to put Ebonyi indigenes in various national teams as the governor has directed that at least five indigenes make the next Golden Eaglets team,"he added.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015— —17

T the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, twenty years ago, in 1995, Hon. Justice Ibrahim Gambari, was officially instituted as the eleventh Fulani Emir of Ilorin. His Royal Highness came to the throne eminently qualified and prepared for the position. He was already a highly educated achiever who had a very modernising perspective and a cosmopolitan world outlook, because of an education, which took him to the best schools at home and abroad. He was an accomplished jurist who presided at the Ibadan Division of the Court of Appeal and had become a very influential member of the Nigerian elite. A man of many levels of friendship and interests, then Justice Gambari had been a member of the board of the Nigerian football federation and a lover of sports who played lawn tennis with a great deal of passion. He was for many years Ciroman Ilorin, and was clearly prepared for the next step to become Emir, which eventually came to him with the death of his Uncle, the tenth Emir. HRH Ibrahim Gambari ascended the throne at a point of very fast-paced changes in the world, in Nigeria and inside Ilorin town. The political situation in the country was very tense, against the backdrop of the annulment of the June 12, 1993 elections; the national resentment in the aftermath; return of military dictatorship and the years of the struggle for democracy with a rejection of the entire authoritarian baggage of military dictatorship.

Military dictatorship Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari had to combine a modernising vision with a deft ability to preserve the very best elements of the fast eroding traditional values in a community that was similarly undergoing remarkable changes. And in the past twenty years, Ilorin has undergone tremendous changes: there is the incredible demographic revolution, as in all of Nigeria, where the community ’s population has become very, very young. The educational campaigns of the past couple of decades have collectively led to an explosion in schools attendance in the Ilorin Emirate. This is an Emirate that combines an increasingly populated urban complexity with a rapidly decaying, often restive rural component, where there is also a growing consciousness of self. Return to Civil rule: The return to civil rule in 1999, led to the reopening of old fissures within the subsoil of Ilorin history, which tested very severely, the relationship between the new civilian government of the late Governor Muhammed Lawal, and the Emirate structure in the city. Two of the more resilient elements of the Ilorin identity won out in the long run; these were acceptance of the Emirate structure and fidelity to Islam, both of which were always C M Y K

HRH Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari: 20 years on the Ilorin throne interwoven in the Ilorin consciousness, and which have kept a community of multi-ethnic identities together, for over two hundred years. The community, including and especially its elites, rallied around the Emir and on a note of near finality, the longstanding Saraki political machinery was finally able to ride on the back of the aspirations of the Ilorin people, to impose a stranglehold on the political, economic and even the cultural affairs of the Ilorin community, since 2003. The past twelve years, since 2003, have been under the almost-total control of a family’s hegemony that has had a far more negative effect on the communal ethos of the Ilorin community, than at any other period in the past fifty-five years of Nigerian independence. At its heart, has been the institution of the Saraki personality cult, which reached even greater heights of absurdity, when the younger Saraki, Bukola, became the ultimate controller of politics; dispenser of fortune; the one that offers placements and sharply administers demotions within politics and the bureaucracy; and the ‘infallible godfather ’ determining administration and application of state financial resources; and maybe, as people are now beginning to discover, the richest individual ever, in the community! The majority of the people in the community,are the young who have grown into adulthood over the past twelve years; they only know the arrested development; governance-as-a-lie; deceit; hypocrisy; sycophancy; groveling surrender; abuse and violence associated with the dictatorial hegemony in the state today.

And the successes that many sons and daughters of the community have made in professions in many parts of the world are also a hallmark of the developments witnessed in the past twenty years in Ilorin

Within this ambience, it has not often been easy even for our highly revered Emir, His Royal Highness (HRH), Ibrahim SuluGambari,to operate with effectiveness, as the father of all. Long before 2003, such outstanding sons of the community like the late General Abdulkareem Adisa, for example, gave a lot to the community, including the modern Eid praying ground; yet, even his name won’t be remembered in prayers in that praying ground today. The suffocating agendas of the hegemony have taken centre stage of community life, almost as if there was no community before the controlling political family came to Ilorin; and the hegemon’s pursuit of a personal political ambition today, suborns practically every institution of the Ilorin community, including even the values of the Emirate system. The overriding ambition of an individual portends great danger for future continuing cohesiveness in our community. Huge population of young: The huge population of young people in the community is unable to get meaningfully engaged in an economy that is barely functional. An entrepreneurial spirit has not flowered as much as could, because of the close control of finance within a narrow circle in the city and state. Politics is everything, since it seems to be the most ready way to find some amount of success, but not all can become commissioners; special advisers

or assistants; there has therefore grown a huge reservoir of lumpen youth, employed as thugs and toughies, and are in the entourage of the political hegemony in the state. It is amongst these that come those used to snatch or stuff ballot boxes during elections or to administer violence against political opponents of the hegemony; and it is from amongst them that came those who went on a rampage of killings and destruction of property in Ilorin, a few months back.

Hegemony's mismanagement There is also a structure of deepening religious fundamentalism within a section of the youth in the community. And the fact that there is generalised deepening of poverty in the community, which is the direct result of the hegemony’s mismanagement of state resources, has also played into the manipulative, divisive and often violent politics of the period since 2003. The strongest current here has overwhelmingly been negative, yet those within the circles of the hegemony have built personal houses, petrol stations, hotels and guesthouses and event centres, as expressions of the crumbs they earned from groveling servitude to the hegemon. But the Emirate structure has over the past two hundred years

provided an ambience of peace and general respect for diversity. Ilorin has therefore gained a lot of investments and an inflow of people fleeing more volatile areas of Nigeria. The Emir of Ilorin consistently speaks for the maintenance of that unique aspect of communal existence and even the bleak picture associated with hegemonic politics has, thankfully, been unable to destroy the welcoming and generally peaceful nature of the Ilorin community. And as a state capital, Ilorin has grown as a seat of administration, centre of culture and learning with universities, colleges of education, polytechnic, Islamiyyas and Madrasas; shopping complexes, even vehicular gridlock on roads and other associated examples of the modernity, that Emir Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari has always wanted in the community. Successes of sons and daughters: And the successes that many sons and daughters of the community have made in professions in many parts of the world are also a hallmark of the developments witnessed in the past twenty years in Ilorin. His Highness Alhaji Ibrahim SuluGambari has a lot to be happy about in his twenty years on our forefathers’ throne. Going forwards, balancing the dialectic of Ilorin’s traditional ethos and the complexities of modernity, will continue to engage Emir Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari’s leadership acumen. He will also have to return to the starting point of being the father of all in the community. His Highness should re-invigorate the structures of leadership to ensure that he re-connects firmly with all of our people and the aspirations of all our elites, not just the interests and political ambition of the leading politician in the community today. The people need him as a rallying point as much as he needs the people’s love and loyalty. That is our history! Happy Twentieth Anniversary! Allah ya ja zaminin Mai Martaba, Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari! Amin.

Victor Ndoma-Egba's Internally Displaced Politicians (IDPs) “…the action of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)…created a large pool of IDPs (Internally Displaced Politicians) who still have political life in them and must continue in politics. So the IDPs must find a platform to carry on with their politics”. – Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba

ARLY this week, Victor Ndoma-Egba, former Senate Leader, and certainly one of the more competent voices of recent Nigerian politics, finally decamped from the PDP to the ruling APC. Ndoma-Egba had lost out in the cloak-and-dagger political world of Cross River state, but was not ready for an early retirement. He was rendered an “Internally Displaced Politician (IDP)”, but with the new reality in the country, he jumped the sinking PDP ship. Never mind that it was the platform he found

national relevance. The tune has changed: “Our desire (of IDPs!) is to be able to give the people of the state a choice because politics is about choices and we can no longer continue with this mantra of one party state”. Ndoma-Egba was speaking at the APC state secretariat in Calabar on Monday. It took his time as an Internally Displaced Politician (IDP), to realise that they could “no longer continue with this mantra of one party state”. Pray. Didn’t he get into Senate within that “mantra of one party state”? Would the former Senate Leader have minded if he had returned to Senate with the accesses that offered? Maybe that’s a cruel question in a season of change. Afterall, “the old order changeth…”. Right? Thanks to the remarkable insight of a brilliant politician, IDPs are no longer only those

sheltering from the depredations of Boko Haram and those displaced as a result of sundry acts of violence all over Nigeria today. The vicious rivalrywithin the political elite has created their own IDPs (Internally Displaced Politicians). Not for them the lean resources and handouts at IDP camps. Internally Displaced Politicians (IDPs) are people of means and of substance; today’s equivalent of the ‘Men of Timbre and Calibre’ of yore! They are IDPs because they lost out in the high stake poker game of politics. But they cannot remain politically displaced for long. From yesterday’s Internally Displaced Politicians (IDPs), they found the light of a new day amongst today’s victors. We must thank Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba for an original contribution to our understanding of recent Nigerian politics.

18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015 WE wholeheartedly welcome the decision of the Borno State Government to partner with stakeholders to build shelters for Internally-Displaced Persons (IDP’s) and thus move them away from public schools, where they had been quartered since the Boko Haram insurgency became an all-out war. The programme entails the collaboration of the Borno State Government with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to build 2,500 family shelters that could accommodate, at least, 20,000 IDPs. According to the UNHCR Field/ Protection Officer in Borno State, Mr Mohammed Tejan-Cole, the new camp would have facilities, such as toilets, boreholes and health centres. With the relocation of the IDPs to these shelters, the Borno State Government will be able to reopen the schools that had been taken over by

Moving Borno's IDPs from schools the refugees, and put educational activities in the state back on track. We have always warned that with the end of Boko Haram now clearly in sight, the task of maintaining vigilance and rebuilding the battered North East would require massive, multilateral collaborations. The proactive engagement of the United Nations mission in Nigeria with the federal and state governments of the three Boko Haram-devastated states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa is highly commendable. The school activities of these areas, which had been disrupted by the

insurgents for the best part of the last three years, can now come back on stream. It is regrettable that the insurgency was allowed to grow to the point where hundreds of schools were set ablaze by these anarchists. Hundreds of teachers and health workers also lost their lives, some in the line of duty. We hope that this murderous group now no longer poses the risk of ever returning to harass innocent citizens. It will make no sense for these rebuilding and resettlement efforts to commence only for the danger to return.

It is important that the Safe School Initiative, of the last administration will now be fully activated to prevent a re-enactment of the Chibok Girls saga. We suggest that in view of the realities of this stage of our history, where innocent, helpless citizens can easily, without notice, be displaced by such phenomena as terrorism, floods, and violent criminals such as “Fulani herdsmen”, governments at all levels should consider the provision of communal shelters as part of amenities they must invest in. This will reduce the necessity to camp displaced persons in schools and thus allow the academic calendar to continue to run without interruption. This should be considered as part of the welfare packages, especially for those forced from their homes by forces beyond their control.

OPINION Bayelsa:The

dialectics

By Ottah Onumah

T is election season in Bayelsa State. The cradle of the Ijaw nation and glory of all lands is astir. Election for the office of the Governor is due on December 5, 2015 with the incumbent Mr. Seriake Dickson staking an almost unassailable and unprecedented performance record for re-election for a second term of office while his political opponents are feebly realigning and awkwardly labouring to build a coalition of forces to oust the incumbent from the Creek Haven, the State’s coveted seat of power. Some months ago , there have been spate of defections, the most notable being that of high ranking party members from the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the opposition All Progressive Congress (APC). Among the defectors are, Senator Heneiken Lopokri, Chief Clever Ikisikpo, former senator representing Bayelsa East Constituency, Dr. Taria Tebepah, erstwhile chairman of NNDC, former acting governors of Bayelsa State, Hon. Nestor Ibinabo and Werinipre Seibarugu and Chief Timi Alaibe, former managing director of the Niger Delta Development Corporation (NDDC), amongst others. A pedestrian observer of Bayelsa politics may be tempted to imagine that Governor Dickson’s chance of re-election for a second term is doomed with the realignment of opposition forces, most of whom are without doubt political heavy weights and veritable

defections

stakeholders in the Bayelsa Project and the larger Ijaw national interest. However, there is the need to properly discern the motives and motivations of these defectors as it will help us deconstruct their political objectives and enable the dispassionate observer of the Bayelsa political scene to come to terms with altruism of their mission and the futility of their mission which can best be described as dead on arrival. A common thread that runs through the defectors is that they are associates and allies of Chief Timipre Silva, the former governor of the state who was controversially removed from office and whose tenure as a governor ordinary reminds the average Bayelsan of its wasted years and lost opportunities. Majority of the defectors are people who came into prominence between 2007 and 2011 when Sylva was governor as such beneficiaries of his freewheeling largesse with public funds. They are therefore nostalgically yearning to latch on to the fortunes of their erstwhile benefactor as he bids to relaunch himself to relevance. They constitute a curious bunch of blind loyalists and political journey men who at best have little or no electoral value. They won elections into the State and National Assemblies during Sylva’s tenure

A second term victory for the performing governor will consolidate these achievements,

and bluntly refused to support Dickson’s candidature in the run up to the 2012 governorship elections. Their wrong-headed support for Sylva eventually turned out to be a mismatch to Dickson’s overwhelming coalition of goodwill which comprises of the then President Goodluck Jonathan, the PDP machinery, party stalwarts and most importantly the good people and masses of Bayelsa who all saw in Dickson, the epitome of effective and compassionate leader the state rightly deserves. Against these odds, Dickson coasted home to victory in the 2012 governorship elections and set out from day one to fulfil his covenant with Bayelsans by embarking on unprecedented developmental strides spanning across human capital development, building of critical infrastructure, initiation of welfare programmes, restoration of trust and ethical governance and winning the peace across the streets and creeks of the state and the larger Niger Delta region in general. The major hallmark of Dickson’s governance is people-centred leadership which placed the interest of the masses at the heart of governance. It is critical to note that Dickson’s first term in office has been almost crises free, a feat which is a rarity in the previous era of governance and when viewed in the particular context of the combustive nature of the politics of Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta area where there are always myriads of interests to contend with.

The difference between Sylva and the disgruntled elite who now pose as defectors is his approach to governance. Dickson’s philosophy of governance is people first, and people always. It is a governance philosophy forged along egalitarian and time tested principle of working for the greatest good of the greatest number of people. What this means for the league of the disgruntled is that government money is no longer a largesse that will be freely distributed to service the insatiable appetites of the tiny elite at the expense of the masses of the state. Dickson brought order, integrity and decency to governance, he created opportunities for empowerment of all segment of the populace and created the enabling environment to launch Bayelsa into an industrial and tourist hub of the nation and an egalitarian, peaceful and prosperous 21st century society that will compete favourably with its peers on the national and global scale. The enemies of Dickson and by extension of Bayelsa State, are those threatened by the ennobling vision and pragmatic leadership of this rare leader. With Dickson, Bayelsa is in safe and steady hands, and a second term victory for the performing governor will not only consolidate these achievements, but also be an opportunity for the state to reap from the culmination of the monumental ground work which he and his able team has painstakingly put in place during his first term in office. *Mr. Onumah , a journalist, wrote from Yenogoa, Bayelsa State.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12 12,, 2015— 19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

Renewed agitation for Biafra (1)

Y people have a proverb which says: a person who was not present when a corpse was buried runs the risk of exhuming it from the foot end rather than the head. If you check the age profile of the proBiafra multitudes fuming with ballistic wrath and thronging the streets in the Igbo-speaking cities of the East and parts of South-South, you will find out that they are mostly the youth born long after the end of the Biafra-Nigeria civil war over 45 years ago. The oldies among them couldn’t have been more than teenage soldiers. The bulk of the young men and women are teenagers and many are in their twenties: the socalled “angry generation”. Their parents and uncles must have told them about the civil war, in addition to what they must have read. They were told that the aborted struggle by Igbos and Easterners to abandon Nigeria and establish their own independent republic, Biafra, was to establish a “land of freedom” where they would be free from “internal slavery”.

That attempt was thwarted by the combined forces of pan Nigeria and foreign powers. They grew up watching the pattern of events in Nigeria in the past three decades or so. They saw how Igbo students were allotted higher cut off marks than others to gain admission to federal schools. They saw how the presidency of Nigeria has changed hands between the Igbo majority rivals: the North and West. They even saw a Southern Minority hold it for five years only for it to go back to the North with a Western vice president; which indicates where it might be heading next. Several questions boil in their minds: does it mean that Igbos do not matter? Were the Igbos forced back to Nigeria only to be kept in subjugation? Six months of the President Muhammadu Buhari regime has made matters maddeningly worse. All the positions in the three branches of the Federal Government that matter have been handed over to Arewa Muslims with Igbos present in this government only as

ministers. This is in total defiance of the constitution, which directs that, to ensure that no section of the country predominates over the rest, all positions must be distributed in such a manner as to conform to the Federal Character. Into such a festering atmosphere storms a rabblerousing hothead called Nnamdi Kanu, with his pirate Radio Biafra, London. Long before Kanu’s advent, there was Barrister Ralph Uwazuruike’s Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), which popped up in the middle 1990s and declared a non-violent agitation. MASSOB mustered the youth, held rallies and planted the Biafran flag, often getting into serious odds with the police and security agencies. In 2012, another activist, Barrister Ben Onwuka, came with his Biafra Zionist Movement (BZM) and staged an

I see the agitators as people who do not understand the history of the defunct Biafra. I see them as people who misapprehend the Biafra they are asking for

Land Use Charge as modern-day Robin Hood

S Edo State, nay the Oshiomhole-led administration, clocks seven, we congratulate the administration on successfully navigating the mucky waters of Edo politics. In this ever dynamic world, man must constantly seek new ways of doing things. In just the same way that the blood of a small bird cannot produce the needed pepper soup; our little collections of Pay As You Earn, PAYE, tax from the toiling masses of the Nigerian workers cannot continue to be the main revenue source of any meaningful development, particularly in the face of our dwindling oil resources. Elsewhere in the advanced democracies, governments do not place their total reliance for development on the PAYE tax. They have since discovered that property tax is a more progressive way to go. As the name implies, property tax is targeted at the rich and propertied class. The rich get richer and they exert more from society with impunity. Property tax is, therefore, the price that wealth pays for wealth. It is the only way of playing modern-day Robin Hood of taking from the wealthy to aid the needy. It is a just form of wealth redistribution. The stark reality of the Edo State Land Use Charge Law, 2012 is that many who are opposed to it have not even set their eyes on it. Otherwise, they would have seen that it is a humane law with a human face. It devotes the entire Section 8 to the class of people exempted from its ambit – the poor, religious bodies, public utilities, traditional grounds, family compounds, etc. This should dispel the ugly rumour making the rounds that the property tax C M Y K

is for everybody. Again, the law makes a bold attempt to venture into solving the nagging unemployment problem facing the State. Between valuation and assessment; and between revision and collection, we see thousands of people being removed from the unemployment line. More importantly, it will spur up development. By the time people pay property tax on a property that has been lying fallow, they will be forced to find a use for it and in the process, thousands of other unemployed youths will be gainfully engaged. We believe that the State Government should have quietly completed the enumeration aspect before going public with the law. Ours is a world of open ambivalence: People admire what is done with tax money but they hate to pay tax. They hate the taxman with passion and look upon him with disdain. We remember the two faces of Apostle Paul – as a tax collector, he was hated but he later became the most admired man when he left the business of tax collection and moved into God’s vineyard. Evidently, tax is the main source of revenue for all tiers of government. The earliest pre-colonial tax system in Nigeria was in the North because of its consistency

Property tax is the engine-room of the economy of most authorities across the world

abortive invasion of the Enugu State Government House, the symbolic “Biafran seat of power”. Kanu’s incendiary broadcasts have succeeded in mobilising millions of Igbo youth worldwide, who have been disturbing the peace of Nigeria embassies and officials around the world. The routine demonstrations and protests, which started long before his arrest got me worried for several reasons. This young man’s anger, rather than commonsense, is dictating his actions. He has transferred this anger to millions of his fellow young men and ladies with a romantic vision of Biafra which depicts what the ancient Hebrews or Israelites must have thought of the Promised Land when they were still in Pharaoh’s Egypt. The difference, however, is that the Biafra these young chaps are after is not a Biblical story. It is something that, if it comes to be, will be firmly rooted in terra firma reality. I see the agitators as people who do not understand the history of the defunct Biafra. I see them as people who misapprehend the Biafra they are asking for, which they have defined with a map of the former Eastern Region and a generous slice of the former Mid-Western Region. It is unfortunate that History and Civics as academic subjects were removed the from the curriculum of our educational system, perhaps to hide our ugly past from our children. Unlike the USA which assiduously teaches her children the American history, including that of its civil war, Nigeria decided to cover the smell of her history with sand, forgetting

with the principles of the prevalent Islamic religion in that Region. With the amalgamation, taxation was first introduced by Lord Fredrick Lugard and the Native Revenue Ordinance was passed in 1918. The Ordinance was first applied in Abeokuta in the present Ogun State and in Benin City in the present Edo State from where it extended to the defunct Eastern Region in 1923. The Ordinance and other associated regulations were modified and incorporated into the Direct Taxation Ordinance No. 29 of 1943, which eventually formed the foundation of modern taxation in Nigeria. In the particular case of the Land Use Charge, it is instructive that the major available recourse to government in the event of a default is the seizure of the property in question. It’s that important! Despite the generally accepted importance of tax world-wide, it is sad that in Edo State, people are quick to introduce dirty politics into the issue of tax administration. It looks like the case of a single bottle, which some would describe as half empty; while others say it is half full. The negative elements that see the bottle as half empty are myopic as they are focused only on the next election. In their myopic stance, they are busy canvassing the idea that the property tax will be the very albatross of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the State. Those with a more positive outlook who see the bottle as half full are looking far beyond the next election, into the next generation. To them, the property tax provides a winning formula. In the face of declining oil revenue, the property tax will provide the missing link and the wheel of development will continue

that it is suppurating underneath. Nnamdi Kanu and his cohorts ought to be told how Col. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu had declared the former Eastern Region as the Republic of Biafra but ended up with a war that was fought between the Igbos and the rest of Nigeria, which the Igbos hopelessly lost. Kanu and his cohorts need to be told, before it is too late, that if the worst comes, the map they are brandishing as their dream Biafra will vanish, yet again, leaving the South East at the mercy of the real enemies who are eagerly looking for another opportunity to lead the rest of the country to reverse forty five years of Igbo recovery from the rubble of the civil war. Kanu and his multitude of blind followers must be told that they are playing into the hands of their enemies and dragging millions of other unwilling Igbos along. Nnamdi Kanu was not around when the corpse of the Ojukwu-led Biafra was buried. That is why they are trying to exhume it from the foot end. In next Monday’s edition of this column, I am going to tell them where the corpse was buried. I am going to tell them why the Igbo nation is inalienably a part and parcel of the Nigerian commonwealth; how the Igbos were in the forefront of the fight for the independence of Nigeria from the British colonial masters; how the Igbos have given more than any other group to develop this country; why Nigeria is not a zoo; who the real enemies of all Nigerians are, and why they should stop calling other Nigerians dirty names. Keep a date.

progressively. After all, hard work and development will continue to be the antidote for electoral success. The attacks on the noble intentions of the Oshiomhole administration point in one direction – nothing good comes easy. All the same, when peace comes through appeasement and capitulation to cheap critics and outright cynics, the peace thus purchased is not worth the price. Better a confrontation than a cave-in. The good aspect of it all is that the end still justifies the means. Property tax is the engine-room of the economy of most authorities across the world. In Lagos State for instance, the Land Use Charge came into effect in 2001, although not without challenges. The case of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria v. Lagos State Government; Alhaji Razaq Adeyemi Olayinka, et al v. Lagos State Government; and Ayo Idowu v. Lagos State Government, all sought to restrain the Lagos State Government from implementing the Land Use Charge law. One after the other, they collapsed like a deck of cards and Lagos State has remained triumphant. The Land Use Charge has been the mainstay of Lagos State economy. For too long, we depended on oil but oil is a depleting asset. The Land Use Charge, which provides a perfect replacement, is a permanent asset. We shall not wish away our obvious advantage, lest we shall be like that man who lives inside water but remains thirsty. Property tax is certainly the progressive way to go!

20 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015

SMEs from 2001 to 2014. But from 2014 to 2015, we have been able to lend to an additional 1000 SMEs. This means that in 1 year, we have been able to do one-third of what we have been able to do in 13 years. This shows that our model is working. He added, “We have been able to reach more SMEs through ICT. We cannot be in every local government (774) but through ICT, our SMEAPP, every GSM subscriber can download our SMEApp and also apply for the BOI facility.

Customer website

VISIT: From left: Mr Roberts Orya, MD/CEO, Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) and Dr. Francisco Igualada, Senior Mining Specialist, Energy & Extractives Unit, World Bank at the NEXIM Bank Headquarters, Abuja.

3,000 corps members besiege BOI for N2bn GEF Fund By Franklin Alli

ORE than 3,000 N a t i o n a l Youth Service Corps members have applied for the Bank of Industry (BOI) N2 billion Graduate Entrepreneurship Fund (GEF) barely a month after its launch. Mr. Waheed Olagunju, the bank’s Executive Director, SMEs, disclosed this during BOI’s Special Day at the ongoing 29th Lagos International Trade Fair, Tafawa Balewa Square. He said, “The GEF was launched in October 2015, and we have been able to receive

over 3,000 applications which are about 110 applications per day. This again shows that our online application is working.

customers can repay the loan is with viable projects. “We work hand in hand with our current and potential customers to ensure that their project succeed because the more successful their projects are, the better for the bank, customer and the entire Nigerian economy. “For every SME the multiplier effect in terms of job creation is about a ratio of 1 to 4. For every job created by an SME, you are creating about five others also adding to the value chain. The SMEs have input from primary producers and they also create and stimulate jobs and their products are produced in factories and also distributed. “This is why we have to develop the real sector of the economy. This is a model which separates the rich countries from the poor countries. “Their per capita income is much higher because of the value they add. There is no short cut to success. We just have to do the right thing.” Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, Chairman, Trade Promotion Board of LCCI, commended the bank for playing so many roles in the economic and industrial development of the country. “What we do at LCCI is to help the government to move the economy forward,” he said.

NABG backs CBN on forex restrictions, defence of Naira

IGERIA Agribusiness Group (NABG), the Agribusiness sector Operators platform, led by Mr. Sani Dangote, has thrown its weight behind the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s foreign exchange restriction policy as well as the refusal of the apex bank to devalue the naira as is being suggested by international finance institutions and multi-lateral agencies. The NABG 116.80 0.50 chairman also disclosed that the $3,277. 00 9. 00 group has signed a $14. 88 0.17 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a D u t c h 47.31 -0.13 Organisation, Top Sector Agric Food, 43.82 -0.39 the agribusiness development unit of CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL the Dutch DOLLAR 195.98 196.48 196.98 government, to POUNDS 296.0082 296.7634 297.5186 facilitate and EURO 210.3257 210.9468 211.3989 encourage the FRANC 194.9468 195.4441 195.9415 growth of YEN 1.5906 1.5947 1. 5987 CFA 0.3028 0.3128 0.3228 agribusiness in WAUA 270.0885 270. 7775 271.4666 Nigeria, ranging RENMINBI 30.7976 30. 8766 30.9556 from livestock to RIYAL 52. 2585 52.3919 52.5252 horticulture and SDR 270.3936 271.0835 271.7733 other agro-allied KRONA 28.186 28.2579 28.7733 industries, pointing CBN Exchange Rate as at 11/11 /15 out that this move by

C M Y K

Fielding question on the bank’s impact on SMEs, he replied: “Over a period of 13 years, we are able to lend to about 2,800

We have also launched an SME accounting app for SMEs and a SMEs customer website to showcase their products. We are helping them advertise their goods. “We need to develop the capacity of SMEs to be knowledgeable so as to be able to compete globally. We have often said that when you come for a loan, we always have to ensure that the business succeeds because the only way a financial development institution can be viable, is when customers repay the loan they borrow and the only way

— 21

the group would expose Nigeria’s agricultural sector to global opportunities while also bringing investment opportunities into the country. Sani Dangote who was part of the panel of discussant at the 4th EU-Nigeria business forum in Lagos said: “The CBN in the past few months has been under pressure over the decision to ban sourcing of foreign exchange for the importation of 41 items for which Nigeria has comparative advantage as well as its resistance to international pressure for the devaluation of the nation’s currency.

Sustainable growth “This group believes that the CBN forex policy especially as it affects commodities like tomato puree, rice, palm oil and other agric produce is the correct step to save the nation’s economy from impending crisis and return it to the path of sustainable growth. “We commend the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, for having taken this bold step. We have companies who employ thousands of Nigerians; we have small farm holders who will produce for the country’s need.

We cannot do this overnight but it has to start from somewhere and if the federal government kills the incentive to start from the grass root level, you can never reach the level to be self sufficient,” he said. He said the decision by CBN is the right move required to stimulate local production, maintaining that allowing imports would only suppress local production. “If we do not stimulate it now, when will there be the time to do this. Once you allow some imports to come in and be dumped on the local market it will certainly suppress local incentive and indigenous

The CBN should make more capital and funding available and affordable for the farmers to grow in order to achieve the nation’s quest for economic diversification

initiative and there is no way any investor will deploy resources to develop the sector, there is no way the local farmers, rural farmers will find the opportunity to grow. “This is the right step forward, whatever Nigeria has the capacity to produce must be encouraged to grow, whether we have trillions of dollars in the government coffers or not, the federal government should continue with this policy until local capacity is enhanced,” he said. He advised that the CBN should make more capital and f u n d i n g available and affordable for the farmers to grow in order to achieve the nation’s quest for economic diversification, while stating that it was heart warming that the apex bank recently agreed to provide funds for tomato outgrowers in the country toward enhancing their capacity to boost output and meet the requirement of tomato processing companies in the country. Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director, Presco Oil Palm Plc, Mr. Francis Nwabogu, said the decision by the CBN would at its initial stage be challenging for businesses, but stressed that it would benefit the economy at large in no distant time.

22—Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015

Fifteen million people travelled in Nigeria within the last 12 months and about nine million travelled outside the country

Travelbeta.com debuts to drive destination management By Jonah Nwokpoku

N online travel booking agency, Travelbeta.com has launched in Nigeria to boost the Nigerian travel and tourism sector with a special focus on destination management. Travelbeta.com’s services revolve around flights and hotel bookings, airport pickups, vacation packages and corporate packages. The online firm also offers visa assistance and international telephone services. At the launch of the platform in Lagos, the firm’s Chief Commercial Officer, Onyeka Akuma, told journalists that Travelbeta.com aims to make the process of booking flights, hotels and trip packages easy and quick, whilst fulfilling its mission to deliver memorable travel experiences to all customers without exception. Akuma said there remains a huge opportunity in the online travel booking in Nigeria as very few people utilise the services of online agency in spite of over 15 million Nigerians travelling from Nigeria annually. He said: “Fifteen million people travelled in Nigeria within the last twelve months and about nine million travelled outside the country. But out of these figures, only about 200,000 utilised the services of online travel booking agencies.

Booking agencies This is very poor compared to a country like US where more than 80 percent of travel bookings are done online. So this means that there is still huge gap and opportunity to explore in this sector and that is why Travelbeta.com is coming in to bridge this gap and explore the opportunities.” He said Travelbeta boasts of over 300, 000 hotels across the world and over 1000 hotels in Nigeria, adding that the platform’s services covers flights to over 900 destinations across the world. According to him, Travelbeta.com has also put structures in place to offer customers the most affordable rates any online travel agency can offer in the country. He said: Travelbeta is the brainchild of a group of passionate professionals with C M Y K

backgrounds in the hospitality, business services, logistics, finance, and communications industries who all possess a genuine love for travel. Through its network of partners both locally and internationally, and its commitment to keeping customers informed, Travelbeta is uniquely positioned not only to deliver exceptional value to customers, but also to offer all travellers an experience they are unlikely to get anywhere else. Travelbeta has become one of the new entrants into the estimated $4 billion Nigeria travel and tourism industry, one of the markets in ecommerce that has considerable competition

There is still huge gap and opportunity to explore in this sector and that is why Travelbeta.com is coming in outside retail. Recall that Nigeria’s payment processor, Interswitch entered into partnership with Slimtrader, an e-commerce infrastructure provider, to invest $1 million to expand into hospitality business. The funding will allow Slimtrader expand its ecommerce platform, MoBiashara, into hospitality. MoBiashara allows businesses digitise their hotel inventories, the same niche that established players like Hotels.ng and Jovago already have a strong presence in. The entry of Travelbeta.com brings them into direct competition with these players including those into flight booking like Wakanow.com. But with over twenty million Nigerians travelling both within and outside the country annually, the travels and hospitality market which is still in its nascent stage still provides enough opportunity for all players to play profitably.

BUSINESS NAIRA EXCHANGE RATES (11/11/15) Currency DOLLAR STERLING EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA YUAN RIYAL KRONA SDR

Buying(N) 195.98 297.7132 210.0514 194.695 1.5918 0.3008 269.7092 30.7763 52.2572 28.186 270.3936

Central(N) 196.48 298.4728 210.5873 195.1917 1.5958 0.3108 270.3973 30.8553 52.3905 28.2579 271.0835

Selling(N) 196.98 299.2323 211.1232 195.6885 1.5999 0.3208 271.0854 30.9342 52.5238 28.3298 271.7733

Commod Light Crud

Natural G Sugar Coffee Cocoa

Aliko Dangote

Secrets of business success from Dangote By Yinka Kolawole, with agency report

HERE are not many better people to learn secrets of success in business from than Aliko Dangote, the richest African and black man in the world, with a personal fortune of about $25 billion. Dangote started out as a trader of commodities to become a leading businessman with companies in about 20 countries, employing tens of thousands of people. His business philosophy is start small, aim very high, identify and take advantage of opportunities and do not be discouraged by challenges. His words: •"I built a conglomerate and emerged the richest black man in the world in 2008 but it didn't happen overnight. It took me 30 years to get to where I am today. To build a successful business, you must start small and dream big. In the journey of entrepreneurship, tenacity of purpose is supreme." Whether for start-ups or those already in business, the following lessons from

Dangote are invaluable to achieving success in business. Make, don't just trade Dangote admitted that one of his greatest business moves was moving from being a trader to being a manufacturer. He said: "Manufacture, don't just trade. There is money in manufacturing even though it is capital intensive. To achieve a big breakthrough, I had to start

It took me 30 years to get to where I am today. To build a successful business, you must start small and dream big

manufacturing the same product I was trading on, which is commodities." Build a brand: A firm believer in Brand Power, Dangote once stated:•"To succeed in business, you must build a brand and never destroy it. One competitive advantage I had when I ventured into manufacturing was my brand "Dangote," which I diligently built in the course of my trading commodities." Strategic location: There is an ideal environment for business success, you must locate it and properly position yourself there for success. Dangote started his business in Kano in 1977. He moved to Lagos that same year, trading cement and commodities. There are so many businesses that are wrongly located. Position your business where it would have a higher customer base. Build strong network: Dangote is respected for his strong network of business and political connections. You can build your connections and strengthen your network in the business world by increasing your corporate social responsibility, signing joint

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015 — 23

With the challenges businesses are facing today, it will be more difficult to grow profitability by serving the customers with the basis

& YOU COMMODITIES (11/11/15)

dity de

Gas

Last 43.86

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ventures and partnership deals, forming strategic alliances, attending business events and parties, etc. To survive in business, you must strengthen your business connections and network. As an entrepreneur, you must connect with personalities in authority. Dangote had a strong tie with people in politics, he played a very prominent role in the funding of Olusegun Obasanjo’s re-election bid in 2003. With the support of the Nigerian Ports Authority in July 2012, he leased an abandoned piece of land at the Apapa Port where he built facilities for his flour company there. His network with the Central Bank of Nigeria in the 1990s paved way for his transport company to manage their fleet of staff buses.

Start local, go global Dangote started his business locally with a global outlook. Today, it is a multi-billion dollar conglomerate with many of its operations in Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia, etc. You may not have the resources to start global. However, you can give that business all it takes where you are, with what you have. While starting where you are, don’t lose sight of where you are going. Have passion for your business: Dangote revealed that you must have business nause flowing in your blood if you really want to make it big as an entrepreneur. Even as a little boy, his mind was always in the business world. "I can remember when I was in primary school, I would go and buy cartons of sweets and I would start selling them just to make money. I was so interested in business, even at that time," he said. Interest leads to passion; passion leads to action. Though actions may lead to mistakes and failures, C M Y K

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it eventually leads to greatness, if you don't give up. All successful entrepreneurs have to possess the entrepreneurial spirit. Diligence: To many people, being extremely rich means waking up each day to spend many hours in front of a television, in parties or golf courses. That's not true. The richest people in the world are hard working. There was a story about someone who was on a night flight with Dangote sometime ago (probably before he had a jet). According to the story, most people on the plane had slept off, yet Dangote was busy checking files, reading, and signing some things, almost all night. Another story has it that Dangote usually sleeps by 2am and wakes up by 5am. Hard work is an attribute common to every rich person in the world today. On-the-job training: When Dangote was working with his uncle, the pay was not really his major goal but the business experience. Working with his uncle was like "on-the-jobtraining" for him. The lesson is, if you wish to be a business owner tomorrow, but today you're an employee, start watching the way the business is being done by your boss. If you're unemployed, you can be an apprentice with someone running a good business. Look, watch, and ask questions. You will build your business skills and have a good foundation for your business venture. Believe there is money to be made in your country: Dangote believes one of the main prerequisite to building a successful business and ultimately becoming rich is developing a firm belief in your country. Dangote is a firm believer in his country Nigeria. He believes opportunities abound everywhere but it just takes a smart eye to see them. He encourages everyone to seek opportunities in their own country instead of seeking greener pastures in other

How big your organisation is doesn't really matter By ‘Uju Onwuzulike “Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something”…Anonymous

HEN you ask your colleagues or employees if they desire more pay or salary increase, you are likely to get a resounding yes. As an employee, is it wrong to desire an increase in salary? No, it is not wrong. The same goes to the CEOs and executives in organisations, they want improved profitability. The catalyst that will propel both the needs of employees and executives (that is seeking for more money or increased profitability) is not by mere wishing. It is not by having a compelling vision statement; it is not by wishful thinking, it is not by trying to outdo your competitor or investing so much in transformation. The catalyst is propelled when every employee decides to go the extra mile for the customers and for the organisation.

Average mark During one of the trainings I had for an Engineering firm, an employee said to me, Sir, but I do my work very well, that means that I have gone the extra mile. I responded to him by saying No, you have not gone the extra mile for your organisation. You have just done the basis - the least that is expected of you. The confusion here is that some employees thought that doing their assignments or task well means that they are going the extra mile. At the first instance, employees were employed to do their assignments well. When you do as a staff, you have just achieved an average mark. The danger here is that no organisation can achieve sterling results with just an average performance. They will end up having average or less than average results and this will not bring the desired increase in pay that employees want or the increased profitability that executives want. Then who is to be blamed? The real growth comes when

BY ‘UJU ONWUZULIKE expectations are exceeded and not when average or basic results are met. Going the extra mile means doing more than is required from you. It starts when you decide to make a difference in your workplace. Over the years, I have been a proponent of the following : don’t just do what you do, don’t just go to work, don’t just serve customers, but make a difference while doing what you do, while working for your organisation, and finally while serving the customer. With the challenges businesses are facing today, it will be more difficult to grow profitability by serving the customers with that basis. The customers need more than that, and any organisation that can give them more will be their preferred. Spending time and resources to win customers over is one thing but going the extra for them and making a difference in the one that is lives take the business to the next level. The true life story of my friend is an example of what going the extra mile can do for an organisation. Despite being an

To have enduring results across board, employees should always focus on doing more for the customer

operation staff in a bank, he went all out to talk to someone that his CEO was not able to win over to the bank. He knew the customer one on one. In less than ten minutes discussions with the prospect, he won the customer over to the bank. Remember, the CEO tried to win him over but did not succeed, but someone who was not a marketer but went the extra mile was able to achieve what the CEO could not achieve. What my friend did was a clear example of what we can do individually to help our organisations achieve their goals. The good news is that we are not expected to do everything, but we are expected to do something in a different way - that makes the difference! Points to ponder: We do not have the growth of our organisation in mind when we have the power to bring more business or introduce better ways of doing things - but simply because we were not in the department responsible for those things we decide to bury our contributions.

Focusing on doing more We should not just do things for the customers for doing sake; we MUST make a difference while serving all the time. What did you do last week to make a difference for your organisation? All employees should have at least three-four activities that will make a difference for the customers on weekly basis. To have enduring results across board, employees should always focus on doing more for the customer. Going the extra mile is always less stressful but comes after a decision to make a difference in all you do. Final note: As employees, below average or average appraisal ratings may not make one exceptional (and usually may not bring promotion). When we “exceed expectation ratings” even before the promotions or the rewards, we are happy for ourselves. Organisations are also happy when they exceed their growth target. But exceeding one’s target comes with a price – doing more than is required from you. When you do, you will be happy with yourself and you will be celebrated.

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NOVEMBER 12, 2015

Emerald, one of the private hostels patronised by University of Lagos' students

By Amaka Abayomi & Tare Youdeowei

NE of the problems facing Nigerian institutions of higher learning is inadequate hostel accommodation for the teeming student population. This has been a cause of serious concern to government and the institutions’ authorities, as, according to the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, over 75 percent of the entire Nigerian student population live off-campus. Recall that the dilapidated state of facilities in public universities, chief of which is the insufficient and terrible state of hostel accommodation, was one of the things that triggered the 2013 strike by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.

Aggrieved lecturers According to the aggrieved lecturers, this attitude, on the part of government has given critics the impression that perhaps government is more comfortable with the uneducated class than it is with the educated ones. From the University of Lagos to the University of PortHarcourt, the issue of inadequate on-campus hostel accommodation has been a major thorn in the flesh of authorities, just as cases of squatting and selling of bed spaces continue to

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Students, varsity hostels and shylock landlords •Some private hostels come with bullet proof doors, water heater thrive. The 53 year old ‘university of first choice and the nation’s pride,’ the University of Lagos, UNILAG, is still battling with providing sufficient accommodation for the over 7,000 fresh students and final year students who should automatically get bed spaces. With a student population of over 30,000, the university can only boast of 8,500 available bed spaces in 15 hostels scattered across the campus. The restriction order by the Federal Government barring varsities from developing physical structures with their federal allocation have left most institutions in a dilemma. According to the Deputy Dean II, Students Affairs, Dr. Karo Ogbinaka, accommodation crisis would continue to worsen in the face of large number of students seeking admission into these institutions, especially as the 8,500 bed spaces are a far cry from what is adequate for the

30,000 students of the institution. Ogbinaka said: “The issue of inadequate bed spaces was one of the reasons ASUU went on strike and government reacted by releasing funds to be used for the building of a male and female hostel each that would accommodate over 2,000

Accommodation crisis would continue to worsen in the face of large number of students seeking admission into these institutions

students. “In the past, priority was given to first and final year students but we can allot only 2,500 bed spaces to the 7,000 new students, another 2,500 bed spaces for final year students and they have to get the accommodation through a ballot system. The remaining bed spaces are for the physicallychallenged students, varsity scholars who pay half prize, sports men, foreign students and people who come from very far places. “We have been able to tackle the issue of sale of bed spaces by ensuring that those that have been allotted pay for it within two days or they forfeit it. "When we receive reports of sale of bed spaces, we reallocate the space while the original owner would forfeit the money. This crisis would continue until public varsities take up the building of hostels for their students.” So bad is the situation in UNILAG, that Shylock landlords

take advantage of the lack of adequate bed space to rip off students who desire to reside near the school. The rip-off is particularly annoying when compared to the cost of getting a bed space in the school hostel— N25,000. One of the private hostels near UNILAG, Emerald Suites, charges as much as N184,500 a bed space for a 4-man room and N200,000 a bed space for a 2man room.

Managers of the hostel When asked why a bed space costs so much, one of the managers of the hostel who didn’t want her name on print, said the charges are high because of the available facilities. Each room has its toilet and bathroom and is fitted with airconditioners and refrigerators, while there is steady water supply and a standby industrial generator. Some of the students who spoke with Vanguard Learning said despite the high cost, they prefer the hostel because of its

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Students, varsities hostel and shylock landlords

BRIEFING: From left, Mrs Ogochukwu Ekezie-Eraidem, Head, Corporate Communication and Corporate Affairs, Union Bank; Dr. Nadu Denloye, LEAP Africa Board Chair; Mr Adekunle Sonola, Executive Director, Commercial Banking, Union Bank; Mrs Iyadunni Olubade, Executive Director, LEAP Africa; Mrs Ndidi Nwuneli, Founder, LEAP Africa and Uche Chukwueze during a press briefing on the forthcoming award on innovation, SIPA Award, in Lagos.

Public Lecture: Teachers tasked on technology in teaching

By Dayo Adesulu

EADER, Centre for Digital Data, Analytics and Adaptive Learning, Dr. Johann Ari Larusson has tasked teachers to deploy technology into impartation of knowledge to students, stating that leveraging technology in education has numerous benefits. Delivering a public lecture on ‘Teaching and Learning for the Next Generation’ to mark Corona Schools’ Trust Council 60th anniversary held at the Muson Centre, Lagos, Larusson said: ‘’Supporting teaching and learning with technology is becoming as commonplace as chalk in many of today’s educational institutions around the world.’’Larusson who shared his expertise and knowledge on the possibilities of the Nigerian Educational future, highlighted the emerging educational trends and discussed research efforts. He believes that a key focus of future education and learning in Nigeria, like all countries, should be on preparing learners for

success in a dynamic, 21st Century world. He explained that the future of education will be driven by the appropriate collaboration between learning science, data science and machine learning more so than today. According to Dr. Larusson, “If our current and next generation of learners are to thrive in a future, the 21st Century environment, must provide them with content that will prepare them for the jobs and workplaces of the future and deliver this content in a way that reflects modern life.

Data can provide instructors with continuous awareness, and predictions of a student’s performance

"This will require a transformation of how, when and where we teach, all the while focusing on providing educational experiences that make a real and positive difference to the lives of learners and the communities in which they live”. Stressing the importance of data usage in teaching, Larusson noted that data can provide instructors with continuous awareness, and predictions of a student’s performance, that allow for just-intime interventions for each and every student. The data also helps inform better designs of technology, instructional content and practices.Other benefits of data, he added include: Facilitate creation of wholly new ways of doing teaching, learning and assessment. Having access to historical, as well as continuously updating data points, we can build systems and methods that provide each and every student with personalized learning pathways, that adjust to their individual skills, prior knowledge, future goals, and current progress.

Increase vocational content in basic curricula, Pearson tells FG

By Dayo Adesulu

EARSON has called for the increase of vocational contents in the national basic education curricula to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among Nigeria’s young people and secure the country’s long-term growth and prosperity. According to Muhtar Bakare, Pearson’s Managing Director in Nigeria, Developing vocational skills and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the education system could make a real difference to Nigeria’s economic and social outlook. Mr. Bakare believes that along with entrenching a range of relevant vocational skills within the economy, improving the entrepreneurship skills of a population has been closely linked to poverty reduction as

well as improved economic growth, productivity and employment rates. In a release, he noted that the economic success of Malaysia and other East Asian economic ‘tigers’ is often attributed, in part, to the emphasis placed on vocational skills and entrepreneurship by governments and education providers. ‘’Vocational education and entrepreneurship are encouraged by major international organisations, including the World Bank and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), for their role in reducing poverty and empowering disenfranchised members of the community, such as women and young people," he noted. Bakare who disclosed that nurturing an entrepreneurial

spirit, at a scalable level, amongst Nigeria’s youth could have significant benefits for the country, said it will also reduced youth unemployment and improved standards of living. He said: “As we look to improve our education system, we need to be focusing on providing our learners with the skills they need to encourage long-term prosperity and success in a 21st century business and employment environment. ‘’Creating an entrepreneurial culture amongst our current generation of school students will have future benefits for Nigerian communities, both social and economically, as these students become the business owners, employers and leaders of the future. ‘’Students need the functional skills and the inspiration to put innovative ideas into practice and make new innovations financially viable”

Continues from page 26 closeness to the school as they can avoid being stuck in traffic in their bid to attend early morning lectures. Vanguard Learning’s investigation reveals that the situation is almost the same in other tertiary institutions . According to a student of the University of Port Harcourt, Irene Oderinde, the prices of private hostels and selfcontained flats vary depending on the facilities available. “In self-contained flats, the least you can get for those with water heater is N140,000 while those with bulletproof doors go for between N150,000 to N170,000,” she said. Favour Nwosu of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Imo State, said the prices of the private hostels vary based on proximity to the school. She said: “Hostels close to the school charge between N90,000 to N120,000 and they usually come with tiled floors, running water, perimeter fence, etc. Those far from school collect between N60,000 to N80,0000.” Landlords in Owerri, Imo State, are having a ball as there are no on-campus accommodation. According to Lina Nwabueze, a student of Imo State University, the closer the hostel is to the school, the more expensive it is and students pay between N85,000 to N150,000. Self-contained flats within the vicinity of Obafemi Awolowo Univeristy, Ife, Osun State, according to Rahman Ambali, costs between N80,000 to N120,000, while those that prefer a flat they share with course mates pay between N50,000 to N80,000 each. The direct benefits on-campus housing offer students are many and significant. There are better chances of greater academic success, enhanced socio-personal development, convenience and time management. Harping on the benefits of oncampus accommodation, UNILAG’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Professor

Jerry Gana, at the foundation laying of a 15-storey female hostel building, said, “hostel life is part and parcel of a normal university education. Perhaps, that is why Oxford, Cambridge and some American varsities are purely residential. “Indeed, bookworms, who live secluded lives without the company of fellow students miss the main purpose of education. Real learning and originality come from the impact of one mind upon another. Hostel life, therefore, is the surest way of eliciting the best in a young mind.” Corroborating this view, the Vice-Chancellor, Augustine University, Epe, Lagos, Prof. Steve Afolami, and UNILAG’s Deputy Dean, Students’ Affairs, Ogbinaka, both said staying in hostels afford the students the opportunity to study in serene and conducive environment that is free from the bustle of the city. This, they say, enhances students’ academic performance.

Dangers of living off-campus Students of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Amanbra State, would not forget March 26, 2012 as students clashed with masquerades celebrating the Ifu Olu festival, heralding the planting season. No fewer than eight students were injured, while an expectant mother and student, lost her pregnancy. Another horrific incident happened that same year at Uniport, when four students were clubbed and burnt to death by youths of Aluu community in Rivers State for allegedly stealing a mobile phone. Reacting to the incident, NANS, attributed the killing of the four students to inadequate hostel facilities on the campus, insisting that this had been responsible for violence on campuses in Nigerian varsities. According to the group, some of the incidents that consume the lives of students could have been prevented with the provision of sufficient bed spaces in public institutions of higher learning.

ILO tasks students on entrepreneurial skills By Kelechukwu Iruoma

HE International Labour Organisation, ILO, has tasked Nigerian students to develop entrepreneurial skills, stating that it is a panacea to solving the problem of youth unemployment in Nigeria. Mr. Dennis Zulu, the officerin-charge, ILO Country Office, Africa, stated this during a public lecture titled: Youth Unemployment & Job Creation in Nigeria: Challenges and Policy Options held at the University of Lagos. He said Nigerian youths need to start

learning technical and entrepreneurial skills from young age, which would help them develop their own businesses and also create jobs, adding that this will help a lot in curbing the challenge of youth unemployment and job creation in Nigeria. He said: “Youth unemployment continues to make headlines on a daily basis in Nigeria. It is therefore generally acknowledged that concerted actions need to be taken immediately if Nigeria is going to stand any chance of surmounting the challenge."

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•Dokpesi: Much hope on him to reinvent PDP

•Babangida: I am not part of your rebranding

Rebranding PDP: Challenging road to rebirth THE long expected move by the former ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to reinvent itself was yesterday turning into a comedy of errors

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor IGH ranking party members were taken aback after the country’s former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida who had been scheduled as the special guest of honour at the national conference of the PDP starting today issued a stern rebuke to the party disclaiming his involvement. “I have many friends and associates in the two dominant political parties; APC and PDP, and numerous other smaller political parties. At this stage of my political journey, I want to be able to interact and socialize with them without being branded “anti-party”,” the former military ruler said. “It is on the score of this that I have elected to turn down this request to participate in the rebranding conference of the PDP in a partisan manner.” Babaginda was not the only one. Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, the respected former governor of the old Bendel State is also set to make a no show as sources close to him disclosed yesterday that he had not received an invitation besides the public advertisements that had been running. Even worse, some of those being paraded by the party to be the organisers of the conference were claiming not to be involved.

Members of the National Working Committee, NWC, which reluctantly gave in to the idea of the conference, were meanwhile yesterday trying to minimise the damage arising from the faux pas. The idea of the national conference was in fact not the idea of the NWC and members had stoutly opposed it when it was first mooted given that the leadership had already delegated a committee headed by Senator Ike Ekweremadu, the deputy president of the Senate and the party’s highest elected public official to study the outcome of the last election and make recommendations.

A number of stakeholders who championed the need for the conference including Dr. Raymond Dokpesi, Senator Ibrahim Mantu among others were believed to have also established relations with the Board of Trustees, BoT of the party through the chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello who without consideration of the NWC endorsed the conference. It was against that background that the NWC reluctantly gave in to the plans for the conference. The conference as envisaged was expected to bring back a

Ekweremadu committee The Ekweremadu committee finished its work and submitted its report to the NWC more than a month ago. The expectation of the NWC was that the report of the Ekweremadu Committee should be the working document to reinvent the party, but some had other suggestions. However, NWC members who are increasingly facing calls for their exit from power were hamstrung to openly stop the plans for the conference as doing so would portray them as being desperate to hold on to power.

Babangida was not the only one. Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, the respected former governor of the old Bendel State is also set to make a no show

number of old faces including some of the original founders of the party who had not partaken in the programmes of the party in the immediate past. Among those contacted and had been publicised were Babangida, Ogbemudia, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Mallam Adamu Ciroma among others. In fact, some NWC members it was learned had asked the organisers to shift the date of the conference away from today and tomorrow on account of the nearness of the elections in Kogi and Bayelsa. “We told them that it was best that we get the elections in Kogi and Bayelsa out of our way first before this kind of conference,” a senior party official told Vanguard yesterday. However, the response from the organising committee was that Ekwueme, Ciroma and Babangida had firmed up that date as when they would be available, a development that prompted the NWC to give the conference more seriousness. It was as such not surprising that when he was formally inaugurating the committee that the acting national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus confidently charged the committee thus: “This national conference is meant to fashion out strategy that would help PDP sustain democratic ideals while in opposition, hence the choice of the conference theme, “PDP

and the sustenance of democratic ideals in Nigeria” It was especially so, given suggestions that the PDP could take opportunity of the continuing problems of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in the National Assembly and flowing from disgruntlements over the choice of ministers to take the ascendancy. The organising committee is led by Dr. Raymond Dokpesi who had earlier been tasked with the tasking duty of leading the party’s e-registration drive. The high profile of those supposedly organising the PDP conference also gave some measure of credibility to the conference.

Measure of credibility Among those listed to attend were all former presidents, serving and former governors, serving and former principal officers of the National Assembly, members of the state Houses of Assembly among others had drawn attention to the conference as the possible opportunity for the PDP to reinvent itself. However, the prospects of the only former president still in the party, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan attending are said to be remote. Jonathan is believed to have recently left the country for Europe and the only other living former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has torn his membership card. For a conference expected to rebrand the party, the imprint of anarchy that was the trademark of the party in its days in power may have to be first addressed.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015—31

2015: KOGI DECIDES

No candidate has stepped down for Wada, Audu — Ozigi By Kingsley Fanwo

•Salawu: Vows not to step down

Leading party stockpiling arms for polls — Salawu, LP candidate By Boluwaji Obahapo

HE Governorship candidate of the Labour Party for the November 21 governorship election, Dr. Philip Salawu, has alleged that one of the two leading parties for the election has stock piled arms and ammunition it intends to use to manipulate the election. Salawu who make the allegation at his campaign office in Lokoja said the party in question has also connived with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to make the card readers malfunction during the election in order to revert to the manual method to carry out their rigging plan.

Salawu said he and his party is crying out now because all their notification to the security operatives and INEC over the development and purchasing of cards from the electorate have not been given necessary attention. His words: “We have it on good authority that the party in question has bought heavy weapons and ammunition to be given to their thugs. After accreditation, they (thugs) will shoot guns, scare voters away and thumb print the ballot papers. “This same party has its contact persons in the INEC ICT sections and has made them to work against the Card Readers so that it can malfunction and they will be forced to revert to the manual

system. Let the whole world bear us witness now, and not be surprised if the Card Readers malfunction. But Labour Party will not tolerate any rigging. We are watching.” Salahu who also reacted to the allegation that he is planning to step down at the eleventh hour also denounced the rumour of his alliance with the All Progressives Congress, APC to garner votes from the central senatorial axis on ground of ethnic sympathy in order to reduce the strength of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the area. “How could I step down for anybody when I carry a ‘burden’ of experience. I’ve been in the corridor of government for nine years.

Kogi: A vote for Audu is a vote for divisiveness, Wada warns By Gbenga Oke

OVERNOR Idris Wada and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has warned that a vote for former the All Progressives Congress, (APC) candidate, Abubakar Audu will be a vote for divisiveness and ethnic jingoism which will not augur well for the unity of Kogi people. In a statement issued by Governor Wada’s Chief Communications Manager, Mr Phrank Shaibu, he said in the history of Kogi State, nobody has championed ethnicity and other primordial sentiments as ex-governor Audu did during his four-year reign as governor between 1999 and 2003. “Voting the candidate of APC as governor poses a great risk to the unity of Kogi state and going by his recent statement in Kabba few weeks ago where he asked APC members to attack any PDP hoodlum during the elections shows a window into Audu’s innermost mind. “Add this to his dark past that was characterised by acid attack on journalists and

•Wada: Dont vote for division

•Audu: APC candidate

politicians, one begins to wonder whether a man with such a provincial world view can successfully lead a complex, multi-ethnic, multireligious and multi-lingual state like Kogi State” Shaibu said. He went further, “What Audu did by his statement in Kabba was to incite APC supporters against supporters of the PDP, thereby causing disaffection in a state where people of all ethnic groups have been living together in harmony for years. Had the APC candidate allowed history to be his guide,

he would have known that the state has always voted for the PDP since they voted him out in 2003 and will continue to do so”. “Our party, the PDP has never provided social amenities and other dividends of democracy on the basis of affiliation to a thug group, political party or ethnic considerations because we know that Kogi State is a melting pot of sorts, where people of different ethnic groups and political tendencies have tended to melt into an harmonious whole. This is the state that ex-governor Audu is seeking to divide” Shaibu said.

HE Media Committee of Ozigi Campaign Organization has rubbished media reports that some governorship candidates have stepped down for the duo of Capt Idris Wada of the PDP and Prince Abubakar Audu of the APC, saying the reports were concocted to •Ozigi: Pledges mass employment make the November 21 governorship election looks like a two-horse race. According to a communique by the committee, next week’s election is going to be a battle between the oppressed and the oppressor, the poor and the rich, insisting that neither Wada nor Audu is the Messiah of Kogi people. Rather, it said Enesi Ozigi is the best qualified among the contestants to take Kogi to the Promised Land and urged the people of Kogi State to reject politicians who are out to procure their votes and “plunge the state to another hiatus for another four years”. … Our farm centres ‘ll employ 120,000 youths, women Indeed, the Progressive Peoples Alliance, PPA Candidate, Enesi Ozigi, promised to establish six farm centres across the state which will directly engage 120,000 youths and women within the first six months of his administration, if elected into office. Ozigi disclosed this while addressing a group of young professionals in Lokoja, on Monday. He said he has developed a blueprint with implementation time line for proper execution. According to him, two farm centres will be established in each of the three senatorial districts of the state with farmers’ cooperative societies for massive credit empowerment for mechanized farming and produce processing plants. According to the business mogul, each of the farm centres will be encouraged to accommodate 20,000 direct labourers who will specialize in crop production, animal husbandry, agricultural engineering and marketing. “We have developed a workable plan that will involve our government, international agricultural agencies, financial institutions and agricultural policy makers and strategic executors in the agricultural sector.’’ Responding, the team leader of the group, Engr. Ismail Onimisi said the decision of the group to support the governorship ambition of Ozigi was borne out of their belief that the successful entrepreneur would turn around the fortunes of Kogi State, if elected.

Group decries Osinbajo’s endorsement of Audu By Kingsley Fanwo

KOGI-BASED group, Team Kogi 2016 has taken a swipe at Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for raising the hand of Prince Abubakar Audu, despite the corruption cases hanging on the neck of the APC governorship candidate. In a communiqué released in Lokoja and signed by the Director of Public Communications of the group, Tuesday, the group said the

action of the Vice President was aimed at intimidating the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC in the ongoing trial of Audu on graft related allegations. “Prof. Yemi Osinbajo was the one that shouted the anticorruption mantra loudest. But today, he raised the hand of a man charged to court by a government agency, the EFCC for allegedly stealing 10 billion naira from the coffers of Kogi State while he was governor.

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What you should know about hair transplants

By Dr. Shahin Nooreyezdan

HERE cannot be anything more worrying than seeing yourself every day in the mirror minus few hairs. Hair loss is fast becoming the biggest panic creator amongst the young population thanks to the changing lifestyles. Besides, heredity is one of the most common internal causes of hair loss. However, there is a solution in the form of hair transplantation. Hair transplantation is a surgical technique that relocates resistant individual hair follicles from back of the head, called donor site, to the balding part on the top of the head, called recipient site. It is also used to restore eyelashes, eyebrows, beard hair, chest hair, and pubic hair and to fill in the hairless scars caused by accidents or surgery or burns. Method: — Donor hair can be harvested in two different ways: It could be done through strip harvesting or follicular unit grafting. The latest method of closure is called ‘Trichophytic closure’, which results in a much finer scar at the donor area. These follicular hair units are then transplanted, in the frontal or top of the head area, using very small micro blades or fine needles to puncture the sites for receiving the grafts, placing them in a predetermined density and pattern, and angling the wounds in such a fashion to promote a realistic hair pattern. The transplanted hair will grow in its new site for as long as it would have in its original one. Procedure: For few days prior to surgery the patient is advised to refrain from using any medicines, which might result in intra operative bleeding and resultant poor

Rotary urges FG to sustain tempo on polio eradication

Hair Transplant “take” of the grafts. Alcohol and smoking can contribute to poor graft take and survival. Procedure: The entire procedure is done under local anesthesia tumescent technique; be it grafts harvesting or graft transplanting. You can enjoy TV or music while the grafts are being inserted. It involves about seven to eight hours. At the end a protective dressing is done which is removed after 48 hours. The recovery time is immediate and the pain negligible. It is pertinent to note that hair transplant operations are performed on an outpatient basis. Postoperative antibiotics are prescribed to prevent wound or graft infections. Post-operative care During the first six weeks, shafts of

virtually all of the transplanted hairs will fall out leaving their bulbs behind. After two to three months new hair will begin to grow from the moved follicles. The patient’s hair will grow normally, and continue to thicken through the next six to nine months. Final result assessment is done at one year to understand the need for the second session. Head wash is allowed from day 6. You are advised to wear a soft cap till the hair start growing. patient is advised to avoid direct exposure to sunlight till the hair growth starts, avoid Gym related activities for a month, refrain from smoking till the hair growth starts. Dr. Nooreyezdan is a Senior Consultant Cosmetic Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Delhi.

By Josephine Agbonkhese

S Nigeria awaits the World Health Organisation, WHO, polio certification, the Federal Government, parents and guardians have been advised to sustain eradication strategies employed in the fight against poliomyelitis, while still celebrating the country’s first polio-free year milestone and removal from the list of polio-endemic countries. Giving this advice during a 7.3 kilometers awareness walk undertaken by Rotarians in commemoration of the World Polio Day 2015, weekend in Lagos, Otunba Bola Onabadejo, Governor, Rotary District 9110, said Nigeria risked cascading to square one if any outbreak arose. “We want people to know polio is not yet over. Efforts must continuously be put in place for the next two years, to ensure there is no reoccurrence anywhere in Nigeria. That is the only way we can be certified polio-free by WHO. Advocacy, healthy hygiene practices, surveillance and awareness must continue. Also, we must keep immunising our children. Speaking, Past Rotarian District Governor cum Vice-Chairman, Nigeria National Polio Plus Committee, South West, Mr.Yomi Adewunmi, recalled that before now, over 350,000 children were crippled every year by the polio virus. This figure, he said, was eventually first brought down to 48,000 per year as a result of the efforts of Rotary and partners.

COMMON SEXUAL PROBLEMS AND THEIR NOVELTY BASED SOLUTIONS (ADVERTORIAL)

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015—A1

How we'll drive change agenda —Ministers Promise to hit the ground running By Emma Ujah, Henry Umoru, Chris Ochayi, Favour Nnaugwu, Michael Eboh Funmi Olasupo & Grace Udofia

EWLY sworn-in ministers, yesterday, on their first day in office, unveiled the measures they would adopt to drive and actualise President Muhammadu Buhari’s change agenda. Speaking on a day that mixed views trailed the assignment of portfolios to the cabinet members, the ministers promised not to leave any stone unturned in the effort to develop the country. Ministers, who charted the way forward yesterday include, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), Minister of Power, Works and Housing; Senator Chris Ngige, Labour and Employment; Aisha Mohammed, Environment; Rotimi Amaechi, Transport; and Alhaji Mohammed Bello, Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA.

I'll ensure service delivery, draw up power roadmap — Fashola Fashola, who was received with ovation by workers at the Federal Secretariat at 3.15 p.m as he assumed duty after the inauguration of the federal cabinet by President Buhari, assured Nigerians of his preparedness to bring together processes and activities of all the ministries now put under his supervision for effective service delivery. Fashola was ushered into the office by Mrs Grace Papka, the Director in charge of Human Resources of the ministry and thereafter went into private meeting with the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Louis Edozien and directors in the ministry. Similarly, the Minister of State for Power, Works and Housing, Alhaji Mustapha Baba Shehuri, also arrived at the complex where he joined the minister and the directors at the meeting. Fashola assured the ministry’s leadership of his willingness to learn from them as they are career people who have been on the job for a long time. He said: “We are here to work with you in solving problems on ground as quickly as possible. We want to know if some of those problems are man-made or systemic. We want information on what has been done, what remains to be done, and what are the future plans. We want to continue from there.” The Minister said he is also interested in how best to harness the available human resource assets in the ministry and the physical assets, ‘’as all these information will assist us as we hit the ground running. We need to do more so as to regain lost

time." He told his audience that Nigerians are anxiously waiting for result, which in this case, is improved power supply nationwide. Also speaking the Minister of State, Power, Works and Housing, Alhaji Shehuri, said that as a matter of urgency, he wants a detailed ministerial briefing document to serve as a guide as this will ensure proper take off. The Director, Human Resources, Mrs. Grace Papka, gave copies of the requested documents to the two ministers and a time-table for proposed briefings by Departments and Agencies in the power sector. Environment improvement: We will keep to time frame — Aisha Mohammed On her part, the Minister of Environment, Aisha Mohammed said she is ready to achieve the mandate given to the ministry by President Buhari. Aisha stated this during her maiden ministerial press briefing, where she said the ministry will ensure that the time frame given to it will be used to make sure that the environment improves. She said: “As the minister of state has reiterated, there is a time frame and within that time frame we have to deliver the dividends of this administration to our people.” According to her: “The one commitment that we can make is that as we read through this brief that you’ve got here, it is about us building on the successes that we have in this ministry and ensuring that the teams that we have are working effectively with the skills that will take it to another level. “It certainly can’t be business as usual because the President has said it and I hope that the Ministry of Environment will give the support to the Minister of State and myself to make real difference and to be a role model for what we mean by that in the country. “The country has environmental issues everywhere. There is no part of this country that is devoid of the challenges that we have and what we need to do is to find the resources, those that are within the country and the other two tiers of government, the resources that are outside the borders of Nigeria to make sure that we make a considerable impact with what we have.’’ In his remark, the Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Usman Jubril, said he and the Minister will work as a team “because only with concerted effort and team work can we move this ministry and the

FLAG-OFF: Vice President of Dangote Group and President of the Gas to Health Initiative(GTHI), Sani Dangote, speaking in Abuja Tuesday at the flagging off of a nationwide pilot scheme on the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas(LP Gas) in Nigeria.

nation forward.” In this regard he said, “we ask for your cooperation. Remember that political appointees have no patience because time is not on their side.’’ We will create massive employment —Ngige Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, assured Nigerians that his ministry will make frantic efforts in creating jobs for the teeming Nigerian youths. Addressing members of the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment on his assumption of duty in Abuja, Senator Ngige said that the government would wage war against unemployment in the country. “We will be at the fore-front of the battle to stop the scourge of unemployment in the country. We must as a people put on our thinking caps so that we can chart the way forward for employment generation,” he said. He emphasized that government alone cannot provide everybody with employment as it can only create enabling environment for all other sectors to thrive, adding that the Ministry of Labour and Employment is part of the engineering that will pave the way for the private sector to generate jobs through development focused labour laws. Senator Ngige affirmed zero tolerance for leakages and corrupt practices in the country, saying: “We are the catalysts, the change agents of the change era. If we block leakages in our systems the country will be better for it, as resources will be made available for the economic growth of the nation.” Also speaking, the Minister of

State, James Ocholi, SAN, expressed confidence in the expertise of the management and staff of the ministry, which he believes, is in line with the change mantra of the present administration The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr. Clement Illoh, assured the ministers of the full cooperation of the management and staff of the ministry including its agencies, to actualise their mandates. I hate protocol, praisesinging, gossip – Amaechi tells Transport, Aviation agencies, directors Minister of Transport and Aviation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, yesterday read the riot act to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and directors of the merged ministries, that he would not entertain any form of sycophancy from them. The minister, who was accompanied by Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, and the new Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alhaji Sabiu Zakari, told the agencies under the merged ministries that he would not tolerate unnecessary protocol, praisesinging and gossips. Amaechi, whose receptive ambience relaxed the tension that came with his presence at the Ministry of Transport, said he would have no problem with any agency or staff for as long as they go about their work diligently. He said he had come to the Transport and Aviation Ministry to work in line with the change mantra of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. The Minister promised to complete all abandoned rail

projects in the country, saying that a fully functional rail system will ameliorate transportation difficulties in addition to creating employment. He said: “Rail transport is the easiest thing to achieve if you get capable hands. We are going to work towards completing abandoned rail projects. They will help create employment and ease mass transportation of people. Our mandate is to deliver quality service to the people in accordance with the change agenda," he said. Speaking on his personal principles, the Minister said: “If you come to me to gossip about anyone, be rest assured that l will tell the person concerned that this is what you said and you will be there to defend yourself, wrong or right. “I am not as bad as they say. A lot of names have been given to me but I believe in principles. I don’t like protocols. When I say I hate corruption, I mean it. I don’t give bribe and I don’t take either. If you want to relate with me don’t give me money and don’t ask me for money. “Just do your job creditably. Don’t see me on the road and run away. I am not as bad as they paint me. I don’t steal and l don’t befriend thieves and don’t put me in a position that l will not be able to call a thief, thief. Let us be friends because l am here to learn.” Meanwhile, Amaechi said he would resume fully next week Tuesday, stating that by then he would have been fully abreast with the two ministries from briefs between yesterday and November 17, 2015 when he would meet with all the member of staff of the two ministries. Continues on Page A 2...

A2—Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015

We'll hit the ground running—MINISTERS Continues from Page A1 He, therefore, advised the staff of the ministry to brace up for quality service, bearing in mind that they had a mandate to achieve. He said: “It is important that we realise we have a mandate and to also have it at the back of our minds that there is huge competition among the MDAs on which will deliver first.” Speaking earlier, the new Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alhaji Sabiu Zakari, promised the minister his full cooperation, support and readiness of staff to work in line with the change mandate to deliver efficient rail, ports and general transportation system.

Your task is enormous, Tinubu tells ministers

NATIONAL Leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday, urged the newly sworn-in ministers to hit the ground running to tackle the enormous challenges before Nigerians. Tinubu, in a statement, said: “Today, you begin the hard work to help President Muhammadu Buhari deliver on the promise of change he has committed to. The challenges before you are enormous. “People’s expectations are very high and expectedly so. Their hope is hinged on the change our party promised. You are now the foot soldiers of that change. “You have to be creative, proactive and bold. You are the men and women of talent and experience of the moment and are lucky to be chosen. After the luck comes work. It is a new dawn for our country. Virtually every facet of our national life needs urgent attention. “After the devastating effects of the mismanagement by the previous administration on our economy and the psyche of Nigerians, you have been selected to help bring Nigeria back from the brink. You bear the responsibility to move Nigeria forward into the rank of developed nations. “Let me share with you the words of Aneesh Chopra from his book Innovative State. His words resonate for you all today: ‘This is about creating an Innovative State. A government for the 21st Century. One that engages its diverse society, encourages participation and creates a partnership towards problem solving’. “I leave you with these words and congratulate you once more.”

Bello, 16th FCT Minister

The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Bello, resumed with a vow to build on the achievements of his

Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, had increased its fuel supply by about 4,000 truckloads in the last three days, as against 2,500 truckloads per day in the past. Speaking on assumption of office in Abuja, after his inauguration by President Buhari , Kachikwu said: “I do not have the magic wand. I might have some good ideas, but those ideas will have to come from all of us and all of us will have to buy into it.” He disclosed that prominence will be placed on growing income, cutting costs and in helping the federation stabilize, noting that these steps were necessary guide to the direction his administration was headed.

To continue as NNPC's MD

HONOUR: From left— Mr. Ahmed Aliyu; wife of the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria,

Mrs. Gu Pehiua; National Woman Leader, All Progressives Congress, APC, Hajiya Ramatu Aliyu, the President, Conference of African Political Parties, Women Wing; and the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gu Xiaojie, during a dinner in honour of Hajiya Aliyu in Abuja. predecessors. Bello, who arrived at the FCTA Secretariat, Area 11 soon after he was inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari, was received by the new Permanent Secretary, Babatope Ajakaiye, whose appointment was announced, yesterday evening. He had a brief meeting with some directors and senior officials of FCTA and Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, in his conference room. He paid tributes to the former FCT ministers and commended the staff for the way they had worked to build a modern city from scratch. The minister called for rededication from the staff to fast track the development of the FCT with good infrastructure and services because “the FCT is the nearest to public eyes. Its success or failure can easily be seen.” Bello, who promised to work closely with all stakeholders to achieve the mandate of President Buhari, called for support to enable his administration make Abuja a better place than it used to be.

Don’t mislead us, Uguru warns staff

The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Uguru, and his Minister of State, Cladius Daramola, yesterday, resumed duties with a warning to staff not to mislead them. Pastor Uguru, who made the remarks shortly after receiving the handing over note from the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Wakama Asifieka, who also assumed duties about 24 hours earlier, urged directors and other top management staff of the ministry to guide the new leadership with tranparency “because you are on the ground.” He said further that the new team required the cooperation

of all staff, including the messengers to deliver on the mandate of the ministry. He said: “We are going to work with Nigerians from different backgrounds and so you have the duties to guide the leadership and the ministers. “Be open to one another. When there is anything you will want to hide, tell us and we will hide it well together. Avoid scheming for popularity. I believe in working together and not individual championship.” He asked each department head to come up with memos detailing the requirements and activities of their departments.

Let’s work for Nigerians—Adeosun

The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Folakemi Adeosun, yesterday assumed duties with a charge to the directors in the ministry to work assiduously with her to deliver economic policies that would meet the expectations of Nigerians. On arriving the ministry, Mrs. Adeosun held a brief meeting with the directors, where she was given the handover note by the most senior director of the ministry, Alhaji Haruna Mohammed. She told them that the Buhari administration had a clear direction towards returning the nation to the path of growth and that a lot depended on the management and staff of the ministry.

Industry, Trade, Investment

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Okechukwu Enelamah, and his state counterpart, Aisha Abubakar, assumed duty yesterday, with a pledge to hit the ground running. Both officials reported at the ministry’s headquarters in Area 1, Garki at about 4.10 p.m. and were received by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji

Aliyu Bisalla and other officials of the ministry. Enelamah said he was excited over his appointment and the choice of ministry assigned to him by the President, considering his experience in the world of finance and investment. The minister commended the out-gone acting Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Ajiaya Mammam, and the entire staff for effectively running the ministry in the past six months. He solicited for their cooperation and support with a promise to work with them for the realisation of the Federal Government’s change agenda. The Minister of State, Aisha Abubakar, later reported at her office where she was also received by officials. The permanent secretary, Alhaji Aliyu Bisalla, gave her an overview of the ministry’s mandate and pledged the cooperation and support of the entire staff. Speaking with newsmen shortly after a tour of some offices under her purview, Abubakar also pledged to give her best in moving the ministry forward.

I don’t have the magic wand —Kachikwu

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu, said that he does not have the magic wand to turn around the fortunes of the oil and gas sector, but will work with other stakeholders and place emphasis on finding more oil and gas, monetizing these resources and putting money in the hands of the Federal Government. Kachikwu also stated that the current fuel crisis being witnessed across the country would end in the next few days, as Nigerian National

Kachikwu, who also stated that he would continue in office as the Group Managing Director of NNPC, added that the country presently has products to meet 22 to 23 days of fuel demand and assured that the outstanding subsidy payments approved by the President would soon be paid to oil marketers immediately the government gets the approval of the National Assembly. He assured staff of the Petroleum Ministry and parastatals under the ministry of an inclusive and conducive working environment. He said: “One thing is certain, whatever time I spend here, it is going to be spent with a lot of respect for the dignity of people. I am a very respectful person and I give as much as I expect to have.” Kachikwu further stated that executives of the various parastatals would be engaged with to see if they have the capacity and ability to deliver the change mantra. On the issue of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, he said: “Government believes in the bill still. Government wants to see the PIB come through. However, government has indicated that there is a need to look at the PIB as was submitted to the sixth assembly and try and tinker with it. “There are all kinds of issues. One of them is whether we need to yank out the fiscal terms and develop them into a different law, rely on existing laws, amend them or whether we do that as a separate component of law.”

People’s expectations are very high and expectedly so. Their hope is hinged on the change our party promised. You are now the foot soldiers of that change —TINUBU

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015—A3

MINISTERS: Mixed reactions trail assignment of portfolios By Clifford Ndujihe & Henry Umoru

AGOS — PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari’s assignment of portfolios to the ministers, who resumed duties, yesterday, elicited mixed views in the polity. While some hailed the distribution of the ministries among the component parts of the country and expressed optimism that the team would drive the president’s change agenda, others thought otherwise. Indeed, the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, took a swipe at President Buhari, saying the portfolios given to some of the ministers did not in any way inspire confidence that the All Progressives Congress, APC-led government wants to pursue change. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the PDP, however, urged the ministers to urgently settle down for business and concentrate on the economy. According to PDP, the present administration has so far played heavily on what it termed, dramatizing routine procedures and processes, which was even glaring in the prolonged swearing-in ceremony of the ministers. Metuh said, “The muchexpected assignment of portfolios to the ministers did not inspire confidence that there is indeed any change being introduced in the system. With the inauguration, the APC administration should fully resolve the issues on the actual position of the nation’s economy and the direction therein. “Whereas President Muhammadu Buhari had announced that the nation is bankrupt to the extent he cannot pay his ministers, his new Minister of Information had contradicted him directly by stating how the government is buoyant and ready to deploy $2.5 billion infrastructure fund, saved N1.4 trillion with another N2.5 trillion ready as special intervention fund, which goes to say that the country is not actually broke. “These new ministers should note the challenge before them regarding the image of the country which the APC government has changed from being the ‘Heart of Africa’ and a country of ‘Good people, Great nation’ to that of ‘Corrupt people, Broke nation’. “Furthermore, we counsel the ministers, especially those who will be the face of the government, to note that the campaigns are over. Nigerians, therefore, will no longer condone propaganda, lies and deceit but expect a responsible dissemination based on truth, honesty and openness”.

Concentrate on Power transmission, Barth Nnaji

It doesn’t inspire confidence – PDP Urges new ministers to focus on economy Fashola should concentrate on Power transmission – Barth Nnaji Fayose hails Fayemi’s appointment urges Fashola

Also yesterday, former Minister of Power, Professor Barth Nnaji, urged the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, to concentrate on transmission process of the power sector because of its constraints. Speaking to journalists shortly after he appeared before the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Power, Professor Nnaji said: “I know that Fashola is an excellent administrator and manager. I can imagine what Lagos State used to be like before he became governor and what it is now. It comes with dedication and that is what we need in this country."

Buhari fair to South-East —Egolum

A former chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition, Chief Chuba Egolum, okayed President Buhari’s handling of the ministerial appointments and distribution of portfolios and disagreed with those who said that the South-East has been short-changed. His words: "Devoid of sentiments, Igbo didn’t get it right in the last election. Our strategy was wrong. We put all our eggs in one basket. I won’t join the bandwagon of those complaining about the appointment. Those who expect juicy political appointments for the South-East have misplaced expectations. What did the South-East do towards the election of President Buhari? If he gave us juicy appointments what about those who worked for his election? Appointment is the exclusive preserve of the President. We can fight for even spread of projects not appointments.’’ Speaking in like manner, the Ndigbo Cultural Society of Nigeria (NCSN) congratulated President Buhari for appointing Ndigbo with worthy ministerial portfolios which compliment the appointments of Federal Permanent Secretaries. NCSN President, Chief Udoka Udeogaranya, in a statement said "these recent conducts by President Buhari indicated that the president is beginning to re-write himself from an earlier posture of sectionalism into a worthy national posture."

Fayose tasks Fayemi on Ekiti

Meanwhile, Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has congratulated former governor of the state, Dr Kayode Fayemi, over his appointment as

Minister of Solid Mineral, urging him to use his position for the commercial exploitation of the abundant solid mineral resources in the state. The governor in a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said President Buhari must have considered the need for commercial exploitation of the

solid minerals spread across towns and villages in Ekiti State before arriving at the choice of Fayemi as Solid Minerals minister. Fayose spoke as Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, erupted in celebration over Fayemi’s new position. As early as 8 am, live bands were stationed at the APC secretariat along Ajilosun Street as party members and

supporters trooped in, waiting for the inauguration and allocation of portfolio to the former governor. Crowd of supporters at the secretariat spilled over to the main road along the busy Akure-Ado Ekiti road as they went into jubilation when news broke that Fayemi had been named the Minister of Solid Minerals, the sector the President has marked out as the second golden egg of the nation’s economy after oil.

Ministerial portfolios: So long, too long By Chioma Gabriel

FTER a long wait, President Muhammadu Buhari finally assigned portfolios to 36 ministers who were, yesterday, sworn in, bringing to an end 166 days of President Buhari as sole administrator of the Nigerian state. Buhari, who has hyped his commitment to ending corruption, slashed the number of ministries from 36 to 24, making some nominees only junior ministers. He also took charge of the Petroleum ministry. The assignment of portfolios to ministers was received with mixed feelings by Nigerians across social and political divides. Many expressed dismay that the President is taking charge of the petroleum ministry when erstwhile Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Managing Director, Ibe Kachikwu, could have handled the ministry. President Buhari was perceived to have breached constitutional provisions that demanded that a minister of the Federal Republic should pass through senatorial screening especially when he already had his hands full as a president. According to a critic: “It is wrong for the President to appoint himself Petroleum minister. What interest has the President in the petroleum ministry which he thinks none of the ministers would achieve? The duties of the President are too challenging to be combined with a ministerial position. He came to power on a message and must live on it.” The minister with the most challenging responsibility is perhaps Kemi Adeosun, a former investment banker and accountant who recently served as finance commissioner in Ogun State, and just yesterday emerged Finance Minister. She now has the task of reflating an

NEWS ANALYSIS economy whose fortunes are nose-diving, chiefly as a result of a free-fall in oil prices. From economic indices, Nigeria’s GDP growth is currently running at just 2.35 per cent, while inflation is creeping towards 10 per cent and the Naira, the national currency is weak. Adeosun has the responsibility to perfect all that concerns the economy. And as the war against terrorism rages with a casualty of not fewer than 17,000 dead and at least 2.5 million homeless, retired BrigadierGeneral Muhammad Mansur Dan-Ali was assigned the Defence portfolio and is expected to end the war against terror by December as the President ordered. Another big challenge was the appointment of former Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola, as the Power, Works and Housing minister while the former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, got the Transportation ministry. The combination of three porfolios of Power, Works and Housing is perceived as being too much for one minister to handle, and as such not in the interest of the nation as national challenges in the three sectors are too enormous to be supervised by one minister. Deputy Majority Leader of Abia State House of Assembly, Chief Solomon Akpulonu faulted the merger of the Power, Works and Housing ministries stating that the challenges facing each of the ministries are too enormous to be supervised by a minister and urged the President to reconsider his decision. According to him, “when you look at the new Ministry of

Power, Works and Housing, you will observe that these are critical sectors which are expected to drive the engine of growth of our economy. You talk of power, it keeps fluctuating. What do we say about the works sector where all the roads are dilapidated? It is the same with the Housing sector. I think the President made a mistake to have merged these hitherto separate ministries and now assigned only a minister to oversee it. “He should reconsider the decision by assigning a minister of state to the ministry. Otherwise, Babatunde Fashola would need to be superhuman to achieve result in this new ministry. Buhari must be careful not to create another problem while trying to save cost.” Fashola and Amaechi are both political heavyweights in Buhari’s governing All Progressives Congress (APC) party where Amaechi served as Buhari’s campaign manager during the last general elections . Fashola is expected to re-enact his magic success in Lagos to the national stage. Will he be able to do that? The good thing though about assigning of portfolios to ministers is what the lack of their assignment has caused the nation. The lack of ministers since May had left Nigeria in political limbo and created uncertainty in the business world. An uncertain investment climate and delayed spending decisions had enveloped Nigerian economy as economic agents await government clarity. Before now, President Buhari was running Nigeria with just permanent secretaries, many of whom he fired Tuesday. The situation changed with yesterday’s assignment of portfolios to ministers who are made up of technocrats and political appointees from each of Nigeria’s 36 states. With this new development, it is expected that a clearer picture would emerge of President Buhari’s government direction.

A4â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015

President Buhari swears-in ministers in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari, flanked by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (left), and the Water Resources Minister, Engr. Suleiman Adamu (5th right), with other members of the new Federal Executive Council, FEC, shortly after the swearing-in ceremony, at the Aso Chambers, Presidential Villa, Abuja. Photos: Abayomi Adeshida

From left, Professor Osagie Ehanire (Minister of State for Health); Chief From left, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (Power, Works and Housing); Lai Ogbonnaya Onu (Science and Technology); Dr. Ibe Kachikwu (Minister of Mohammed(Information); James Ocholi, (State, Labour and Employment); State for Petroleum Resources), and Pastor Usani Usani Uguru (Niger Delta and Alh. Abubakar Malami (Justice) Affairs)

From left, Prof. Anthony Gozie Anwuka (State for Education); Ms. Amina Mohammed (Environment); Prof. Geoffrey Onyeama (Foreign Affairs), and Mr.Kayode Fayemi (Solid Minerals))

From left, Alhaji Hadi Sirika (Minister of State, Aviation); Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (Interior); Hajia Zainab Shamshuna Ahmed (Minister of State, Budget and Planning), and Engr. Suleiman Adamu (Water Resources)

From left, Claudius Omoyele Daramola (Minister of State, Niger Delta); Mrs. Kemi Adeosun (Finance); Abubakar Bawa Bwari (Minister of State, Solid Minerals), and Ibrahim Jibril (Minister of State, Environment)

From left, Rotimi Amaechi (Transportation); Solomon Dalong ( Youth & Sports); Mr. Adebayo Shittu (Communications); and Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole (Health)

A5â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015

President Buhari swears-in ministers in Abuja

From left, Brig. Gen. Munsur Mohammed Dan Ali (Defence); Hajia Khadija Bukar Ibrahim (Minister of State, Foreign Affairs); Aisha Jummai Alhassan (Women Affairs), and Hajia Aisha Abubakar (Minister of State, Trade and Investments)

From left, Sen.Chris Ngige (Labour and Employment); Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma (Budget and Planning); Alh.Mohammed Musa Bello (FCT); and Mr. Okechukwu Eyinna Enelamah (Industries, Trade and Investments)

From left, Hon. Mustapha Baba Shehuri (Minister of State, for Power, Works and Housing); Audu Ogbeh, (Agric & Natural Resources); Adamu Adamu (Education), and Senator Heineken Lokpobiri (Minister of State for Agricultural Resources)

Former National Chairman,defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Chief Bisi Akande (left), and his counterpart in the defunct Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, Prince Tony Momoh

Science and Technology Minister, Dr.Ogbonnaya Onu (left), and his counterpart in the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Solomon Dalong.

Rotimi Amaechi (Transportation, right), in handshake with Solomon Dalong (Youth & Sports) and Mr. Adebayo Shittu (Communications),(left).

The Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Highness, Alfred Achebe (r) and other wellwishers

Cross section of family members, others observing events.

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015—A7

Portfolios of the ministers

Fashola

R. Chris Nwabueze Ngige, 63 Minister of Labour Dr. Ngige upon graduation from medical school entered the civil service and served at the State House and the National Assembly clinics and rose to the position of deputy director before retiring to join active politics. Dr. Ngige was the first assistant national secretary, Southeast of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP before he was elected governor of Anambra State in 2003. He was, however, removed from office by the Court of Appeal in 2006. He was elected to the Senate on the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN. Amina Mohammed, 54 Minister of Environment Following her education in Nigeria and England, Mohammed worked in the development sector working for more than 30 years in that sector and was picked by President Umaru Yar‘adua as head of the country ’s Millennium Development Goals team. Following her service in the country she was appointed by the United Nations’ SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon to serve as his Special Adviser on Post-2015 Development Planning on June 7, 2012. It was from that position that she was picked to represent Gombe State in the Federal Executive Council.

Mrs. Kemi Adeosun A chartered accountant, Mrs. Adeosun was brought up in London, England and trained as an accountant after studying Economics at the University of East London. She worked as a senior manager at the Price Waterhouse Coopers, London. Following her return to Nigeria she worked in some private financial institutions before she was tapped to serve as commissioner for finance in her native Ogun State. She was again re-nominated for the same position by Governor Ibikunle Amosun recently before her nomination as a minister. Suleiman Hussain Adamu A 1984, engineering graduate of the Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Adamu won the Nigeria Port Authority Prize as the best graduating student. He subsequently obtained a

Amaechi Master ’s Degree in Project Management from the University of Reading, UK. He has had varied working experience in the public and private sectors and cofounded the Integrated Engineering Associates (IEA), in 1987, one of the leading civil/ structural, electrical, mechanical and environmental engineering consultancies in Kaduna, Nigeria. Solomon Dalong, 51 Sports Dalong trained at the University of Jos and graduated in 1999 following which he was called to the bar in 2001. He served as an aide to Chief Solomon Lar who was at that time adviser emeritus to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. He turned to academics in 2004 and had a brief experience as a lecturer at the University of Jos before he was appointed the same year as Chairman of Langtang South Local Government Area, Plateau State the same year. Lai Mohammed, 63 Information Mohammed, a lawyer, served for about 10 years in the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN. At the inception of democratic rule in 1999, he was appointed as Chief of Staff to Governor Bola Tinubu of Lagos State. He, however, resigned his position in 2012 to contest the governorship of his native Kwara State on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy. He was appointed the pioneer spokesman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN and subsequently the All Progressives Congress, APC. Audu Ogbeh, 68 Agriculture Ogbeh schooled at the Ahmadu Bello University and subsequently became a lecturer in the same institution before venturing into politics. He was deputy speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly in 1979 before he was appointed minister of communications in 1982 in the Shehu Shagari regime. On the return of democracy he became national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in 2001 but was forced out in 2005 amidst intrigues centred around differences with former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2005. Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, 64 Science and Technology A 1976 first class honours degree graduate in Chemical Engineering from the University of Lagos, Onu obtained a PhD in

Ngige Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, California, USA, in 1980. Onu was the first governor of the old Abia State, a former presidential aspirant and became the national chairman of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party and led the party into the merger that produced the APC. Rotimi Amaechi, 50 Transportation Amaechi was a student activist and official of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS. Following his graduation from the Rivers State University of Science and Technology where he read English, he joined the Services of Pamo Clinics and Hospitals Limited owned by Dr. Peter Odili. He became speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and served two terms in that position from 1999 to 2007 and following that made a bid for the governorship of the state. Though he was disqualified by his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP he was affirmed by the Supreme Court as governor in October 2007 and won re-election in 2011 on the banner of the party. He was the director general of President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign organisation.

Babatunde Fashola, 52 Power, Works and Housing Was the Lagos State Governor from May 29, 2007 to May 29, 2015. As a candidate of the Action Congress party, now known as the All Progressives Congress, Fashola succeeded Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who he served as chief of staff. He studied Law at the University of Benin from where he graduated with a Bachelor of

Amaechi was the director general of President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign organisation

Ogbeh Laws, LL.B.(Hon), degree in 1987. Kayode Fayemi, 50 Solid Minerals Kayode Fayemi is a former Director of the Centre for Democracy and Development, a research and training institution dedicated to the study and promotion of democratic development, peace-building and human security in Africa. Prior to his establishment of the Centre, he worked as a lecturer, journalist, researcher and Strategy Development adviser in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He was Strategy Development Adviser at London’s City Challenge; research fellow at the African Research and Information Bureau in London, UK. Senator Udoma Udo-Udoma, SAN 60, Budget and National Planning Born 60 years ago, Udo-Udoma was a member of the Senate from 1999 to 2007. As a serving senator, he served as Chief Whip, Chairman of the Committee on National Planning, Revenue Mobilisation and Poverty Alleviation and Chairman of the Appropriations Committee. He holds a degree in Jurisprudence, a Bachelors of Civil Laws Degree and a Masters of Arts in 1977 from St. Catherine’s College, University of Oxford. He also headed UAC Nigeria Plc, Chairman of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Mallam Adamu Adamu; Education He served as the Secretary of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Transition Committee and is believed to have a close relationship with President Buhari. A renowned public analyst and columnist with Daily Trust newspaper, Adamu is an indigene of Bauchi State. Adebayo Shittu, Communication At 26, Shittu emerged the youngest member of the Oyo State House of Assembly in 1979. He contested for the governorship position in the state on the platform of the CPC in 2011 but lost to the incumbent. The former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Oyo State also sought to challenge Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s second term bid in 2014. Abubakar Malami, SAN.

Udoma Justice Malami, was on the merger committee of the CPC. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Malami was the National Legal Adviser of the CPC and also the head of the party’s legal team at the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court in 2011. Prof Isaac Adewole, 58 Health Adewole, from Osun State, was the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan and formerly a member of council and the Head, Department of Obsterics and Gynaecology at the College of Medicine, among many other appointments. He was born in 1957 and attended the Ilesa Grammar School where he obtained Grade 1 with Distinction before proceeding to the University of Ibadan and obtained an MBBS.

Okechukwu Enelemah; Trade and Industry Enelamah, from Abia State, is a medical doctor, co-founder and chief executive officer of African Capital Alliance, a leading private equity firm on the African continent. He has a wealth of experience in investment banking having worked for Goldman Sachs in London and New York as well as Arthur Anderson in Nigeria. In addition, he holds MBA from the Harvard Business School and a CFA charter. He has served on a number of boards of blue chip companies including Dorman Long Engineering Ltd., Corner Stone Insurance Plc and UAC Nigeria Plc. Brig. Gen Masur Dan Ali, retd; Defence He served as the commander of the newly established 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, from where he voluntarily retired. He was earlier the Deputy Director, Procurement at the Department of Logistics after being a chief instructor at the Nigeria Defence Academy. He participated in several command and staff courses and held very distinguishing offices. Brig Gen. Dan Ali was born in 1959 in Zamfara State. He attended Government Secondary School, Shinkafi before proceeding to obtain a Higher National Diploma in Photogrammetric and Survey Engineering (GIS) from Kaduna Polytechnic.

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Niger Delta youths flay Orubebe's trial

IGER Delta Youth Consultative Forum, NDYCF, has condemned the Federal Government’s prosecution of former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe and other Niger Deltans who served under former President Goodluck Jonathan, describing the development as a witch-hunt. In a chat with newsmen, NDYCF president, Ebi-Akpo Debabod, maintained that NDYCF supports the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and its anti-corruption crusade, but frowned at a situation where, it says, only Ijaw people who served under Jonathan’s administration were alleged to have stolen money. It also condemned alleged Federal Government’s plan to take over Rivers and Akwa Ibom states through election petition tribunals, saying: “We are aware that under-aged children voted in Kano and everybody saw it. There was no protest about that but here we are and they want to take away power from Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom. We are watching. “We don’t have any problem with Buhari as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, but that does not mean because Jonathan lost election, those who worked with

him have been conquered and must be decimated. We will not accept a situation where Niger Deltans and those who are believed to be Jonathan’s tribesmen are persecuted unnecessarily. “The likes of the former Petroleum Minister, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke; former Director-General of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA; former Presidential Adviser on Amnesty,

Kingsley Kuku; IBTC Board Chairman, Mr. Atedo Peterside; former second-in-command to the immediate past Customs boss, John Atte and now, Elder Orubebe, are all Ijaw who are being persecuted by this administration.” He wondered why only the Ijaw are being prosecuted even when more northerners served in Jonathan’s government, alleging that Orubebe was being prosecuted for allegedly stealing N70 million because of his role at

the 2015 presidential election collation centre. He warned: “If they are probing our brothers and sisters for oil money they are alleged to have stolen, we are going to probe the pipe lines in the Niger Delta and we can assure them that we are capable of doing so. If they are looking for N70 million from Orubebe, we have the capacity to probe the oil pipe lines and get N700 million. They should not provoke us.”

INVESTITURE: From left: General Secretary, University of Port Harcourt Alumni Association, Lagos Chapter, Ngozi Uche-Oji; President, Flurex Tech. Ltd, Dr. Jerry Ariomovuohoma; President of the association, and Deputy Managing Director, Avery Nigeria Ltd., Mrs Ebisan Onyema; General Manager, Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Francis Ekonye, and Matthew Ogagavworia, Public Relations Officer, during the investiture of Dr. Ariomovuohoma as patron of the association, at the university's liaison office in Lagos.

Traffic offenders, other law breakers don't wish Edo people well —Mayaki By Victor Ahiuma-Young

Governor Adams Oshiomhole marks the 7th anniversary of his administration in Edo State today, his Senior Special Assistant, SSA, on Media Affairs, Mr. John Mayaki, has described persons breaching law and order in the state as enemies of development bent on frustrating government's plan to leave lasting legacies for the citizens. Specifically, Mayaki claimed that those who intentionally violate traffic rules, block drainages and water ways and willfully damage the environment among others, do not wish the state and government well. The SSA on Media, who described the 7th year anniversary as symbolic and an icing-on-the-cake of a journey that began seven years ago, destined to end strong and well, called on wellmeaning Edo citizens and Nigerians in general, to support the governor in the last leg of the journey because “ we are all involved in his success.” Mayaki, in a statement, said: “Chief among those who want

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this government to fail are those who are non-compliant to tax remission, those who sell their wares on major roads, and streets instead of the markets and those who park illegally, drive dangerously and beat up enforcement officials. They do not wish this government to finish strong. There is no doubt that Oshiomhole’s testimonial is a sing-song in every part of Edo State because he started well. We must know that it is not how Governor Oshiomhole started that matters but how he finishes. The man who finishes strong is the exception because, when it comes to finishing

strong, the odds are against you. It is going to take some tough policy decisions and choices from the governor and he needs our support. “It is the rare man who finishes strong. It is the exceptional man who finishes strong and it is the teachable governor who puts a retreat together and invites others to lecture him, that finishes strong. It is a marathon. It is a long race, and long races don’t require speed but grit, determination and finishing power. However, one must quickly put in perspective that finishing strong does not mean finishing unblemished.

"Finishing strong does not mean finishing perfectly. That is impossible. Finishing strong is tough. It is not for everyone because it is not easy. I admit to you that it is hard. But there is another way that is much harder; finishing so-so. The governor knows where the finishing line is. Since the finishing line is in sight, he is more focused now to block out everything else and concentrate fully and completely on the tape. His eye is on the mark and that is what will enable him to blot out the pain and exhaustion and finish strong.”

Christians told to pray against herdsmen’s hostilities

By Festus Ahon & Ochuko Akuopha

SABA—EXECUTIVE Assistant to Delta State Governor on Religious Matters, Bishop Greatman Nmalagu, has charged Christians to be relentless in their prayers against the nefarious activities of Fulani herdsmen in the country. Speaking at Ogwashi-Uku during a reception in his honour by the Aniocha South Local Government Area chapter of the Concerned Ministers for Nigerian Development, Nmalagu

said that the incessant violent attacks of the herdsmen on communities across the country were posing a threat to peaceful coexistence among Nigerians. Saying that the various challenges facing the country could only be defeated by prayers, he advised the people of the state to give their unflinching support to the state governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, to ensure that the mantra, “Prosperity for All Deltans” is achieved. “The governor gave the direction of his government right from the

day of his inauguration on May 29, 2015 when he stated that programmes that will positively affect the lives of Deltans will be vigorously pursued by his government. “This he demonstrated on June 7, 2015 when he immediately forwarded four bills to Delta State House of Assembly for consideration; these bills were to guide the government in the physical, social and economic development of the state,” he said.

DPR warns against sale of petroleum products above approved prices By Jimitota Onoyume

ORT HARCOURT— DEPARTMENT of Petroleum Resources, DPR, has warned against the sale of petroleum products above approved pump prices in Rivers State. In a statement, yesterday, in Port Harcourt, DPR said it will not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law on defaulters. The statement by the Head, Public Affairs Unit of Port Harcourt zonal office, Mrs. Carol Bello, for the Zonal Operations Controller, DPR, PHC, said, retail outlets will be sealed for defaulting, adding that depots of defaulters could have their lifting rights suspended. “The sanctions could also include outright revocation of petroleum storage and sales licences,” she said. The statement recalled that some filling stations were sanctioned recently in the state for offences ranging from product hoarding, under dispensing, adding that the body will continue to do its job of ensuring that petroleum products were available to all at rates approved by the Federal Government.

Hitler congratulates monarch on coronation anniversary

HIEF Beck Hitler has congratulated the paramount ruler of Ogulagha Kingdom, in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty Joseph Timiyan, on his 10th coronation anniversary. Hitler, a prominent leader in Ogulagha Kingdom, in his congratulatory message, yesterday in Warri, also expressed appreciation to God for the monarch's peaceful reign over the years. He urged the people of Ogulagha Kingdom to continue to live in peace and collectively contribute to the development of the kingdom, adding, “Ogulagha Kingdom is blessed with abundance of human and natural resources, and as a people we must uphold the unity among our people, do things the proper way in the interest of the people and the kingdom.”

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Subscriber threatens to sue FHA over N5.8m mortgage payment By Emmanuel Elebeke

SUBSCRIBER to Federal Housing Authority Homes Limited (FHA), Mr. Chimnonso Njikonye, yesterday, threatened to drag the mortgage homes to court over a breach of mortgage agreement amounting to N5.8 million. Njikonye had in August 2014 made a payment of N5,822,000 as 30 percent mortgage payment for the purchase of three bedrooms flat at Abesan Estate, Lagos. This followed an advertorial placed by the FHA Homes also in August 2014 announcing the intention to sell some flats in Abesan Estate in Lagos. With the down payment of N5.8 million as 30 per cent of the total sum, the subscriber was entitled to have access to the property with a grace of 10 years period to complete the balance of N9.5 million. In a petition by his legal counsel, Ifeanyi Ilukwe, and made available to Vanguard, the subscriber is demanding a refund of his deposit following the failure of the FHA Homes to grant him access to the property in Lagos State. According to the petition, the FHA Homes, since the date of the payment, failed to provide the subscriber with keys to the said flat to enable him move in. “Take note that after the receipt of this letter, you failed to make immediate total repayment of the said monies, we shall have no option but to explore every legal means towards recovering our client’s funds together with interests and damages without further recourse to you."

APEN holds conference

HE Association of Private Educators in Nigeria (APEN) will hold its annual conference from November 18 to 20, 2015. The conference, with the theme: Beyond the limits, will hold at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Ray Kyles, and the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, are expected to grace the occasion. The chairman of APEN, Dr. Olufemi Ogusanya, said the conference was designed to accelerate development and growth for the education sector. According to her, several professionals have been chosen to speak on key areas of the theme. C M Y K

Crisis rocks Adamawa varsity over VC's sack By Umar Yusuf

OLA — ADAMAWA State University, Mubi, is heading towards a serious crisis, following the sacking of its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Shall, by the state government. Already, two major trade unions in the university, the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, are at loggerheads with the state government over the sack. The two unions addressed a joint press conference in Yola, yesterday, to state their positions on the lingering crisis in the

university that culminated in the sacking of Prof. Shall. The two unions called on Governor Muhammadu Jibrilla to recall the sacked vicechancellor in the interest of justice and fair play. At the joint press conference of the unions, chairpersons of ASUU and SSANU, Comrades Abubakar Aliyu Song and James Fwa respectively, said the development constituted a serious setback to the development of the university. In his address, Song noted that the governor was misled into sacking Prof. Shall as no visitation committee came to the university to carry out any form

of investigation before he was sacked. “The recent removal of the substantive Vice Chancellor, Prof. Shall David Joshua was due to the absence of the council that made some individuals to take advantage and misled his excellency to remove the vice chancellor despite his good intentions for the university. “The removal of the vice chancellor was a great setback to the university as it draws the university from the glaring development it is witnessing before the sudden change. This action contravenes the autonomy of the university.

SWEARING-IN: Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State (right) congratulating the newly sworn in Commissioners: Abubakar Idrees, Kamaldeen Ajibade, Mahmud Ajeigbe and Musa Yeketi at Government House, Ilorin, Tuesday.

Don’t use staff audit as excuse for mass retrenchment, Labour tells FG By Victor AhiumaYoung

AGOS— The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, yesterday, in Lagos implored the Federal Government not to use the ongoing staff audit to send thousands of workers into the already saturated labour market. The union said government should not forget that the rising crime wave and insecurity in the country were products of the army of idle and able-bodied men and women who had resorted to crime in absence of productive endeavours. ASCSN in a statement by its President and Secretary, Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Alade Bashir Lawal, respectively, recalled that one of the cardinal campaign promises of President Muhammadu Buhari’s All Progressives Congress, APC, was employment creation for millions of jobless Nigerians. The statement read: “Even in a recent retreat organized by the

Federal Government for ministers-designate, President Buhari re-emphasized the commitment of his administration to diversify the economy, upgrade infrastructure, and generate employment opportunities for the teeming jobless citizens. ‘’We, therefore, urge the government to invest more

energy in these areas to revitalize the economy, instead of toeing the old pattern of resorting to retrenchment of civil servants once there is a minor hiccup in the economy. “The staff strength in the core civil service is less than 100,000, while that of the entire public service, including the civil service, is about 870,000.

Kwara to obtain N20bn bond for infrastructure devt By Demola Akinyemi

LORIN — Kwara State government has concluded plans to obtain a N20 billion bond from the capital market to enable it meet infrastructure development needed for economic growth of the state. Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Demola Banu, said this after the maiden executive council meeting at Government House, Ilorin yesterday. Banu, who was flanked by his Information counterpart, Mr. Tunde Ajeigbe, at the press conference said the N20 billion loan became necessary because the state government could no longer meet its monthly commitment due to the dwindling revenue from federal allocation. The commissioner, who said the state used to receive N3.4 billion as federal revenue allocation, added that it now received N1.4 billion and could no longer meet monthly commitment of about N2.4 billion. Banu also explained that the state government had planned to take the N20 billion bond from the capital market two years ago, but restrained itself due to insinuations from the opposition that it would be used for electioneering campaign. “But the need for the bond persisted, thus the need to resuscitate the bond issue,” he said. The commissioner, however, said the bond proposal was subject to approval of the state House of Assembly and the Securities and Exchange Commission,SEC.

Economic downturn: Traditional rulers pledge to drive tax collection in Benue By Peter Duru

A K U R D I — TRADITIONAL rulers in Benue State have promised to assist the state government boost tax collection to augment the dwindling revenue from federal allocation. Chairman of Idoma Traditional Council and Ochi Idoma, Ikoyi Obekpa, gave the assurance, yesterday, when he hosted the new chairman of Benue Internal Revenue Service, BIRS, Mrs. Mimi Adzape-Orubibi, and her

management team in his Otukpo palace. He pledged to ensure that all taxable adults, organizations and firms in his domain performed the civic responsibility of prompt tax payment to enable the state government meet its commitment to the people. The royal father, who once headed the revenue board, decried the poor disposition of Nigerians towards tax payment and called for a change of attitude, if the state

must move forward. Earlier, Mrs. Adzape-Orubibi disclosed that since her appointment, the BIRS had been saddled with the responsibility of financing the state’s annual budget from the next fiscal year. She said: “With this added responsibility, our monthly target is now N1.5 billion; it is achievable because we are bringing in innovations in tax payment. ‘’We will introduce the use of Point Of Sale, POS, and other electronic payment devices in revenue collection to check malpractices."

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Evening of entertainment, glamour & art auction •as Etisalat Photography Competition winners emerge By Prisca Sam-Duru

HE annual LagosPhoto Gala, an event that celebrates the power of photography in Lagos and raises funds for LagosPhoto Foundation, held penultimate Wednesday. The event organised by African Artist Foundation titled, I Get No Eye For Back, took place at Zinnia Hall, Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, amidst glitz and glamour, with people from different countries of the world in attendance. The LagosPhoto Gala was sponsored by telecommunications giant, Etisalat, Eko Hotel and Suites and supported by Moet & Chandon. Although it was billed to commence at 6pm, it had a slow start as guests arrived in trickles but eventually, filled the hall to capacity before its take-off few minutes before 8pm. The waiting period was however, devoid of boredom as Nigeria’s singer-songwriter, recording artist, performer, and record producer, Deborah Oluwaseyi Joshua best known as Seyi Shay and her exquisite band, thrilled early callers at the show, with breath-taking performances. The band also, spiced up the evening with more music before the curtain was drawn on the event.

The show also featured screening of the LagosPhoto Video, a 10 minute documentary video on the festival’s programs, projects and achievements. A major highlight of the evening was the Photography Auction which was coordinated by Yinka Akinkugbe, LPF Auctioneer. Another interesting feature of the 2015 LagosPhoto Gala was the issuance of awards to winners of the Etisalat Photography Competition. Out of hundreds of entries, three outstanding photographers emerged winners with their stunning entries that spoke in tune with the festival’s theme, Designing Futures as well as theme for the Photo Competition, I love Nigeria. 2nd runner up in the Places category was

LagosPhoto is very true to our nature, it is not just about innovation and the brand, it is also about nuturing talents

• One of the images on display at the ongoing LagosPhoto festival Ima Nfon, he received a high end Nokia Lumia device; 1st runner up was Adeboye Thomas, he won for his photograph in the fashion category and received an iPad mini while the winner, Kelvin Oladirin in the fashion category, went home with a Canon Camera. Presenting the Award to the winners, Chief Executive Officer Etisalat Nigeria, Mr Matthew Wilsher commended Nigerians for having so much energy and positivity. Etisalat he said, “Is a creative, innovative and bold company and so, supporting a festival such as the LagosPhoto, is very true to our nature. It is not just about innovation and the

brand, it is also about nurturing talents. Nigeria is full of young people and so nurturing talents is a critical role for many of us who are in the position of influence and Etisalat is expanding the scope of the festival which was why we introduced the Photography Competition which is in its second year. With the theme, I Love Nigeria, it covered areas of people, places, food and fashion.” Other individuals who were honoured for their immense contributions to the visual art industry in Nigeria were, Jelili Atiku and Marc Andre Schmachtel. The duo received the LagosPhoto

Award of Excellence & Dedication to Art & Contemporary Visual Culture in Nigeria. Matthew Wilsher and AAF Director, Azu Nwagbogu presented the awards. Azu Nwagbogu who expressed his gratitude to the AAF team and Cristina De Middel, this year’s festival curator, for putting up a well organised festival, also commended supporters of the project and sponsor, Etisalat Nigeria for standing by the Foundation since inception in 2010. He said the festival provided great opportunity for Africans to tell their own stories about the continent through immense creativity and innovation.

G9 Artists on reclamation ride with Essentials Japhet Alakam

NEW movement commit ted to the development of art practice in Nigeria in a special way has emerged. The group which is made of not just established artists, but those who have a pedigree with over 20 years studio practice are out to make a difference with their experience. Though in the formative stage, but the group which is presently made up of 9 artists want to feel each other and test their strenght before launcing into the main shows with an exhibition tagged Essentials, an exhibition of paintings, sculptures and installations. The exhibition which is scheduled to open on 14th of November, 2015 at Alexis Gallery,Akin Olugbade Street, Victoria Island, will run till 21st. It will feature about 30 works that are masterfully done in diverse media . Through the body of works, the artists introduces art enthusiasts to the very heart and pulse of Nigerian creativity by exploring most of the country’s diverse issues through strikingly diverse and engaging styles that C M Y K

express an exciting range of honest and bold contemporary creativity. In an interactive session with the media, the group stated that their focus is not just about exhibition, but they want to address some other issues they claimed are not done well in the art circle. The group which is made up of a mixture of multitalented artists from different schools and ideology but united in a common front to change the face of art include, George Edozie, Akinola Ebenezer, Bimbo Adenugba, Gerald Chukwuma, Joshua Nme-

The artists are not just established ones but those whose works are sought by collectors both at home and international

• One of the works by Gerald Chukwuma sirionye, Kunle Adegborioye, Osagie Aimufia, Segun Aiyesan and Wallace Ejoh. According to the curator, George Edozie, the artists involved are not just established artists, but those whose works are sought by collectors both at home and in the international circle. The works to be displayed are very important to collectors, they are not just the regular works you see anytime so the are a must for every collector, hence the title Essentials.

For the extremely excited co curator and CEO of Alexis Gallery, Patty Chidiac, who described it as a match made in heaven. “This is a must see show of breathtaking works at affordable prices, we at the Alexis Galleries are delighted to host this all important show of great artists....” On his part, Gerald Chukwuma said ," with humility, the movement is set to change something in the way the business of art is done in Nigeria. Having seen it all in the art scene, we

know the problems and we are bent on making the necessary corrections that will take art to the next level. For example, "we will pioneer and sponsor publications that is by documenting the art business in Nigeria as it is done in other climes not leaving it in the hands of non artists. We will also be organising workshops and taking exhibitions to other countries." Also Bimbo Adenugba,one of the artists said, "as people that have been able to survive the harsh environment and other challenges in the art, we can not stay and watch the art business go the way it is going. We will connect with international groups to make the difference." As usual Alexis is relying on its regular sponsors like Chocolat Royale, Nigeria Info, Cool FM, Wazobia FM, Cool TV, Wazobia TV, Art Café, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Arra Wines, The Homestores Limited, LithoChrome Limited, Avenue Suites Hotel and Cobranet Internet Service Provider for the success of the exhibition.

38—Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12 , 20 15 2015

Activists tackle NLC over anti-labour practices at Labour transport firm •Demand reinstatement of sacked workers, unionists By Victor Ahiuma-Young

OR some times now, there has been lingering dispute between Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and former staff of Labour City Transport Limited , LCTS, over perceived deceit and breach of agreement reached while LCTS was in limbo. While the workers including their leaders are claiming that there was an agreement with the leadership of NLC via the Board of LCTS on November 19, 2014, which culminated in their sacrificing a year salaries among others, and accepted to be paid off on the understanding that when the company was revived with fleet of buses being expected, they would be the first to be reengaged before fresh staff were employed, the NLC is insisting that no such agreement existed and that the former LSTC was closed down and the workers fully paid their benefits. Today, LCTS is fully operational with mostly new staff, while the former workers including the branch executive officials have not been recalled despite several correspondences and appeals. The workers are now feeling betrayed, deceived and cheated and have solicited the assistance of well meaning Nigerians, rights activists and organizations to get justice.

Alleged injustice It appears one of such rights organizations, Campaign for Democratic Workers’ Rights, CDWR, has taken up the lead to secure justice for the workers against alleged injustice done to them by NLC. CDWR in a statement by its Chairman, Mr. Rufus Olusesan, titled “NLC Must End AntiLabour Practices in LCTS; CDWR Demands Reinstatement of Sacked Workers, posited that NLC was the biggest umbrella body of workers with the goal to defend the interest of workers and also to advance workers conditions. According to the group: “But certain conducts of the leaders of NLC clearly show that the objectives for organizing a trade union will be extremely difficult to achieve. The Labour City Transport Limited, LCTS, is a transport scheme supposedly to assist workers to move from one point to another affordably. The motive of the scheme was to have a business venture to enable trade unions make more money outside union dues to enable them make up for lost ground associated with massive casualization and loss of

Emma Ugbuoja, Secretary of LCTS Board of Directors, Najeem Usman Yasin, Chairman of the Board, Boniface Isok, member of the Board of Directos Board and Ibrahim Rasheed, Chairman of LCTS branch Executive of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, after the November 19, 2014, meeting in Abuja. jobs due to neo-liberal policies. It explains why unions are investing more in business ventures than working towards unionizing more workers and defending their rights. “LCTS has been a scheme operated for decades now, collapsing periodically due to corruption and inefficiency only to be revitalized after loans were secured. The last collapse happened in 2014 after an 11 years wobbling wherein workers struggled to get operation going despite the fact that workers were periodically owed several months of salaries, salaries were paid in piecemeal, workers were paid very low wage with poor condition of service and some workers

It later turned out that the NLC leaders used the meeting to cajole the affected workers to accept the "pay-off only to turn round and sack them."

sustained injuries were not adequately compensated and three workers actually died due to these enumerated problems.” Close down of operations: CDWR noted that “LCTS management and the NLC closed operation for three months in January 2014 through a staff notice which violated relevant sections of the Labour Act which specifically stipulates the procedures for temporary closures and redundancy. The extension by one month in April 2014 of the closure also followed this line of illegality, whereas a constituted Branch Union Executive of NURTW was in place and was never consulted. This continued illegality prompted the branch union executive to write a letter dated August 8, 2014 to the Board of Director of LCTS and copied NLC President requesting the immediate payment of their outstanding salary since they were deemed workers by virtue of the labour law having not been properly disengaged. “Due to workers agitation, the Board of Director invited the branch union executive for a meeting that was held on November 19, 2014 in Abuja. Six members of the branch union executive, three members of the Board of Directors (Comrades Najeem Yasin, Isok Boniface, and Emmanuel Ogboaja) and Mr. Bolu Oluboyo representing the LCTS management participated. The meeting concluded with the verbal pledge from LCTS management and the NLC to reabsorb all old staff before employing other workers on a better remuneration and condition of service for workers when operations resumes in 2015. It later turned out that the NLC leaders used the meeting to

cajole the affected workers to accept the “pay-off only to turn round and sack them.” Backdated sack letters: Continuing, CDWR claimed that “the Board of Directors of LCTS issued a letter of sack in December 2014 but backdated the letter to read December 2013 and signed by Emmanuel Ugboaja (Board Secretary and Assistant General Secretary of the NLC) and unilaterally arrived at the terminal benefit of each worker in violation of the Labour Act. In this one-sided calculated “terminal benefit, Pension, Group Life Insurance etc., were excluded. Apparently, the backdated sack was aimed at circumventing the payment of 2014 workers salary. This act runs contrary to the recent position of the NLC leaders including the NLC factional President, Ayuba Wabba, who claimed that the body and its leaders would join in the fight against corruption. A mass rally against corrupt practices was actually held on September 10, 2015 in several states of the federation as well as Abuja.

Backdating of a letter to take effect one year before is a fraud! “It is also a scandal that the NLC will deliberately block its workers from pension. This is at variance with Pension Reform Act 2004 as amended. Why would workers in a business venture owned by NLC not be pensionable? Despite interventions of the well meaning Nigerians, some leaders of prolabour organizations who appealed to Comrade Ayuba Wabba to recall these workers were rebuffed. In fact, Wabba and Ugboaja have maintained that the NLC having paid the affected workers their “gratuity, therefore, NLC have fulfilled all obligations. Even on the basis of redundancy, which is not the case, the NLC violated Section 20 of the Labour Act; and the NLC also, violated Section 1, 2 and 4 of 2004 Pension Act as amended, and fundamentally, betrayed the agreement reached on November 19, 2014.

Affected workers “The affected workers claimed that they are 24 in number including Mrs. Funke Ogungbe, a daughter of Pa Michael Imoudu, and had toiled since 2003 to build LCTS and do not deserve this treatment from the NLC and LCTS management. Despite these sufferings, the affected workers were not only betrayed, they were shortchanged and dumped. To make matter worse, all entreaties to NLC and the LCTS management to resolve this matter amicably were ignored.” CDWR’s demand: CDWR in the statement made it clear that it would support all legal and political actions of the affected workers at getting justice and added that it supported the demands of the affected workers that “the “terminal benefit paid some months back should be renegotiated with workers to take into consideration Pension, Group Life Insurance etc. The 2014 salaries should be paid to the affected workers. All old workers yet to be reabsorbed should be employed.”

C M Y K

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015 — 39

Russia’s peace plan for Syria revealed •18-month transition proposed

Russian document circulating at the United Nations has proposed a constitutional reform process in Syria, lasting 18 months, to be followed by presidential elections. The document does not say whether Syrian President Bashar al-Assad should remain in power during that time. It says certain Syrian opposition groups should take part in key talks on the crisis in Vienna on Saturday. The Syrian army meanwhile has broken a siege in the north. Army units fought their way to Kuwairis airbase, east of Aleppo, and eliminated large numbers of Islamic State (IS) militants, reports said. The facility had been under attack by IS jihadists for nearly two years. It represents a victory for regime forces which have struggled to advance even since Russia added its firepower to the conflict at the end of September, flying hundreds of sorties in that time. The BBC’s Steve Rosenberg is embedded with Russian forces at their air base near Latakia, sending the following tweets among others on Wednesday. Russian planes targeted

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (right) and UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de IS-controlled areas in Aleppo province and other targetsin the Damascus countryside on Wednesday, reported the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. At least 22 people were killed and many more wounded by rebel shellfire

Myanmar president promises peaceful transfer of power

Y A N M A R President Thein Sein has congratulated Aung San Suu Kyi and promised “a peaceful transfer of power” in line with voting results from elections held at the weekend, according to Suu Kyi’s opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) Party. The NLD said in a statement on Wednesday that it had received a message from Information Minister Ye Htut, on behalf of Sein, in which the president was quoted as saying: “In accordance with the Union Election

•Aung San Suu Kyi

in the Mediterranean city of Latakia on Tuesday, state media and activists say. Latakia, which lies in the heartland of President Assad’s minority Alawite sect, has largely escaped the conflict that has devastated most of Syria and killed more than 250,000 people.

Spain challenges Catalan secession bid is due to decide whether to HE Spanish government is fighting in the country’s top court a motion passed in the Catalan parliament backing independence from Spain. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy called the motion a “blatant disregard for the state’s institution... they are trying to do away with democracy”. The Constitutional Court

Commission’s election results announcement, I would like to congratulate you, the NLD, for leading the race for parliamentary seats.”

suspend the Catalan resolution immediately. The motion asks the regional assembly to aim for independence in 18 months. Passed on Monday, the motion also gives the parliament 30 days to start legislation on a Catalan constitution, treasury and social security system. Catalan nationalist parties secured a majority of seats in September elections but fell short of winning half the vote. They had said before the vote that they considered it a de facto referendum on independence from Spain. Opinion polls suggest a majority of Catalans favour a referendum on independence, but are evenly divided over whether to secede.

Migrants drown as EU leaders meet in Malta

OURTEEN migrants have drowned in the latest boat sinking as European Union and African leaders gathered in Malta to discuss measures to stem the flow of people into Europe. Seven of those who died when a wooden boat sank between Turkey and the Greek island of Lesbos were children. Coastguards rescued 27 survivors. The meeting in the Maltese capital Valletta was planned after about 800 died in a migrant boat sinking off Libya in April. The UN says nearly 800,000 migrants have arrived in Europe by sea so far in 2015, while some

EU wants African nations to accept migrants back

3,440 have died or gone missing making the journey. Some 150,000 people from African countries such as Eritrea, Nigeria and Somalia have made the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean from Africa so far this year, arriving mainly in Italy and Malta. But this has been dwarfed by the arrival of some 650,000 people mostly Syrians - via Turkey and Greece. At the two-day Malta summit, EU leaders are expected to offer countries in Africa billions of euros in exchange for help with the migrant crisis.

HE European Union wants some migrants, who don’t qualify for asylum expelled and given EU papers to fly to Africa, adding that it wants African countries to let them travel onwards to their home. A top African Union official called the idea “unheard-of ” and migration experts said it represents a sign of desperation. At the very least, it will make for heated discussions at a migration summit that began Wednesday in Malta. The talks on the Mediterranean island are being held not far from

where rescue ships have plucked thousands of people from the seas this year. According to the International Organization for Migration, almost 800,000 people have entered Europe by sea this year. The EU predicts that three million more could arrive by 2017. In another sign of desperation, Slovenia began erecting a razor-wire fence along its border with Croatia to stop asylumseekers from overwhelming the area. Many people arrive in Europe without identity papers. Some claim to be Syrians or Iraqis, to

increase their chances of being granted asylum. European nations, meanwhile, are pressing African leaders to take back thousands of people refused asylum. The special “laissez passer” travel documents for Africans without ID are aimed at easing their return back to countries they left or traveled through. In essence, the pass means the EU would decide where a person without a passport has come from in Africa tantamount to the EU designating the nationality of someone on behalf of his home country.

S/Africa jails eight policemen for murder of Mozambican

IGHT South African policemen were jailed on Wednesday for 15 years each for the murder of a Mozambican taxi driver who was dragged behind a police van in a horrific incident caught by mobile phone cameras. The death of Mido Macia provoked widespread outrage, and threw the spotlight on South Africa’s police force and frequent •Eight South African policemen, who were sentenced to 15 years in prison for being responsible for the death of a allegations of its brutality. The27-year-oldMaciadiedin Mozambican taxi driver, in a court room during their trial. police custody in February 2013 after being arrested for metres in Daveyton, east of Court Judge Bert Bam said parking his car on the wrong Johannesburg. Two hours in the capital, Pretoria. side of the road. Video footage later he was found dead in “The arrest of the deceased showed Macia being his cell in a pool of blood. and then dragging behind “Each of you are the vehicle was totally manhandled, handcuffed to the back of a police van, sentenced to 15 years unnecessary, uncalled for, and dragged hundreds of imprisonment,” High and not justified at all.’”

ANGOLA@40: President reminds citizens of violent past said. After the war ended

ARKING Angola’s 40 years of independence on Wednesday, President Jose Eduardo dos Santos reminded citizens of the country’s violent history. “It was not easy, we have not received independence on a silver platter,” dos Santos said in a speech printed in local media and broadcast on radio and television. After a 27-year civil war that involved “several generations,” it was up to Angola’s youth to rebuild the country, dos Santos

in 2002, oil-rich Angola enjoyed an economic boom. The country tried to position itself as the Dubai of Africa as the ruling party consolidated power, according to Ricardo Soares de Oliveira, author of “Magnificent and Miserable: Angola since the Civil War.” But critics say Angola has little to celebrate as dos Santos, in power for 36 years, this year intensified a crackdown on human rights. An independent Ango-lan news site, Rede Angola, questioned dos Santos’ optimism for the youth in the wake of the arrest of young political activists.

In June, 15 youth activists were arrested after they met to discuss political issues, rights group Amnesty International said. The activists were charged with preparing a “rebellion and a coup attempt,” according to Amnesty. Last month, 18 people protesting in solidarity with the 15, were arrested and fined, reported Rede Angola. In a separate incident, another activist was arrested, tried and sentenced to six years in prison after he organized a protest, the group said in a statement.

US offers rewards for information on Somalia’s al-Shabab leaders

HE US government is offering $27m (£18m) in rewards for information on the whereabouts of six leaders of the Somaliabased al-Shabab group. The highest reward is $6m for the group’s leader Abu Ubaidah. He replaced Ahmed Abdi Godane, who was killed in

a US drone strike last year. Among those being hunted is Mahad Karate, also known as Abdirahman Mohamed Warsame, believed to be a key player in the attack on a Kenyan university which killed 148 people. The group, part of alQaeda, is battling the UN-

backed government in Somalia and has also carried out a string of attacks in neighbouring Kenya. On Wednesday, Kenyan security forces destroyed five suspected al-Shabab hideouts in the Bono forest close to the Somali border, according to Reuters news agency.

40— Vanguard,

THURSDAY 5 THURSDAY,, NOVEMBER 12, 201 2015

•IPOB members during the protest march

PRO-BIAFRA PROTESTS: Traders count losses as IPOB shuts markets By Ugochukwu Alaribe, Aba; Nwabueze Okonkwo, Onitsha; Chidi Nkwopara, Owerri & Francis Igata, Enugu

T began like a whirlwind that is now sweeping through the South East states and other states with significant Igbo populations. Even though there presently appears to be a temporary lull, the dust raised is yet to settle. But that is not all. The one million protest march embarked upon by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, which shut down markets in most cities in the South-East, took a heavy toll on the dwindling economy of the affected states. The affected traders have also begun to count the losses suffered while the three-day protest lasted. In the Enyimba City of Aba, Vanguard Features, VF, gathered that with the exception of the Ehere Modern Market, located along Ikot Ekpene in Obingwa Local Government Area, the protesters ensured that other markets in the city were shut. As early as 7:45am on Monday, members of the IPOB who formed themselves into several groups, each numbering over 5,000, had stormed Ariaria International, Ohabiam Electronics, Ekeoha , Ngwa Road and Cemetery Markets to ensure C M Y K

that they complied with the order. Shop owners hurriedly close: While marching through major roads such as Azikiwe, Cemetery, Asa, Faulks, Bakassi Shoe Plaza, Aba-Owerri, including the Osisioma Ngwa area, VF observed that shop owners who had opened for business, hurriedly closed their shops to avoid the anger of the protesters. Though the protest was peaceful, there were isolated incidents where a group of protesters were alleged to have destroyed goods of traders who failed to comply with the order. This kind of scenario may have informed the patrolling of major roads by a combined team of security agents to ensure hoodlums did not hijack the protest to loot property.

Hijacking of protests From Port Harcourt Road to Osisioma Ngwa area and Ogbor Hill, there was panic in the city as shop owners were afraid to open for business, even when the protesters had marched past the areas. For the three days the protest lasted, vehicular movement within major roads: Azikiwe, Aba-Owerri Road, Okigwe Road, Faulks, Umule, Port Harcourt, and Osisioma Ngwa junction on the Enugu- Port Harcourt ex-

pressway, was on snail pace causing commuters to trek to their destinations. VF gathered that with the exception of the Ehere Modern Market, located along Ikot Ekpene in Obingwa local government area, the protesters ensured that other markets in the city were shut. Some of the group members who spoke to VF said the protest may continue beyond the week if the Federal Government failed to release their detained leader and Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu. They warned residents to stock food items as there

The protest has taken a heavy toll on people like us; yesterday (Monday), I lost over N40,000 because I thought the closure of the market won’t be total

may be total shut down of all commercial activities in the Enyimba City. Lamenting the loss he incurred on Monday, the operator of a popular restaurant at the Cemetery Market told VF that he was caught unawares by the closure of the markets as he didn’t reckon with the ‘order’. The operator who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said, “The protest has taken a heavy toll on people like us. Yesterday (Monday), I lost over N40,000 because I thought the closure of the market won’t be total. What happened was that during past protests in Aba, we partially opened for business but yesterday was different. I was even calling my customers because my restaurant is usually a beehive of activities from 8am to 1pm which coincided with the period of the protest.” Another operator of an eatery at the Ariaria International Market who gave her name as Nkechi Anameje, said she reduced the quantity of food she normally cooks and used her back door to let in customers. Mrs Chino Nwankwo who deals on clothing materials at the Ekeoha Market said she was in a helpless situation. “What can we do since they warned us to close shop? Nobody would like to risk his or her wares because

if you try it, you will regret your action because hoodlums can make use of the opportunity to loot your shop,” she said. Lawful protests allowed: While calling on the Federal Government to pay attention to the grievances of the protesters, a security consultant, Mr. Chigozie Onyeukwu Ubani, said IPOB members are free to use any lawful means including closure of markets to press home their demand. “The Igbos feel dissatisfied with the present structure of Nigeria and they have a right to do so. They have a right to selfdetermination and can only be defeated in a referendum and not by coercion.

Defeat in referendum They had their leader arrested and detained without trial. This is unfair. The protests have been peaceful and I commend them. Shutting the markets is no big issue after all; the markets were created by the people for the people. Let the Federal Government pay attention to their complaints and treat the Igbos better for a healthier federation.” Speaking on the closure of markets in the city during protests, the Chairman of the Abia State Market Development Committee, ASMDC, Chief Solomon Nwaigwe, said the continued closure of markets during protests would cause suffering to the people of the state and appealed to the protesters to allow markets to open for busiContinues on page 41

Vanguard, THURSDAY 5—41 THURSDAY,, NOVEMBER 12, 201 2015

Traders count losses as IPOB shuts markets Continues from page 40 ness. Discordant views: “I’m appealing to the protesters to allow markets open for business because when you close markets, you have shut down the city. They should go about the protests without shutting the markets. Trade and commerce is the major occupation of Aba residents. So, when you shut markets, it is like trying to shut somebody out of his means of livelihood and you know what that means. There are traders and businessmen who only sustain their families from what they make from the markets daily,” he remarked. In a telephone chat with VF, the Chairman of the Ehere Modern Market, Aba, Mr. Jeremiah Chigozie, said though the traders identified with the protest, he does not support the shutting down of markets in the city. “The closure of markets is wrong. Once you forcefully close the market, you have caused problems for the traders and their families because their lives depend on their businesses. We are not against the protest but markets should be open for business. Any trader who wishes to join is free, but let the markets be open.

Cost of closing of markets When you consider that traders are recording low sales due to the state of the economy, closing markets as a result of the protest is simply an overkill. I appeal to the protesters to think about the cost of closing markets. It is not in the interest of the people.” Obiano’s intervention averts markets closure in Onitsha: Although major markets in Onitsha were not officially closed due to Governor Willie Obiano’s stern warning that any market which closes in solidarity with the protesters would be shut down for six months by the State Government and their leaders punished accordingly. However, most of the traders voluntarily stayed at home in solidarity with the pro-Biafra group. Those who went to the market and opened their shops soon discovered that there were no customers to buy their wares. This must have prompted them to close their shops as early at 12 noon. Reacting to the development, the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, said although IPOB is a different group of Biafra agitators, they supported the protest against continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu. They noted that when the MASSOB leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike

was detained, MASSOB embarked upon their own protest until he was released. MASSOB’s Deputy Director for Information, Mazi Chris Mocha, who spoke to newsmen on phone, said they welcome any group that is agitating for the actualisation of Biafra because such a group is assisting MASSOB in its struggle for the actualization. President of Anambra Markets Amalgamated Traders Association, AMATAS, Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo said traders opened their shops because markets were not closed officially during the protests. Resistance: Mr. Okwudili Ezenwankwo who spoke for the South-East Amalgamated Market Traders Association of Nigeria, SEAMATA, in Enugu, appealed to the pro-Biafra agitators to explore peaceful means of achieving their agitation. He told VF on phone that the Association will not be part of any activity that will cripple businesses in the region. “We will not be part of any violent protest because we were not briefed on the agenda. We are appealing to them to be peaceful and non-violent. Any activity that will paralyse business activities will be resisted by the union,“ the SEAMATA boss warned. Efforts made by VF to get the views of leaders of transport unions, traders and artisans in Owerri, proved abortive as none wanted to be quoted. Some of the traders simply said that they decided to close their shops for fear of the unknown. According to them: “There is the possibility that the protesters could be joined by thieves that would readily storm any open shop and loot whatever they can lay their hands on, all in the name of protest”. A few others expressed happiness over the protest as they pointed to what they termed “the growing neglect of Igboland by

Closing markets as a result of the protest is simply an overkill; I appeal to the protesters to think about the cost of closing markets; it is not in the interest of the people

*Biafra still alive, say IPOB protesters successive Federal Governments”. More reactions: Describing the protest as legitimate, a legal practitioner based in Onitsha and Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Idemili branch, Ben Okoko said the right is being fought for by the IPOB members is guaranteed under the Constitution of Nigeria, adding that if truth be told, the agitation is predicated on marginalisation. According to Okoko: “If there is justice and equity in sharing our natural resources, the struggle will cease. Resources are not shared commensurately revenues generated from the Southeast and Southsouth zones of the country”. He however cautioned against poor coordination of the agitation, adding that its legitimacy should not be tainted with violence and criminal tendencies. President of Igbo Youths Forum, IYF, Anunihu Uzor, noted that traders supported the agitation to the extent that most of them closed their shops, while some of them even joined in the demonstration because there is no motorable road in the entire South East region, neither is there a Federal Government presence in the zone.

Anunihu noted that if government had addressed these issues squarely instead of arresting, detaining and refusing to release Nnamdi Kanu in defiance of court order, there would have been no need to agitate for Biafra restoration, not to talk of embarking on demonstrations. On the shooting and killing of an IPOB member during the demonstration, by a vigilante

operative of Igbo extraction, Anunihu described it as a taboo or abomination for an Igbo man to kill a fellow Igbo man, adding: “We condemn the killing. Ndigbo should condemn the killing and government should look into their plight because if a child is crying and you look into his problem and address it, he will definitely stop crying”.

42—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015

By Dayo Benson & Bartholomew Madukwe

OLLOWING last week’s alleged walk-out on the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) by lawyers to Senate President Bukola Saraki, Abubakar Magaji SAN and Ahmed Raji SAN, senior and junior lawyers in Nigeria have commended the tribunal chairman, Justice Danladi Umar for not suspending the trial until Saraki’s appeal before the Supreme Court is determined. The Senate President had gone before the apex court to challenge the constitutionality of the charge which was preferred against him by the Federal Government, as well as the jurisdiction of the twoman tribunal to entertain same. As a result of the judgment of the Court of Appeal on October 30 that gave the tribunal the nod to try Saraki, he approached the Supreme Court, asking it to set aside the said appeal court judgment. Before the walk-out by Saraki’s lawyers, they informed the tribunal that their client had filed a motion for stay of proceedings of the tribunal, at the apex court (marked SC/852/2015 and dated November 2). Saraki’s lawyers maintained that all the parties in the matter had been served and the tribunal was duly notified about the pendency of the appeal at the Supreme Court via a letter addressed to its chairman, Justice Umar, on November 4.

Judicial comatose Speaking with Vanguard Law & Human Rights on the issue, some lawyers, who described the walk-out by Saraki’s lawyers as one that can easily lead to judicial comatose in the nation’s courts, asserted that an appeal does not automatically operate as a stay of proceeding. According to a labour lawyer, Femi Aborisade, an appeal does not automatically operate as a stay. In his words: “But the Supreme Court has held, in Mohammed v. Olawumi (1993) 4 NWLR (Pt. 287) 254 at 277, paras H-A, and 278, para H, that the trial court ought not to continue hearing a matter where it is aware that an application for stay of proceedings pending before the appellate court.” He noted that according to the Court: “Where there is an application before a higher Court for a stay of proceedings in the lower court, a decision by the

SARAKI vs CCT :

Does appeal operate as stay of proceedings ? — Lawyers speak lower court which will render the result of such application nugatory should be avoided. It will amount to a mere speculation for the trial court to come to the conclusion that an appeal or application before the higher court or appellate court will fail. An appeal against a judgement or ruling is a complaint against the decision. The lower court should not by any means silence the complaint or force a party to abandon or renounce his right” (Mohammed v. Olawumi (supra), at pp.278-279, paras HA).” Explaining further, Aborisade pointed out that earlier in the Mohammed v. Olawumi (supra) Judgment, the Supreme Court had remarked that: “In this appeal from the passage quoted above, the Judge, from his ruling was aware of the application but deliberately chose to ignore the process. This unfortunate attitude

Nigerian Law School: Back to steady growth to academic excellence Pg 44 — Ahams Njoku C M Y K

in disregarding the process of the Court of Appeal borders on judicial impertinence. It is an affront to the authority of the Court of Appeal. All the courts

An appeal against a judgement or ruling is a complaint against the decision. The lower court should not by any means silence the complaint or force a party to abandon or renounce his right” (Mohammed v. Olawumi (supra), at pp.278-279, paras HA).”

established under our Constitution derive their powers and authority from the Constitution. The hierarchy of courts shows the limits and powers of each court. To defy the authority and power of a higher court appears to me undesirable and distasteful.

Negative connotations Even without the ratio of Vaswani’s case, the best and reasonable course of action was to have adjourned the matter before him pending the determination of the application before the Court of Appeal” (Mohammed v. Olawumi (supra), at pp.277-278, paras HB). On the walk-out by Saraki’s lawyers, he opined that the term, “ walk out” has negative connotations. “It is not ordinarily ethical for lawyers to walk out of the court. That would be disrespectful to the court, which is not allowed. Lawyers are required to respect the court in order to enhance public

confidence in the courts and the judicial system. No lawyer whose means of livelihood depends on legal practice would want to disrespect the court and undermine public confidence in the courts and the judicial system.”Be that as it may, it is not compulsory for lawyers to wait in the court after their matter has been called and heard. In that context, lawyers can take a bow and leave unannounced. As far as Saraki’s lawyers are concerned, the NBA President has stated in media reports that Saraki’s lawyers had been asked in writing to explain the newspaper publications that they walked out of the CCT. “According to the NBA President, Saraki’s lawyers had explained that they sought and obtained the leave or permission of the CCT to withdraw from the suit on account of the insistence of the CCT to go ahead in spite of being aware that there is a pending appeal at the apex court and that they were so recorded in the records of the court and subsequently, they left the court.

Continues on page 44

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015 — 43

Does Appeal operate as stay of proceedings? — Lawyers speak Continues from page 42

If the account by the Saraki’s lawyers as related by the NBA President is true, the Saraki lawyers cannot be said to have done anything wrong. If their account is a falsification of what transpired and that they actually “ walked out” that would be unethical. Until a formal complaint is raised against them to prove that they “walked out” rather than properly taking the leave of the court to withdraw, they cannot be rightly accused to have committed any wrong,” he added. A senior lawyer, Chief Morah Ekwunoh, on his part, said mere filing of Appeal does not operate as automatic stay of p r o c e e d i n g s . He stated: “Strictly and generally speaking, under the Rules relating to proceedings in our courts, mere filing of Appeal, without more, does not operate as automatic stay of proceedings.

Stay of proceedings However, when an Appellant satisfies the lower court of his not only having appealed, but has transmitted records to that effect to the appellate court, the lower court, upon proper application before it, is expected to stay proceedings pending hearing and determination of the appeal. “This is so done in order for the lower court not to over-reach the appellate court and render nugatory its eventual decisions , or, by so doing, foist on the said appellate court complete faitaccompli, full of hopelessness and frustration, thus leaving its judgments, rulings and consequential orders as empty and hollow shells.”In the case of criminal proceedings, as in Saraki’s case, the situation and reason are made no different by express provisions prohibiting stay of proceedings on the altar of mere appeals, as enshrined and encapsulated in section 305(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act,2015.” However, Ekwunoh noted that this does not warrant massive

EDITORIAL TEAM Innocent Anaba ( Head) Wahab Abdulah Ikechukwu Nnochiri Dayo Benson (Supervising Editor) 08056180119 dayobenson@yahoo.com

walk-out or boycott, as allegedly done by Saraki’s lawyers. “Walk-out does not only denigrate the Tribunal and the institution it represents, but serves as bad examples to young and upcoming lawyers. The walk-out or boycott of Tribunal by lawyers to Saraki, upon receipt of unfavourable ruling denying their quest for stay of proceedings, is, to say the least, an embarrassment to, and of stinking contempt of the Tribunal, for which it can, there and then, try and commit them, for contempt in facia curia (in the face of court), as done by, among numerous others, Justice M O Atake to his former classmate and colleague at the Bar, Mr G M Boyo. After all said and done, in a case, one side must win, while the other side must lose; and one side must not win or lose all the time. This is the beauty, consolation or, if you may add, paradox of legal practice,” he averred. Another lawyer, Abdulqudus Mumuney, argued that a Notice of Appeal only serves as a mere notice to the Respondent and the lower court that the Appellant is desirous of challenging a decision (usually in favour of the Respondent) at the superior court. He stressed that, “the law is long settled that a Notice of Appeal does not automatically stay the proceedings of a court whose decision is being challenged at a superior court. In

It’s innovative, it’s good; it’s to recognise hard work and diligence in the legal industry, It is an ideal to aspire more, it will increase capacity building

order for a lower court to stay proceedings before it on the grounds that a party is challenging its decision at a superior court, such party (Appellant) must file an application for stay of proceedings before such lower court. The lower court would consider the application and only stay proceedings if the court finds the application meritorious. There are settled conditions that must be fulfilled for the lower court to grant such application. “However, there are certain instances where a lower court would cease to hear a matter before it after a Notice of Appeal has been filed. One of such instance is where the Record of Appeal has been compiled and transmitted from the lower court

to the superior court. In this circumstance, it is said that Appeal has been entered.” On the issue of the attitude of Saraki’s counsel staging a walk out on the CCT, he said, “Our courts have repeatedly pronounced on the need for legal practitioners to maintain high standard in practice. In EMMANUEL OKAFOR & ORS V. AUGUSTINE NWEKE & ORS (2007) All FWLR Pt 368 P. 1016 @ 1027 Par. C-D, His Lordship, Onnoghen JSC while delivering the lead ruling commented on the need for legal practitioners to maintain high standards in practice. His Lordship stated thus: ‘Legal practice is a very serious business that is to be undertaken by serious minded practitioners particularly as both the legally trained minds and those not so trained always learn from our examples. We therefore owe the legal profession the duty to maintain the very high standards required in the practice of the profession in this country.’ In my

view, the action of Saraki’s Counsel highly unprofessional and reprehensible. Aligning her position with other lawyers, Precious Eriamiatoe, asserted that an appeal does not serve as a stay of proceedings. “An appeal does not serve as a stay of proceedings. According to the new Administration of Criminal Justice Act of 2015, section 306 provides “An application for stay of proceedings in respect of a criminal matter before the court shall not be entertained. In essence, proceeding at a lower court will continue not withstanding a pending appeal before a superior court,” Eriamiatoe stated. The lawyer also described the alleged walk-out by Saraki’s lawyers as contemptuous, saying, “If indeed there was a walk out on the tribunal by Saraki’s lawyers, such an act is contemptuous and amounts to professional misconduct for which they could face disciplinary measures.”

Rewarding hardwork ‘ll drive legal industry — ex AGF By Providence Obuh

E W A R D I N G hardwork and diligence among lawyers, law firms and related bodies will drive the legal industry and encourage upcoming lawyers in the country, said the former Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, Chief Bayo Ojo. Ojo who is also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) said this while fielding questions from journalists during the 2015 Law Digest Africa Awards (LDAA) presentation ceremony which held last Friday at the Oriental Hotels in Lekki, Lagos. He described the award put together by Law digest as an ideal to increase capacity building and something to look forward to. “It’s innovative, it’s good; it’s to recognise hard work and diligence in the legal industry, It is an ideal to aspire more, it will increase capacity building and something to look forward to.” The LDAAs are a brand new concept in recognising and honouring excellence in the African legal services market by recognising the contributions of individual lawyers, law firms and

in-house teams. Publisher/Editor, Law Digest, Mr. Seyi Clement, said that the award is designed to reward excellence in the practice of law across Africa, saying, “We gave awards to about 17 law firms and individuals, so it’s not just lawyers alone. Law firms, individuals, in-house practice and also those who provide support services to lawyers, such as IT services providers to lawyers. “We look at the quality of work they do, not really the size. We’re looking at what they do, what people say about them, what their colleagues, clients say about them. “This is the third year the Law Digest journal has been in existence and the vision is to promote African legal practice through articles,” he said. Mr. Gbenga Oyebode whose firm, Aluko & Oyebode, was confirmed “Law Firm of the Year award,” said: “I feel particularly proud, I’ve been chosen for the law achievement award, it’s a lifetime achievement. What this proves for me is that the last 35 years of practicing law have not

been in vain and it also galvanises me to do more in future. “Typically we have all these western publishers celebrating themselves and celebrating primarily Southern African law firms, so, it’s a great opportunity for us to have someone who takes a look at the best law firms on the continent but again focuses on the Nigerian law firms that have done extremely well and chooses to celebrate us.” Chairman, British-Nigerian Lawyers’ Forum, Mr. Stephen Akinsanya, added that the awards will raise the profile of Nigerian and African lawyers, stating “We want to obviously celebrate Nigerian and African lawyers who have achieved a sense of excellence in their professions and their chosen fields and also to highlight the legal fraternity in Africa and Nigeria. “The awards will also let people know that just as Africa is developing, there are law firms with Nigerian lawyers who are more than able to deal with the issues that crop up in the commercial world of developing the economy in Nigeria.”

44 — VANGUARD, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015

AELEX, a law firm, holds annual lecture with the theme, African Countries; Politics, Democracy and Ethnicity in Lagos below are the personalities at the event

Nigerian Law School: Back to steady growth of academic excellence — Ahams Njoku A

LMOST a year ago, while appraising the efforts of the Director- General Nigerian Law School, Dr. Olanrewaju Onadeko in the face of the challenges facing the over 52 years old school, I concluded thus: “We must commend Mr. Onadeko and all the Law School Staff, both academic and non-academic for refusing to compromise on standards despite huge pressure from some parents. Law is a serious course that requires the student to put his best foot forward”. The title of my piece then was “Much Ado About Law School examination failure.” In similar vein, Chairman of the Council of Legal Education, owner of the school, OCJ Okocha was quoted by major newspapers during the same period as saying“The reforms are on going, and the Council is determined to ensure that the said reforms are translated into the delivery of a higher quality of legal education throughout Nigeria”. Flowing from this, a cursory look at the school’s results for this year (2015) will reveal that the managers of the school led by Onadeko are on upward swing. Presenting the new wigs Honourable Body of Benchers under the Chairmanship of Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon, Justice Mahmud Mohammed ,GCON for admission into the Bar, Onadeko remarked that, “The May 2015 Bar Final examinations was undertaken by 2,851 students of the April entry class of the 2014/2015 School Year earlier referred to.

Backlog tag They are generally dubbed the ‘backlog class’, but their performance has obliterated the backlog tag, they achieved 68.5% outright pass, and 2.9% conditional pass. The two together give a success figure of 71.4%. Of their numbers, four candidates attained the first class grade, 109 obtained the second class upper grade, 418 were classified in the second lower division and 1, 422 attained the pass grade. In sum, the total number of passes was 1, 953, while 815 failed outright”. Talking about sterling performance of the students during this dispensation, let us see how a lawyer cum journalist captured “upward swing” in the school. Writing under the caption, ‘Fatima makes history at Law School’, he wrote: “A

genius, Fatimah Bombom made history on Wednesday, 21 October 2015 when she was honoured with standing ovation by the Chief Justice Mahmud Mohammed, other members of the Body of Benchers(BOB) and the Council of Legal Education(CLE), other dignitaries and the new wigs (her colleagues just called to Bar). Fatimah broke the existing record in the Nigerian Law School by bagging nine separate awards compared to existing record of seven awards previously received at the Call to Bar of Nigerian Law School”. The writer added that, “The awards include the “Best Student of the Year(1st Prize) donated by Sir Adetokunbo Ademola, Dr, Taslim Elias and Justice Atanda FatayiWilliams; the “Council of Legal Education Star Award” Corporate Law Practice donated by Chief Adegboye Awomolo SAN; Best Overall Female Student of the Year award donated by National Association of Women Judges; and Best Female Student in Criminal Litigation award by Mrs. Oluwatoyin Doherty. “The rest are Best Student in Civil and Criminal Litigation award donated by Chief Joe- Kyari SAN; and the prize for 1st Class Students donated by the Director General of the Nigerian Law School. She also bagged Second Class Upper in her LL.B degree at the University of Abuja”. On the magic wand for this success, Onadeko said, “I am glad to report that there is a rising level of focus and diligence in our students . As I noted in my speech at the Call to the Bar ceremonies of November 2014, we have made

The Council of Legal Education’s prescription is that study at the Nigerian Law School must only be undertaken on full time basis

it a point of duty to encourage them to; attend all lectures including interactive sessions; respond by participation in given assignments and group activities; and unhesitatingly approach academic staff for clarification of any unclear issues that may arise in their course of duty. Experience has shown that the best way to comprehend a subject is to have it expounded by way of instruction, through a person with proven knowledge in the field. The Council of Legal Education’s prescription is that study at the Nigerian Law School must only be undertaken on full time basis. This position is almost as old as the institution itself.” DG also touched on the phased deployment of Information Communication Technology; issue of violation of admission quotas by some faculties of law; improved security issue and the need to reintroduce pupilage programme for new entrants to the legal profession.

L-R Yemi Adamolekun, Executive Director, Enough is Enough/ discussant; Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, speaker, Major General Ike Nwachukwu,chairman of the occasion and Theophilus Emuwa, managing partner, AELEX.

L-R Ibifubara Berenibara, Aelex Partner, Adedapo TundeOlowu and Maxwell Bassey.

Programme for new entrants While admitting the new wigs into the Bar, Justice Muhammed drew their attention to many provisions in t h e Rule of Professional Conduct and warned them that violation of these rules “will amount to professional misconduct”. He singled out the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for commendation in these words: “May I use this medium to applaud the Nigerian Bar Association for successfully organizing the Annual General Conference in our Nation’s capital, Abuja. I must say that the Conference was well attended and sessions, intellectually stimulating. I further commend the Bar for being an able partner in reform as we continue to promote and ensure the advancement of the profession.” Justice Muhammed also agreed with Dr. Onadeko that the new wigs would do them self a lot of good if they take to pupilage because “it is the opportunity that you have to groom yourselves and develop a solid foundation for your future career.” All said and done, I doff my hat for Onadeko and his team that this upward swing must not be lowered. Njoku, a legal practitioner is also the Executive Director, Constitutional Watch, Lagos.

L-R Efunmi Olubanwo; Aelex Partner, Mrs. Funke Adekoya, SAN and Tokunbo Ekukinan.

L-R Aelex Partner, Soji Awogbade with Adesegun AkinOlugbade .

L-R Dele Adesina, SAN, Biodun Omoniyi and Charles Iyore

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015 — 45

Mixed reactions trail Dalong’s appointment as Sports Minister By Solomon Nwoke

EACTIONS have trailed the President Muhammadu Buhari’s appointment of Barrister Solomon Dalong as the new Sports Minister. In his remarks yesterday, President of the African Sports Journalists Union (ASJU), Mitchel Obi captured Buhari’s appointment as ‘going forward in the reverse’. He said, “the president has made his choice of minister and we are only but spectators. If they allow us to watch fine and if they don’t allow us fine, but this game belongs to us . We will be watching to see whether they will be playing well or not. If they score we applaud them and if they fail we boo them or wait for another opportunity to make a change. So I was not in any

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way surprised. Even those who had sports background did they deliver? The so called economic experts have they changed the fortune of this country for the better? The experts in the power sector have not guaranteed steady supply of light in the country. So we are just going forward in the reverse”. Also in his reaction, the former Commissioner for Sports in Bauchi state,

Alhaji Sani Ahmed Toro described him as a patriotic Nigerian who does not believe in doing his job on sentiments “Dalong is a youngman, a Lawyer and he is somebody who is learned and will not find it difficult carrying out any assignment. Sports is a complex sector, I told him, but I know if he can use the technocrats there definitely he will learn very fast’ , he said.

Ancelotti is Chelsea’s No1 choice to replace Mourinho

ARLO ANCELOT TI has shot back to the top of the list as a possible replacement for Jose Mourinho at Chelsea. The Italian was spotted in a swanky West London eatery last night appearing to hold talks with people claiming to represent the Blues. Ancelotti has not worked since leaving Real Madrid

in May and played down rumours of a Stamford Bridge return as ‘just talk’. But he was seen in deep discussion with businessmen, one of whom claimed to be a lawyer representing Chelsea, at the posh Quattro Passi restaurant in Mayfair yesterday.

46— Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015

Heroic welcome for World Champions, Golden Eaglets R

ESIDENTS of Abuja and other neighbouring cities rolled out drums on Wednesday to receive the World champions, the Golden Eaglets, at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja. The all-conquering Eaglets arrived the Federal capital territory at about 3pm aboard an Emirates Airline flight. Ministry of Sport and Youth officials, their Nigeria Football Federation counterparts and creme de la crème in football were on hand to receive the team. A tumultuous crowd besieged the airport premises to catch a glimpse of the golden boys as they made their way into a waiting motorcade. Activities around the airport were completely grounded for about one hour as massive jubilation rented the air, with security men ensuring order. The five-time World champions were almost immediately ushered into a vehicle for open bus parade round town before settling down at Transcorp Hilton Hotel. The Emmanuel Amuneke lads defeated their African counterparts, Mali, 2-0 in the final at the just ended FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile.

UPER Eagles Chief Coach, Sunday Oliseh says he does not see the reason for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to introduce the Code of Conduct for members of the senior national team. Addressing the sporting media in Abuja yesterday, Oliseh he believes that as professional players the boys know how to behave while in the national team’s camp and do not need to be forced into writing an undertaking like school children.

•Oliseh C M Y K

HERE is indeed truism in the assertion that ‘everyone loves a winner’ as the triumphant Golden Eaglets were treated to a standing ovation aboard Emirates Airlines on their return trip to Nigeria after Chile 2015 conquest. Travelling on Boeing 777 Flight 248 from Santiago to Dubai, the pilot after the usual protocol over public announcement system added matter-of- factly: “We are happy to have on board

members of the Nigerian U-17 National Team that was just crowned as the world championsafter they beat Mali 2-0 in the final on Sunday.” The announcement was followed with loud clapping and screaming by almost 300 passengers of different nationalities aboard the big bird piloted by the duo of Captain Luciano and Captain Asredew, with two co-pilots Flying Officers Oliver and Arif.

U-23: Siasia considers Nwakali, Osimhen

•ON TOP...Victor Osimhen in action for Nigeria at the FIFA U-17 World Cup

IGERIA U23 coach Samson Siasia is considering drafting U-17 World Cup hotshot Victor Osimhen and MVP Kelechi Nwakali

Buhari appoints 'unknown' Dalong to sports •Stakeholders react

By Ben Efe

IGERIAN sports offi cials searched yesterday for the antecedents of newly appointed sports minister, Solomon Dalong in the industry, but the man who will oversee the country ’s sports has scanty involvement in the business. President Muhammadu Buhari toed the line of previous leaders, who despite calls by members of the sports family to have a round peg in a round hole, were ignored and a complete outsider was appointed as sports minster.

Babatunde Raji Fashola and Heinenken Lokpobiri were two names that were bandied, but at the end they were assigned different portfolios. Dalong was born on September 26, 1964 in the town of Sabon Gida. He had his primary school education at LEA Primary School Sabon Gida from 1971 to 1977. He attended Government College Keffi, currently in Nassarawa State, and then joined the Prison Service. At the same time, he studied law at the University of Jos and

Oliseh rejects Code of Conduct for Eagles By Jude Opara, Abuja

Standing ovation for Eaglets aboard Emirates

“These players are men and some of them are even married and so deserve some respect. As professionals, they know how to

behave in camp. If you want respect as a coach you give it. If you want respect as a player you should also give it’’.

was called to the bar in 2001. He retired from the Nigerian Prison Service as an Assistant Inspector of Prisons in 2004. Armed with a master degree in law, he lectured for a while at the University of Jos, before joining politics and was chairman of the Langtang South Local Government of Plateau State. He returned to teaching and politicking after his tenure expired in 2008. Dalong is married with seven children. His lack of sporting background notwithstanding, some sports persons who offered their comments on his appointment backed him to perform and make Nigerian sports better off. “Dalong may not have a sports back ground, but

he is very equipped for the job. I have seen his record of service and I am confident that he can function well. He is not the type that will tolerate all that shenanigans they are used to in the sports ministry,”said Ahmed Shuaibu Garra Gombe. He submitted that the new minister must not shy away from studying the misdeeds of the past if he wants to make a headway. Also speaking, was Athletics Federation of Nigeria medical director, Professor Ken Anugueje. “His not having a sports background is immaterial. There are technocrats all around to guide him. “What we need is a prudent person who will not be swayed by sentiments either ethnic or region. He should avoid being held hostage by a group or groups inside the ministry, because it has happened several times before."

for the African U23 Nations Cup in Senegal, officials said. Osimhen set up a new goals record at the U17 World Cup in Chile, where he scored 10 goals, netting in all seven games as Nigeria won a fifth global crown. It was further learnt that the two other players may be skipper Kelechi Nwakali, who was named the MVP of the U17 World Cup, and one of the team’s fullbacks. A top official informed: “Siasia is considering calling up Osimhen and two other players from the World Cup-winning Golden Eaglets. The players are expected to join the U23s in Morocco, where they will train before the U23 championship in Senegal.” Siasia has complained about his team scoring goals and only a handful of noted strikers will be part of the 26 players who will fly out for a training stint in Morocco. It is believed Siasia is counting on overseasbased strikers like Taiwo Awoniyi, Umar Aminu and Junior Ajayi are expected to join up with the final squad to Senegal.

Obafemi vows to score in Swaziland

EATTLE Sounders striker Obafemi Martins has vowed to score goals for a new Super Eagles of Nigeria. Former Inter Milan star has been recalled by Nigeria for World Cup qualifiers against Swaziland after he last played for the country against Kenya two years ago. “I am glad I am back. It’s the national team. I am just here to score goals and help the team win games,” the 31-year-old Martins said at a press briefing on Wednesday. “The spirit in camp is good. We have talented young players. We have a new captain. Almost everything is new to me in the camp. But I am going to do my best for the team to ensure we win because this is a World Cup qualifier and not a friendly.

“The only thing I am here for is to support them and help them win games.”

Martins made a goalscoring debut against Rwanda in 2004.

Blatter in hospital after ‘small breakdown’

•Blatter

USPENDED FIFA president Sepp Blatter is in hospital after suffering what has been called a “small breakdown”. Blatter, 79, who has led world football’s governing

body for 18 years, was provisionally suspended for 90 days last month amid a corruption scandal. It is understood he suffered what has been called “a nervous shock” but is expected to make a full recovery. Blatter is set to remain in hospital until next Tuesday after being admitted initially for a check-up last week. Five days ago, Blatter’s lawyer Richard Cullen said the Swiss had undergone stress-related health checks in hospital, but added: “He is fine and expects to be home shortly.”

•HEAD BANGERS...Heading dangerous to children

Kids banned from heading ball

IDS under 10 are to be banned from heading the ball with restrictions in place up to the age of 13 FOOTBALL bosses have banned kids under the age of 10 from heading the ball over fears of high concussion rates. The US Soccer Federation has also restricted the number of times a week children aged 11, 12 and 13

can head the ball in the wake of a lawsuit brought on behalf of young players by US law firm Hagens Bermen. A standard protocol following suspected concussions will also be implemented for the first time with potential changes to the substitution rules to follow.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015—47

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015

Heroic welcome for World Champions, Golden Eaglets Oliseh rejects Code of Conduct for Eagles Ancelotti is Chelsea’s No1 choice

•Oliseh

U-23: Siasia considers Nwakali, Osimhen

Eaglets Captain Kelechi Nwakali (m) and his team mates on arrival at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Wednesday. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan

Obafemi vows to score in Swaziland Details on Page 46

Buhari appoints “unknown’’ Dalong to sports Kids banned from heading ball

•Obafemi

Blatter in hospital after ‘small breakdown’ •Dalong

QUICK CROSSWORD

T OD AY'S PUZZLE ODA

FRI DAY'S ANS WERS FRID ANSWERS

ACROSS 3 Enquired (5) 9 Encourage (6) 10 Puzzle (6) 11 Tendency (5) 12 Thought (4) 15 Pleasant (4) 17 Seance (7) 20 Child (3) 21 Magnificent (5) 23 Cheese (4) 25 Trampled (5) 26 Rescuer (5) Trampled (5) 26 Rescuer (5) 28 Serpent (3) 30 Despair (7) 33 Thrash (4) 35 Always (4) 36 Marsupial (5) 38 Trifles (6) 39 Die (6) 40 Commerce (5)

DOWN 1 Sponsorship (5) 2 Pane (5) 3 Skill (3) 4 Cord (6) 5 Sea-eagle (4) 6 Performed (3) 7 Confess (5) 8 Cap (5) 13 Varied (7) 14 Map-book (5) 16 Forgive (7) 18 Avarice (5) 19 Insect (3) 22 Curtain (5) 24 Rug (3) 27 Staggered (6) 28 Diminish (5) 29 Confusion (5) 31 Egg-shaped (5) 32 Parched (5) 34 Fly (4) 36 Equipment (3) 37 Hatchet (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Heated 5, Stable 9, Wafer 10, Rafter 11, Earned 12, Reedy 14, Said 17, Dry 18, Here 20, Shrew 22, Jaded 23, Pirated 24, Baton 26, Tenet 29, Edit 30, Fit 32, Site 33, Vicar 35, Regain 36, Puppet 37, Ceded 38, Reeked 39, Render.

DOWN: 1, Harass 2, Affair 3, Ewer 4, Dared 5, Seedy 6, Tray 7, Banned 8, endued 13, Erratic 15, Ahead 16, Depot 18, Hades 19, Reset 21, Win 22, Jet 24, Bearer 25, Tingle 27, Nipped 28, Tester 30, Fined 31, Taper 33, Vice 34, Rude.

How to Play Sudoku

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number). Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row. No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination. Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-4548355. Advert Dept Hotline: 014544821. Abuja Advert Hotline: 09-2921024. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Ag.Editor: EZE ANABA. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.

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