Kogi gov's convoy kills ex-ASUU president Iyayi

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62013

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013

Man, 24, butchers mum, buries parts in shallow grave 6

Kogi gov's convoy kills ex-ASUU president, Iyayi

BY FUNMI KOMOLAFE, VICTOR AHIUMA- YOUNG, BEN AGANDE, BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO & KELECHI AZUBUIKE

•Dies in auto crash on way to NEC meeting •Two ASUU officials, one other injured •Jonathan, Tambuwal, mourn •Labour leaders, academics react

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•Late Prof. Iyayi

Reps probe NNPC's alleged $6.8bn fraud

AGOS—THE four month-long strike of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, yesterday took the life of a former president of the union, Professor Festus Iyayi of the Continues on page 5

COLUMNISTS:

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Mr & Mrs

Gov Obi presents N140bn 2014 Budget 14 C M Y K

RESEARCH— Senior lecturer, Department of Telecom Engineering, Federal University of Technology Minna, Dr Aibinu Musa (R), explaining their research work to Supervising Minister of Defence, Mr Labaran Maku (2nd R); his Communications Technology counterpart, Mrs Omobola Johnson (3rd R) and Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Ibrahim (L), at the Air Force Inter-Command Research Competition and Exhibition in Abuja,yesterday. Inset: Another research work. Photos: NAN

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POCKET CARTOON

SUMMIT—From Left: Senate President, David Mark; President Goodluck Jonathan and Speaker House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal at the Ist Africa Legislative Summit in Abuja on Monday.

Kogi gov's convoy kills ex-ASUU president, Iyayi Continues from page 1 University of Benin.

Iyayi, who died in a car accident on his way to the National Executive Council meeting of the union in Kano. The NEC meeting was to decide whether to call off or continue the strike after ratifying the decisions of the 61 chapters of the union.

The accident which happened at about 11 am at Banda village along the Lokoja-Abuja highway involved a vehicle in the convoy of the Kogi State Governor, Idris Wada.

With his death, hope of the suspension of the four month strike ap-

pears dim as the news shocked his friends and allies in the labour movement.

Also in the ASUU bus conveying the late Professor were Dr. Ngozi Ilo, National Welfare Officer of ASUU who was said to be in critical condition; the Chairman of ASUU branch of UNIBEN, Dr. Anthony Monye Emina, who was reported to be in stable condition and the driver of the vehicle, whose identity was not known at the time of this report.

It was gathered from the Kogi State Specialist Hospital that the female lecturer who sustained fracture in her left arm, and the male pas-

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

To thine own self be true —Shakespeare

T

O be true to yourself means to act in accord ance with who you are and what you believe.

Be who you are! Have the courage to accept yourself as you really are, not as someone else thinks you should be. Do not take action or pretend to be someone else for the sake of gaining acceptance.

When you do things that are not genuine or a reflection of the real you, you will not be happy with yourself and will end up confused. You’ll be confused because you won’t know whom to please, or how.

Self-respect comes from being true to who you really are and from acting in accordance with your fundamental nature. When you respect yourself, others will respect you. They will sense that you are strong and capable of standing up for yourself and your beliefs. When you are true to yourself, you allow your individuality and uniqueness to shine through. You respect the opinions of others but do not conform to stereotypes or their expectations of you.

Zorka Hereford sums it beautifully: To be true to yourself takes courage. It requires you to be introspective, sincere, open minded and fair. It does not mean that you are inconsiderate or disrespectful of others. It means that you will not let others define you or make decisions for you that you should make for yourself.

senger who sustained bruises all over his body were receiving treatment at the hospital.

An eyewitness said the accident involved a rear vehicle in the convoy of the Kogi State Governor and a Toyota Hilux with number plate ED 357 USL belonging to ASUU, UNIBEN branch.

The eyewitness who took part in the rescue operation said the rear vehicle in the governor ’s convoy pulled out to overtake the other vehicles in the convoy and in the process rammed into the ASUU bus coming from the Lokoja end of the road. He added that the ASUU vehicle veered off the road, and somersaulted three times before hitting a tree in the nearby bush, killing Professor Iyayi instantly and injuring the two others.

Vanguard also gathered that seven security aides of the governor, who were in the vehicle that hit Iyayi’s vehicle also sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at the government house clinic, Lokoja.

Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Olakunle Motajo who confirmed the accident said, preliminary investigation revealed that there was wrongful overtaking on the part of the governor ’s vehicle, saying that proper investigation has commenced.

Olakunle confirmed that Professor Iyayi’s corpse has been deposited at the hospital morgue where the in-

jured ones are receiving treatment.

Meanwhile, Governor Wada later visited the emergency unit of the hospital to sympathise with the victims and also the mortuary to see the remains of late Prof.

Iyayi, saying he was shocked over the incident.

As at 5 p.m. yesterday, lecturers, students, commissioners of the Edo State Government were at Professor Iyayi’s residence in Benin to console his wife, Grace and their four children.

On the current ASUU strike, the late Professor Iyayi had, in an interview with the Worker magazine, said: “We do not believe that government has no money. As we told Mrs. OkonjoIweala, we are a union of intellectuals, we have economists, experts in economics, and so we have access to the figures that government itself produces in relation to its revenue string.

Government has a lot of money. What is important is not the question of whether government has money or does not have money but the priorities of government in relation to spending the money that it has. Like we told her dramatically, it is not the size of the cake that matters but how you share the cake to the various individuals who have a stake in it.

“So government has a lot of money but how is the government applying that money? Government spent three trillion naira bailing out the banks; it spent 500 billion naira bailing out the airlines; it spent another 100 billion naira for the textile firms; it even had money to give to Nollywood and the Stock Exchange, private people who arrange deals, they had money to give them, about 350 billion naira. How come when it comes to education, government suddenly says it has no money? It is because they have contempt for education; they want people to remain in ignorance so that they can continue to toy with the destiny of Nigerians. It is not that they don’t have the money; they have a lot of money. They are now amassing money for 2015, towards the next elections. Whether the country goes to ruin or not it doesn’t matter as long as they can pursue

their political ambitions.

Yes, government has money!”

Iyayi's death painful — Jonathan President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed sadness over the death of Prof. Iyayi, saying his death was painful because it came at a time that he (Iyayi) was going to contribute to the resolution of the prolonged ASUU crisis.

In a message by the Special Adviser to the president on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati the president described Iyayi as a ‘ renowned academic and award-winning writer who rose to national prominence in the 1980s with his courageous leadership of ASUU in its struggle for a better working environment for teachers and academics in the nation’s university system’.

“On behalf of himself and the Federal Government, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan commiserates with the leadership and members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on the tragic death today (yesterday) of former ASUU President, Dr. Festus Iyayi.

“President Jonathan also extends sincere condolences to Dr. Iyayi’s family as well as his colleagues, friends and associates across the country and beyond.

“The President joins them in mourning the renowned academic and award-winning writer who rose to national prominence in the 1980s with his courageous leadership of ASUU in its struggle for a better working environment for teachers and academics in the nation’s university system.

“He is particularly dismayed by the fact that

Dr. Iyayi has sadly lost his life while going to contribute to efforts to finally resolve the current ASUU strike which has unfortunately disrupted academics in most of the nation’s universities for over four months.

“President Jonathan prays that God Almighty will comfort all who mourn Dr. Iyayi and grant his soul eternal rest”.

He was a respected teacher — Tambuwal Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has also condoled with the Nigerian academic community and the family of the former ASUU President.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal described the deceased as a respected teacher and unionist who gave his all for the progress of the education sector.

According to the Speaker, late Iyayi’s life time of struggles will no doubt inspire many upcoming lecturers and unionists to render selfless service to their country.

While urging ASUU and the Federal Ministry of Education to immortalise the late Professor, Tambuwal prayed to the Almighty God to give his family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

Also reacting to his death, the general secretary of the Non- Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU, Comrade Peters Adeyemi who spoke from Geneva described the news of his death as shocking. He said: “ Festus was a committed

Continues on page 54

6 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013

Man, 70, sues EFCC for alleged invasion

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BUJA — A 70-YEAROLD businessman, Mr Kingsley Uche-Mba, yesterday sued the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, before an Abuja High Court sitting in Lugbe for allegedly invading his residence.

The plaintiff, a fuel merchant living at 213, Cadastral Layout, Jikwoyi Phase 1, Abuja, in an originating motion filed by his counsel, Mr Shaka Awaliene, joined Mr Nicholas Elechi, a lawyer, in the suit.

In his submission, Awaliene said that operatives of the EFCC forced their way into his client’s apartment at about 5.40 a.m. on August 31, without a warrant on the instigation of Elechi.

He said that the operatives entered his client’s residence with sophisticated weapons and handcuffs with the intent to arrest him while he was away in his village.

He added that the operatives harassed the wife and daughter of his client.

Awaliene said that when his client contacted Elechi, who led the operatives to his house, he (Elechi) claimed the plaintiff benefitted from a land transaction in Decembr 2011, for which he must refund N2.5 million.

He said that one of the operatives told his client’s son to tell his father to pay the said amount or risk being arrested and taken to the EFCC Port Harcourt office from where they came.

The plaintiff, therefore, prayed the court to declare the alleged act of the EFCC operatives a violation of his fundamental human right and his right to personal liberty and family life.

He said: “The illegal and forceful entering into the applicant’s premises without warrant, the harassment, threat of arrest and demand for ransom, amount to violation of his right to dignity of human person.

When the case came up for mention, the defendants were absent and were not represented by counsel and the plaintiff’s counsel moved a motion for substituted service of the court processes on them.

Justice Angela Otaluka, however, refused to grant the motion and insisted on personal service on the respondents and adjourned the case to Nov. 28 for them to be properly served and appear in court.

24-yr-old man butchers mum, buries parts in shallow grave

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA — THE river side town of Oloibiri in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State was thrown into mourning, Sunday, when a 24-year-old man, identified as Godsgift, suspected to be mentally unstable, butchered his mother and buried her remains in a shallow grave.

The deceased mother of four, aged 67, was identified as Mrs Rose Jonny.

It was gathered that the woman was killed in her sleep with a machete by her son who dragged her butchered body through the window and buried her in a shallow grave at the back of her house.

The tragic incident, according to a community source, occurred at about 9.30 p.m.

Though the claim that the man is mentally unstable could not be verified, he was said to have told the mother that she would not see the next day.

According to a source: “At about 9.30pm, he was reported to have crept into the mother’s room and butchered her in her sleep.

“He took her bloodied body out of the room through the window and dragged her to the back of the house where he dug a shallow grave, dumped her body and covered it with sand.”

It was learnt that neighbours became suspicious the next day due to the unusual silence from the deceased's house.

According to sources, the suspicion was further fuelled when it was discovered that

her door was locked from inside and several knocks on the door were not answered.

Another son of the deceased was reportedly summoned by neighbours and they forced the door open, only to see the entire room splashed with

M

Public Relations Officer, Mr. Alex Akhigbe, confirmed the incident, saying the suspect has been arrested and the case transferred from the Ogbia Police Station to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for investigation.

People wading through flood at Jakande gate, Oke-Afa in Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, Lagos State, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN.

Drama as police arrest, manhandle suspect in court premises

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BY ONOZURE DANIA

AGOS— DRAMA ensued, yesterday, at the Ikeja Magistrate Court premises when policemen, who brought suspects to the court were seen beating up one of them within the court premises.

The suspect, Akinade

Court remands 9 persons for alleged conspiracy, cultism AKURDI — A MAKURDI Magistrates’ Court, yesterday, remanded nine people in prison custody on charges of criminal conspiracy, attempted culpable homicide, inciting public disturbance and belonging to an unlawful society.

The prosecuting officer, Inspector James Zungwe, told the court that the case was transferred from ‘C’ Division Police Station in Northbank, Makurdi to the State Criminal Investigation Department on October 21 through a letter.

According to the letter, one Mujahid Garba, had reported at the station that some cult boys, numbering about 10 armed with cutlasses, knives and other dangerous weapons attacked him, his brothers and friends.

The complainant stated that

blood.

The neighbours and other children of the deceased were said to have traced the blood stains to a shallow grave at the back of the house where the body of the woman was found.

Contacted, the state Police

one of the suspects, Tersoo Avine, gave him a deep cut with a knife on his head and the rest inflicted all kinds of injury on his brothers and friends.

During police investigation, Avine, John Igba, Anyebe Omeje, Bem Vembe, Usman Garba, Suleiman Ozailo, Abdulrahim Garba, Hassan Ibrahim and Baba Yakubu were arrested.

The prosecutor said that a heavy iron, Nokia handset and blood-stained shirt were recovered from the suspects.

Zungwe said the offences contravened sections 7, 230, 116 and 99 of the Penal Code.

When the case came up for mention, the accused did not take pleas for want of jurisdiction.

The magistrate, Mrs Theresa Wergba, adjourned the matter to December 19.

Kamila, a diesel dealer, was alleged to be owing a business partner N1 million, being money given to him to buy black market diesel in Warri, Delta State.

It was gathered that the diesel was confiscated by policemen when it was being moved to Lagos.

A witness, Babalola Wale, who is also a friend of the suspect told Vanguard that the N1 million became a bad debt, after the diesel was confiscated, which led to the arrest of the suspect. He was subsequently arraigned before Magistrate Margaret DanOni of an Ikeja Magistrate Court who granted him bail in the sum of N150,000, with two sureties in like sum.

One of the sureties named Sulaiman Ola, was said to have also paid N200,000 from the debt.

According to the suspect's counsel, Olufowobi Adeniyi, the policemen on September 19, 2013 asked the suspect to bring his car to the police station which was impounded as a collateral for the money he was owing.

Olufowobi said he had been going about to make sure his client got back his car, as the car is the means of his livelihood, since he lost all his money in the diesel business.

The suspect’s surety was,

The scene at the court premises, yesterday. however, arrested and detained on Sunday, November 10, 2013 and was supposed to appear at the magistrate court yesterday, for his bail application, when the suspect who was said to have been at large, was sighted by the surety’s relatives and informed Policemen, inside the court which led to his being arrested and beaten within the court premises.

Olufowobi said the actions of the Policemen violate the fundamental human rights of his client.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Dan Oni has discharged the surety, Sulaiman Ola.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013 — 7

61 seized houses: NSCDC denies complicity in land racketeering A

BUJA — THE Nigeria Se curity and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has distanced itself from involvement in any land racketeering in the FCT and Nasarawa State.

The busted land racketeering led to seizure of 61 houses and 45 plots of land from NSCDC officials by the ICPC. The organisation denied any complicity in the scam via a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Mr Emmanuel Okeh, yesterday, in Abuja.

The statement said: “The NSCDC Commandant-General,

Dr Ade Abolurin, has emphasised for the umpteenth time that the organisation is not involved in sales of land.

“The NSCDC did not at any point in time delegate persons, organisations or agents to do so on its behalf.”

The statement stressed that the NSCDC did not have any land for sale, adding that it did not have any housing estate in its name as well.

It quoted Abolurin as saying that the mandate of the corps as a para-military agency was to protect and safeguard the critical in-

frastructure of government and the country’s national assets.

It listed some of the assets as petroleum pipelines, power transmission equipment and telecommunication installations, among others.

“The corps, therefore, does not have any business with the purported land sales and the officers who are culpable must be sanctioned according to the law.

“The corps will like to make it unequivocally clear that the property seized by the ICPC do not belong to NSCDC; rather, they belong to some indicted officers

who are currently under investigations,” Abolurin was quoted as saying in the statement.

The commandant-general said in the statement that prosecution of the affected officers by the ICPC had commenced.

The NSCDC chief further said the seized property were purportedly acquired with proceeds of the illegal land sales by the scammers.

It added that when the illicit transaction was unearthed, he personally reported the case to the ICPC for further investigations.

Father of 7 arrested for vandalism in Ogun Imo police parade suspects, BEOKUTA — A-FORTYA YEAR- OLD father of seven, warn citizens Raji Akeem, has been arrested by

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

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WERRI — IMO State Police Command has warned residents of the state against what it described as “neighbourhood criminals” now on the prowl.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Musa Katsina, gave the warning in Owerri, while speaking on the activities of his command.

Katsina said: “It is important to warn residents of Imo State to be very mindful of people around them, especially during these ember months and the new year.”

The Imo police boss, who used the occasion to parade some suspected robbers, kidnappers and car snatchers, as well as items recovered from the hoodlums, also urged the people to be mindful of the persons around them.

He said the success recorded by the command was made possible through the instrumentality of the operation code named “Operation Puff Adder.”

He said: “Puff adder was instituted by the state police command to check the menace of the rampaging hoodlums, especially during the forthcoming Christmas and new year celebrations.”

In an interview, some of the suspects admitted their guilt but quickly added that they were lured into the acts by their friends, some of who they claimed ran away and abandoned them to their fate.

Also speaking to Vanguard, one of the kidnap victims narrated his ordeal in the hands of his captors.

He said: “These people are heartless. They have no respect for human life but the truth is that they do no live in the moon. People know who they are and ought to report them to the security agencies, if our state would be made safe for all.”

the anti-vandalism team of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ogun State Command in connection with vandalism.

The suspect who claimed to have come from Alagbado area of Lagos State was arrested at Ipara in Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State while siphoning fuel from a pipeline already vandalised into their waiting buses full of jerry-cans and drums.

The Public Relations Officer, Kareem Olanrewaju, in a statement said: “Some of the vandals took to their heels immediately they sighted our men; they were pursued and one of them was arrested while others escaped.

“The syndicate which specialises in vandalising pipelines and trading in petroleum products siphoned from pipelines hid drums and kegs inside those buses to prevent being detected by secu-

The suspect rity operatives.”

Raji explained that pipeline vandalism had been lucrative and it served as a means of survival because he realises minimum of N40, 000 on each trip.

“The case will be thoroughly investigated. This period of the year is a period when the hoodlums like to make quick money and we have taken measures to

curtail them.

“Items recovered from him are two Ford buses with number plates Lagos FKJ 342 XC and Lagos LSD 522 XE,13 drums of petroleum product, 11 of 25-litre kegs containing petroleum products, nine empty drums and 43 empty 50-litre kegs,” the NSCDC said.

Sokoto businessman, Alhaji Abu Dankure (left), who was kidnapped by some unknown gunmen, with sympathisers and friends, in Sokoto, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN.

Teenager docked for shooting 6-yr-old to death

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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BEOKUTA — A Magis trates’ Court, sitting at Isabo in Abeokuta has remanded a 19-year-old man, Kashi Kaye, in Oba Prison for allegedly killing a six-yearold boy by shooting him with a dane gun.

The acussed was reportedly playing with the gun which, unknown to him was loaded but, suddenly tampered with the trigger and accidentally shot one Lateef Popoola who was coming back from the school dead.

Police prosecutor, Inspector Augustine Ozimini told the court, yesterday, that the offence was committed on August 17 at about 1 p.m. at Ojebiyi, Odedan, Abeokuta.

According to Ozimini, the offence contravened Sections 316 and 319 of the Criminal Law of Ogun, 2006.

The accused’s plea was not taken by the court on the charge of manslaughter because he was not represented by a counsel.

The Magistrate, Mr. Emanuel Adekunte remanded the accused in Oba Prison till December 6, the next adjournment date.

Octogenarian arraigned for forgery

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BADAN — An octogenar ian, Ganiyu Oladigbolu, was yesterday, arraigned before an Ibadan Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting at Iyaganku for conspiracy and forgery.

Oladigbolu, 82, was arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and forgery of a document.

The prosecutor, Inspector Aliu Samad, told the court that Oladigbolu conspired with others now at large to commit the offence.

Samad alleged that the accused forged the resolution of a meeting involving Lasokun community after the revocation of the Power of Attorney given to a firm, Stad Property Nigeria Limited.

The offence was said to have been committed on December 28, 2011 at Adeoyo Agbadagbudu area, Ibadan.

Samad said the offences contravened sections 465 and 516 and was punishable under section 467 of the Criminal Code Cap.38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

8 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013

CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT:

Speakers promise best deal for Nigerians

Reps probe NNPC's alleged $6.8bn fraud zPublic Accounts, Finance c'ttees excluded

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU & EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

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BUJA— THE House of Representatives, yesterday, started an allinclusive investigation into

alleged fraudulent activities of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, with Vitol and Transfigura Commodity Trading Firms.

This was sequel to a motion entitled Urgent Need to

Investigate the Alleged Connivance of the Nigerian National Corporation, NNPC, with Swiss Oil Dealers to Rob Nigeria Billion of Dollars, moved by Abiodun Balogun (APC, Ogun State).

Balogun, in his prayers, said

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

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B U J A — CONFERENCE of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, CSSLN, rose from its special meeting, Monday night in Abuja, and declared that its members, who are Speakers of state Houses of Assembly in Nigeria, would ensure that Nigerians get the best from them in the ongoing constitutional amendments.

The conference, as a body, did not, however, take any position on the proposed national dialogue.

Addressing journalists at the end of the meeting, the Chairman of the Conference and Speaker of Gombe State House of Assembly, Inuwa Garba, said the conference had elected to queue behind the people in the exercise.

He said: We have just concluded our meeting of the Conference Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, CSSLN, where we discussed so many issues as far as the development of the conference is concerned.

“We discussed the interest of the conference on the ongoing constitutional amendment, where we think it is very important to take time and do what is right to appreciate the request of our electorate with regards to the constitutional amendments.

“We have not taken any position on the national dialogue as a conference, but individually we may have our views on the exercise.”

According to Garba, the Conference also discussed ways of enhancing unity and peace among Nigerians, while synergising with the National Assembly and the executive arm of the government to entrench democracy.

that the long-standing allegation of secrecy surrounding the operations of NNPC and the oil industry was recently blown open by a new report of The Berne Declaration, a Swiss nongovernment advocacy organisation that gave account of a series of illegal practices involving NNPC, which also allegedly connived with major Swiss oil trading companies to drain Nigeria of billions of dollars through the sale of crude oil below the market value.

According to him, the report, entitled Swiss Traders Opaque Deals in Nigeria, further stated that NNPC has so far duped the country of 6.8 billion dollars through some “Letter Box Companies.”

He noted that “exclusive and nontransparent” partnerships of Vitol and Transfigura with NNPC gave them over 36 percent of the market share with NNPC selling its crude oil at various discounts.

Nigerian records HEALTH ALLIANCE: From left— President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Co-Chairman, Bill & Mellinda Gates Foundation, Mr. Bill Gates and Chairman, VisaFone, Mr. Jim Ovia, after a meeting of the Private Sector Health Alliance in Lagos, yesterday.

Nat'l confab won't affect constitution amendment, says Ekweremadu

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

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BUJA— DEPUTY Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, yesterday, assured that the proposed national dialogue would not affect or disrupt the ongoing constitution amendment process.

Ekweremadu gave the assurance in Abuja while delivering a paper entitled Constitution Review Process: A Comparative Perspective, at the ongoing African Legislative Summit organised by the National Assembly and other international partners.

He said that in view of the new provisions on how to enact a new constitution already passed by the Senate and awaiting other steps to become part of the constitution, the ongoing constitution amendment process would rather help to provide the legal framework that would give life to the eventual output of the proposed national dialogue.

The Deputy Senate President

said: “There is no way the ongoing efforts at convoking a national dialogue would adversely affect or necessitate the suspension of the ongoing constitution amendment process.

“In fact, the Conference Committee of both chambers of the National Assembly will soon be put together to harmonise the work of the Constitution Review Committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

“We cannot wait for the national dialogue because we do not know when it will start or when it will end. But the good thing is that our work will even help to provide the necessary legal frameworks that would give life to the outcome of the dialogue.”

On Africa's salvation

Senator Ekweremadu, however, pointed out that the way forward for Africa was not necessarily in the abundance of laws, but the willingness and discipline to live by the dictates of the constitution.

He added: “The important

thing is the practice and value we place on the constitution, and our attitude to governance that will determine whether a constitution will succeed or not.

“The United Kingdom has no written constitution anywhere, but it is one of the best-governed countries in the world because of the value system they have entrenched over the years.

“The American Constitution is one of the smallest constitutions in the world, yet it has sufficed for over 200 years.

“We believe that with the proper value and orientation, there will be no need for frequent change of the constitution.

“If we have a just society where we get justice from the courts, where the correct laws are made, and the executive executes the laws without fear or favour and offenders are punished without reference to where they are coming from or their political persuasions, we are going to have a just society.”

The lawmaker stressed that it was worrisome to learn that Nigeria is the only major oil producing nation that sells 100 per cent of its crude to private traders rather than in the open market, which would enable it benefit from the resulting added value with the greatest number of beneficiaries of export allocations.

Also worrisome to Balogun was the fact NNPC and its subsidiaries have not published their financial details since 2005.

In a unanimous decision thereafter, the House sustained the motion when subjected to vote by the Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, who presided over the plenary.

It subsequently directed its standing committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Petroleum Resources (Downstream) and Justice to probe all issues raised and report back within four weeks.

Meanwhile, attempts made earlier by the Minority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila (APC, Lagos) to include Committee on Public Accounts in the probe and another which came in the form of amendment motion by Abubakar Momoh (APC Edo) to delete the inclusion of the Justice Committee and replace it with that of Finance Committee, were killed by the lawmakers led by Deputy House Leader, Leo Ogor (Delta PDP).

Ogor said it was irrelevant to include the two committees when the House had appropriate committees for such investigations.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013 — 9

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, Political Editor, HENRY UMORU, JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

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ESTERDAY, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who was reinstated by the courts as the National Secretary, wrote INEC asking it not to recognise any correspondence from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, not signed by him.

Hours after his letter arrived INEC, the mainstream PDP led

by Alhaji Bamanga Tukur also wrote INEC, informing it of the suspension of Oyinlola from the party.

In the letter delivered yesterday evening at INEC headquarters, Tukur also informed the electoral body of the suspension of senior officials of the dissident nPDP, among who were Alhaji Abubakar Baraje and Dr. Sam Sam Jaja, National Chairman and Deputy National Chairman, respectively, of the dissident faction of the party.

Meanwhile, Senator Bukola Saraki, one of the leading lights in the nPDP, yesterday, described the suspension of the officials of the nPDP from the party as a setback for the ruling party.

Saraki revealed that the G-7 governors were still waiting for a response to a letter to President Goodluck Jonathan from Governor Babangida Aliyu, giving notice of their readiness to resume peace talks.

The communication war in Abuja was opened, yesterday, with a letter by Oyinlola to INEC asking the electoral body not to recognise any letter to it from the PDP not signed by him.

Besides writing INEC, Oyinlola also wrote his colleagues in the National Working Committee, NWC, to respect his authority as the chief administrative and accounting officer of the party based on last Wednesday ’s court judgment which confirmed him as national secretary.

In the letter to INEC

FORUM: From left— Director-General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Ifeyinwa Emelife; Chairman, Planning Committee, Chief Eniola Fadayomi; 1st Vice Chairman, NEPAD Business Group Nigeria, NBGN, Chief Nike Akande; Deputy Director, Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, FIIRO, Dele Oyeku; Assistant Director, Partnership, The New Partnership for African Development, NEPAD, Ibrahim Abdul and General Manager, British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation, BATNF, Abimbola Okoya, at the 1st NEPAD Business Group's Nigeria Cassava Investment Forum, NCIF, in Abuja.

OYINLOLA TO INEC:

Don't recognise any letter not signed by me— Oyinlola zAs Tukur writes INEC of Oyinlola's suspension chairman, personally signed

by Oyinlola and dated November 12, Oyinlola insisted that he remains the authentic national secretary of the party on account of the Appeal Court judgment which set aside the earlier judgment of Justice Abdul Kafarati which had in January 11 removed him, adding that the Court of Appeal, Abuja, is a superior court of competence jurisdiction.

Oyinlola's letter

In the letter entitled Notification of Re-Instatement

As National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Oyinlola wrote: “As you may be aware, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Judicial Division has nullified the January 11, 2013 judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which removed me from office as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. “The directive of the court was implemented by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, which consequently struck out my name off its register and other documents, as the

Iyayi, the poor farmer’s son authority until the duo were reinstated after years of a R. Festus Iyayi is dead. protracted and dogged fight He was on his way to by a Nigerian court.

Abuja en route Kano, when Iyayi, who prided himself he was involved in a ghastly as the “poor farmer’s son” is accident that claimed his life more reputed as a writer. His around Lokoja in Kogi State. book on the Nigerian Civil The Professor of Business War, Heroes, won the Administration in the Commonwealth Prize for University of Benin was a Literature in 1988. member of the ASUU But it is his first book, negotiating team trying to Violence, which x-rays resolve the union's over five human behaviour in the face months strike that had locked of poverty that defines Iyayi’s down the country’s university concerns for the ordinary education system. folk in the society.

Renowned for his activism Told once that his collection during the time of Professor of short stories, Awaiting Grace Alele-Williams, Dr. Court Martial, features some Iyayi, along with his close of the best fiction characters friend and colleague Dr. in the country’s literary Barnabas Agbonifo, were corpus, Iyayi intoned “I sacked by the university

D

BY OKOH AIHE

didn’t know that.”

Such is his humility and writing came naturally to him.

A family source, yesterday, confirmed his death although details of the accident that claimed his life are still very sketchy.

Expectedly, there is confusion in the small town of Ugbegun, Edo State, where Festus was born into the Iyayi family in 1947.

Although a fairly big family with varied degrees of early successes, he preferred to call himself a poor farmer’s son more in line with the characters he created in his books. zOkoh Aihe, of NCC, sent in this tribute from Abuja.

National Secretary of PDP. “Following the nullification of the above stated judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice Abdul Kafarati by the Court of Appeal, Abuja, which is a superior court of competent jurisdiction, which also ruled that I was wrongfully removed from office, this correspondence serves to inform you of my decision to continue to perform my duties as the validly elected National Secretary of PDP. “Your records would reveal that I was validly elected into office as National Secretary at the national convention of PDP held on Saturday March 24, 2012.

“You are requested to kindly note this development and reflect it accordingly in your records, in compliance with the court judgment delivered on Wednesday November 6, 2013.

“A copy of the judgment is attached for your attention and further necessary action, please. Kindly note that in compliance with the constitution of PDP, I am expected to sign all official correspondences emanating from the PDP national secretariat to the Independent National Electoral Commission, in my capacity as the National Secretary of the party.

“While thanking you for your

attention, please accept the assurances of my warmest regards and best wishes.”

In another letter to his colleagues in the NWC routed through the National Legal Adviser, Victor Kwon yesterday, Oyinlola said: “As you are very well aware, the Court of Appeal by its judgment delivered on Wednesday November 6, 2013 reinstated me as National Secretary of the party.

“This followed the nullification of the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice Abdul Kafarati by the Court of Appeal, Abuja, which is a superior court of competent jurisdiction which also ruled that I was wrongfully removed from office as PDP National Secretary.

“You are requested to kindly note this development for immediate compliance by the PDP and all its organs, particularly the National Chairman and members of the National Working Committee of our great party.

“Kindly note that in compliance with the constitution of the PDP, I am expected to sign all official correspondences emanating from the PDP national secretariat as the Chief Administrative and Accounting Officer of the party.”

10 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013

Industrial unrest brews in Chevron zIt's untrue — Mgt

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

INDUSTRIAL unrest is brewing in Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, over alleged coercion of workers by management to accept on-going down-sizing exercise in the company tagged Selected Voluntary Severance Package, SVSP, or face severe consequences.

There are allegations of victimisation of Nigerian workers to favour expatriates, and organised labour is threatening a showdown with management However, the management said it is untrue that workers are being forced to accept the SVSP. Speaking through the General Manager, Policy Government and Public Affairs, Mr. Deji Haastrup, the management said: "Acceptance of separation package is completely voluntary.

Everyone who does not take up the offer will continue to have employment with CNL." Sources said no fewer than 420 Nigerian workers are said to be targeted for disengagement.

Specifically, labour claimed "new jobs have been created and new expatriates have been made to occupy these positions. This is not in tandem with management promise during discussions with unions. We now fears that Nigerians are being severed to conserve enough money to pay the new expatriates.

Our members' jobs have been downgraded while expatriates have retained their status.

No known plans to right size the expatriates or send at least half of Nigerians to overseas Business units in the name of "globalised company philosophy."

Vanguard gathered that when the issue of SVSP started few weeks back the management and the unions agreed that it was purely going to be voluntary with attractive package and that staff also had right to refuse.

However, along the line, labour claimed those who rejected it, were being victimised

Insurgency hampers Nigeria's fight against polio — Bill Gates

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

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HAIRMAN OF Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr. Bill Gates, has said the unrest in the northern part of the country is hampering his foundation's awareness and eradication campaign against polio virus in the country.

Gates made the remarks yesterday when he visited Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State in Ikeja. He was accompanied on the visit by President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and top functionaries of the foundation.

According to him, half of the children in the North-Eastern part of the country were yet to be vaccinated as a result of unrest in the area.

Gates, who commended the leadership role of the governor especially in transforming the state in the last seven years, disclosed that his foundation in partnership with Dangote Foundation had raised $6 billion to fight polio virus in some countries such as Nigeria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Somalia and Syria, which he said, were still plagued with the virus.

Gates, however, expressed optimism that the virus would be

eradicated, noting that he had partnered the Dangote Foundation to kick polio out of Africa.

Fashola in his remarks at the occassion said: "The tragedy of

the existence of wild polio virus in this part of the world as one of the few parts is something we are not proud of.

"However, I think we are in the march towards eradicating the

virus. We have not put the voices of the survivors in the forefront of the campaign and that the voices of the policy-makers have drowned those of the victims themselves."

PARTY: Oba of Lagos, HRM, Oba Rilwan Akiolu; (left), with the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LASSTF, Mr. Fola Arthur-Worrey, at a love party to usher in the Annual Lagos Countdown Celebration, in Lagos.

Ex-Nigeria Airways staff appeal to FG over unpaid N70bn pension arrears BYADELEKE ADESERI, Regional Editor, South-West

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KEJA — RETIRED workers of defunct national carrier, Nigerian Airways, yesterday, appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to use his good offices to pay them outstanding N70 billion pension arrears.

The retirees made the appeal during a meeting at the secretariat of the Airport Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, ATSSAN, at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja.

The pensioners' leader, Mr Ibraheem Hussein, said many of their colleagues had died, some hospitalised and others too weak and frail because of their struggle for payment of their pensions.

He noted that since the liquidation of NAL on May 21, 2003, the Federal Government had only paid the retirees five years pension arrears out of 25 years pension arrears.

He urged the government to pay the retired workers the outstanding pension arrears.

According to him, the government owed the pensioners N70 billion as at January, saying, “We made

several attempts in the past to seek audience with President Goodluck Jonathan; we wrote two correspondences through the aviation workers' unions and the Trade Union Congress, TUC.” He claimed there were 5,700 NAL pensioners and workers at the time of its liquidation, but regretted that many of them had died.

Hussein noted that NAL was rated Number four in the aviation world and had the best pilots and engineers.

Another NAL retiree, Mr. Andrew Inalegwu, said the treatment being meted out to the pensioners was improper.

“NAL pensioners were not responsible for the airline’s liquidation,” he said.

He claimed that NAL employees who served in New York, Rome, London and other West African countries had been paid 25 years pension arrears.

“Why is it that those who worked in Nigeria were paid five years pension arrears?"

Mrs. Josephine Iwasomi, a retired communicator in NAL, said she had not been paid gratuity.

“I don’t have money to feed or sponsor my children's university education; I had to

borrow,” she said.

She said that many of the retirees had become beggars and lost their dignity.

Mrs. Nike Abioje asked, “How long will this continue?"

Alhaji Yisa Sunmonu, Alhaji

Ibraheem Mohammed and Mr Ojewumi Yisa, also appealed to the Federal Government to pay the arrears of pension to reduce death among the retired workers.

Hypertension, diabetes on the rise in Lagos hospitals — Specialist

BY ESTHER ONYEGBULA

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AGOS — AN endocrinologist and diabetes specialist at the BT Ward of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Dr. Latha Ravi Kumar has raised alarm over the high incidence of hypertension and diabetes among patients attending public health institutions in Lagos State.

Kumar, who spoke at a media briefing organised by Rotary Club of Lagos Palmgrove Estate on the free Diabetes and Hypertension Camp to commemorate this year’s World Diabetes Day, said on the average, two out of three or 70 per cent of patients who attended public health institutions in Lagos State had been found to be hypertensive, while about 12 per cent diabetic.

Lamenting that it was more disturbing that most of the patients

were unaware that they had such life-threatening ailments, the specialist noted that while deaths as a result of hypertension and diabetes were increasing, the World Health Organisation estimated that the figure would hit doublefold rate by 2015.

“We all therefore have to work together to prevent the disaster by determining our status on time and avoiding stress, unbalanced diet, alcoholism, smoking and unhealthy lifestyle,” she counselled.

On his part, Dr. Sami Tahir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Hospital, Apapa, Lagos, also lamented that in the last five years hypertension had become as common as malaria in hospitals in Lagos State.

“We have to let our people know that early detection and management are important to avoid organ damage,” he said, adding that “once the organ is damaged, it cannot be reversed.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013 — 11

Yoruba elders solicit Sovereign National Conference

BY OLA AJAYI

I

BADAN — YORUBA elders under the umbrella of Oodua Development Initiative, ODI, have suggested that the outcome of the proposed national conference should have a sovereign status that neither the Executive nor the National Assembly will be able to review.

The ODI elders said rather than allowing the executive or the legislative to doctor the outcome of the conference, they felt it should be open to referendum.

They made the call, yesterday, at the end of a four-hour colloquium entitled, ‘National Conference: True Federalism and the Yoruba Nation,’ at the Premier Hotel, Ibadan.

Former Minister of Aviation and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Ebenezer Babatope was the chairman of the event, while Professor Ayo Olukotun and Mr. Yinka Odumakin were the lead discussants.

Chief Babatope faulted the antagonists of the conference, especially South-West governors, noting that anybody playing discordant tune against the conference should be tagged anti-Yoruba.

He said: “Every nationality should be given equal representation at this conference which should be encouraged to start before the 2015 elections so as to douse tension.”

A communique issued at the end of the forum reasoned that Yoruba must have a set agenda.

The communique read: “That the decision of President Goodluck Jonathan to accept the yearnings of Nigerians for a National Conference is well welcomed, commendable and should be supported by all Nigerians.

“That there is a consensus that there must be a National Conference. That representation to the National Conference must be on the basis of equal representation of the six geo-political zones.

“The National Conference should have sovereign powers to the extent that the outcome of the

Conference would not be subject to review by any organ of the Federal Government, but the outcome may be subject to a referendum by the people of Nigeria.

“The outcome of such referendum should be consequently incorporated in the Constitution and the National

Assembly should promulgate same after repealing the existing Constitution.

“The agenda, which the Yoruba would set, must include a demand for true federalism that will give the federating units autonomy.

“That once there is true federalism, other contentious

issues like revenue sharing, resource control, state police and so on would be easy to resolve.”

While insisting that there should be no embargo on any subject of discussion, they called on civil society groups and other Nigerians to set a course for the conference.

FORUM: From left, Chief Nike Akande, former Minister of Industry; Mrs. Foluke Abdul Rasaq, Vice-President, Bank Directors Association of Nigeria; Mr. Ayo Gbeleyi, Commissioner for Finance, Lagos State, and Miss Ngozi Edozien, CEO, Actis, Chairperson, during the 2013 forum of Bank Directors Association of Nigeria, in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele

Amosun accuses opposition of inciting people against his govt DAUD OLATUNJI

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BEOKUTA — THE Ogun State government has raised alarm that the opposition political parties are deploying subterfuge measures to incite the people against the Ibikunle Amosun-led administration.

The government in a statement by Commissioner for information and Strategy, Yusuph Olaniyonu, yesterday, said: “Some elements in the opposition parties in Ogun State are becoming uncomfortable with the achievements of the Amosun administration and are therefore adopting desperate measures to undermine the government.”

He said part of the plans by

the opposition elements was the spreading of “false information with a view to inciting certain professional and interest groups against the government.

“When the opposition elements could not fault the government’s projects in the area of infrastructure development they started instigating property owners on the 32-kilometre Sango-Ojodu Road against the on-going construction work in the area.

“The Sango-Ojodu Road was just the latest one being reconstructed by the state government as it has 14 other on-going projects, but that nowhere else did property owners refuse to go to Abeokuta to collect the cheques for their compensation but rather prefer

to be campaigning against the government for bringing development to their area.

“The method being adopted by some landlords on that road is curious, particularly in view of the earlier campaign by some politicians that the government would not construct the road.

Now, that the contractor has commenced work, the landlords refused to come to Abeokuta to collect their compensation.

“They have been speaking in the media that government has not paid their compensation and that they would prefer that government stayed action on the road construction work.

“This has led to suggestion in some quarters that the same set of people who said the road would never be constructed were the ones instigating the landlords not to take the compensation but to continue to the Ajayi, said the residents blackmail had been under robbery g o v e r n m e n t siege in recent times due through the media.

“The same to its location along major roads linking Kogi State process of paying and the Federal Capital c o m p e n s a t i o n adopted without Territory, Abuja.

Meantime, the former any controversy in member of National the other parts of the Assembly, Senator Ayo state where road Arise has raised alarm over construction is the wave of political taking place is killings witnessed in Ekiti being used in the State in recent time, urging Sango-Ojodu Road the President, Dr. Goodluck and that nobody Jonathan to intervene who is due for immediately before the compensation will be left out. state turned to anarchy.

Community wants police station upgraded

BY GBENGAARIYIBI

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DO EKITI — WORRIED by the upsurge of robbery cases in the nodal town of Ifaki Ekiti,the community has called for the upgrading of the only police station in the town to a divisional status.

Speaking during the visit of the governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi to various communities in Ido Osi Local Government Area of the state, yesterday, spokesman for the community, Chief Deji

‘No plan to join Ogun community to Lagos State’

O

BA ADENUGA Okuniyi, the Lenuwa of Ode-Omi in Ogun waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State has debunked the insinuations that OdeOmi Community is planning to go with Lagos State.

In an interactive session with newsmen in Abeokuta, Oba Okuniyi denied the claim, saying the community remained part and parcel of Ogun State.

The monarch stated that there were no justification whatsoever under any guise for the people of Ode-Omi to nurse such a plan to go with Lagos State.

He pointed out that the community had strong historical lineage with Ijebu and that Awujale of Ijebuland was the prescribed Authority and Paramount Ruler of the community.

He however, disclosed that there were some misguided persons in the community whose erroneous impression had been misinterpreted as the views of the entire community.

Anambra election: Adeyeye slams APC

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FENIFERE CHIEFTAIN and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, Prince Dayo Adeyeye has described the All Progressives Congress, APC, allegation that the PDP and the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, planned to rig the Saturday ’s governorship election in Anambra State as laughable.

He also said from the allegation made by the APC, “it is certain that the party must be planning to rig the election and the leadership of the PDP must not wish the allegation away.”

In a release issued yesterday, Adeyeye who said he was speaking from experience, insisted that, “experience has shown that whatever the APC people accuse others of planning to do is what they are actually planning to do or are already doing.

12 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013

Amaechi urged to be submissive

Pipelines surveillance workers threaten strike over wages

BY FESTUS AHON

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G H E L L I — CHAIRMAN of Urhobo Political Vision, Mr. Kingsley Agaya, has enjoined Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State to be submissive to President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamaga Tukur.

He argued that Governor Amaechi seeming disregard for the office of the President was not in the interest of the South-South region, and urged the leadership of All Progressives Congress, APC, to stop wooing PDP governors.

Agaya, in chat with newsmen yesterday, said that President Jonathan would contest the 2015 presidential election. He urged the people of the South South to rally round him to ensure his re-election.

Saying that the group would meet with other political groups in the country on the 2015 presidential ambition of Jonathan, he expressed confidence that Nigerians would vote en masse for him in 2015.

Agaya congratulated Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo on his election and swearing-in as a Senator and thanked the Chief Tom Amioku leadership of PDP in Delta Central.

BY EMMA ARUBI

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ARRI— PIPELINES surveillance workers in Yeye Ikeremo manifold, Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State, have

threaten to down tools due to poor wages.

National Association of Flowline Cast Workers, Delta State, in a statement by its President, Mr. William Guakumor, noted that despite

Mboho Ikot Abasi asks FG to stop ALSCON's vandalisation

BY UDO IBUOT

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HE Federal Government has been urged to stop the alleged plant cannibalisation and vandalisation of the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria Limited, ALSCON, in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, by UC Rusal.

President of Mboho Ikot Abasi, the apex socio-cultural organisation for the people of Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Kaizer Uko, who spoke to

Smirnova, who represented the Managing Director informed the meeting that she needed to put together her “technical team” to handle Mboho’s questions.

He noted that the activities of Rusal in ALSCON, especially in the cannibalisation and vandalisation of the plant, pointed to the fact that the Russians deliberately intended to cripple and destroy the company, after which they would pack their

Vanguard, in Ikot Abasi, weekend, said that UC Rusal had engaged in deliberate dismantling and cutting-up of Anode Stems, Bussbars and Risers to separate the aluminium components for melting into ingots for sale.

He said UC Rusal had also engaged in indiscriminate sale of the various plant operating materials earlier supplied under the plan to ultimately build up production progressively to full capacity and the deceitful declaration of plant materials as scrap and claims of obsolescence.

Uko said that following reports of intensive cannibalisation of the smelter, the Mboho asked for a meeting and planned tour of Rusal ALSCON. He said that the meeting, held August 1, was abruptly brought to an end when Alscon’s Director, Government/Public Affairs, Tatyana

Delta workers suspend ultimatum, set up 7-man monitoring c'ttee

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

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paying them paltry N20,000 monthly, a sum he said was not commensurate with the attendant risk involved in their job, some workers were still being owed for upwards of six months.

ARRI— ORGANISED labour in Delta State has suspended the 14-day ultimatum issued the state government and has set up a sevenman committee to monitor the implementation of the decisions reached with the state government over issues on workers’ welfare.

Some of the issues include pensions, taxation, minimum wage, National Housing Fund, new scheme of service, weighing allowance for media workers, among others.

In a communiqué after a special state executive meeting of leaders of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, and Public Sector Joint Negotiating Council, JNC, they resolved to suspend the ultimatum.

The unions said that the suspension

of the ultimatum followed the intervention by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan to labour’s grievances.

The communiqué said: “The joint leadership of organised labour (NLC, TUC and JNC) after an extra-ordinary council meeting in Warri, felt satisfied with the intervention of Governor Uduaghan on issues relating to pensions, taxation, minimum wage, National Housing Fund, new scheme of service, weighing allowance for media workers and other industrial relations issues, and had resolved to suspend the 14-day ultimatum earlier issued by labour.

“A seven-man committee is, however, constituted to monitor the implementation of the decisions reached at the meeting with the Delta State Government.”

Organised labour also commended workers in the state for their diligence.

bags and head home, warning that “this should not be allowed to happen.”

Vanguard saw four trucks loaded with aluminium ingots and anode stems with nipples (base) intercepted by Ikot Abasi youths in Ete town. It was gathered that the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, officials who toured the plant in Ikot Abasi from July 21 to 22 last week, saw the systematic destruction of the plant but reportedly said nothing about it.

He said that while surveillance workers in Batan, Odidi, Egwa I and II fields were paid about N40,000 monthly, those in Yeye Ikeremo manifold were being short changed, as they are denied allowances of any kind, including feeding, accommodation and outstation.

He expressed anger that the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, and Shell Petroleum Development Company were to be held responsible for allegedly directing their contractors to so treat them as they wished.

Noting that the N20,000 was grossly inadequate and can no longer be acceptable in view of the economic hardship in the country and the failure of the companies to enter into negotiations with them, they demanded a monthly salary of N300,000 effective January 2014 or they would be forced to abandon the job.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 2013 — 13

Why they are persecuting Amaechi —SEN ABE P

ORT HARCOURT—THE Senator representing Rivers South-East senatorial district, Magnus Abe, has attributed Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s persecution in the current political dispensation to his resilience and doggedness in defense of Rivers State.

Senator Abe, who addressed the people of Andoni Local Government Area in Ngo, where he also presented wrappers to women on behalf of his wife, Bariyaah, said: “As a person you voted to represent you at the upper chamber, it is important I come occasionally to tell you what is happening.

I think it is time for Rivers people to know why their governor on oath to defend the state and its people is being victimised, harassed, oppressed and persecuted.”

He cited the sudden disappearance of monies accruing from the disputed Suku oil wells, agreed by Rivers and Bayelsa State governments to be kept in a special account until the determination of discrepancies in record noticed during the Odili administration, among others.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) explained that

had Amaechi been a bad leader or acted like persons calling him names today, he would have negotiated his pocket rather than defend Rivers State.

Senator Abe, who described Governor Amaechi as a courageous leader urged Rivers people to beware of selfish and desperate politicians, who have decided to pitch tent with those bent on drowning the state.

“Because of their selfish interest, some of our brothers

have chosen to pitch tent with those we stood by yesterday, to fight our governor and destabilise our state. Genuine Rivers people must resist them, abi no bi so?” he asked, to which the people answered with a thunderous “na so oo.”

“Their propaganda has been to paint Governor Amaechi as a disrespectful leader even when they knew he was not. As a people God has put together, we must unite and be resolute in our

support for our governor in order not to scare successive leaders,” Abe told Andoni people.

On his part, Chairman, Andoni council, Orom Nte, said he was happy with the representation of Senator Abe in the National Assembly, assuring that the people of Andoni will continue to support him and Governor Amaechi as they strive to bring dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots.

PRESENTATION: From left: First Vice- President, Otunba Debola Osibogun, President/ Chairman of Council, Mr. Segun Aina both of Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, and former Governor of Central Bank, Chief Joseph Sanusi, during CIBN’s 2013 public presentation of practices licence and seal to beneficiaries in Lagos.

BRACED: S-South govs’ differences ‘ll not mar commission’s vision —COMMISSIONER

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BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

SABA—THE vision of the BRACED Commission, comprising, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Cross Rivers, Edo and Delta states towards ensuring economic integration of the region is still being rigorously pursued despite political differences among the governors.

Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, NDDC/ BRACED Commission Liaison, Mr. Chris Onogba, who fielded questions from newsmen, when he took turn to present a midterm report in Asaba, yesterday, made the disclosure.

He dismissed speculations that the marriage of the governors under BRACED Commission for the common interest of regional integration was no longer tenable because of the present cloudy political climate the governors found themselves.

He said “they (governors) during our last meeting agreed that though the political issue was there, they assured that the issue of economy cannot be toyed with.

So in that direction, we are one. The Commission remains poised

and determined to accomplish its obligation and advance the course of economic cooperation and integration as well as properly institutionalise the Commission.

“To be sustainable and

successful, the Commission need champions with great conviction and commitment, champions who would consistently seek support for its success. It need champions at all levels. The

task requires all stakeholders, the BRACED governors, state functionaries and others especially the private sector to complement its efforts.”

Ojukwu coy’s suit to recover property suffers setback

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BY INNOCENT ANABA

AGOS—EFFORTS by Ojukwu Transport Limited to recover one of its property, a two-storey detached house on 4, Macpherson Avenue in Ikoyi, Lagos, suffered a setback, yesterday, as a Lagos High Court sitting in Igbosere, struck out the suit by the company.

Justice Olatunde Oshodi in his judgment, held that going by the documents presented in court, the claimant ought to have commenced the suit by way of writ of summons and not by originating summons.

Justice Oshodi directed the claimant to commence a fresh suit by way of writ of summons as provided under order 3 of the Rules of court if it wished to continue with the suit,

noting that originating summon would only apply where there was no dispute on the question of fact or the likelihood of dispute “From the facts presented by parties, especially from the documents exhibited, it appears to the court that there is internal wrangling within the claimant, hence the need to go into full trial,” the court held.

Ojukwu Transport Limited, had in the suit, argued that the defendant whose name is not known to it (claimant) was found to be in possession the property in dispute, adding that it appointed one Massey Udegbe of Massey Udegbe & Co as its agent to manage the property among its property.

It stated that by a letter, its agent wrote to the occupier of the property informing it of its appointment and requested for a meeting to ascertain the status of the occupier but the letter was ignored, adding that it published public notices in national dailies, warning the general public as to whom any person interested in the property should deal with.

But, the defendant, Scott’s Cottage Limited in its counter affidavit, described the suit as frivolous, abuse of court process and urged the court to dismiss same accordingly, adding that it has regularly paid its rents to the claimant through their property managers, Omuojine & Associates.

Akpabio pledges more infrastructural devt

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YO—GOVERNOR Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, has reiterated his administration’s resolve to end in 2015 after a two-term mandate with more transforming infrastructure in the state.

Akpabio, who gave the assurance at the Silver Jubilee celebration of Methodist Church of Nigeria, Afaha Ikot Ebak in Essien Udim, said “I want you to continue to remain steadfast. I am your son. I will not disappoint you.

I started with heavy performance and I will end with heavy performance.”

He solicited continuous prayers from the people, saying “I can only succeed with your prayers. It is one thing for me to be over there and it is another thing for me to succeed. I want to make it in such a way that when you walk into Uyo, the state capital, you will say here was a Caesar, when comes another.”

The governor said God has been with his administration since inception in 2007 as shown by the dramatic transformation in the state, praying for up coming generations to see the need to hold unto God. He assured the people of the area of their rightful portion in the development ongoing in the state.

Ogulagha chiefs commend monarch

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URUTU—THE paramount ruler of oil rich Ogulagha Kingdom in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Captain Joseph Timiyan,(Torubobou I), Ebenanawei of Ogulagha Kingdom, has been commended for his peaceful reign and visionary leadership that had brought sustainable peace and unity in the kingdom.

Chief William Borme, Ibebidouwei of Ogulagha Kingdom and Managing Director, WABOS Business Associates Limited and Chief Samuel Timiyan, Meinamadisemowei of Ogulagha and Managing Director, SPENTO Global Company both made the commendation in Warri, yesterday.

They congratulated the paramount ruler on his successful reign on the throne, saying that his reign had fostered peace and unity among the people and was still attractingdevelopmenttoOgulagha Kingdom.

14 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013

Jonathan to flag off Nwoye’s guber campaign today

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BY ENYIM ENYIM

N I T S H A — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan will today lead top officials of the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, to flag off the campaign for the party’s candidate for the November 16 governorship poll in Anambra State, Mr. Tony Nwonye at the Bascilica field, Holy Trinity Catholic Cathedral, Onitsha.

The flag off is coming barely four days after the Vice President, Namadi Sambo and the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur presented Nwoye with the party’s flag at the Ekwueme Square in Awka.

Consequently, the Nwonye Campaign Organisation has advised the people of the state to ignore alleged rumours making the rounds that the presidency was sponsoring an opposition candidate for the Saturday poll.

Speaking in an interview with Vanguard at Onitsha, the Director of Media of the organisation, Mr. Chike Anyaonu said it was unfortunate, that some desperate politicians were involved in name dropping for the sake of political power.

This was even as the Campaign for Democracy, CD, has urged the police and other security agencies in Anambra to disarm vigilance groups to prevent them from being used by politicians during the governorship polls in the state.

Mr Vincent Ezekwueme, chairman of the group in the state made the appeal on Tuesday while speaking with newsmen in Onitsha.

Rumours had been rife in the state that the presidency was behind both the APGA candidate, Chief Willie Obiano and his Labour Party, LP, counterpart, Chief Ifeanyi Ubah.

Anyaonu said, “We are aware that some political parties and their candidates have been going about deceiving the people of Anambra at their campaign rallies that President Jonathan had pencilled the name of their candidates for the plum position come Saturday. This is not true.’’

Gov Obi presents N140bn 2014 Budget A

WKA—GOVERNOR Peter Obi of Anambra, yesterday, presented N140 billion budget proposal for 2014 to the state House of Assembly.

The budget was an increase of 26.18 per cent over the N110.96 billion budget for last year.

He said that N100.29 billion was earmarked for capital expenditure, while N39.71 billion was earmarked for recurrent expenditure.

Obi said that an estimated N100.29 billion was expected from capital receipts in 2014, showing an increase of 41.35 per cent over the budgeted sum of N70.96 billion in 2013.

He said that the focus of the state government would be on poverty reduction measures with the economic sector having an allocation of 42.82 per cent of the total capital budget.

The other sectors are social 14.33 per cent, environment 17.21 per cent and general administration 25.64 per cent.

The governor said that government was mindful of the need to make the capital budget more realistic and predicable in 2014 to get optimal results.

Obi said the projected revenue earning for 2014 was N58.120 billion, including Internally Generated Reveune of N15.920 billion and state share of Federation Account, N42.200 billion.

He said that the recurrent expenditure was expected to

decrease from the 2013 projection of N39.995 billion to N39.705 billion of 2012, representing a marginal decrease of N0.290 or 0.73 per cent.

According to him, a capital expenditure of N100.295 billion was being earmarked out of which the economic sector would receive N42.947 billion, social N14.373 billion, environment N17.258

billion and general administration N25.718 billion.

The economic sector would receive the highest allocation on account of the capital intensive nature of its component subsectors such as land, transport (roads and bridges) to which N35.100 billion had been allocated.

Also, funds have been

allocated to other key sub-sectors as education N7.172 billion, health N5.088 billion, agriculture N1.155 billion, water supply N9 billion and MDG projects across selected subsectors N10 billion.

Obi said that the budget would touch the lives of the people of the state and create meaningful development.

ASSEMBLY: From left: Eze Ebenechi Dick, Grand Patron, Enugu State traditional rulers, Igwe Simeon Osisi and Eze Dominic Aloh, at the 6th Assembly of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria in Sokoto. Photo: Olu Ajayi.

NON CONDUCT OF LG POLLS: INEC accuses states of violating Constitution

BY TONY EDIKE NUGU—CHAIRMAN of the Enugu State Independent National Electoral Commission, ENSIEC, Dr. Ben Eneh has accused states that have failed to conduct the local government elections in their areas of violating the 1999 Constitution, saying that polls at the third tier of government should be held to strengthen democracy in the country.

Eneh spoke yesterday, in Enugu, while presenting Certificates of Return, CoR, to the newly elected 17 local government council chairmen and 260 councillors in the state.

The ENSIEC Chairman said the third tier of government in the state had performed well in the area of rural development, stressing that the people of the state had benefited immensely from the councils.

He then urged them to continue to deliver ‘’democracy dividends’’ to enable the people of the state have absolute confidence in the democratic process.

Eneh said that the state government provided the necessary resources that ensured the smooth conduct of the council polls and expressed satisfaction

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with the electoral process that threw up the council helmsmen.

According to Eneh, the local government elections were conducted in line with the 1999 Constitution.

Also speaking, the re-elected Chairman of Enugu North Local Government Area, Mr. Emeka Edeh, said that the numerous achievements recorded by the various local governments under the Sullivan Chime administration, were made

possible by the non-interference of the state government in the affairs of the councils.

His words: “We thank Governor Chime for giving us the enabling environment to discharge our duties. We also thank the people of Enugu State for their confidence and support to the People’s Democratic Party, PDP. The governor has created an enabling environment for the councils to function well and we must live above board to justify

the confidence reposed in us.

“The independence of local government areas in Enugu State is not in doubt. In Enugu State our governor is following the rule of law. You can see by yourself the roads we are doing, the health care facilities and scholarships we are giving to people. Our human empowerment programmes, social amenities and infrastructure are done because we collect our allocations freely from source.”

Abia distributes 202 cars to youths

BY ANAYO OKOLI M UA H I A — I N continuation of its Youth Empowerment Programme, the Abia State Government has given out 202 different brands of vehicles to Abia youths for the fourth phase of the programme.

This brings to 700, the total number of vehicles so far given out by the government to the youths since the inception of the programme about a year ago.

Speaking while handing over the vehicles to

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beneficiaries at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Emma Nwabuko explained that the programme was designed to better the lots of youths in the state.

Nwabuko also explained that the vehicles which were branded and registered by the government were always given free of charge.

According to him, the gesture was not only to make Abia youths gainfully

employed but to be useful to themselves and the society.

In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Affairs and Development, Prince Maduka Uwadi asked the beneficiaries not to use the vehicles for commercial purposes, resell or deface them, warning that any person caught going against the guidelines would have his vehicle withdrawn.

Uwadi announced that the fifth batch of the exercise would hold before the end of December.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013 — 15

NCC out with new industry model for broadband penetration

BY ADEKUNLE ADEKOYA, General Editor

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AGOS — TELECOMMUNICATIONS regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has proposed the setting up and licensing of infrastructure companies (InfraCos) to hasten the deployment of broadband to all nooks and crannies of the country under the National Broadband Network (NBN) Deployment plan.

“The objective of this initiative is to stimulate a new national broadband network that is not only more widespread but also faster and more secure than what is available today, thereby stimulating other sectors of the economy and leading to higher economic spinoffs for Nigeria. In addition, it will offer efficient connectivity as well as ultra high-speed broadband services that is available, affordable and sustainable,” according to NCC. The release of the document comes ahead of a planned public consultation on the plan billed to hold next Friday in Lagos.

In the document uploaded on its website and accessed by

Vanguard, the telecoms regulator proposed a new (broadband) industry structure that will consist of InfraCos providing intercity fibre and others providing metro fibre, while geographicallyfocused InfraCos will provide wholesale bandwidth services on “a non-discriminatory, open access, price regulated basis.”

According to the NCC document, titled “Open Access Next Generation Fibre Optics Broadband Network Industry Consultation Paper November 2013,” InfraCos may also provide dark fibre services on commercial basis.

They will also be required to focus on the “deployment of metropolitan fibre and provide transmission services, available at access points (Fibre to the Node or Neighborhood - FTTN) to access seekers, leverage existing inter-city fibre to deploy their services, and purchase/ lease transmission or long haul fibre capacity from other providers, where available, for the purpose of interconnection.”

The business model proposed for the InfraCos indicate that their customers will include: zWholesale Wireless Last Mile

Operators; z RSPs (Retail Service Providers) that require wholesale bandwidth; z Independent operators/ wholesale operators who require to lease transmission services; and zOther access seekers such as Vertically Integrated Operators and NLDOs (National Long Distance Operators).

The Wholesale Wireless Last Mile Providers are expected to deploy last mile connectivity using a mixture of existing technologies, including wireless and fibre optic broadband.

“In addition,” says the NCC document, “the available 2.3GHZ spectrum license will be auctioned to provide last mile wireless access on a wholesale basis.”

Further, the Wholesale Wireless Last Mile Provider will interconnect with the proposed InfraCos at their Points of Access (PoA), thereby creating an integrated broadband service nationwide to homes and businesses.

There are also the vertically integrated telecommunication companies, which consist of mainly existing private telcos that have established presence, in addition to National Long Distance Operators (NLDOs) which are private companies that “construct, own, and operate transmission networks for carrying long distance telecommunications services within Nigeria.

Others are Retail Service Providers, RSPs, who are “expected to ride on the wholesale last mile provider to provide services to homes, businesses and schools, but will have flexibility to obtain services from variety of operators and can leverage on other operators beyond InfraCos to meet end-user needs.”

NCC added that “the proposed structure allows existing players to operate on the basis of business-as-usual, with the option of transferring/leasing their inter-city and existing metropolitan fibre infrastructure to the InfraCos.”

National Conference: Anyaoku advocates true federalism

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AGOS — FORMER Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, has said that the proposed National Conference should be used as a platform to evolve a workable federal structure for Nigeria.

Anyaoku said this in Lagos, yesterday, at the 3rd Goody Jidenma Public Lecture, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA. The lecture has as its theme: ‘The Practice of True Federalism in Africa, the Nigerian Experience and the Way Forward.’

According to Chief Anyaoku: “The National Conference should offer Nigerians the golden opportunity to discuss an appropriate federal structure for the country.

“The conference should be made to focus on the required system of government. There should be a return to the six federating units, with each unit developing at its own pace.”

The former Commonwealth scribe said that such units would ensure equitable sharing of proceeds from the nation’s resources, noting that Nigeria had attained “faster development“ when it operated four regional structure of government.

He advised Nigerians against the syndrome of “it is our turn to produce the next president,” but to work collectively at achieving a united, peaceful and developed country.

The guest lecturer, Professor Jonah Elaigwu, President, Institute of Governance and Social Research, IGSR, argued that Nigeria, like other African countries, was yet to practice true federalism.

“No country has been able to meet with the characteristics of federalism so far. There is symmetrical federalism in Nigeria. Even America is not a true federalism, “ he said.

Elaigwu then urged Nigerians to jointly work at removing their federation challenges and also create a federal system of government that would meet their collective needs.

Senate panel queries FERMA over duplication of road projects

By JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

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BUJA — THE Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Subsidy Reinvestment and E m p o w e r m e n t programme, SURE-P, yesterday, queried the management of Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA, over what it described as “duplication of projects and contracts” by the agency.

This is even as the committee summoned all contractors handling the Lokoja-Abuja Road project, over scandalous review of the contract sum with over 170 per cent between 2006 and now.

The committee, headed

by Senate Deputy Leader, Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), said it discovered that FERMA duplicated projects in its 2012 and 2013 budgets, based on submissions made available to it.

But in a defence, Managing Director, FERMA, Engr. Gabriel Amuchi, who appeared before the panel, to answer questions over certain issues, said the agency purchased construction equipment with the money, a development, the lawmakers kicked against, averring that having procured such in 2012, there was no need for the agency to repeat same items in its 2013 budget.

Police stop Dino Melaye’s Abuja programme

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BUJA — THE police in Abuja, yesterday, stopped the muchpublicised colloquium organised by Executive Secretary, Anti-Corruption Network, Otunba Dino Melaye from holding .

The fierce-looking and heavily-armed police officers, purportedly on the orders of the InspectorGeneral of Police, IGP, Mohammed Abubakar, stormed Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja, venue of the colloquium on Freedom of Information Act 2011 (FoI) and sealed off the building.

No reason was given by the police authorities for the action.

16 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013

FG condoles with Gov Shema over father's death

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AT S I N A — V I C E President Namadi Sambo, yesterday, led the Federal Government’s delegation to condole with Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State over the death of his father, Alhaji Shehu Shema, 86.

The deceased was buried in Katsina in accordance with Islamic rites on Monday at about 2.30p.m.

The Vice President was accompanied on the visit by Governor Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna State and his Kebbi State counterpart, Alhaji Sa’idu Dakingari.

Sambo prayed to Almighty God to grant the deceased eternal rest and the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Also in Katsina to condole with the governor was Alhaji Nuhu Ribadu, who also prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul.

National Orientation Agency wins peace award

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BUJA—THE N a t i o n a l Orientation Agency, NOA, yesterday, in Abuja received an award for championing the course of peace in the country.

The Youth for Peace and Good Leadership Initiative International, an NGO, gave NOA the award at the 2013 Peace and Leadership Award and launching of its Centre for Peace, Conflict Resolution and Youth Leadership Development.

Receiving the award, the Director-General of NOA, Mr. Mike Omeri, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Orientation and Peace Education, Ms. Ify Okoye, thanked the organisers for the gesture.

He described the NGO as “partners in the peace project”, saying the award would further spur the agency to greater heights.

Textile workers mourn ex-ASUU President, Festus Iyayi

BY EMEKA MAMAH ADUNA—TEXTITLE workers in the country have reacted to the death of the former National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Dr. Festus Iyayi in an auto crash, yesterday, describing him as a ‘’victim of Nigerian crisis in governance.’’

A statement by the General Secretary of the union, Issa Aremu said that labour had ‘’indeed lost a tested and committed activist of decent work in the universities and Nigerian labour market in general.’’

Aremu’s statement read in part, ‘’We received with heavy heart this (yesterday) afternoon the death of Comrade Iyayi, one time President of ASUU reportedly in a ghastly motor accident involving the convoy of the Governor of Kogi State, (Capt. Idris Wada). Late Festus would be remembered for the honesty, and commitment as well as abundant energy he brought to the struggle of workers for improved working and living conditions. ‘’The fact that he tragically died while reportedly travelling for the resolution of the four-month long strike of university lecturers was an eloquent testimony to his life and deed; service to the working people and humanity!

Fighters and comrades like Comrade Festus hardly say goodbye. ‘’The death of Festus is a

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sobering and cruel reminder to the Federal Government to urgently put a permanent end to the persistent crisis of funding of public education in general and university education in particular.

Lecturers including late Festus as well as students should have been on the campuses not on bad roads, if not for the recent avoidable crisis. ‘’In literary and metaphoric terms, Festus is the latest major casualty of Nigeria’s crisis of

BUJA—THE Federal Government has called on businessmen/women from the United States to invest in the construction of roads and bridges in Nigeria.

The Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, made the call, yesterday, when he received a delegation of U.S. trade mission to Abuja.

His words: “We are ready to

to secure and protect are unacceptable and palpably criminal. ‘’May the death of Dr. Festus, a globally acclaimed author and one time winner of Commonwealth Prize for Literature touch the hearts of our leaders to promote and work for good governance. We condole with the leadership of ASUU, the people and government of Edo State for this loss of human capital in Africa, a continent begging for scarce human resources.’’

BIRTHDAY: Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State (middle), cutting the cake to mark his 58th birthday. With him are members of the state Executive Council, Secretary to the State Government and the Chief of Staff to the governor, Dr. Joshua Bawa, at his residence in Minna. `

Damaturu residents seek review of curfew-hour

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AMATURU—A cross section of Damaturu residents, yesterday, appealed to authorities in Yobe to relax the 12-hour curfew imposed across the state.

NAN reports that security agencies reviewed the restriction of movement order three weeks ago following renewed attack by insurgents on Damaturu.

A 24-hour curfew was initially imposed on the state capital and later relaxed to 12 hours from 6.00 p.m to 6.00 a.m Alhaji Musa Audu, a commercial motorist, told the NAN, in Damaturu that the curfew had affected commercial activities generally in the state.

He said: “At times, we take risk of speeding to arrive home before

the 6.00 p.m. deadline when the curfew starts.

“Many commuters also postpone their journey for fear of arriving late and spending the night at the city gate.”

Another resident, Alhaji Musa, appealed for an

collaborate with U.S. investors on roads and bridges infrastructure.

“The needed funds for infrastructure development in the country are so huge that government cannot bear it alone in view of all other competing needs.

“We are working with private individuals and organisations on Public Private Partnership basis.

“For instance, we have

extension of the curfew, suggesting that it should commence from 9.00 p.m and end at 6.00 a.m.

He said this would allow travellers arrive their destinations instead of being forced to sleep on the outskirts

of the towns as it happens now.

Kakuri Usman, a provision store owner, said business activities now close at 4.00 p.m. “because people are rushing home to beat the 6.00 p.m. deadline."

PDM accuses Anenih of leading campaign for its deregistration its deregistration as a political signed by Ambassador Yahaya

BY JOSEPH ERUNKE BUJA—THE Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM, yesterday, accused the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Tony Anenih of spearheading a campaign for

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FG tasks US investors on roads contruction

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governance. Accidents are the norms (not exceptions) along the notorious Kogi-Lokoja road which for well over a decade remains under permanent ‘construction’ and ‘rehabilitation’ despite serial awards of contracts by various governments. It was, however, worse that it was a governor’s convoy which was involved in an ‘accident’ that would add to the endless list of victims along this road. Convoys of executive governors murdering citizens they swore

developed a new tolling policy with a view to attracting investors into the road sector. As part of the policy, we have identified some viable roads for concession.”

The minister urged the investors to take advantage of the new tolling policy to invest in the country’s roads and bridges.

party, warning both Anenih and the PDP to desist from their plot.

The party equally said it uncovered plot by some PDP stalwarts to convene a meeting of its members today, where they would discuss the registration of PDM and come up with a call for the party’s deregistration.

But it said it would not fold its arm to allow Anenih and PDP achieve their aim, just as it insisted that the party had come to stay in the Nigerian political terrain.

In a statement released Tuesday, in Abuja, by Alaba Yusuf, Media Advisor to the party’s National Chairman, Mallam Yusuf Ibrahim, the PDM vowed that it would not allow PDP decide its fate.

The statement which was

Kwande and 43 others, read: “Our attention has been drawn to the plan by some members of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, under the direction of the Chairman of PDP Board of Trustees, to call a meeting of 'PDM Stakeholders' in Abuja on November 13, 2013 to take a stand on the registration of Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM. “We further learnt that the purpose of the meeting is to reject the registration of PDM as a political party on the purported ground that enough consultations were not made before the registration was agreed upon. We understand that those members of the organisation who prefer to stay in PDP are aggrieved that PDM hasjumpedthesinkingshiptobecome a political party in its own right."

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013— —17 “For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.” 2 Corinthians 11:19

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PDP: Bloodied dog, bloodied monkey to the enemy, he insists.

The PDP governors are behaving as if they will do everything but submit to unconditional surrender. They have made much capital of the blundering show of force, epitomized by the embarrassing spectacle of a junior police officer attempting to break up their meeting. They have successfully cultivated public opinion to portray them as victims of serial high–handedness, arrogance and impunity by the Jonathan administration. They have rolled out the red carpet to fraternize openly with the opposition APC, an act which in political terms will be treated as high treason. They have packed their luggage, rallied their supporters around, and have sent every signal that they are on their way out.

With distances growing between the two camps, what will an improbable rec-

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Y the end of this week, the nation would be regaled with another twist in the PDP leadership saga. As I write, the nPDP faction is strategising for the next battle, while the President Goodluck Jonathan faction is digging in for a final battle. This bruising, allconsuming fight is unlikely to end without massive losses on all sides. It seems a perfect description of the illfated phrase used by leader of the APC, General Muhammadu Buhari, in 2011 when he warned of the consequences of a rigged 2011 elections. He was vilified by an opposition which felt that any mention of blood, even in a phrase, amounted to a call for a violent uprising.

The crisis in the PDP has many ominous implications, yet the major players appear to think the nation can live with it and survive it, provided it causes no damage to their personal ambitions and political calculations. For all parties in this conflict, there are no easy options.

Making any concessions will amount to capitulation. Standing your ground is unrealistic, impractical and dangerous.

Stakes have been raised so high that it is now an all-or-nothing affair. Still, they will go through the motion, because everyone wants to be seen to be interested in reconciliation.

No matter how it is resolved, this saga will end up consuming many powerful interests. Elders of the nation have all been roped in. Defiance by the parties (defined as insistence by nPDP that they will not pitch camps outside Jonathan’s PDP), or refusal of the latter to make enough concessions to assuage their grievances will send signals that these elders have no place in the political process. If they cannot prevail on governors who jetted around the country briefing them (read: making a pitch for their support) to submit to their intervention and make concessions, they will throw their hands up in abject resignation. If President Jonathan’s PDP insists that elders’ role is to uphold discipline and whip the governors into line, they would also have wasted more of their rapidly dwindling clout to influence the President.

The entire political asset of the 14 years of governance which the PDP is supposed to have accumulated is now at stake. The array of has-beens and relics being assembled as Jonathan’s re-election vanguard looks like the type of group that on its own could intervene in this damaging fight. Unfortunately, its very existence is evidence that Jonathan’s PDP does not see a reconciliation involving his candidature in 2015 on the cards.

Chairman Bamanga Tukur is in no mood for anything other than unconditional submission. Old man Clark thinks the nPDP governors are the real enemy to be subdued and conquered. Not an inch

Abdulfatah is at the mercy of the fight between Senator Saraki and the Presidency. He will follow his godfather, to hell if necessary. If they find accommodation in the PDP now, he may be guaranteed a second term. If they do not, he may have to fight for another term on the strength of Saraki’s position in their new home.

Governor Nyako will find life entirely intolerable with Bamanga in place and an entire platoon of enemies in Adamawa and Abuja groomed to attack him. He will be the governor with the most to lose in the event of a reconciliation in any form. Governor Amaechi does not have the options of a prodigal son. His sins dwarf the others’ principally because Jonathan’s people see him as fraternizing with the enemy, which is what Northern PDP have become. He will need to cover the widest ground in demonstrating abject submission, remorse and regret. By the time he is drained of every ounce of dignity, he will be better off living in Ghana for the rest of his life. If he does submit, he may finish his term a finished politician, and the rest of his days fighting off one state agency or another.

There are of course many more people and interests in the nPDP. In fact, they say they are preparing to welcome a few more nGovernors. The court has returned Oyinlola, which is a small token of victory in the context of setbacks by the nPDP in a judiciary they must think has a registered hostility towards them.

Political careers and ambitions of thou*Bamanga Tukur, PDP National sands are riding on the manner this crisis is resolved. Ambitious PDP Chairman politicians cannot wait to take up the position which will be abdicated by the nPDP people. Politicians in APC are worried over what a deluge of nPDP heavyweights into their party will mean for their plans and ambitions.

What form would a resolution for President Jonathan take? Could he conceivably abandon his ambition to run in 2015 to save the PDP? Can he live in the PDP with nPDP people and seek a win-win solution? What will that be?

Can people who demonstrated such damaging levels of distrust and disresubstantial dominance of the PDP and spect find genuine reconciliation and another Jonathan Presidency. They may agreement to work for victory in 2015? then take their places meekly in a PDP A reconciliation between nPDP and thereafter that will look at them with per- Jonathan’s PDP has a statistical chance manent suspicion. But they may get re- of success. If it could happen, it will be lief from constant worries over what life unlikely to subsist. If Jonathan’s PDP in the opposition they trampled upon succeeds in making nPDP or a faction will look like. Governor Wammako will of it abandon its fight, he will only transhave to find new ways to reassert the fer their hostility to voters in many parts place of the PDP in a state where he is of the North and South-South who will the root, the trunk and the branches. He resent a bully. The most realistic prowill have to demobilize the entire party jection of this conflict is that it may damwhich has packed up to follow him out. age the PDP and many political careers He may then get some relief from the and ambition’s irretrievably. There will worrying spectre that new leaders of the be many people on both sides who will PDP in Sokoto State are being groomed wish that nPDP and Jonathan’s PDP will from Abuja to make life intolerable for go their ways now, so that the party can him and his supporters. Governor assess its damage and move on.

If Jonathan’s PDP succeeds in making nPDP or a faction of it abandon its fight, he will only transfer their hostility to voters in many parts of the North and South-South who will resent a bully

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onciliation involve? Governor Aliyu Babangida’s famed documented oneterm-only commitment from Jonathan will have to go missing for ever, never to be discussed. He will have to eat his humble pie and make a dramatic turn around, specifically supporting the idea that another four years of Jonathan presidency will be the best thing for the North and Nigeria. He may then get respite from the intense pressure under which he lives.

Governors Kwankwaso and Lamido will have to find new language to tell their people that they have been wrong all this time: PDP’s massive internal democratic deficits can be cured after all, and the North will be better off with

OPINION

BY MUHAMMED OLAYINKA

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OR some time now, the Nigerian media have been inundated with stories of corruption allegation levelled against the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, concerning an unverified claim that the Minister masterminded the procurement of two bulletproof cars through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, one of the agencies she supervises. The way and manner this story has been hitting the front pages of national newspapers only proved that there was more to it than meet the eye.

Anyway, the focus of this article is really on the flip side, the unquantifiable damage of the whole gimmicks of corruption allegation in Nigeria. Is it not now very clear that some politicians and never-do-wells who, by misadventure, have found themselves at certain areas of our national economy, aviation inclusive, wish to remain there even in their unproductive age?

I have listened to one of them, Captain Dele Ore, during a conference in Lagos. He has maintained and continues to emphasize that aviation is all about getting the human capital right. Then, he confused his standpoint as he advocated and still advocates that politicians should not be allowed to head Aviation Ministry and agencies. Here is the error: Is Capt. Ore saying that if an aviation expert delves into politics, he should hands off aviation matters? But again, is Ore apolitical?

I think his stand does not hold water. The world over,

Oduah: Nigeria losing her best to corruption allegation you cannot separate economics from politics. The Aviation Round Table expert, Capt. Ore, should have known that the two are inseparable partners. So, this Captain might just be seeking for something he is not getting in aviation sector and Nigerians now know that he will continue to move around the table (Aviation Round Table!) until he gets it. And what does he want? Like the Biblical Herodias, the head of any Aviation Minister he did not appoint! Anyway, we cannot continue to live in the past with this man’s outdated argument in aviation matters.

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he nation has clamoured overtime that her best abroad should return home to facilitate development. President Jonathan has harkened to this clarion call. Then there was Prof. Bath Nnaji! Did he find his feet in the murky politics of position and grandstanding bedevilling our body politics? What of Prof. Adenike Grange, the first female Minister of Health during the late President Yar’Adua’s administration? She was said to have held many strategic international positions where she has distinguished herself at the apogee of health sector management and administration. But did she survive the corruption allegation missile, which has become the modern tool of political witch-hunting

in Nigeria? We can go on and on! And this tactics is being used against the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah today.

Nigerians must begin to unravel the intents of those who accuse others of corruption before joining the bandwagon. Yes, it is true that Nigerians have suffered mismanagement of bad rulers who pounced on our collective wealth like the hungry lion in the past. But should we then kill today’s cook on account of yesterday’s hunger if she was not responsible for it? This is my point: If we cannot determine the purpose for which such allegations are instituted, it is incumbent on us to jettison them for the general good of the society. I say this because the Aviation Ministry brouhaha has clearly shown that most of these accusations are generated from questionable quarters, more especially from those who have lost a bid to illegally enrich themselves from our common wealth at the detriment of the Nigerian people. This trend of mouthing corruption against the nation’s finest, who have made a success in their various careers in life, must stop if Nigeria must attract her best home to contribute their quota for accelerated national development.

•Mr Olayinka, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Ibadan

18 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013 WHEN the ailing Governor of Taraba State, Danbaba Suntai, returned from his elongated medical vacation abroad and could not be allowed to resume due to his subsisting indisposition, the state fell into the shadow of deadly power play. It not only concerns the power equation of the present between the Governor and his Deputy, it also has a lot to do with who gets what during the impending 2015 general elections.

Just a few weeks before he slumped and died, Bearing in mind that a similar bloodletting the former Speaker of the Taraba State House foreshadowed the governorship election in of Assembly, Haruna Tsokwa, had narrowly Edo State, where Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde, escaped assassination. The latest was anoth- the Principal Private Secretary to Governor er assassination attempt on the Deputy Speak- Adams Oshiomhole was shot dead; a murder er, Adamu Maikarfi, who was lucky not to be that rattled the state and the entire Police inat home when his assailants came calling. stitution, we hasten to call for caution on all The case in Ekiti State got even deadlier. On stakeholders to immediately halt the ugly November 3rd 2013, assailants gunned down trend. one Mr Foluso Ogundare, a loyalist of Hon We condemn without equivocation, this reOpeyemi Bamidele, who is stridently deter- sort to barbarism by political actors. Rather mined to challenge the Governor of the state, than put in efforts to convince the electorate, Dr Kayode Fayemi, for the governorship seat the ultimate source of power, as to why they during next year’s election in the state. An- should be voted for, politicians have formed other loyalist, Mrs Beatrice Ige, was shot in the habit of hiring gunmen to eliminate their the buttocks during the encounter. opponents in the run-up to elections. This

Troubling signals from Taraba, Ekiti

blood-soaked democracy has continued unabated because the law enforcement agencies, especially the Police, have failed to assert themselves by enforcing the laws and bringing the perpetrators of murders to book in order to discourage future occurrence.

Fourteen years after the return of civilian rule, we should be putting our ugly history of political murders behind us. We are all victims to the Frankenstein monsters politicians create by arming people to get to political office by all means possible only for the gunmen to turn around and become kidnappers, robbers, militants and insurgents, thus making society unsafe for all.

We call on the federal government to mobilise the law enforcement agents to maximum alertness in flashpoint states where elections are to be held within the next one year and ensure the safety of law abiding major political actors. These include Anambra, Ekiti, Nasarawa and Taraba States.

Unless we begin to apprehend political killers, the trend will only continue to blossom and our democracy may not survive for much longer.

OPINION

BY SAMUEL EGUAIKHIDE

O

N November 12, 2103, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole would clock five years in the saddle as Governor of Edo State.

The score-card of the man who prefers the simple title of Comrade Governor or Mr. Governor to the more fanciful and elegant ‘Executive Governor’, is a matter of intense debate among the people of the three senatorial districts in the State. The question now is: How has Comrade Oshiomhole fared in the last 1,829 days as the man administering the fortunes of Edo State?

What is not in doubt in Edo State is that Comrade Oshiomhole has performed excellently, but what the people argue about is how the projects are distributed. While some say he has concentrated more in Edo South, some argue that most of the projects are in Edo Central, while the rest insist that Edo North enjoys more government patronage. The debates still rage even as I write this. However, the fact is that no part of the state enjoys more patronage than the other as projects are evenly and equitably distributed.

Before Oshiomhole came on board, the story in the state was that of pain, agony, disillusionment, despair and disappointment occasioned by decades of criminal neglect, marginalization and deceit by previous administrations.

On assumption of office on November 12, 2008, Comrade Oshiomhole, fresh from being the Labour Leader Number 1, made a pledge to the people of the state that the decay of the past years would be reversed. Today, the promises have been fulfilled and the people

Has Oshiomhole delivered in 5 years? now see that government can really work for the people.

The success story is felt and seen in all parts of the state, from Benin City the state capital to Damgbala in Akoko Edo; from Ozalla in Owan West to Ewohinmi in Esan South-East.

From school projects to road projects, to health projects, to water projects, to rural electrification, the list is endless.

In fact, the Governor’s magic wand has touched all the 192 wards that make up Edo State in terms of one project or the other. No single ward is left out!

The road projects undertaken and completed in Benin City, the state capital in five years make one wonder if there were tarred roads in the city before his coming.

From the flagship six-lane Airport Road which has now been completed with side drains and walkways, with underground drains which in some parts are over five-metres deep and two metres wide, complete with street lights and greens to the equally beautiful six-lane Akpakpava Road which has the same accoutrements as the Airport Road, the Oshiomhole government signaled a clear intention to develop Benin City into one of Nigeria’s most modern cities.

However, there are other road projects completed in Benin City which have completely transformed the face of the capital city. Among these are the Gani Fawhinmi Layout comprising six roads complete with covered drains,

walkways and street lights; Oba Market road complete with covered drains, walkways and street lights; Stadium Road, complete with covered drains, walkways and street lights; Sokponba Road, complete with covered drains, walkways and street lights; 2nd West Road complete with covered drains, walkways and street lights; six-lane Sapele Road, complete with covered drains, walkways and street lights; Upper Siluko Road complete with covered drains, walkways and street lights; sixlane New Lagos Road; completed street lights at Upper Soponba; completed street lights at Ramat Park-Agbor road; Oro street, Uwa lane, 3rd Cemetery, Iheya, Five Junction and other adjoining streets, all completed with covered drains, walkways and street lights. Also, the King’s Square in the heart of Benin City sits proudly with a beautiful musical tune and a water fountain which glows in different colours.

A number of primary and secondary schools across the seven local governments and wards in Edo South have also been refurbished and reconstructed.

After a little setback, work on the 120-bed hospital complex at the Central Hospital has recommenced and the people are eagerly looking forward to its completion.

The N25 billion water storm masterplan which is aimed to deflood the state capital is ongoing, and even in the first phase, the promise of what it can do is already being felt.

In Edo Central, Ekpoma and Iruekpen which have been without water for over 25 years due to the rocky and low level of the water table now boast of potable water as boreholes have been sunk in both places with the Dando drilling rigs purchased by the Government. Also installed at the two sites are water treatment plants to further purify the water. Both projects have been completed and the people of Iruekpen and Ekpoma now enjoy potable water. However, other places in Edo Central now boast of potable water which they have lacked for years.

The schools completed are Ewu Junior Secondary School; St John Bosco, Ubiaja; Annunciation Catholic College, Irrua, Ibhedu Primary School, Ohordua, Okaigben Primary School, Ewohinmi and Eguare Primary School, Ekpoma. The ongoing schools projects are Our Lady of Lourdes, Uromi; Our Savior Primary School, Iruekpen. All these schools, roads and water projects are in addition to the rural electrification projects in many communities in the area.

The Women and Children Hospital at Ewohinmi has also been completed and awaiting commissioning.

In Edo, the red roof revolution, is a common denominator in almost every village in the state. This simply means the revolution in the rebuilding of the public schools which were left to rot for years.

Oshiomhole has done well in five years, he has performed creditably and no doubt the people are happy.

*Mr Eguaikhide, a university don, wrote from Ekpoma, Edo State

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013— —19

, T

HESE are political times in Anambra State and any comments critical of politicians and the parties they belong in are likely to be controversial and read from partisan standpoints. There is, however, nothing inevitable about such readings which are in fact no more than a reflection of the dismal nature of our politics. And we cannot, for fear of controversy or being seen as partisan, fail to remark on what seems a worrying tendency among Nigerian politicians and public officials to take responsibility for their misjudgements, whether intentional or not. This disgraceful behaviour of our public persons was again on display in the reaction of Mr. Peter Obi, outgoing governor of Anambra State, to the deaths of worshippers who died in the stampede that occurred at the Adoration Ground, Uke, in Idemili North Local Council. No less than 28 people lost their lives, stampeded to death in, of all places, a religious camp. The deceased were trampled upon by other worshippers running away from- what really? Whatever it was led to the stampede must have

seemed life-threatening enough for those around to have rushed to their death, herded in one direction like the Gadarene Swine. This is the most unlikely place to die if our people could for once behave like human beings to say nothing of responsible ones.

As usual the cause of the deaths and injuries has been clouded in controversy and is now a blamegame between partisans of the All Progressives Grand Alliance and the All Progressives Congress, two of the leading parties billed to lock horns in the state’s governorship election.

The common theme running through accounts of the tragedy is that Mr. Obi had attended the crusade that took place at the Adoration Ground with his selfappointed successor to the APGA seat, Mr. Willie Obiano. The contentious point however is when the stampede that led to the tragedy occurred, what and/or who caused it. One account claimed that one or some of the security aides of Mr. Obi had shot teargas into the air or crowd. Perhaps the worshippers mistook the tear gas blasts for gunshots and instinctively took to

their heels. Which would not be unusual reaction in a country where armed robbers routinely attack places of worship, and a region notorious for kidnapping. And would it be strange that a security aide of a politician, even a governor, would use their weapon in a crowded place? Not at all- at least not in Nigeria. This indeed is common practice with our triggerhappy police and military operatives who, as escorts to politicians and other public officials, are known to shoot guns with live ammunition into the air simply to find their way out of crowded traffic. The frightful pandemonium that follows such irresponsible use of arm is never the business of our kill-and-go officers of the law.

It’s therefore plausible and safe to speculate that Mr. Obi’s security aides could have engaged their weapons in the manner described in early accounts of the tragedy, not the afterthoughts that have since drowned them out. Assuming Mr. Obi had left the venue of the religious event that brought him to

Anambra guber election: A must win for PDP

BY PASCAL OKEKE

I

T is quite unusual that a ruling party will be in dilemma over the choice of supporting the candidate of an opposing party in any election anywhere in the world, least of all Nigeria, with its turbulent political clime.

However, as wonders will never end, this eighth wonder of the world is what the whispering campaign of APGA in Anambra state seems to be suggesting. It is no secret that President Goodluck Jonathan shares a strong bond with the Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi. Also not a secret is the fact that Mr Obi has leveraged on this bond with a superior in an opposing party, to consolidate his hold on the seat of power in Anambra State. It is clear that without the support of the President, Gov. Obi and his APGA team would have long been driven into obscurity.

We must not forget that the support Obi has enjoyed from President Jonathan was compelled, rather than based on willful acts.

This was as a result of the divided kingdom that has been the lot of the PDP in Anambra State. So in order not to lose the state completely, allies from supposedly enemy camps were courted. Now that the storm has settled, everyone must return, each man to his tent. It is time for every candidate to answer his father’s name.

The 2015 presidential election is just around the corner. This is the year of atonement in Nigerian politics and the President is deeply in the eye of the storm, as his political opponents are determined to pull the carpet off his feet. The North has maintained its distaste for the President’s administration, as it keeps insisting that a Northerner should be the one occupying the seat of the President. Incidentally, this position is not because the President is not posting creditable performance in governance, but because of the simple assumption that he is

,

not a “political free born” of Nigeria by his origin.

The South West are also breathing fire by solidifying their hold on national politics through the merger of their traditional party, ACN with other parties to form APC. This leaves President Jonathan with only the old Eastern Region and parts of the Middle Belt as his stronghold, precisely the South-East, the South-South and the North Central geographical zones of the country.

In the South East, Anambra is central to all that happens. Not only does Anambra have the highest number of registered voters in the region, it also has significant influence on other states around it. A victory for APGA, an opposing party, will have a ripple effect which will spread to victories for APGA and other opposing parties within the zone. This is not forgetting that Imo State has already been swooped upon by the APC hawks. Abia State is still battling with public hatred for its PDP governor, Theodore Orji; while Ebonyi State indigenes have made no pretence in stating their desire for a change in governorship personality. No doubt, if the people of Ebonyi State are presented with a good candidate, they will rush with hands spread out to embrace him, even if he’s from a party other than the ruling PDP. The war in Enugu State about which zone produces the next governor may lead to another party sneaking in-between the PDP sheets that were once very solidly woven in the state, but now weakened by internal fighting. In the South-South, Rivers State that once was the President’s stronghold is now an overnight enemy state of sorts, with Gov. Chibuike Amaechi singing a new, unfriendly tune and ready to split votes which will disfavour the President. Edo State has since been swept away with the APC broom. Delta State is not totally free as Chief Great Ogboru and his DPP team are not relenting in their efforts to intensify their fishing deep in the political waters of the state.

In the North Central, Kwara cannot be a

the Ground by the time the stampede occurred, the fact still is that he was at the Ground with his anointed candidate for the office he is vacating. Which exposes the hypocrisy of his entire visit as a political campaign masked in religious plume. Otherwise, let him say how often he had attended that or other vigils in the period before election. The incontrovertible fact that people had been canvassed and posters of politicians had been displayed lends credence to this point. This makes him as well as his hosts culpable in the deaths of the 28. This is the fact that should neither be discounted nor swept under the carpet as Mr. Obi’s factfinding committee goes about its task of finding the ‘immediate and remote’ causes of the stampede.

Out of respect for members of the panel Mr. Obi has set up, I wouldn’t want to describe them as lackeys of the governor. But there is hardly any doubt that they’ve been sent on a fool’s errand. Nothing meaningful is likely to come out of their factfinding body as the remote if not the immediate cause of the tragedy is clear to everyone able to think it through, namely: the hypocritical conduct of turning a religious event into a political one. And Mr. Obi couldn’t have done this without the connivance of the priests at the Adoration Ground. Which leaves one to ask if they carried their congregants along in their subterfuge. While they may be free to endorse political parties and candidates of their choice, such action should be done with the full awareness of their members who have a right of personal choice. But to do this under false pretences and without adequate arrangement for the safety of those who would be present amounts to criminal

sure bet due to its newly acquired status as a swing-state. Benue already has an aspect of its populace being sympathetic to APC, while Nasarawa carries over the CPC/ANPP battle into the APC frame to continue chirping away at PDP’s hold.

With the above scenarios in view, Anambra election, therefore, comes into a serious contention as a must-win for President Jonathan so that his foothold in the South East and indeed, the South-South will not be threatened further.

Should PDP win Anambra, a huge reversal of the dwindling fortunes for the party in the South-East and South-South will be the much coveted reward. On the other hand, a loss in Anambra will not only plunge the party into

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Peter Obi, adoration ground deaths and a culture of irresponsibility

Death at political rallies is commonplace thing in Nigeria; the least organisers of such rallies could do is make contingency arrangements for the safety of their partisans

negligence. Death at political rallies, which was what happened at the Adoration Ground crusade, is commonplace thing in Nigeria. The least organisers of such rallies could do is make contingency arrangements for the safety of their partisans, including possible sabotage by opposition elements.

Failure to do this, I repeat, amounts to criminal negligence on the part of the organisers which include Mr. Obi. Mr. Obi’s presence at the Ground with the candidate of his party makes clear his intention was to campaign. He ought to be more responsible in his political conduct rather than always being ready to pass the buck. He did the same thing a couple of months ago when the controversy surrounding the relocation/deportation of persons said to be of Anambra State origin was at its height. Obi played the political mute all through that episode, neither confirming nor denying claims that he was aware of the movement of those hapless Nigerians back to Anambra. He did this even when the whole controversy tipped over into an ethnic battle between the Yoruba and the Igbo.

He was apparently preparing the ground (Ground?) for the political battle ahead with the APC. Did Mr. Obi receive a letter of the planned relocation? Was he ever in communication with the Lagos State government which provided proof of such communication? Not one word came from Mr. Governor.

This is a sly and dishonest attitude unbecoming of a public figure and certainly someone who wants to replicate himself in Government House, Awka.

thinking cannot reinvent Obiano to become Peter, especially with the ever controversial APGA Chairman, Victor Umeh, hanging on the wings and ready to descend on the whittled down party structure once his only stumbling block (or rock), Peter Obi is out of the picture.

Umeh has never hidden his preference for a South Easterner, perhaps himself, to occupy Aso Rock villa in 2015. Forget the forced show of unity merely for the sake of victory in the gubernatorial elections. Everybody knows that Umeh has not relented in his efforts to checkmate Gov. Obi in the affairs of APGA, not minding the fact that the Governor was and still remains very close to President Jonathan. If Umeh has no regard for the President while Obi is in power, will he

Should PDP win Anambra, a huge reversal of the dwindling fortunes for the party in the South-East and South-South will be the much coveted reward; a loss will plunge the party into deeper despair among party members

deeper despair among party members, also reduce the number of delegates entitled to represent the state to at the party ’s nomination. This is what an APGA or indeed another party’s victory cannot offer Mr President.

A

re the President’s political advisers saying that PDP’s candidate is not fit to occupy the Government House in Awka which has remained out of the party’s reach since 2003? Are they saying that only APGA will continue to speak for PDP in the state? The President and his advisers should not be deceived by the supposedly good relationship that has so far existed between him and Mr Peter Obi. That kind of relationship hardly endures, especially with an imminent change of baton should APGA win the governorship again by default. This is because there can only be one Peter Obi, and that same Peter is about to take a bow and make his exit. Willy Obiano is not Peter Obi. Hope or wishful

,

miraculously develop this regard for the President when Governor Obi leaves?

Jonathan must not be misled – nothing good lasts forever. The impending exit of Governor Obi should signal the ceasation of the President’s and his team’s apparent support for APGA or indeed, any other opposing party’s candidate. The good people of PDP in Anambra have also not been too happy with the sizzling romance between the national body of PDP and the Anambra State chapter of APGA. Isn’t the fact that Anambra has always been a PDP state enough to restore the state to its rightful status? Don’t the overburdened faithful of PDP deserve to reap the fruits of their labour? The likes of Dr. Alex Ekwueme, who more or less founded PDP or Chief Onyeabor Obi, whose office in Western House, Marina provided the venue for developing PDP’s incubation framework, deserve better deals. *Mr Okeke, a political scientist, wrote from Awka, Anambra State.

20—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY,

NOVEMBER 13, 2013

Development at last in Ebonyi community as Obasanjo’s son weds heartthrob •as SSS operative allegedly attacks AIT cameraman

BY PETER OKUTU, Abakaliki

L

AST Saturday will cer tainly remain one of the most memorable moments in the life of Mrs. Chigozie Obasanjo, the newly wedded wife of Bisoye Obasanjo, one of the sons of former President of Nigeria, General Olusegun Obasanjo. It was the day the duo tied the nuptial knot in Ikwo local government area of Ebonyi State during their traditional marriage rite.

The event brought together dignitaries, including Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, present and former Governors of Ebonyi State, Chief Martin Elechi and Dr. Sam Egwu, respectively, among others, to felicitate with the couple.

The marriage was particularly significant being another inter-cultural marriage between the South East and the South West geopolitical zones, thereby further emphasising the much-talked about handshake across the Niger.

Democracy dividends But beyond this geo-political essence, the marriage also brought about swift development to the village of the bride at Okpuitumo in Ndufu Ikwo development centre of the state, an area critics have repeatedly dismissed and condemned as not possibly ever going to get their own share of democracy dividends in the present administration.

However, with the myriads of guests expected at the function, the state government decided to embark on the opening, construction and grading of the roads leading to the area in Ikwo LGA. The roads were put in order by the State Ministry of Works and Transport. In a chat with Vanguard Metro, VM, the State Commissioner for Works and Transport, Mr. Chukwuma Nwandugo pointed out that the 10.6 kilometre road leading to the vil-

•Bisoye and Chigozie at the wedding

ried out purely by the State government.

“The 10.6 kilometres road that was supposed to be graded by the LGA, but due to the fact that we were involved, we decided to partner the LGA to expedite action on that particular construction. We decided to grade and expand the road and also stabilize the very Nkem Owoh aka Osuofia having a handshake with Gen Obasanjo at the difficult sections of the wedding road. We used stone base and stabilized lage of the bride was con- State. According to him, a huge about 11 points of the road; we structed by the State govern- maintenance work on the six- did a huge maintenance on the ment in partnership with Ikwo km road from Onueke in Ezza road from Onueke to Agubia Local Government Area of the South LGA to Agubia was car- which is about 6km all but to-

gether”.

Members of the community will never forget the impact the event had on their environment and also their daughter’s decision to marry Bisoye Obasanjo as it brought about swift development of the area to the admiration of citizens of the state who are still perplexed by the action of the government towards the construction of road leading to Okpuitumo community.

The wedding was remarkable as guests wondered what would have made Obasanjo’s son to come to the East to get his bride which many considered an act of destiny.

•Uproar as DSS operative attacks AIT camera man

T

HE only black mark to the day’s event occurred when an SSS operative, identified as Mr. Emeka attached to Ebonyi State government House, Abakaliki, attacked and pummelled an Africa Independent Television, AIT, cameraman in the State, Mr. Chineye Sunday, who was then trying to get shots of dignitaries during the event. To the shock of all present, including the dignitaries, the SSS operative allegedly shoved and repeatedly punched the hapless fellow on the face.

The development almost ruined the joy of the occasion, but thanks to the comportment and maturity exhibited by the AIT cameraman, this did not happen.

Vanguard Metro gathered that Mr. Sunday left the scene of the event with bruises, swollen face and a damaged camera worth over a N1 million. Narrating his ordeal, Mr. Sunday noted: “The incident took place during Chief Obasanjo’ son’s traditional marriage yesterday (Saturday). Immediately I entered where dignitaries were and established my shots, the guy (SSS operative) who was at my back pushed me and sent me staggering with my equipment. I asked him why he did what he did. His response was to punch me in the face, injuring my eyes.

“My camera worth over N1 million was damaged and I cannot use it again to cover any function for government or anybody else until it is repaired or a new

one purchased for me”.

Reacting to the development, a cross section of journalists in the state expressed disappointment over the incident and called on both the state government and Human Rights Commission, HRC, to wade into the matter, threatening that if this is not done they would never cover any event involving the Governor since their safety cannot be guaranteed. “We are shocked, embarrassed and humiliated by this development.

These SSS guys are fond of obstructing us from doing our job both in the Government House and at the Stadium; and the most annoying aspect of it is that they know us very well. We are all in the Government House.

Harmless persons We are not strangers to them. We wonder who gave them the audacity to always attack us. It is only in Ebonyi State we feel threatened to do our job. These guys need training and retraining; they shouldn’t vent their anger on us if their condition of service is not acceptable to them. They should allow us to do our job while they do theirs.

Journalists the world over are harmless persons”. Meanwhile, the ADC to the Ebonyi State Governor, Mohammed Tijan, Chief Security Officer, CSO, and Chief Detail appealed to journalists in the state to be calm over the incident, promising to sanction the affected SSS operative.

Also, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ebonyi State chapter, has strongly condemned the alleged beating of Mr. Sunday allegedly by the SSS operative.

In a chat with Vanguard Metro, the State Chairman of NUJ, Mrs. Veronica Osim who condemned the action of the SSS operative explained that Journalists should not be seen as a threat to peace in the State but rather partners in the development agenda of the nation. She called on the SSS operatives and all the other security agencies in the state to always allow Journalists do their job effectively and shun acts capable of causing Journalists to be at loggerheads with any agencies in the state.

“Journalists are not a threat to peace because we all are doing the same work of ensuring peace in the state and the country at large. I want to appeal to all those involved that such act should not be allowed to happen again. We have reported the matter to the necessary authorities, including the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor and we are hopeful that the issue will be resolved amicably. “We condemned it entirely. People should not go physical with us because we are not at war with anybody”.

VM learnt that the cameraman is still receiving medical treatment as a result of the injuries he sustained from the attack.

However, effort made by journalists in the State to get the attention of the SSS operative proved abortive as he did not want to discuss the matter.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013 — 21

Megacity 2015: Fashola seeks more private sector investment

BY NAOMI UZOR

T

HE Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, said for the state to achieve its dream of becoming Africa’s model megacity by 2015, there is need to attract more private sector investment into the state in order to create jobs and increase productivity.

Speaking through the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Olushola Oworu, at the closing ceremony of the Lagos International Trade Fair, Fashola said the state government has the obligation to develop strategies that would help it harness public and private investments with a view to having a dynamic and expanding economy that is functional and visually attractive.

“Let me state that our role as an economic and financial hub in the sub-region requires that we prioritise the improvement of vital infrastructure in such a way and manner that will facilitate the creation of a business environment conducive to private sector investments. As such and in line with our development imperatives, we have predicated our development plans on pillars that take into account the need for economic development, infrastructure development, social development and security, as well as sustainable environment,” he stated. He said the development challenges of a growing megacity and state like Lagos

requires that it targets investment in key areas that would drive growth particularly in a world economy that is getting increasingly globalised. Although, he said the structure of the economy

as a state, when examined by its Gross Domestic Product, reveals the preponderance of investment in the area of hospitality, financial services, trade and commerce, he noted that they are poised to

broaden the prevalent economic structure through diversification to promote potential growth industries and sectors such as agribusiness, power, transportation and housing.

From Left: Solomon Kayode Onafowokan; chairman governing council; Haresh Keswani, member of trustee, and Kunle Hamzat, member, all ofRetail Council of Nigeria, at the press conference in Lagos to announce the launching of RCN in Abuja next week .

FG, states charged to work on rail network

By GODFREY BIVBERE

P

ERMANENT Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transport, Engr. Nebolisa Emodi, has charged state governments to work closely with the Federal Government 1.25 104.5 with a view to ensuring tha all seaports, airports, 2,600.00 +14.00 river ports, mining zones, industries and agricultural belts are linked 17.95 -0.02 with railway lines to complement the existing road infrastructure.

106.86 +0.46 Emodi made the call in Lagos, when he ad94.74 -0.40 dressed the 2013 National Council on Transportation.

He CURRENCY BUYING SELLING noted that transportaDOLLAR 154.71 155.21 155.71 STERLING 247.4586 248.2584 249.0581 tion and mobility are EURO 207.265 207.9348 208.6047 central to sustainable deFRANC 168.1265 168.6699 169.2132 velopment as they enYEN 1.5604 1.5654 1.5704 hance socio-economic CFA 0.2978 0.3078 0.3178 WAUA 235.8293 236.5914 237.3536 activities, growth and RENMINBI 25.3964 25.4789 25.5614 improved accessibility RIYAL 41.2505 41.3838 41.5171 as well as support the KRONA 27.7836 27.8734 27.9631 achievement of better inSDR 236.1339 236.897 237.6602 tegration of all sectors of the economy while respecting the environCBN Exchange rate as at 12/11/2013

ment.

He said the importance of efficient movement of people and goods and access to environmentally sound, safe and healthy urban-rural linkages and productivity of rural areas cannot be overemphasized.

According to the permanent secretary, it is due to these facts that transportation has been accorded its rightful place in the Vision 20:20:20 and the transformation agenda of the present administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Emodi pointed out that the Federal Government is not only committed to the development of quality infrastructure, but is also mindful of the fact that its resources are inadequate to meet and bridge the current huge infrastructure gaps without the participation of the private sector.

He said this informed the decision of government to initiate some reforms, including four transport reforms

bills, aimed at providing the enabling environment for more participation of the private sector, state, and local governments in providing adequate and efficient transport infrastructure through Public Private Participation (PPP) strategy.

He disclosed that government has also initiated processes for concessioning the operations of river ports and railway lines upon completion of their construction and rehabilitation.

He was optimistic that with appropriate transport infrastructure, Nigeria’s vast market will be veritable ground for competitive local and international trade, which will boost social economic growth and increase employment opportunities.

In his own address, the Commissioner for Transportation, Lagos State, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, noted that transport accounts for more than 30 percent of the value of delivered goods caused by inadequate and inefficient transport infrastructure in Nigeria.

AGF advocates new accounting policies

BY OLASUNKANMIAKONI

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CCOUNTANT-General of the Federation, AGF, Jonah Ogunniyi, has stressed the need for accountants-general across the states to ensure the success of the implementation process of International Public Sector Accounting Standards, IPSAS, by 2014.

The process aims at embedding transparency and accountability in financial management and reporting in Nigeria through Integrated Financial Management Information System, IFMIS”.

Ogunniyi, while tasking accountants-general in the country to re-assert themselves as the think-tank of public accounting and insist on probity and accountability in public financial management, noted that the subcommittee of Federation Account Allocation Committee has already provided the road map for the adoption of IPSAS, having developed and distributed to the three tiers of government the unified National Chart of Accounts, the format of the General Purpose Financial Statements and accounting policies, which are in agreement with IPSAS. He gave the charge at the weekend during a retreat for accountants-general from the 36 states of the federation, in Lagos, with the theme; “Public Financial Management Reforms: The Way Forward”, which he described as appropriate as the nation is currently undergoing different public financial management reforms initiatives. He stated further that for successful implementation of IPSAS, a communication plan must be drafted detailing the objective, the message, approach, target audience and pathway among others for the smooth transition.

Speaking also, Udo Hilary, Chairman, Forum of Accountants-General in Nigeria, who is also the AkwaIbom State Accountant General, said the four-day retreat was to re-appraise the commitments of the AccountantsGeneral in Nigeria to the IPSAS road map and to imbibe new concepts that would be useful in discharging their day-to-day duties in their respective states.

22—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013

Protect your vehicle with a comprehensive cover (3)

H

ow to guidance make a on the claim in the approach event of an and steps to accident adopt in The following processing pragmatic of any steps are claim, as a essential in lot of time is processing a saved in claim to concluding satisfactory a claim. conclusions i ) What to do NOTIFICATION: when an the insurer insurance must be company is promptly delaying n o t i f i e d your claim directly or

By Dr. Wole In the event through a Adetimehin, of any broker or Managing Director, delay in agent where c l a i m s Jully Insurance they are processing Brokers and involved. The with an Immediate Past incident must insurance President, Chartered also be c o m p a n y, Insurance Institute of reported to the the first step police as their Nigeria, CIIN to take is to report may be ascertain needed to the cause of substantiate the delay, the claim. and find out if the claims have ii) CLAIMS been fully documented or if DOCUMENTATION: All there has been a breach of any claims notified must be of the contract/policy terms or supported with documents conditions. Notwithstanding that will enable the insurer the findings, from the above process, access & and adjust enquiries, the insured or the claim for settlement. It is claimant has the following a lot easier and less options of redress or pursuing cumbersome to put the their rights. relevant supporting i) A formal report could be documents together where a made to the relevant body of broker is involved, as their Insurers Trade Associationexpertise will be at the NIA that has in place an disposal of the insured OMBUDSMAN panel claimant. saddled with the The documents required to responsibility to investigate support a claim normally and resolve such cases. would vary from the nature - A formal report can also be and type of claim i.e. fire, made to the sectors theft, accidental damage or Regulators-The National Third party claims. Such Insurance Commission documents will include (NAICOM) that has always among others: handled and resolved cases a) Claim forms which is brought before the relevant in all cases must be commission. completed, and are meant to - The insured or claimant at furnish all relevant details his discretion can also institute and circumstances of the a legal action in pursuance of event or loss underlying a their right under the motor claim. insurance policy contract. b) Estimates of Repairs in The way forward accidental damage cases.

It is high time for the insurers c) Payment Receipts to place more emphasize on evidencing towing or consumerism in their practice, recovery fees following an whereby they go the extra accident. mile in the packaging and d) All vehicle particulars to delivery of their products and ascertain ownership. services to the ultimate Vehicle purchase receipts satisfaction of their in the event of fire & theft consumers. The adoption of cases to ascertain original after sales services to value and the year of purchase compliment their marketing e) Statement of claim from strategies and efforts could be third parties in the event of rewarding to all concerned. death, bodily injury or third In like manner, the Nigerian party property damage. insurance buying public f) Police Report to ascertain should be a lot more proactive genuineness and verify the and willing to imbibe circumstances. insurance education and It is always advisable and awareness, while demanding helpful to approach Insurers for the utmost from their or handling Brokers for insurance services providers.

SEND YOUR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS TO insuranceandyou@yahoo.com C M Y K

Efekoha, PILA canvass increased insurance education

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anaging Director and Chief Executive of Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc, Mr. Eddie Efekoha, has re-emphasised the need for increased insurance education for the public and especially for the country’s teeming youths.

Speaking at a Career Talk for students in secondary schools in Lagos organised by Professional Insurance Ladies Association (PILA), Efekoha stressed the need for more insurance education in the country.

Efekoha, who stood in for the President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, CIIN, Mr. Fatai Lawal as the chairman of the occasion also

commended the efforts of PILA in ensuring that insurance education is instilled in the next generation right from their childhood.

Mr. Kola Ahmed, Director General of CIIN emphasised the Institute’s total commitment to insurance education and public awareness.

Speaking on the topic ‘The Splendor of the Insurance Profession,’ Managing Director and Chief Executive of International Energy Insurance Plc, Mrs. Roseline Ekeng, highlighted the dynamics of the insurance profession as well as entry criteria to Nigerian universities to study

insurance.

In her welcome address, the Vice President of PILA, Mrs. Yetunde Adenuga, explained that one of the cardinal objectives of PILA is public enlightenment campaign on the need for insurance and the education of the younger generation on the benefits of taking insurance as a profession.

“In achieving this, the association organises career talk for students in both private and public secondary schools in Lagos state to increase awareness on insurance products and also to build a good understanding of the insurance profession to the younger ones,” she stated.

Mr. Usman Suleiman, Managing Director, FUG Pensions (third left) and Mrs. Ngozi ChuksOkeke, General Manager (third right) with retirees at the company’s retirees forum.

Obama under fire about keeping current plans

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he White House defended President Obama’s repeated claim that Americans can keep their current health insurance plans under Obamacare if they like them. The backpedal defense followed an NBC News report more than 7 million Americans with health insurance plans that don’t meet minimum standards under the new law would have to upgrade to the new, more expensive plans that meet the standards next year, which the network said meant those people would lose their current healthcare coverage.

The report alleged the Obama administration knew about this, despite Obama’s continued assertions nothing in the Affordable Care Act required people to change what they had.

The network said the law’s regulations in 2010 estimated 40 percent to 67 percent of

customers would have to give up their existing policies because of the new minimum standards as well as normal insurance turnover.

Policies existing before 2010 are protected from this rule by a grandfather clause, but the clause applies only if the healthcare plan hasn’t changed significantly since 2010, such as in the plan’s deductible, co-pay or benefits.

“It’s true that there are existing healthcare plans on the individual market that don’t meet those minimum standards and therefore do not qualify for the Affordable Care Act,” White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters. “There are some that can be grandfathered if people want to keep insurance that’s substandard,” he said.

“But what is also true is that Americans who have

insurance on the existing individual market will now have numerous options available to them, and six out of 10 will pay less than $100 per month in premiums for better insurance,” Carney said. “It’s not even an applesand-apples comparison.”

Obama supported the health law Monday, citing a new report showing nearly half of uninsured single, young adults in the United States, or about 1.3 million people, could sign up for health insurance for $50 or less a month after tax credits. Some 1.9 million could pay $100 or less a month, while 1 million more could qualify for Medicaid, the Department of Health and Human Services report said.

“Less than your cellphone bill, less than your cable bill,” Obama told Fusion, a new cable channel from ABC News and Univision.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013 — 23

Stories by ROSEMARY ONUOHA

BRIEFS

gainst the prevailing notion that the new pension fund being regulated by the National Pension Commission, PenCom, is lying idle, the Pension Fund Operators of Nigeria, PenOp, has decried that the fund is not in any way idle.

Addressing insurance journalists at a seminar in Lagos last week, PenOp said the fund from the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS, is pensioners’ money and is very active.

Recall that the pension fund which currently stands at over N6 trillion has been generating a lot of controversy from various segment of the economy with even the Senate demanding that the fund be invested in infrastructure since it is idle.

Meanwhile, PenOp denied the notion that it is idle; stressing that over 60 per cent of the fund is invested in Federal Government bond.

According to PenOp, the government of the country should instead tell Nigerians how they have been utilizing all the money they have been borrowing.

Meanwhile, newly elected Chairman of the Association and Managing Director of Legacy Pension Managers Limited, Mr. Misbahu Yola has identified key areas of focus in the next two years.

According to Yola, the new leadership will be focusing on having its own secretariat in the next few months which

‘Most Philippines cyclone not insured‘

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From left: Mr. Sadiq Mohammed, MD/CEO ARM Pension (Head Technical PenOp); Mrs. Nkem Oni-Egboma, MD/CEO Zenith Pension Custodian (Treasurer PenOp); Mr. Misbahu Umar Yola, MD/CEO Legacy Pension (Chairman PenOp) and Mr. Wilson Ideva MD/CEO Premium Pension(Head Legal PenOp) at the seminar.

Pension fund not idle, 60% invested in bond — PenOp would help coordinate its activities.

He said that his administration would place more emphasis on branding and communication, adding that the Association would engage and interact more with the public to ensure that proper knowledge about the industry ’s operations is acquired.

He said he will work closely with the media to ensure proper dissemination of information about the sector,

stressing that the essence of the media in education and enlightenment cannot be over emphasised.

The Chairman further said that his team would collaborate with PenCom in the quest to encourage savings culture among young people, and that the collaboration will also ensure that the transfer window initiative is achieved.

On the informal sector, the Chairman said that a framework has been designed

by the regulator and in few months Pen Com will roll out the guidelines that will enable them to empower the sector.

He further disclosed that the PFAs have started engaging the informal sector and have started putting incentives that will attract the informal sector.

On transfer Window, the PenOp boss attributed the delay to lack of adequate equipment to handle the problem of identity, adding that the regulator is doing all it can to ensure that the problem is resolved by next year.

Lasaco cites track record of late chairman

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he Chairman of Lasaco Assurance Plc, Mr. Edward Akin Leigh, has passed on at the age of 65 on Monday November 4, 2013, the management of the company informed.

Leigh was an administrator, oil & gas, and business management consultant. He was educated at the Methodist Boys’ High School and King’s College, Lagos from 1961 to 1967; and graduated from University of Ibadan, Oyo State in 1971.

He also attended Graduate School of Business Administration, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.A. where he obtained MBA in 1974.

He earned several academic and professional honours and awards over the years. He was a John F. Kennedy scholar at Ibadan from 1968 to 1971; a Fulbright-Hays scholar at Wisconsin from 1972 to 1974; National Young Manager of

the Year (1975) in addition to holding several leadership positions and appointments at both school and college.

His work experience spanned over 23 years with Mobil Nigeria including extensive tours of duty and several training developmental attachments with Mobil affiliates and companies in Africa, Europe and USA during which he held a variety of key management and senior executive positions in supply and distribution, planning, logistics, and coordination, downstream engineering and operations, and marketing.

He voluntarily retired as General Manager, Operations, Mobil, in early 1994 to organise his own firm, Petroleigh O. G. C. International Limited, an oil and gas coastal bunkering and marine support services company with operational bases in Lagos, Warri and Port Harcourt.

His other professional and

business activities included Group Managing Directorship of Services and Materials Management Company Limited (SMMC Group), a multi-faceted business and project management consultancy and general services company, as well as directorships in Rotoy Private School, Lekki.

He was a member of several professional, social and recreational clubs and associations: Institute of Directors, Nigeria; American Management Association; Rotary Club International (Paul Harris Fellow and Past Rotarian President); Lagos Motor Boat Club; Ikoyi Club 1938; Yoruba Tennis Club, Alumni Associations of the University of Ibadan and University of Wisconsin, U.S.A; Honorary Citizen – Sioux City, Iowa, U.S.A., Executive Officer, Lagos State Scouts Council etc.

Leigh’s professional experience, special skills and areas of specialisation include

Petroleum Economics and Financials; Transformational Strategy, Profit Optimisation, Change Management, Business Modeling Processes, Confidence Building, Business and Management Policies and Practices in Emerging Economies.

His over three decades of the highlighted multidisciplinary professional experience and skills have frequently been called upon to work as a consultant, member, resource person, policy adviser and analysts on various government and private sector projects on indigenous participation in petroleum liquids transportation; managing in a regulated economy; crisis management; creative problem solving; building a winning team; strategy formulation; etc.

He held traditional titles of “Baaloro of Itoku” and “Asiwaju Gbadeniyi of Egba Land”.

HE US Insurance Information Institute says the Philippines is hit by about 20 cyclones a year and most of them uninsured.

“Most of that was uninsured due to the fact the non-life segment of the Philippines consists of dozens of tiny and undercapitalised firms”, the institute said.

“There has also been a slippage in non-life penetration over recent years.”

Recall that Super Typhoon Haiyan has caused significant damage in the Philippines, killing an estimated 10,000 people.

Haiyan, likely to be the strongest tropical cyclone to have made landfall since records began, hit Samar Island last Thursday as a Category 5 storm with maximum wind speeds of 315kmh.

It remained at Category 5 as it tracked across Leyte Island, Cebu Island, Panay Island and the northern Palawan Islands.

Wind, rain and storm surges caused “widespread devastation”, according to catastrophe modeller RMS, but insured losses are expected to be low.

Former N.J. advisor sentenced for defrauding his parents

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cting Attorney General John J. Hoffman announced that a former Morris County financial advisor was sentenced to state prison today for defrauding his parents out of more than $1.3 million while serving as their financial advisor.

Hugh R. Hunsinger, Jr., 50, of Pine Brook, was sentenced to five years in state prison

by Superior Court Judge Edward Jerejian in Bergen County.

Hunsinger ’s insurance producer license will be suspended for a period of five years. In addition, Hunsinger executed a consent judgment in the amount of $1,354,496 in favor of his parents. The sentence was based on Hunsinger’s Aug. 6 guilty plea to a criminal accusation charging him with seconddegree theft by unlawful taking.

“The victims in this case believed that they could trust their son to invest money on their behalf,” Acting Attorney General Hoffman said.

24 — Vanguard,WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 , 2013

Ter tiar ertiar tiaryy education and youth emplo yment employment FORUM: From left: Secretary, Bank Directors Association of Nigeria (BDAN), Yemi Idowu; Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Ayo Gbeleyi; Vice President, BDAN, Foluke Abdulrasaq, and member, Governing Council, BDAN, Nike Akande at the stakeholders forum on Public Private Partnership Innovations in Public Sector Financing organised by BDAN, in Lagos.

Impressive Q3 result propels NSE’s performance

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

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HE sustained rally in Nigeria’s equities market is anchored on the impressive third quarter results of most companies whose results had been released with some unrepentantly committed to their policy of payment of interim dividend, said Skyview Capital.

In its weekly review of activities in the local and global capital markets for the week ended November 8, 2013, Skyview stated that both the dividend declaration and impressive results reinforced investors’ confidence to take position ahead of full year when more robust corporate benefits would surface.

Giving a breakdown, it said, “In Nigeria, the Nigerian Stock Market indicator, NSE All All Share Index, ASI appreciated by 0.28 percent to close the week at 37,870.87. Market capitalisation gained N33.565billion. A review of the sectoral indices showed that NSE Oil and Gas added the most during the week, advancing by 14.16 percent.

NSE Insurance appreciated by 2.68 percent, while NSE Consumer Goods and NSE Lotus II gained 1.82 percent and 1.88 percent respectively. The Banking

Indices, however, shed 34 basis points (0.34 percent) to close the week red.

“During the week under review, volume of transaction increased by 7.06 percent from the previous week. Volume traded was majorly driven by activities on Transcorp, Wapic and Zenith Bank.

Turnover by value went up by 39.39 percent to N22.961billion as compared to N16.473billion in the preceding week. At the end of the week, thirty eight (38) equities appreciated in price during the week.

The Forty three (43) equities depreciated in price lower than forty four (44) equities the preceding week, while one hundred and sixteen (116) equities remained unchanged.”

The report further stated that profit taking dominated activities at the over-thecounter (OTC) secondary market for FGN bonds as average price came down for major tradable bonds, especially the long tenure bonds except few short dated bonds that appreciated marginally.

Thus, average yields trended upward to within a band of 12.39 percent to 12.80percent as compared to the preceding range of 12.37 percent to 12.78 percent, the company said in the report.

Zonal winners emerge in SEC’s catch them young contest Govt. Girls College, Bauchi while Rumfa

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ll is now set for the grand finale of the SEC Catch ‘them Young National Quiz competition for secondary schools in Nigeria on Capital market. This follows the successful conclusion of the preliminary rounds comprising state level competition and zonal contests across the six geopolitical zones.

With this development, all the six Zonal Champions will now slug it out at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja venue of the grand finale on Friday, November 29, 2013.

In the South - West Zone, College of Education Demonstration School, Ikere, Ekiti State came tops with an aggregate score of 55 points whereas in the North - Central Zone, Divine Academy, Itakpe, Kogi State beat all comers with a total score of 35 points. The North - East Zone competition was won by Federal

C M Y K

College, Kano was the laureate in the North - West Zone. The South - East witnessed the triumph of Marist Comprehensive College, Nteje in Anambra State while the contest in the South - South was won by Federal Govt.

College, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom. These zonal winners will all converge in Abuja to compete for the National Prize Winner of the 2013 edition of the SEC Catch them Young National Quiz Competition for Secondary Schools in Nigeria on Capital Market. In line with the SEC’s CSR strategy of supporting learning and digital migration the winning school of the national competition will receive three desktop computers complete with printers and UPS. The first runner - up will be rewarded with two desktop computers and accessories in like number while the second runner - up will cart away a desktop computer along with accessories.

igeria’s economy is reported to be experiencing an increase in the Gross Domestic Product, GDP, without an increase in available employment opportunities and without an improvement in the living conditions of the population. We have also indicated that our educational system should give our young people the skills that would lead to the eradication of malaria and the skills that would make food readily available to the population. The institutions that should provide the solutions and action plan for dealing with problems such as GDP growth without job opportunities are the universities. The universities should also produce the personnel that would provide the answers in the fight against malaria and in ensuring food availability.

We spend a lot of money on road construction each year and we have found that a large number of our road pavements fail much earlier than what was projected when the roads were designed. A few years ago, a university professor, Prof. Meshida, was awarded the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas, NLNG, Prize for Science for his research into the factors associated with premature road pavement failures. Prof. Meshida found that the major factor was the instability of the relatively finegrained soils used in road construction. A material called lateralite was developed following several years of investigation. This material, when mixed in the prescribed proportions with the soil, acts to stabilise the soil and ensures that the road pavement does not fail before its design life is attained.

By now, there should be a minimum of a 2-km stretch of road somewhere in Nigeria built using this material.

This is not the situation because the material is not being produced in commercial quantities. The University of Lagos should accept the challenge of bringing this material to the market.

The university expects to operate its businesses under a holding company structure and the university can start a new business which would raise venture capital from other investors for commercial production of the material. New businesses and new ideas are vital to the provision of employment opportunities for our population. There are ideas and research findings generated within Nigeria in other sectors, especially in food preservation and food processing, that should be developed and brought to the market.

Students who attend universities, polytechnics and colleges of education enjoy the maximum period of training available in our educational system.

We sometimes have comments suggesting that students graduating

from our tertiary institutions do not meet the requirements of employers. For some of the professional courses in the tertiary institutions, there are professional regulatory bodies which have to give approval for the courses in addition to the approval of the National Universities Commission, NUC. Perhaps each university should bring in people from outside the university into advisory committees on the various departments in the university.

These committees would make suggestions on how the work of the departments could be improved.

The basic question is what should be the content of a university education. The university graduates usually become the leaders in the formal

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There should be a minimum of a 2-km stretch of road somewhere in Nigeria built using this material

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sector of our economy and in the government departments that execute government policies.

The university should give the students the body of existing knowledge that would enable them to carry out their responsibilities in the workplace as well as the abilities to resolve any problems that come up. The university should also develop brilliant young talent and create the new knowledge and innovation that drive the growth of our civilisation. It is in the latter part that the universities have a lot of work to do. The universities have to provide the research facilities and the projects and ideas on which our young people would work for their doctoral degrees.

What are the opportunities now available to a university graduate after completion of the 4-year academic programme and the one year in the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC? There would always be a limited number of places each year in the formal sector and in the government service given that some of the persons employed now would be leaders in these

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013 — 25

DIARY

Select ICT events zAfrica Com 2013.

Holds from Nov 12-14, 2013 in Cape Town, South Africa

EDITED by Adekunle Adekoya

MUCH ADO ABOUT BROADBAND....

zBroadband Traffic

Management 2013.

Holds Nov Nov 12-14, 2013, in London, UK

Let’s talk Brainband, Ndukwe advocates

zRoaming World

Summit 2013. Holds Nov 12-13, 2013 in London, UK

zITU Telecom World 2013. Holds November 18-21, 2013 in Bangkok, Thailand

By RICHARD UDOFIA

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However, the most interesting thing is that this development is fording partnerships across sectors there were hitherto difficult in the past.

F i r s t B a n k / Didimall,com deal For instance, it could have been difficult in the past for FirstBank of Nigeria to see prospects in partnership with an online outfit, But last week it linked Medessy Enterprises Limited, owners of online platform, Gidimall.com to deliver xmas promo proposal to its customers The initiative, tagged Buy now, pay later becomes one of the innovative partnerships between an online retail store and a bank in Nigeria.

It allows customers who have salary accounts with FirstBank, an opportunity to shop and pay

ormer Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC and Chairman, Open Media group, Dr Ernest Ndukwe, at the weekend, warned that much talk about broadband without educating the people that will benefit from its ubiquity may not give the expected end .

Ndukwe spoke as a guest lecturer at the just concluded 5th edition of the West African Information and Communication Technology Congress (WAFICT).

He reminded that the availability of broadband network in an area does not imply that connectivity is certain, as users of this internet are expected to sign-in where available and surf the internet for opportunities that abound therein.

He added that “broadband is of significance to the ordinary man on the street when he understands the benefits attached to it”.

For him, it is time to talk more of brainband rather than broadband because unless the people understand what broadband means,else, abundance of it, to them, is useless.

Ndukwe also noted that broadband roll-out in Nigeria is extremely low and the services provided cannot be quantified as they remain way below efficiency. To him, even Lagos state that could be described as the hub of Nigeria’s economy, still has most communities, villages, and even certain

Continues on Page 28

Continues on Page 28

zOTTtv World Summit 2013. Holds Nov 18-21 in London, UK. z2nd Annual Telecoms Fraud & Revenue Assurance Forum.

Holds Nov 25-26, 2013 in Dubai,UAE.

Preview

New inventions shaping life and living

By PRINCE OSUAGWU

Fashion and bodyarmour have merged in a bulletproof suit stylish enough to wear to a business meeting.

Created by Garrison Bespoke, the suit was designed for clients who routinely travel to dangerous places for work. The suit made of the same carbon nanotubes developed for US troop uniforms in Iraq, but, at 50 percent lighter than Kevlar, it is much thinner and more flexible. The nanotubes harden on impact, preventing a knife or bullet from passing through and allowing the entire suit to act as a shield.

I N S I D E C M Y K

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LTHOUGH the eCommerce market in Nigeria, is relatively new, it is however growing in fast pace to attract interests of different sectors of the economy.

With an estimated growth rate of 25% annually, the sector is said to worth more than N255Bn annually.

However, this figure is expected to change rapidly and positively as more and more customers look towards the internet to find the best deals on products and services.

Moreso, other trends, including investments in telecommunications industry which is driving cheaper data prices and increased internet penetration; massive mobile phone penetration with significant growth in the acquisition of smart fea-

ZTE’s 9-month profit up 132% as operations gain traction

ture phones, would ensure that the figure remains high.

In fact, online researchers, emarketer.com states that while e-Commerce across the rest of the world is growing at 16.8%, Africa’s e-Com-

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Bullet proof suit constant and may so remain for sometime: M a s s i v e Population: Nigeria is amongst top 10 most populous nations in the world with approximately 170million residents.

Participation of even a

While e-Commerce across the rest of the world is growing at 16.8%, Africa’s e-Commerce space is growing at a rate of 25.8% - making it the fastest growing in the world

merce space is growing at a rate of 25.8% - making it the fastest growing in the world.

This growth has also been seen as fuelling a massive consumer behavioural change in favour of electronic commerce.

Meanwhile, there are noticeable reasons why this growth has remained

BBM on Android: A smart move too late?

fraction of this population could send any economy sky high on the market table.

There is also the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN angle, with its cashless economy push which has seen Point of sale terminals, PoS, Web and Mobile Transaction Volumes, rise in Nigeria.

Technologydriven change has created threats, opportunities, says Remisys boss

Create national software board, ISPON tells FG

26— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013

NCC leads NBC, NITDA to convergence forum HE Nigerian Com munications Commission, NCC and its counterparts, National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, National Information Technology Development Agency NITDA and the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotions, NOTAP, are billed to be in Lagos tomorrow as key public stakeholders and private sector players will be leading discussions at the 6th West Africa Convergence Conference (WACC 2013) The event which holds at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja according to the organizers has already seen more than 350 online registrations at the official website.

The Lagos forum promises to be a major convergence of policies and action-plans on technology trends as they affect peo-

ple and environment within the ECOWAS space. The one day event with six sessions will be formally opened with a keynote address by the Minister of Communications Technology Mrs. Mobolaji Johnson.

WACC 20013 theme is ‘Emerging Trends and New Values in a Converged Market.’ It is featuring confirmed speakers that include the Director General of the NBC Mr. Emeka Mba, who is speaking on Content Regulation and the Regulator in the era of Media Convergence; Dr. Ashiru Daura, the acting Director General of NITDA making a presentation on Meeting National Goals in the Rise of Insurgent Technologies; and Dr. Umar Birdir, the Director General of the NOTAP articulating on ‘Technology Transfer, Patents & Intellectual Property Right, in the era of Convergence and Everything.’

ZTE’s 9-month profit up 132% as operations gain traction

BY ADEKUNLE ADEKOYA

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TE Corporation, a Chinese telecommunications solutions provider has posted a net profit of US$90.5 million for the nine-month period ending September 2013, a 132 per cent from a year earlier.

This, according to analysts is cheering news as the company posted a loss of US$ 439 million in 2012 when it presented preliminary results for that year.

The company reassured its stakeholders of instant return to profitability in the first quarter of 2013 after the sale of equity interest in Shenzhen ZNV Technology, which was expected to bring an income of between US$124.2 million to US$133.3 million.

For the first three quarters of 2013 (January to September), net profit attributable to shareholders was around US$90.5 million. Revenue dropped 10% to around US$ 9 billion, with the company posting a quarterly profit after extraordinary items in the July-September period, ending a negative sequence that began in the second_quarter of 2012. ZTE forecasts the company will post a full_year net profit later in the year.

The company exercised stringent control over selling, general and administrative expenses, resulting in strong improvement in cash flow in

the third quarter. The positive operational cash flow reported in the third quarter followed a sequence of negative cash flow in the July_September periods in 2009 to 2012.

During the reporting period, capital investment by operators in the global telecommunications industry remained sluggish, with spending focused on 4G networks and the construction of broadband networks, and their ancillary transmission networks. There was also progress in the development of emerging sectors such as cloud computing and the Internet of Things.

Internationally, ZTE continued to focus its efforts in major and globally leading carriers, and secured traction in key sectors such as enterprise and government ICT solutions, services and mobile devices, while consolidating its share of the telecommunications network infrastructure market.

ZTE has operated in Nigeria for close to 10 years with stable, long term partnerships with the Federal Government and major private telecommunications operators.

It is a major equipment vendor to mobile phone operators including MTN, Glo and Etisalat.

The company is currently concluding plans to introduce its top_end smartphones into the Nigerian market.

BBM on Android: A smart move too late?

By LAJU ARENYEKA

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ince its launch two weeks ago, more than 20 million people have downloaded and used BlackBerry ’s BBM messaging app on iPhone and Android smart phones. Although there aren’t any available statistics to show just how many of these new BBM users are Nigerians, with about 1.8mn blackberry owners, it would not be farfetched to guess that Nigerian smart phone users welcomed this development with open arms.

Research in Motion (RIM) says that BBM now has 80m monthly active users, with 60m on BlackBerry smartphones and 20m across iPhone and Android. Does this mean that all is well and good? Not quite. The true test of BBM’s success however, is whether or not these new users will continue to use the app; that in itself is quite d e b a t a b l e .

Some analysts think that BBM has gone main stream a bit too late.

While the Canadian company kept its instant messaging the exclusive preserve of blackberry users alone, some others took control of the mainstream market.

WhatsApp, with about 350 mn users is a perfect example.

Free to download and use (although WhatsApp costs $1 a year after the first year), subscribers use internet to swap text messages, pictures, voice clips, “stickers”, and even videos, between most types of phones. There are still more huddles to cross, the unique pin of the BBM being chief.

The power of a social app rests largely on the number of people in a person’s social network that use that app. When a whatsapp subscriber has the phone number of another whatsapp subscriber, it doesn’t take rocket science to connect.

Another thing is, although Nigerians are largely a smart phone bunch, it is still a developing country; this

implies that more people having cheaper, not-verysmart phones than those with smartphones.

The BBM seems to be structured in such a way that it appeals to the latter alone; this is a barrier that apps like whatsapp, facebook and twitter transcend. Even the contacts and calendar sharing that BBM made possible on BlackBerry handsets have not migrated to the Apple and Android versions.

Other services expose

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BBM could likely generate around $300million/ year in mobile ad revenue

BBM’s limitations: unlike Skype it does not yet offer video or voice calls. Some say that this might soon change. Reports say that later this year, BBM Channels will provide a forum for active, real conversations people, brands, celebrities, artists, service providers, communities and more, that matter to you. By creating a Channel,

*BBM on Android phone individuals and brands can engage their friends and communities in conversations sparked by their thoughts, ideas and passions. Subscribing to a Channel will let you join conversations with people who share your interests.

In addition, BBM Video calling and BBM Voice calling are planned for availability for Android and iPhone in a future version. This also might answer the question of how the financially unstable pioneers of this platform hope to make some money from the entire thing. It is already obvious what the other smart phone companies are getting from this-less patronage to the competition- but how does this move help RIM

especially since the app is for free? Advertising is the answer, experts say.

“We do expect the company will begin to announce its plans to monetize this social app in the not-too-distant future,” said a Canadian analyst, “BBM Channels is expected to be out soon and we expect some kind of advertising model to come with that initiative.

We are also expecting a business version of BBM to be announced. In the near term we believe BBM could likely generate around $300million/year in mobile ad revenue, similar where we believe Twitter is.”

In the meantime, we’d keep our fingers crossed, and ping away. Time will tell.

FG charges new NITDA board to develop indigenous tech

By EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

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inister of Com munications Technology Mrs Omobola Johnson last week, inaugurated the newly constituted board of the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, charging them to guide indigenous technologies..

The ceremony which took place at the Federal Secretariat complex Abuja, was witnessed by stakeholders in the industry.

In her opening remarks, Johnson said that the Ministry is committed to leveraging on the tools of ICT for the socio economic development of the country and described the inauguration of the Board as a quantum leap in that direction.

She urged the members of the Board to work with NITDA and quickly identify how indigenous IT companies can grow, and come up with strategies on how to better achieve the objectives for which the Agency was established.

She decried low inclusion of women in ICTs, noting that only one female member was on the Board.

Responding, the Chairman of the Board, Dr. Tosin Ajayi reiterated the importance of ICT in global development, and descrbed ICT as a tool that will completely change the world, adding that the Ministry of Communications Technology is the most important ministry in the country because, without a knowledge-based economy, we will be retrogressive”.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013 — 27

MainOne’s N4bn data centre goes live Q2 2014

Technology-driven change has created threats, opportunities, says Remisys boss

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A R T I N S Uwoghiren is CEO of REMISYS LIMITED, Ikeja, an ICT solutions-oriented management professional with more than 15 years of cognate experience in United State of America.

He is experienced in the implementation and integration of cutting-edge technology solutions for financial institutions, public utilities and higher institutions of learning. Before returning to Nigeria to set up REMISYS, which he calls ICT change agent in Nigeria and Sub-Sahara Africa, he was CEO, Malcomprise Inc and he served in leadership positions at various major US corporations, including Reliant Energy, American Express and Energy Future Holdings.

Mr. Uwoghiren has also served on the boards of several non-profit organizations and he is a member of the Nigeria Computer Society, ISACA, ITIL, CompTIA, Microsoft Certified Professionals, etc. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Information Systems from Pace University and Bachelor of Technology Degree in Computer Information Systems from City University of New York. In the interview below, he speaks on his firm, power privatization, and others. Excerpts: Tell us about your firm, Remisys.

Remisys is a leading global ICT services provider, since 2002. We are poised to help our clients address some of their most challenging issues, transforming their business strategies. We offer a comprehensive range of ICT services, along with complementary business services and software development.

We have a widespread geographic presence, with offices in Nigeria, United States, and India.

Remisys Limited has four other subsidiaries that are IT-based — MillionNairaJobs is Nigeria’s premiere site for skilled professionals, experienced managers, and top executives. It connects employers with educated, experienced and motivated job-seekers. We provide employers with pre-screened and qualified resumes

from outstanding candidates. We also own Motociti, which gives car shoppers access to a wide range of information to help them with their purchases, and delivers value-added services for sellers – including marketing and call screening. Our company also specializes in developing educational software that we offer through Prepleaders.com. It provides unprecedented opportunities to network, to share knowledge, experiences, and to grow careers. There is also a technology we have that can comfortably monitor and track equipment, cars and sensitive installations like oil pipelines nationwide in any location and from any location. We call this satellite close circuit monitor technology (SCCMT). It is a step above the present CCTV technology. Our clients range from major corporations to dynamic start-ups especially in the energy, finance, manufacturing, government and education sectors.

They rely on us for everything from strategic consulting, enterprise service management, application development and support through to temporary IT staffing solutions.

You have worked in utility service companies in America, especially in the power sector. Do you think government did right privatizing power?

Yes, they did the right thing, but I will not compare America with Nigeria, because each country has its own peculiarity vis a vis people, culture, social life, values, economic traits and trends. I spent over 15 years of my work life in the United States.

During my stint with Reliant Energy and Energy Future Holdings, I managed the IT infrastructure and system for some of their power plants. I mean the system that runs the operation of the facility. I was responsible for service development and roll out, implementation of IT strategies, customer service and vendor relationship management. Later I was deployed to manage the service delivery team, where I was in charge of application development and infrastructure management.

In the US, most state governments have agen-

zUwoghiren

,

BY ADEKUNLE ADEKOYA

This change has created both threats and opportunities. To be successful, financial service firms must embrace this change, understand how it works and be a step ahead of the hackers

cies that manage its bulk electricity system. In New York where I worked for over 10 years, this agency is called the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO). Because the wholesale electricity market is competitive, there are over 350 power generating companies in New York alone competing to generate power to the public. For example, if XYZ and ABC company bids to generate 5,000 megawatts of electricity between for 9am – 12pm for 30 days, the lowest bidder wins and the agency gives the winning bidder the right to generate power to the grid for that period and also pay other companies to be on standby in case the winning bidder fails to fulfill its obligations. Since there are no reliable technology to store bulk electric power, the agency measures and tracks power consumption every minute and with this, they are able to predict how much electricity is needed per hour. Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading PLC (NBET) and Operator of the Nigeria Electricity Market (ONEM)are

doing a good job but they have even bigger tasks ahead of them. More local and foreign investment companies should be encouraged to join the sector to create healthy competition.

You worked with American Express. What will you say are the main issues that people are facing in financial technology in Nigeria?

This change has created both threats and opportunities. To be successful, financial service firms must embrace this change, understand how it works and be a step ahead of the hackers to remain competitive. I am a Nigerian, and I am not ashamed to carry the green-white-green colour with pride but in Nigeria you are treated as a fourth-class citizen in your country. They mostly prefer non-Nigerian expatriates even when you are more qualified.

We need to encourage Nigerians in the sector.

The foreign companies get the mega jobs, use Nigerians to do the jobs and repatriate our money to their countries.

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ainOne, last week announced that its new 600 rack capacity data centre would go live by the second quarter of next year.

The Tier III data centre which the Chief Executive Officer, CEO of the company Ms Funke Opeke said would gulp over N4bn, takes up 1,500 square meters in size and is expected to be the largest of its kind in West Africa.

At 1,500 square meters with a 600 rack capacity was unveiled at the ground breaking ceremony in the Cable Landing Station in Lagos.

Unveiling the data centre at an event witnessed by dignitaries including representatives from Lagos state government, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, the media and company stakeholders, Opeke said, “We are delighted with this project because of the immense benefits it will provide our customers. Internet penetration has been a huge issue in Nigeria especially to the hinterlands. The new Data Centre will leverage on MainOne’s network which is peered with leading operators and internet exchanges worldwide to provide global reach to our customers across all locations”.

She also stated that the Data Center, when completed, will have redundancy such that there is no single point of failure within the facility. She added that the MainOne Data Center at Lekki will pave way for the establishment of additional Data Centers and Point of Presence across Nigeria and other West African nations.

Also commenting on the MainOne Data Centre, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, MainOne, Folu Aderibigbe said that the project is further proof of MainOne’s commitment to enhance infrastructure within its primary markets.

PTV Phones rebrands corporate identity

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ell phone marketing company, PTV Phones has said that in expanding frontiers of its business operations it is transforming to a full -fledged technology/electronic company.

This is also as it is set to unveil a new corporate identity and commission its new head office building in Lagos, Nigeria.

The company said that its business diversification process would also result in PTV moving from wholesale marketing to retail marketing. The CEO of the company, Mr. Banji Adesanmi says the company is leveraging its competencies and capabilities to gain strategic advantage in the market place. Since inception, PTV according to him has provided quality and genuine phones to meet the desired needs of Nigerian consumers.

He asserted that the business expansion is anchored on a corporate strategy to reposition the organization in order to remain relevant to the needs of the consumers.

ASUS eyes table top with improved warranty

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ising from a strong Quarter 3 posting as number three , ASUS is planning to swoop on table toppers with an improved customer care and warranty conditions. The Taiwanese OEM announces its decision to increase its global product warranty in Nigeria from 12 months to 24 months.

The company says it understands that reliable laptops provide more value than less reliable ones, and no matter how extensive the network of repair center is, having a solid warranty on the products, matters both to resellers and end-users. For that, it said that it was not just building reliable laptops in the industry, but also extending product warranty to 24 months to provide customers with quality and convenient usage of its products. ASUS International Warranty now offers 24 month limited hardware warranty service for parts and labor repair for select notebooks in Nigeria..

ASUS said it has succeeded in the competitive IT industry by simply focusing and developing a strong advantage in product design, technology, quality and value cost.

28—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013

How Nigeria’s growing eCommerce fosters new partnerships across sectors

Create national software board, ISPON tells FG

By EMEKA AGINAM

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or Nigeria to be d i g i t a l l y independent In software development and consumption, National Software board to help promote indigenous software developers must be created as a matter of urgent necessity , experts at the just concluded Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria , ISPON, national software competition ad conference held at the Tinapa, Cross Rivers State have said.

According to the conference, it was time Nigeria as a nation elevates software to a matter of national policy through the implementation of a national Software strategy to be pursued through public-private partnerships involving government, industry and academia. While pushing for software board, the ISPON conference advised the government to encourage and facilitate the building of massive Software Knowledge capacities and capabilities and explore the windows of opportunities presented

by Software Engineering, ensuring that Nigeria leverages on Software and related Infrastructure as a service.

Concern of the forum: Raising alarm over digital colonization of Nigeria by other countries especial India, the conference which registered a record attendance of about 540 participants warned in the communiqué that if the current is not reversed, the country may miss the opportunities in the digital economy.

While Nigeria is said t be losing about N156 billion revenue to software licensing as a result of the patronage of foreign software and applications incursions into Nigeria, the President of ISPON, Chris Uwaje in the communiqué at the end of the conference and competition that had about 2 3 Universities and Polytechnics in participation noted that retooling the workforce with local software has today become the

Professor Sola Aderounmu, Deputy President, Nigeria Computer Society, Professor David Adewumi, President, Nigeria Computer Society, Dr (Mrs) Adeola Ilechukwu, President, Nigerian Women in Information Technology (NIWIIT) and Jide Awe, Chairman, Publicity and Events Committee, Nigeria Computer Society last week in Lagos when the new NCS President met with the Press. Photo by EMEKA AGINAM fundamental and most critical challenge to national and global development of the 21st century.

Imperatives for a national software board The National Software Board , according to Uwaje will perform the enormous task and challenges of Software Nigeria as enshrined the National Local Content ACT 2010 as enacted.

“The imperative for a National Software Boards is to ensure that software is upgraded into a national policy status. “ The board should determine the performance, efficacy, integrity, operational functions and compliance of every software with respect to ISO:2000 and ICMM standards on software, and ensure that they did not infringe with limitations that bother on national security, development, education, cultural values, community peace, peoples’ health, values and national peace “The board should be able to determine if software to be imported could be developed locally

by Nigerians and then make recommendations.”, he explained.

Transition to a cloud and information society: According to the ISPON President, “New conditions are being defined and created for future economic (industrial) direction and creation of wealth.

“The world we live in, is now integrating economically into a single world-wide knowledge (wwk) and market space.

This essential aspect of the present globalization process is strongly encouraged by the availability of IT and its ability to multiply and populate knowledge and also eliminate distance at the speed of light.”

Other country ’s example: Ireland He said that the National Software Centre (NSC) is based in Mahon, Cock Coty Ireland and was built under an Irish Government initiative to establish a centre of excellence for the Information Society SMART economy.

He said that the project is a privately led venture via a public-PrivatePartnership. A National Software Centre (NSC) Campus hosts the Network Operations Centre in Cork for the 60 km Cork. MAN (48/96 pair fibre ring was launched in January 2004 for enhance.

Pakistan The Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), according t him is an apex Government body mandated to promote Pakistan’s IT Industry in local and international markets. PSEB facilitates the IT industry through a series of projects and programs in infrastructure development, human capital development, company capability d e v e l o p m e n t , international marketing, strategy and research, and the promotion of innovation and technologies. Centre.

USA In the United States of America, the Center for National Software Studies (CNSS), according to him is a public policy research organization established as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. The CNSS, he informed is a private corporation governed by a board of trustees and accepts funding through

Continues from Page 25

over a period up to 18 months.

What this means is that, customers can enjoy this Christmas and more by having a complete makeover of their homes and apartments for as low as N199, 000 and this is backed by a 12 to 24 months warranty on all appliances. Medessy Enterprises said that it resolved to make life more meaningful and convenient for customers in the belief that one do not need to be cash strapped to fully enjoy the best of what the season has got to offer. With this offer, we hope that customers will be able to plan their cashflow properly for the following year while still enjoying all the blessings of Christmas.

Meanwhile, the promotion was just at the heels of the launch of its first Facebook store in Nigeria barely a month ago.

Need and opportunity matrix Besides the excitement that the deal brings, Gidimall’s Director of operations, Esi Evbakhavbokun said his company has also discovered a need and opportunity matrix that would always keep online business up and running in the country. Part of the opportunities he discovered included the opportunity to bridge the retail gap of the economy by providing a web and mobile shopping channel for Nigeria’s growing population. According to him, “changing customer behaviour in favour of eCommerce acceptance is an opportunity to expand market share and become one of the market leaders in online retailing across Africa.

An opportunity to grow and expand the retail sec-

tor of our economy with positive effect in reducing unemployment and building the right, sustainable retail infrastructure across the continent.

Customers can now have 24/7 access to different markets so they can make their choices and have them delivered to their doorsteps.

To improve the quality of lives of urban professionals, particularly, in the cities with heavy traffic congestion, by bringing the market straight to their homes via PC & mobilegadgets”.

He also added that his company needed to take the market to the people without having them commute long distances to visit several shops/malls to get what they truly want; bridge the retail gap by providing a wide variety of products accessible from anywhere at any time; have alternative methods and platforms for shopping such as mobile and web and create nation-wide access to different markets to find great offers at no stress, among others.

Considering that massive urbanization, growing economic and professional demands have put the average-working professional under immense pressure to deliver both at work and on the home front, any service that gives 24/7 access to favourite products and reduce stress is welcome.

No wonder why eCommerce is becoming the next sector to experience massive investment in the near future. It is also not any magic that this market has attracted over N5bn worth of investment in key eCommerce Brands like Jumia, Gidimall, Konga & DealDey.

Let’s talk Brainband, Ndukwe advocates Continues from Page 25

urban settlements experience poor network services and slow internet connectivity.

He argued that many countries with robust access, attained wide coverage through encouragement and providing incentives for the spread of broadband development, amid decentralizing the broadband initiates to state levels, training of government officials as to the socio- economic benefits of broadband,

improvement in living standard, employment creation among others.

He identified price levels, competition, spectrum availability, incentives for regulators, subsidies, enforcement of favorable technological laws as variables that can influence the success of broadband rollout.

Indeed, Africa lags behind other continents in content generation except for a few like the Ndukwe, however, heaped a lot of praises on the country’s movie industry, Nollywood, adding that

but for the contents in this sector which reflects way of life, beliefs, culture and religion of the country, projected to the outside world, the country lagged behind seriously in content generation.

In his own presentation, the Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Internet Solutions, IS, Mr. Olushola Teniola advocated for functional laws in the telecommunication environment as strategies which are designed to regulate the activities of v a r i o u s

telecommunication operators within the ambit of the law. These laws exist in order to sanitize the market free from every form of extortion, default in the discharge of services expected and agreement reached.

Broadband has a legal facet as it deals with those who inflate price indiscriminately to the detriment of its subscribers.

These telecommunication laws and policies give a legal background and angle to the provision of efficient services.

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013—31

Mr. Steve Olayinka, 3rd left, treasurer, Nigerian Institute of Training and Development, NITAD, Rev. Tunde Salawu, 1st vice president, NITAD, and Ola azeez, council member, in group photograph with new inductees at the 12th induction ceremony/extraordinary general meeting of NITAD in Lagos

From left, Mrs Sara Nyanti, Chief of Unicef, Lagos Office; Mr David Okeme, Brand Building Director, Unilever Nig PLC and Mr Rotimi Oyesiji, Category Manager, Skin Cleansing, Unilever at the Lifebuoy and Unicef Partnership against Cholera held in Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele

Nikon launches campaign to promote photography as a lifestyle

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IKKON, the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology, is launching the “I am Nigeria” campaign in the country today as a part of their global “I am Nikon” campaign, which aims to encourage professional and recreational photographers to pursue their passion for photography.

After a year of official presence in Nigeria, Nikon will roll out the TV and Radio campaign nationwide with the slogan ‘I am keeping memories alive, I am Nikon. I am in Nigeria.’

Narendra Menon, Regional Sales Manager, Nikon Middle East & Africa said, “We all have those special memorable moments in our life that we capture on camera, and we at Nikon want people to share these milestones with us. Nikon has been well received in Nigeria as a trustworthy and reliable brand delivering outstanding quality and customer service for over a year, and we’re excited to take our engagement in Nigeria to the next level.”

The TV commercial, filmed in Nigeria as part of the campaign, captures a snapshot of everyone’s aspirations. Interwoven themes that Nigerians could relate to were recreated to highlight each one’s own way of celebrating life: football, wedding, music, fun and creativity.

As Nikon is formally making waves in Nigeria, they are offering people a chance to show their pride of being Nigerian by running a picture contest on Facebook. The campaign encourages people to capture the most festive events in their lives.

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We will keep Eaglets together — NFF, NSC Stories by John Egbokha Just back from UAE.

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he Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission have jointly pledged to keep the Golden Eaglets team together for the next qualifying matches of the Flying Eagles, which start in 2014.

Speaking in separate interviews with Sports Vanguard in Abu Dhabi, venue of the final match of the 2-13 FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, which saw the Eaglet defeat 3-0 and claim a record fourth title, the President of the NFF, Aminu Maigari said the board was going to ensure that the present team form the main team of the Flying Eagles.

“It is glaring that these are a very talented and disciplined players who played with a purpose and showed true resilience in times of trials and we cannot just do way with such prized properties. They have made our year and we will also make sure that they are kept together for the next assignment”, said Maigari.

Also speaking the Chairman of the NSC, Bolaji Abdullahi said that “these boys would be kept together and transformed into the next Flying Eagles set because we do not want the sort of thing that happened with the past Golden Eaglets team that won the cup in 2007 to happen.

“One way of keeping them together is to periodically organize top-grade matches for them and also monitor their movements, so that they will not be exploited by people, who are after selfish gains”, said Abdullahi.

Captain Mohamed in cloud nine Skipper Musa Mohamed is yet to come to terms with the record feat achieved by the Golden Eaglets at the just concluded FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

The Nigerian cadet side wrote their names in the Guinness Book of records when they defeated hardfighting Mexico 3-0 in the final at the Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, and enter the record books as the first team to win the tournament four times.

The Eaglets previous wins were in China 1985, Japan 1993 and South Korea 2007.

Speaking on how he felt captaining the historic Eaglets to this record feat, a joyful Mohamed, who scored three goals in the tournament, including a thunderous freekick in the final against Mexico, said he was proud of the team’s achievements in the United Arab Emirates.

“I am so proud to be a part of this team. This is a proud moment for us because the journey to this great success was difficult but as a team, we overcame all our challenges and today the fruit of our labour is the cup”, said the overlapping right-full back, whose strong defensive player and unbelievable work-rate worked wonders for the Eaglets in the tournament.

He added that he was yet to come to terms with the achievement of the team, stating that “I am still to come to terms with what we have achieved. We wanted to be champions but setting this record has added a new dimension to the whole team.

It feels like a dream.

“It has also added pressure on us to move from strength to strengthbecause the eyes of the world will now be on us to achieve more success in the future. Our success here is just the start of new things to come for us”, added the hard-working Mohamed, a truly inspirational captain.

Iheanacho: I’m feeling a N

igeria’s outstanding No. 10 Kelechi Iheanacho put on a dazzling display of football here in UAE, scoring six goals and setting up a further seven en route to a fourth title for the west Africans. A playmaker and lethal finisher all rolled into one, his trademark goal celebrations had the Nigerian fans here in UAE on their feet from start to finish.

FIFA.com caught up with the best player of the 2013 U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates to talk about how it feels to be a world champion, his chat with Nigerian legend Nwankwo Kanu and why he had doubts about his size and strength when he was called into the national team camp.

How does it feel to be a world champion?

I feel good, I feel good, I feel good! I thank God because I feel so good. I don’t know if I can find the words to say what I’m actually feeling. I can’t even tell what I’m feeling because I’m feeling a million things at the same time. I am feeling love for my teammates

and my family and my country. I feel all of it. I’m on a high for winning the World Cup and the Golden Ball (best player).

It’s all smiles here in the locker-room. How close to you feel to your teammates at this moment?

None of this could have been possible without my teammates. They are the best.

The way we all cooperated together to win the World Cup is simply amazing. It’s like nothing else I’ve ever felt. I give them thanks for making it possible for us to do what we did.

You were named the tournament’s best player and you were the second topscorer. How does that feel on a personal level?

It means a lot to me personally because when I came into the national team camp I felt uneasy. A lot of the boys thought maybe I was too small, too skinny to be a good player. But I realized now with what I’ve done here that God is preparing something special for me.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013 — 35

Eaglets urge Eagles to beat Ethiopia

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ecord setters and World Cup winning Golden Eaglets have urged the Super Eagles to seal their qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil by thrashing the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia in this weekend’s final qualifying match at the U.J Esuene Stadium. The Super Eagles hold the ace after beating Ethiopia 2-1 in the reverse fixture in Addis Ababa.

Speaking ahead of the return leg in Calabar, key actors of the Eaglets, who won a record fourth FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates last weekend, said they hope their historic feat would boost the Eagles to victory.

“I am sure the Super Eagles will beat Ethiopia and qualify for next year’s World Cup in Brazil”, said six-goal hero Kelechi Iheanacho. The creative passer of the ball added that””they are our

ose Mourinho has sparked controversy again by branding West Brom a ‘Mickey Mouse’ club.

Tempers boiled over at

watch the final, and you two had a long chat after the whistle. What did you talk about?

He is the true hero of football in our country. Back home, he’s like a father, like a brother. He’s like everything to me. He always gives us advice. He comes to train with us, to make sure we’re happy and moving in the right direction. He helps us to understand what football is really about, and what it takes to make it in the game.

Talking with him and being with him is just a great honour.

Do you have a message for the people back home?

I just want to send my love back home; to everyone and to e v e r y t h i n g Nigerian.

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he agent of Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho has confirmed that Arsenal chief scout Steve Rowley has been watching the youngster’s performances at the Under-17 World Cup and admitted that his client would be delighted to join the north London club.

Iheanacho, who plays for Taye Academy in his homeland, helped Nigeria

Stamford Bridge after a dramatic 2-2 draw with the Baggies. Albion were incensed after being denied their first win at Chelsea since 1978 when Eden Hazard converted a late penalty.

Blues boss Mourinho then described Albion as a ‘Mickey Mouse’ club in the tunnel afterwards and WBA’s Swedish international Jonas Olsson as a ‘Mickey Mouse player’.

Olsson and Mourinho squared up before Gareth McAuley and Chris Brunt and Chelsea stewards stepped in to stop the huge fracas.

Djokovic makes it a perfect 10

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ark destroyer Novak Djokovic retained his Barclays ATP Tour Finals title Monday night with a ruthless win over Rafa Nadal.

Dressed all in black under the O2 Arena lights, the super Serb smashed the world No 1 6-3 6-4 in 96 brutal minutes.

The Wimbledon finalist now has a perfect 10 wins at this seasonending event in the last two years.

The only problem with his performance was he made this blockbuster final almost anticlimactic with his dominance.

There were some stunning rallies but this was no classic

Eagles are the darling team and the nation is behind them as they play this important match against Ethiopia and I believe that they have the quality to win and qualify for the World Cup in Brazil”.

Agent confirm Arsenal interest in Iheanacho

Mourinho calls Olsson a ‘mickey mouse player’ J

a million things It’s been an exciting few weeks for you and your Golden Eaglets here in the United Arab Emirates. How has your time been?

I’ve loved the time I’ve spent here in UAE. It’s a wonderful country and it was amazing for me and my teammates to see a different part of the world and to show our football to the people here. I will remember it always.

You had tremendous support from Nigerian fans here for all of your games. How important was that?

The fans here have supported us so much.

It’s been incredible.

They ’ve given us courage and cheered us up when things weren’t going so well. The fans here in the stadium and the ones back home, they own a part of this trophy too. They helped us to win it.

One of Nigeria’s bestever players, Nwankwo Kanu, was here to

seniors and we have learnt a lot from them but we also feel that our victory here would encourage them to also win their match in Calabar, which is where we camped before coming for this tournament”.

Also speaking, left-full back Samuel Okon said “the Super

because the outcome was never really in doubt. It was the Australian Open champion’s 22nd consecutive win - and his fourth straight title - since losing the US Open final to the Spaniard on September 9.

win the U17 World Cup in United Arab Emirates and was crowned the Most Valuable Player at the tournament after finishing with six goals and seven assists in seven appearances.

The 17-year-old made headlines after scoring four goals in a single game against Mexico and was once again on target in the final against the same opposition as Nigeria ran out deserved 3-0 winners.

Arsenal sent Rowley to watch the competition having previously used it to identify talent such as Cesc Fabregas and Carlos Vela who were both signed after starring in the tournament in 2003 and 2005 respectively.

Now it seems as though the Gunners could well be one of a number of clubs looking to Iheanacho, with his agent Henry Galeano confirming that the striker would jump at the chance to represent Arsenal and follow in the footsteps of Nigerian legend Kanu.

“I can confirm that Arsenal FC’s Steve Rowley, acknowledged Kelechi Iheanacho’s talents early in the World Cup and has said some very nice words about him,” Galeano told IBTimes UK. “We’re ecstatic to have

36 — VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013

He compares me to his ex Dear Bunmi, Y BOYFRIEND and I have been together for six months and we’re beginning to discover each other ’s love-making preferences. His favourite position is doggy style, but I find it uncomfortable. He says that his ex always reaches orgasm with that style. So now I feel unadventurous, but I really don’t know how to talk to him about it. Is there a way we could work through this problem?

Sandra, by e-mail.

M

My new vibrator doesn’t do it for me Dear Bunmi, RECENTLY bought a vibrator that came highly recommended by the lady who sold it to me, but I find it uncomfortable and even quite painful to use at times. My friends rave about theirs, and all from the same source. Is there something wrong with me?

Fibi, by e-mail.

I

Dear Fibi, There is nothing wrong with you at all. It’s just that what’s good for others isn’t always right for you. And, besides, you often have to try out a few different vibrators until you find the one that suits you.

Here are few tips to make your vibrator work for you: Invest in a high quality one as you’ll get what you pay for.

Vibrators can vary in intensity, so go back to your dealer and test out some of the vibrators she has against the inside of your arm, on your nose, or over your lower abdomen before you make your choice.

These are the most sensitive

areas of the body that can be tested without resorting to stripping off your clothes. You can also buy a special lubricant to make your vibrator more comfortable.

These are available from most chemists. Then make sure you set the scene before you use it, giving yourself time to relax without being disturbed. Have fun!

My husband is off love-making Dear Bunmi, ’VE BEEN married for over 30 years to a wonderful man. That is why I now find it a bit embarrassing to confess that I still want lovemaking from time to time. 1 had a great love-making life with my husband, but he recently became ill and is now unable to make love. I’ve asked him to have a word with our doctor but he’s embarrassed. We know impotence is a side-effect of his medication. So should we just forget all about love-making?

It has become a very difficult pill for me to swallow. At 57, 1 don’t want to forget lovemaking altogether but don’t want to put my husband through unnecessary stress by complaining.

Susan, by e-mail.

I

Dear Susan, You’re indeed blessed that your marriage had been so loving and fulfilling. That’s why you shouldn’t give up.

That you and your husband no longer have penetrative love-making doesn’t mean you can’t try other avenues.

There are aids you can buy and new techniques you can try.

The trick is to approach your solution as an adventure together, that way you’ll come to appreciate whatever alternate methods you are comfortable with and find the fulfilment and closeness you once enjoyed.

Don’t forget to read wildly on erotic problems and talk to mutual friends,

Can my cooking lure her to bed?

Dear Bunmi, Y GIRLFRIEND and I have very healthy love-making appetite - and she really gives me pleasure.

But I’m greedy and believe I could get more out of her.

I’m a good cook and have been wondering lately if aphrodisiacs really work. If they do, what can I cook for her to whet her appetite for more intimacy?

Peter, by e-mail.

M

Dear Peter, What a considerate lover you are? Many foods are reputed to be aphrodisiacs because of their smell, appearance, taste or effect.

For example, chillies and curries probably picked up their reputation because they raise the heart rate and cause sweating, just like love-making does, although according to experts, there’s no evidence that they increase libido.

A healthy diet is more likely to benefit your drive for intimacy, but if it’s a quick fix you need, opt for what is known as the placebo C M Y K

effect. Feed her a known aphrodisiac, such as oysters which you may not readily get here. Instead cook exotic dishes such as the obokun fish for her. This may work simply because she assumes it will.

But showing her your love by preparing any meal has to be the best aphrodisiac of all.

It shows you care and a lot of women would give their right arm to be waited on by the man they love.

Will my son be less clingy?

Dear Bunmi, ’M A single parent of an only child and I guess I must have spoilt him a little.

He is now ten years old but is a class behind. He is always happy around me but shy with strangers. I have encouraged him to play with friends and relatives of his age group and he handles that fine.

What else should I do to make him more competitive and less clingy?

Doyin, by e-mail.

I

Dear Doyin, If you push your child too hard, his natural enthusiasm for learning might evaporate, though showing

no interest in his progress is worse.

Don’t compare your son with his peers as every child develops at his own pace.

Sometimes, your child’s development may seem too slow. Don’t worry about this individual variation.

Learning goes on all the time and a child’s development is boosted by unplanned experience.

Praise your child for his good points and encourage improvement on his weak ones.

Most important, share your experiences with other parents and you will be amazed at how worried they are too for their children.

Dear Sandra, No matter how experienced you think you are, when you sleep with someone new, you’re a beginner again.

Talking about love-making in a new relationship can be tricky. Your boyfriend is probably feeling not too confident because his old techniques are not working for you, but like you, he feels awkward bringing it up.

So skip the chat and go

straight to seductive ‘manipulation’ - teach him new tricks without undermining his confidence or yours.

Most men love it when women take the lead, but they don’t want to be bossed about, so be coy and hot at the same time - he’ll think he’s in charge even when you’re calling the shots.

Don’t hint; make your needs clear by whispering one-word command, such as “slowly,..faster...deeper...”

Then, without breaking eye contact, gently lead him into positions you enjoy.

Love-making on all fours allows for deep penetration, which might be why you find it uncomfortable. You may be able to adapt the position that suits you. Lie face down on the bed with your legs together, with him on top of you.

Penetration will be less deep, but it will feel snug for him and your G-spot will get lots of attention.

Good luck.

So skip the chat and go straight to seductive ‘manipulation’ teach him new tricks without undermining his confidence or yours. Don’t hint; make your needs clear by whispering oneword command, such as “slowly...faster...deeper...”

My ex has got a hold on me Dear Bunmi, OR 13 years, I was married to a chronic alcoholic who showed little interest in me or our two boys.

In the end, our marriage broke up and I’m now married to a caring widower who is homely and is a good father to my children.

The problem now is that I find myself thinking about my ex all the time. I dream about him and imagine running into him in the streets. He’s never given me a reason to love him and I can’t understand why I now think of him so much.

I feel I’m being unfaithful to the new husband I love and adore.

Ngozi by e-mail.

F

Dear Ngozi, However, much you’ll like to forget your first marriage and the pain it caused, your ex remains the father of your sons and the man you once thought you loved.

Your new found happiness is pointing up the way it all went wrong the last time, and part of you may also secretly hope to show your ex how well you’ve done without him.

This is perfectly natural.

These feelings will eventually fade as your new life waxes stronger.

You need to discuss with friends if these feelings don’t stop to help put the past where it belongs.

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

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013—37

The scandal in avation: Fani-Kayode and matters arising is reportage: they are derived from publicly stated comments to HE columnist’s obligation which Mr Fani-Kayode has is oftentimes to lay to rest never offered a refutation. I ghosts of miscreant sentiments presume Mr. Fani-Kayode did often imported to distort public “smoke” at some point or the issues by people who also other in his life. But it is quite sometimes hyperventilate on gratifying that his lawyer has non-issues. I see myself in that publicly acknowledged in his role of the columnist in the attempts at a rebuttal that the only discharge of this duty to the thing Mr. Fani-Kayode does get public in calling the bluff of high on these days is the “holy Jasper Ayodeji, or some fellow by spirit.” that name, who has described It is of such truths that one himself as a lawyer for Mr. Femi would, like the Americans just Fani-Kayode on whose behalf he simply say: “Holy smokes!” But wrote disparagingly about my I should rather say, whatever gets person and my column in the Mr. Fani-Kayode high is his Sunday Vanguard titled, “The business; I have no truck in that Scandal in Aviation.” matter: I was simply reporting his To be on record, I am neither a tiff with Ms. Stella Oduah as a consultant to the Minister of point of departure to the point I Aviation, nor have I defended her laboured to make in that essay, beyond the basic facts of the and it is simply this: even if the issues arising out of the current Minister, Ms. Oduah has fought brouhaha in Aviation. I would her big battles, the president has defend my “Igbo sister” if there an obligation to demand her are grounds to defend her, but resignation, and expand the not simply because she’s my inquiry into other Federal “Igbo sister” but because she has Government establishments. But rights, and she should not suffer I suspect that Mr. Jasper Ayodeji, the laceration of powerful men Fani-Kayode’s lawyer, is far too who see mostly below her waist challenged by the English and are incapable of reading her language. He exhibits very little mind. I have very little regard for comprehension of the English megalomanic imps or spoilt brats language enough to make even whose messiah complex drives a hintof that article and even them to the elation of self-regard poorer communication skills in and calumny. Mr. Femi. Fani- his attempts to rebut my column: Kayode, Jasper Ayodeji’s client, it is the kind of writing and is an interesting study: this thinking that calls to question the conservative, right-wing, quality of legal education in Cambridge-educated lawyer who Nigeria today and I feel the personal insult of I too will be talking to my lawyers such mediocre writing and to advise me on the full range of response to my defamation in that rebuttal essay. I too will be talking to my thinks in profoundly medieval lawyers to advise me on the full terms often needs to be called out range of defamation in that of his closets. rebuttal. Meanwhile, Jasper I, therefore, like to make the Ayodeji described Mr. Fanifollowing observations regarding Kayode as “a man who has not the piece to which he sends a only served his country well but half-baked minion to respond: has also saved lives by stopping my original essay, “Scandal in crashes.” I would take such an Aviation” was not about Mr. Fani- assertion under advisement, Kayode. But it is clear he likes except that the facts seem to the very opportunity to come to suggest otherwise. The plain the public eye by inserting incontrovertible fact is that Mr. himself more forcefully, beyond Fani-Kayode was arrested in my rather marginal reference to July 2008 by the EFCC for him in that essay. Any reference embezzling N1.9 billion of the to Fani-Kayode is purely Aviation Intervention Fund, and incidental and goes merely to there is a case pending even now adumbrate a particularly clear against him for money situation, to wit: that Ms. Stella laundering.

Adaeze Oduah has fought battles I have no opinion about these with powerful forces, including cases at the moment, and shall a former minister for Aviation, in not make sub judice statements the person of Mr. Fani-Kayode. until the matter is discharged This former minister for Aviation either in his favor or against him. threw very vicious barbs at the But it is plain fact that those who current minister, and as Mr. served their countries well are Jasper Ayodeji clearly confirms honored and adulated; they are called Oduah, a Minister of the not dragged by the scruffs of their government of the Federal shirts before judges to answer to Republic a “Fish wife” among embezzlement and money other calumnies. laundering. I do not think much This utter disrespect for the of Mr. Fani-Kayode. I do not see minister and serially for other him in my waking moments. But people, particularly women it is my obligation as a purveyor outside of Mr. Fani-Kayode’s of opinion to put him before the ethnic affiliation, is clearly what courts of public opinion I meant by my reference to the whenever he makes use of his “ethnic other.” It is public own bully pulpit to retail hokum knowledge. Indeed, nothing I as he frequently does. I have said of Mr. Fani-Kayode in the nothing also but contempt for the brief reference to him in that likes of Jasper Ayodeji who fish article is my personal opinion: it in shallow ponds.

BY OBI NWAKANMA

T

In this memo to the presidential committee on the proposed national dialogue, the Ndi-Igbo Council for National Coordination canvasses burning issues that should be discussed at the confab.

BY ELDER UMA ELEAZU & ARC UCHENNA NWANKWO

T

HE bottom-up approach will primarily be in terms of raising the delegates that will ultimately represent each group or zone in the national conference as well as collate the opinions and preferences of the people from down up. On the other hand, the up-down stage will come after the national conference when each federating unit will begin to work out its structure and the size of its third tier (and perhaps a fourth tier if so decided at the national conference), and the constitutional arrangements from the level of the federating unit down to the third and, if need be, fourth tier. What we stress here is that it is the people themselves that should raise the delegates and not the state or local governments, and that their choices and preferences must be aggregated and taken to the ultimate dialogue; the national conference.

Let the people decide: Thus, each town or village in the country will be given the opportunity to nominate, select or elect (whichever method a town prefers) a given number of its citizens (preferably 10 per Town) to represent the town in a Local Government Area (LGA) conclave in which all the towns in the LGA shall have equal representation.

Delegates should include men and women, mostly between 30 and 50 years of age but also sizeable numbers of more elderly, politically conscious delegates to guide them.

Ideally at this level, education, experience and maturity matters. Each LGA conclave across the country shall also select, nominate or elect from among its constituent membership the people that will represent the LGA in the subsequent State conclave. Of course like what

•Nigeria

dialogue to be composed of respective territorial units of the Nigerian society; the towns, LGAs, States and Zones, and to be staggered to give each level scope to seat, starting from the lowest level •Representation to be on equality basis •Size to be 360 delegates at the national level •Legal Framework for the dialogue/ conference: We accept the authority of the President to convene the conference. We also urge the President to take every necessary step to put the legality and authenticity of the conference beyond doubt or question.

•Duration of the proposed dialogue/ conference: We suggest one year duration for the four-stages of conferences including the referendum and the ultimate promulgation the national Constitution.

•Issues to be tabled before the dialogue/ conference: Our treatment of the question of what issues are to be tabled is onlyindicative and not exhaustive. At town and local government levels, issues of local concerns are to be dealt with, e.g. discussion of the relevance or otherwise of traditional rulers/monarchs, etc. and what role for them if adjudged relevant. Each town shall decide if it wants to retain the monarchy as a facet of grassroots administration.

This provision is especially relevant in Igboland where the monarchical institution was imposed on the people by Nigeria’s military rulers at the end of the Nigeria-Biafra war notwithstanding the fact that the institution had become anachronistic even in those Each LGA conclave across the country sections of the Nigerian society where the shall also select, nominate or elect from monarchical system was among its constituent membership the traditional.After the national people that will represent the LGA in the conference, the issue of structuring the federating subsequent State conclave units and the third tier and obtained at the lower levels, the State conclave creating constitutions for these tiers will then be or conference shall have equal representation holistically addressed,with critical inputs coming for all the constituent LGAs in a State (say,10 from the respective towns. per LGA). Similarly, the State conclave shall, •Issue of what will constitute the federating from among its members nominate, select or unit of the country: At the national level, elect those that will represent the respective appropriate issues e g what unit of government states atzonal or regional conclaves or should be regarded as the “federating unit” – conferences; again with representation on the state or the geopolitical zone? Where an equality basis from the constituent States in ethnic nationality falls into two or more zones, the zone (say, 40 per State). should they be allowed to merge into one The zonal or regional conference shall then, federating unit, say in a zone? from among its membership raise those that Following on this, and considering the cost of will represent the zone in the proposed national governance, how many levels of government conference in which each zone is likewise to should the constitution allow – two, three or four? have equal representation (say, 60 per Zone), It might become appropriate to combine and to create a people-based constitution for the subsume the state and local government areas country. This will result in a national conference systems into a provincial (or Division) system. of 360 delegates from the six geopolitical zones The Province as a unit will then be slightly larger of the country. than the present LGAs and slightly smaller than Actually, it must be noted that the above the present territorial size of existing states. It provisions should not obviate the rights of a will then constitute the second tier of government conclave at whatever level to draft, nominate, under the zonal or hoped for regional select or elect notable individuals or specialists governments. In this way, a zone which today is in the community, from outside itself, to be part made up of five to seven states might be turned of the delegates of the LGA, State or Zone to into 30-50 provinces, replacing its constituent the next level of conference. states/LGAs. Summary: •We want the conference/ To be concluded

,

,

Issues before national confab (2)

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,

38 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013

There’s no constitutional basis for confab — Ahamba •Okorocha is an advantage turned into a disadvantage •Buhari and I‘ve turned a new page CHIEF Mike Ahamba, SAN, lawyer, politician and one time confidant of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, in this interview speaks on proposals for a national conference, the crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress, APC in Imo State among other issues. Excerpts:

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

W

HAT is your view on the national confab?

I think Nigeria needs to talk.

Nigerians have to sit down together and discuss their future.

But we must note two types of discussions. One is when there is a sovereignty, which is in operation. The other is when there is a breakdown of sovereignty, either by military interruption or breakdown of law and order, as we had in Kenya.

So, we belong to the first type of sovereignty.

When you have a functional sovereignty, you cannot go outside the provisions of the constitution that holds the sovereignty together. No matter how well desired your views are, they must subject themselves to the provisions of the constitution.

Wherever there is a collusion between those views, wonderful as they may be, acceptable as they may be, with the constitution, those views must give way.

What should then be done?

First of all, when somebody wants to hold a conference in Nigeria and they say there is no go area, I say it is a fallacy because the constitution has already provided a no go area, which has not been removed.

Indissoluble nation The constitution clearly states that Nigeria is an indissoluble nation. So, you can’t dissolve this country. There are people who have said that they are going to decide whether they are going to be together or not. You can only go to decide how you will be together because the constitution says you cannot stop being together.

The second point is that we have already had a lot of discussions that have no legal basis and most times amounted to waste of time and money.

The Nigerian Constitution did not provide for a constitutional conference. That does not empower the President or the National Assembly to set up one.

What we need to do is to look at the Constitution and see the provisions that will enable the National Assembly to pass an Act that will create how people can come together and discuss their fate.

The National Assembly can

Manifesting credibility

•Ahamba pass an Act that says that this is a constitutional conference or a constituent assembly, whatever they may call it and decide the membership and how the members will be selected and it must exclude members of the executive and the legislature.

What really caused the rift between you and General Muhammadu Buhari?

It is an old story. Indeed, it is a very stale story. I don’t need to go back to it now. Virtually all magazines and national newspapers, including Vanguard, went to town with the story when it was hot. Ndigbo strongly believe that when combatants go back to tell stories about what led to an earlier strife or disagreement, it may end up reopening a healed wound.

Buhari and I have since opened a new page. I think that is the most important thing to tell lovers of Vanguard newspaper.

Opponents of APC say “the party died on arrival in Imo State”. Do you agree?

Well, there is no doubt that APC has a very bright opportunity of winning in Imo State. I regret to say that the only obstacle we have towards this lofty goal is the person we thought was our best advantage.

He has taken steps that have divided the party in a manner that is now difficult to fight together.

if I speak my mind, it would seem as if I want to deride him. The only way to assess his administration is for you to look at the road by which you (Vanguard) came to my house two years ago and see if you can pass it on foot now! That is a typical example of what has happened to Imo State. Don’t mind all these funny pictures that have run on the screen for more than one year.

If you are talking about development, how do you use the same pictures you used last year this year? A new set of pictures would have replaced what you put out before.

People in Abuja might be impressed but the people in Imo State know the truth and they are the people that matter. So, Labaran Maku, the Minister of Information, will not come here to vote and I wish he had the same type of administration in his own state so that I can go there and say something is happening.

Do we have credible opposition in the state?

When you talk of credible opposition and you are talking about people with integrity like Achike Udenwa, my answer is yes. Remember that Achike Udenwa is the only governor in this country or among the governors in this country against whom no single allegation of graft has been made by anybody inside or outside the state.

But I want to assure the people of the state and members of the party that we shall effectively contain him.

The four parties that are the true members of the APC cannot sit back and allow an invitee to our dinning table, who has washed two hands, contrary to Igbo culture, to carry away the plates with the food on the dining table.

So, I still believe that APC will carry the day in 2015 in this state because of the quality of people in the party.

Are you saying that APC is facing internal crisis in Imo? Absolutely correct! Instead of harnessing everybody together, Governor Okorocha has been hatching and sustaining a dichotomy between his rebel All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA group and members of the parties that formed APC. This is exactly what the Governor has been doing. Apart from washing his two hands, he equally wants to carry the table and everything, leaving those who cooked the food with nothing. This is greediness at its peak! In the next few days, our game plan would be made clear to the nation.

Don’t you have the likes of Chief Achike Udenwa in APC? *It is not only the former governor. Governor Okorocha is trying to sideline and silence him but the truth is that he cannot sideline him. He is equally trying

to sideline me but he cannot succeed. He wants to sideline every other person. That is what he believes he is doing because these appointments he is making in the local governments and calling them APC appointments, were all made in absolute ignorance.

Is the Governor not a cardcarrying member of APC? He is a concessional member of APC and we have accepted him as such pending his formal registration. Remember that when APC was formed, there were four political parties that agreed to come together and all the members of the parties, as at the date of the formation, are the authentic members of the party.

Authentic members So, Governor Okorocha remains a concessional member until he is registered when APC starts registration of new members. So, we are not being worried about him. He is being mis-advised by some people. It is unfortunate that he may realize his multiple mistakes too late in the day. One thing we can assure him is that he cannot hijack this party no matter how hard he may try.

How would you assess his administration?

With what is happening now,

I won’t assess myself. I would like Imo people to assess me but I think they will agree that I have made efforts in my political life to manifest credibility. Whether I succeeded or not is not for me to judge. We have people like Col. Lambert Ihenacho, who is a man of great reputation and integrity.

So, the opposition now, unfortunately, is contained in the APC that is supposed to be the ruling party. If you are talking about PDP opposition or APGA opposition, I want to tell you that PDP is not going to rule Imo State again.

Which zone do you think should produce the next Imo governor?

The issue of where the next governor should come from will eventually be harmonized. If we are going to face a party like PDP from one end and APGA at the other end, you will find that what we in APC lack in money and sentiment, we have abundantly in men. We have to choose a credible candidate that will be acceptable to the zones. Such candidates exist and when the time comes, they will emerge. I believe we have candidates who will emerge in APC and they will split the other parties as they are now.

You once accused Governor Okorocha of flouting the rule of law. Do you still maintain this Continues on page 39

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013 — 39

Why we won’t follow this Saraki to nPDP— Bio, former Minister of Sports FORMER minister of sports, former member of the House of Representatives, and former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Isah Bio was a close associate of the late strongman of Kwara politics, Senator Olusola Saraki and his son, Senator Bukola Saraki.

In this interview, Bio narrates his point of departure with Bukola Saraki and gives reasons why he wont follow him into the new PDP. Excerpts:

S

ENATOR Bukola Saraki, is now a leader of the aggrieved members of the new Peoples Democratic Party(nPDP). Are you with him in that boat?

With all intent and purposes I am not with him and I am not going to be with the new PDP. I belong to the PDP and I don’t believe in the struggle or the ideals of the new PDP. When they came up with the issue of the new PDP, I believed it was ill-timed, ill-conceived and very selfish, in every organization, there are supposed to be grievances and misunderstanding; there are supposed to be some sort of disaffection. But you don’t tear an organization because you are not getting your issues addressed.

There are structured ways of addressing grievances in any organization, including your house.

Again, those people that are complaining or aggrieved most of them have presidential ambitions.

I know the Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu has a presidential ambition. It is not a secret that Sule Lamido has presidential ambition. It is not a secret that Dr. Bukola Saraki has presidential ambition; neither is it a secret that Rabiu Kwankwaso has presidential ambition and

they believe the best way to go about this is to first of all get rid of President Goodluck Jonathan who is the current President and the coast will be clear for them.

You were a close ally of late Olusola Saraki and Governor Bukola Saraki. Did he not take you into confidence on the agitations?

Regrettably, I don’t think Bukola Saraki trusts me as much as Baba Saraki did. I have personal issues which I’m not ready to discuss at this moment because I’ve followed Bukola Saraki and I’ve come to a conclusion that this is a man who does not trust me the way Baba trusted me.

Political infringement I tried to belong, but invariably, I found out that I wasn’t fitting into his system. So, I stayed back.

For instance, way back in 2003, I was in the House of Reps when Baba Saraki said I should leave the House of Reps. He initially promised that I was going to the Senate. But later, he came back and said please can you come back to serve the people because I don’t want the kind of political infringement I had with late Lawal. That is why people unanimously agreed that Dr.

Saraki should bring Bukola on board to be the next Governor so that he wouldn’t have crisis with any other Governor and he said he wanted somebody with experience and whom he trusts to come and handle the House of Assembly and I accepted.

I left the House of Reps and became the Speaker of Kwara Assembly for six years. But the same Baba who told me that if by the grace of God governorship comes to my area, he was grooming me up later said he needed to give me national exposure. That was why he asked me to be Minister. Before the 2011 election, I sat down together with Bukola and I said, can I put in if it is the wish of God to succeed you. He said go ahead. I bought the form. But later, Bukola Saraki denied that he ever asked me to buy the form.

Then I went to meet President Jonathan because I was serving as Minister of Sports under him at that time. I followed President Jonathan to the Christmas Carol of 2010. After the Christmas Carol, I followed him to the house. I said Mr. President, I have discussed with Bukola Saraki and he endorsed that I should buy the governorship form.

So, I’m going flag off my campaign. Goodluck Jonathan

•Bio praised Bukola and prayed that he is helping out like father to a son and that if he has made up his mind that I will succeed him, it will be very nice and he will feel Kwara is his second home and he will talk to Bukola Saraki.

I left, flagged off my campaign and I asked all Kwarans to elect me as governor. It was the mother of all campaigns, only for Bukola Saraki to call me around 2.00 am on the night of the primaries and said he had decided to zone to Kwara South and give it to Abdufattah Ahmed. I took it in its stride. After all, it’s not everything that one wishes that one would get.

But while I expected Bukola to have called me and said okay, it’s not everything you look for that you get, and sooth the balm of all the injuries he has caused me, he continued to treat me like a

cancerous part of the body.

Apart from that, he promised to refund my campaign money. But up till today, he has not and it has been very well known in Kwara State that anybody close to me in Kwara has never been given any appointment, whether as SA or even a Commissioner or Assistant. Even the ward Chairman in my place, anybody close to me, they make sure he is eliminated. So, I decided that let me stay aloof and watch. So, that is the difference between’s Baba’s leadership and Dr Bukola Saraki. Bukola Saraki’s leadership is the leadership of annihilation; break them and extinct them. If Baba offends you, he will call you and one way or the other sooth you and make you feel that you are important and you go ahead fighting a common cause for the party.

Okorocha is an advantage turned into a disadvantage Continues from page 38 stand?

Honestly, from what is happening, the present state administration has never pretended to be friendly with the rule of law. The Governor had covertly and overtly maintained that he does not believe in the rule of law. So, what else do you expect me to say? There is no action that he has taken that survived judicial searchlight. My only hope is that we don’t degenerate to a state of dictatorship in this state.

Could you cite instances?

Of course. If tenured commissions are dissolved arbitrarily and replacements are appointed arbitrarily without following the provisions of the Constitution of this country; if decisions are taken in a manner that show it is a one-mandecision without reference to others; if we have run this state without tenders board, we are running a one-man-show.

A one-man-show is a dictatorship. The Constitution does not allow a dictatorship. It does not allow a one-man-show.

It is a situation of combined efforts by all with a leader organizing things. It does not say that one man should decide things for us in Imo State, but that is what is happening. Okorocha hinges his achievement on his ability to do things alone! This is dangerous for the Constitution of the country and people like Mike Ahamba will not sit back and allow that type of thing to continue.

He had told me face-to-face that he does not believe in the rule of law. It is unfortunate but he is the Governor of Imo State. People must help him manage the situation and stop him when he is going beyond his limits by all legitimate means.

Within the APC family, have you people not been advising him?

Honestly, there was a time it appeared we had what I may call in the street language, “scatter-

scatter situation”. The Governor called everybody together and we said it was fine and attended.

Chief Achike Udenwa, a two-time governor and former minister, was there with us. He has earned his reputation and respect. Without being egocentric, I have paid my dues in the legal profession. I have equally earned my reputation and respect.

If all of us are in a party and we meet with somebody, agree on how to run the party, we were thereafter brought outside, faced the press, raised our hands together to show that we were one and immediately the publications were out, he went back to the things that caused the initial trouble.

Arbitrariness and dictatorship In fact, we are beyond where we were before the peace talk.

What do you want us to do? Is that not arbitrariness? In politics, arbitrariness is dictatorship. This

is an unfortunate situation.

Are you telling us that the national leadership of the party has failed to call him to order?

We have complained and we are going to complain again. You see, this question of the advantage of a sitting governor is what is disturbing us because probably, Abuja believes that we need this governor here for the forthcoming elections.

But the governor could make a party fail an election. So, definitely, we are going to invite them to come and take a look at things again or we take steps to protect ourselves. It is not an Ahamba affair.

In the next few days, the legacy parties in this state will be making a very strong and serious statement. If after all that Abuja decides to ignore the situation, we will take care of ourselves and whatever they see, they take.

But the Governor is the leader of Imo APC? He is leading his faction of APGA. They call themselves

“Agenda”. He is not leading the four political parties that formed APC. So, he has put himself outside. We didn’t put him outside.

The APC comprises All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, Democratic Peoples Party, DPP, Congress for Progressive Change, CPC and Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN. Every other person hanging around APC is a concessionary member, who can only claim membership of the party after we have formally registered him. That is the law.

We have been keeping quiet all this while but not any more.

Now, that recommendation was not considered. Instead, the general recommendation which gave sitting governors some advantages was followed and they said it applied to Imo State.

So, if we accommodated somebody and opened our hands to embrace him and he wants to deliver knock out punches on us, shall we not be right to dodge him?

40 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013

his name with this great institution is therefore something he would be happy for.”

Ojukwu’s son, Emeka, commended the Governor for initiating the naming of the university after his father. He reminded the people of the state that if the political party founded

by Ojukwu fails, it means Ojukwu has failed and if Ojukwu fails, it means that Igbos have failed and prayed that such a thing would not happen. Also speaking, Sir Victor Umeh said the renaming of the university and the provision of tools to make it a centre of excellence befitting Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s name, was a right decision.

Right decision

*Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu(c) arriving for the occasion

*Some of the vehicles donated to the university by Gov Obi

Day Ojukwu ‘resurrected’ at Igbariam varsity T

for the first time that day were highly impressed by the rate of infrastructural development and the large expanse of land on which the institution is sitting. In fact, when the state government acquired the defunct Igbariam Farm Settlement established by the defunct Eastern Nigerian government under the late Dr. Michael Okpara, as the permanent site of the university, it was obvious that the university would occupy the largest land mass among universities in the country. Renaming it after Ojukwu shows the determination of the state government to immortalise the Ikemba.

Immortalising the Ikemba As soon as Governor Obi announced the new name of the university, the crowd went wild in jubilation. Biafran war veterans, who wore their Biafran Army and Naval uniforms, stood in attention as a mark of respect for the ‘General of the People’s Army’. APGA National Chairman, Umeh eulogised the late Ikemba with the titles bestowed on him in various parts of the country to the admiration of the audience.

When it was the turn of Governor Obi to speak, the people knew that more goodies were to come for the institution and indeed,

they came. As the governor was mounting the podium, six glittering branded vehicles, two buses for the Students Union Government, SUG, and four pick-up SUVs for the security department were driven into the arena and their keys handed over to the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Fidelis Okafor. He then brought out a symbolic cheque for N5 billion which he also handed to the authorities of the university to continue the infrastructural development of the university.

Obi also announced that an arrangement has been completed for a cooperation between the university and a renowned foreign university to beef up academic programmes of the institution. He added that the N500 million debt owed by the institution would be settled by the state government immediately. Similarly, he announced the increase in the monthly subvention to the institution by 15 percent with cognate effect from January this year.

Explaining that the naming of the university after Ojukwu was most critical in view of what the Ikemba Nnewi stood for the Igbo nation, the Governor recalled that the state government had earlier named the most critical road in the state- the Head Bridge road- to OdumegwuOjukwu Boulevard, adding that

the decision to also name the university after him was informed by the heroic contributions of Ojukwu to the Igbo people.

Obi, who said he started the Igbariam campus of the university from the scratch, expressed joy that the university could presently boast of perimeter fencing, imposing Faculty of Agriculture building; the Senate building, the on-going Faculty of Management building; the Faculties of Law, Social Sciences and Mass

,

BY VINCENT UJUMADU, Awka HE late Biafran warlord and Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu literally rose from the dead penultimate Monday at the Igbariam campus of Anambra State University, when the Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi announced the renaming of the institution to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University. The renaming ceremony, which coincided with the marking of the 80th posthumous birthday anniversary of the late leader of the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, attracted whois-who in Igboland.

Among those who graced the occasion were Ojukwu’s wife, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu; Ojukwu’s first son, Emeka Ojukwu Jnr; Deputy Governor of the State, Mr. Emeka Sibeuudu; National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh; the party’s candidate for the November 16, 2013 governorship election; Chief Willie Obiano and his deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke; members of the State and National Assembly, Biafran war veterans, traditional rulers, officials of the University and students who, though still kept at home due to the lingering ASUU strike, attended the ceremony in large numbers.

Those who visited the university

“This gesture has added to the immortality of Ojukwu”, he said.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Fidelis Okafor said the university community was overwhelmed by Obi’s gesture, noting that Obi had paid the greatest attention to the university more than any other governor since the school was founded.

“Before Obi, people hardly chose us as first choice university, but now, like other universities, we have far more number of people applying to us than we can take. He has increased our subvention many times.

“He started the development of the Igbariam permanent site; built a brand new University Teaching Hospital and College of Medicine for us. He was instrumental to the accreditation of many courses in the university.

Today, he gave us a cheque of N5 billion, which no university has got in one full swoop in recent times. We shall reciprocate these gestures by doubling our efforts,”

As soon as Gov Obi announced the new name of the university, the crowd went wild in jubilation; Biafran war veterans stood in attention as a mark of respect for Ojukwu

Communication buildings. Also through the state government’s intervention, he said, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, is building N1.5 billion students’ hostel in the university.

Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, in her speech, said her late husband must be very happy at the honour given him by the state government, adding that the late Ezeigbo was somebody who cherished education so much.

She said: “When Ojukwu was alive, his best relaxing place was his library. He would stay there and read and even sleep and if he wanted any meaningful discussion, he would prefer that such discussion should take place in his library. Associating

,

the VC said.

Traditional ruler of Igbariam Kingdom in whose domain the university is located, His Royal Highness, Igwe Kelly Nzekwe commended Governor Peter Obi for naming the Anambra State University after the late Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. He stated that although Obi’s achievements in all sectors stand him out, the renaming of the Anambra State University to late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University has superseded every other thing he has done in the state.

According to him, the N5 billion the governor gave the university Continues on page 41

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013 — 41

How Delta monarch saved his throne over marriage dispute

•When the going was good... The monarch acknowledging cheers from his subjects during his coronation

W

HEN the Obi of Igbodo kingdom in Delta State, Obi Ikechukwu Osedume I decided to shun the age-long tradition of his people to marry a non-indigene, many cried foul, vowing never to allow the young monarch to have his way.

In fact, the love between the Obi and his new wife was so deep that he ignored all entreaties from his kinsmen to first of all marry an indigene of Igbodo who would eventually produce a heir apparent to the throne. This is because no child from a ‘foreign’ woman would be accepted to succeed the Obi. The ‘foreign’ woman would also not be recognised as the Queen mother.

Recognition as queen mother The Obi, who is in his late 30s, apparently thought that he would ride the back of the lion unperturbed. He stuck to his gun and engaged his heartthrob whom he met as a law undergraduate at Madona University, in Anambra State.

The lady who hails from Abakaliki in Ebonyi State, had already given the Obi a female child.

Apart from youthful exuberance, the Obi hinged his decision to marry the ‘alien’ on the fact that the world is dynamic, hence customs and traditions, considered mundane should be modernised. Moreover, the young Obi is believed to be a born-again Christian who would not compromise his faith. His

background as a lawyer also gave him the fillip to assert his fundamental human rights of freedom of association.

He had in fact given an indication of the radical changes he intended to introduce when at his inauguration, he openly declared that he was looking unto the Almighty God for guidance and direction to take Igbodo community to a higher level. He also declared that those cultural beliefs which were not in line with God’s will, will be abolished because he loves and respects God. Lost his mother in the process: While the cold war between him and his kinsmen which included the elders and chiefs of the community raged, the monarch lost his mother. The community which had earlier boycotted all functions by the Obi, decreed that there would be no burial until he (Obi) succumbed to their demand to marry an indigene.

This decision angered the Obi the more. On December 28, 2012, he decided to bury his dead mother without the participation of most of the villagers. On that fateful day, he mobilised his in-laws from Ebonyi State and a gospel minister from Asaba to handle the funeral rites. Words quickly went round as emotion rose high in the peaceful agrarian community. In a jiffy, youths as well as aged men and women took the law into their hands.

They angrily marched to the palace and chased the ‘foreign’ wife away. Vanguard Features, VF, learnt that she “ was smuggled out of the palace by armed soldiers and policemen into safety at the heat of the commotion”.

•Obi Ikechukwu Osedume 1 of Igbodo kingdom Conflict between tradition and human rights: After the December 28 mass protest at the palace, the Obi decided to relocate to Asaba with the Abakaliki woman. VF learnt that he would occasionally sneak into his palace. That continued until the State government, aware of the growing security situation in the community, waded into the face-off.

The face-off was so intense that

,

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA, Asaba

explained the tradition to him that he cannot marry outside the kingdom. But he insisted that he was not going to marry two women. We explained to him that the reason why we are objecting to his marrying his first wife from outside is that our custom forbids it in the first place”. The Iyase’s stand did not go down well with the human rights community.

One of them, Mr. Ogenejabor Ikimi, described the action of the

We are not saying he should not marry an alien; the Obi has been asked to marry somebody from our kingdom who would bring forth a heir to the throne; after that, he is free to marry as many women as he wants to marry from outside

the Iyase (Prime Minister) of the community, Dr. Joseph Unomah who had earlier written several letters to the State Government before and after the mass protest at the palace, to intimate them about the security implications if not properly handled, vowed that “even if the Ebonyi woman gave him a male child, he cannot succeed him”.

“We are not saying he should not marry an alien. The Obi has been asked to marry somebody from our kingdom who would bring forth a heir to the throne.

After that, he is free to marry as many women as he wants to marry from outside, including this woman that is presently causing the crisis. We had

,

people as inhuman, cruel, absurd and repugnant to natural law, equity and good conscience. He vowed to take up the matter pointing out that the Igbodo experience shall form part of the periodic review report on women’s right in Nigeria He urged the Federal Government to support the United Nation’s efforts in guaranteeing women’s rights against harmful traditional practices such as that obtainable in Igbodo.

Whilst the crisis lasted, series of meetings between the warring parties, heads of security agencies and government officials were held at the office of the State Deputy Governor,

Professor Amos Atuama (SAN).

At these meetings, peace was eventually brokered.

Peace returns at last as he takes Igbodo lady as wife: The lingering crisis was finally laid to rest last weekend. The Obi backpedaled by finally marrying an indigene of the community as demanded by the custom of the people. At a colourful ceremony held at the ancestral palace of Igbodo kingdom, the new wife was decorated with beads.

Several notable sons and daughters of Igbodo community who witnessed the ceremony were all smiles as they paid homage to the king and the wife.

The Obi was full of gratitude to God for the peaceful resolution of all issues surrounding his marriage and particularly thanked the State Government for intervening in the matter. He assured the people that he would continue to uphold the customs and traditions of the kingdom.

A member of the Obi-inCouncil, Chief Gilbert Nwaije said, “now that the marriage issue is over, attention would be on the development of the community”.

Meantime, plans are on top gear to celebrate the marriage in grand style at Igbodo. VF learnt that what happened could be regarded as ‘introduction’ that would usher in a real marriage celebration. Already, various committees have been set up to plan the traditional wedding expected to come up before the end of this year.

That was how the Obi avoided almost the same scenario that played out in England in 1936 when King Edward VIII abdicated his throne to marry the woman he loved dearly.

Day Ojukwu ‘resurrected’ at Igbariam varsity Continues from page 40 would help the institution to improve infrastructure, thereby making it one of the best state – owned universities in the country.

He also argued that compared with other state –owned universities, fees paid by students at Odumegwu Ojukwu University were very affordable considering the cost of running universities.

Besides, he observed that Igbos are known for their value of education and urged the students to understand the reason behind the amount they are paying in the university. “I know that a university student paying N130,000 per year for professional courses is not too much because if you pay less amount of money, the tendency is for you to employ lecturers who may not give quality teaching to the students as required,” he said.

42—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013

Checking Influx of foreigners via porous borders

BY VERA SAMUEL

ANYAGAFU

P

EEVED by the porosity of dozens of Nigerian borders, which paved way for the free influx of illegal immigrants and smuggling businesses such as in cars, electronics, food items, etc, into the country unchecked, especially through the Seme Border, Nigerian international business mogul, Nnaemeka who is embittered with the unfortunate trend, has condemned the poor regulations of the Nigeria

Immigration Service (NIS) and Nigerian Customs Service in providing their officials with the most comfortable atmospheric conditions.

He told Vanguard Consular Advisory that everything seems wrong with the settings of the Nigeria Immigration and Customs monitoring officials across Nigerian borders.

Nnaemeka said, “Nigerians should not expect to have an effective Immigration or Custom control, when the services’ respective officials were made to

conduct their duties in very discomforting atmospheric conditions. Based on what is on ground, it is imperative for the Nigerian government including the Immigration Service and Customs regulating bodies to ensure that their officials are built a befitting and most comfortable plaza at each of the borderlines in place of the dilapidated infrastructure and rusted office like containers to improve on all security situations around the country ’s borders.”

•Customs Comptroller General, Dikko Inde Abdullahi Acknowledging that a first class surveillance technology as is the case in many civilized countries is a sure way of combating smuggling activities at a country’s porous borders, the business mogul tasked the Nigerian government, the Immigration Service and the Nigerian Customs Services to ensure that the county’s porous borders are effectively manned against influx of illegal immigrants and contraband.

He further implored the Nigerian government to emulate the system of border control that is put in place in most civilized countries like Europe and the United States of America, explaining that such advanced surveillance technology is essentially necessary for the country’s internal security. He noted, “Nigerians do not have any border protection, effective and sufficient border control personnel, as compared to some civilized countries across the globe.

Many of these countries have border protection agencies that are charged with the sole responsibility of ensuring that only legitimate and certified persons and goods are allowed permit into their countries or territories.”

Also speaking to Vanguard Consular Advisory, Barr Ike said, “The system here in Nigeria is such that even some corrupt Customs and Immigration Officials are responsible for all the illegal infiltrations into the country.”

Ike lamented that Nigeria lacks the technology-driven ability to effectively mange its literally loose borders, which present a huge challenge to the above

mentioned agencies.

His words, “Managing the loose borders with little or no technology-driven equipment, intensely suppresses any effective efforts by the undermanned officials of the Nigeria Immigrations and Customs Services, and as such, the country is left to suffer all forms and levels of insurgencies from unknown individuals who infiltrate to wreak havoc.” He, however, opined that the Federal Government would have to intensify efforts to fortify loose border areas and ensure that further infiltration of illegal immigrants and goods into the country was stopped.

Underminig of services A Nigerian Custom official at the Seme border also identified inadequate logistics and poor road network as the major factors undermining the services. He said, “The poor state of road infrastructure across the West African border countries is not helping the aforementioned Services in duly conducting their duties, he said, stressing that, “there is need for the Federal government to properly equip the two Services.”

He said that some of the borders were mountainous in nature and porous at large, due to the deserts, while the Services lack patrol vehicles as there are no good roads that connect Nigeria with countries it share borders with. “Over the years, the porous state of the borders has given rise to human trafficking and mercenaries and the situation was worsened by the inability of the Border Communities Development Agency to champion the cause of residents of border communities. A large number of bad politicians in Nigeria, greedy Immigration and Customs’ officers as well as some disgruntled elements among other law enforcement officers encourage and support criminal minded individuals from different parts of the world to smuggle all sorts of contraband and trafficked persons into the country.”

In view of the situation, therefore, it is imperative for the two border control agencies to ensure they periodically train the officers positioned across borders on the use of IT tools, intelligence gathering and other numerous investigative exercises to improve on their skills, especially on the land borders, which appear to be one of their weakest.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013—43

Cleric warns politicians to stay clear of churches

Oritsejafor donates 16-seater bus, other items to the blind

President Goodluck Jonathan (right) presenting the bus' documents to the representatives of the blind during the occasion.

By SAM EYOBOKA

A

S part of his church’s corporate social responsibility to the society, founder of Word of Life Bible Church and National President of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, Sunday, donated a 16-seater bus and several equipment to the Delta State Society for the Blind.

Making the donation as part of activities marking his birthday which coincided with the flag off of this year’s Jubilee Word Festival with a theme: ‘Recover All’, Pastor Oritsejafor said he was deeply touched by the plight of the blind in the state and had therefore decided to make little a contribution to alleviate their predicament.

The items donated to the society included 25 mobility cave, 50 Braille machines, one laptop and four Perkins Braille machines.

The presentation was made

by President Goodluck Jonathan who was accompanied by Governors Liyel Imoke of Cross River State, Jonah Jang of Plateau State and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State as well as federal and state officials.

According to the pastor who delegated eminent religious leaders from across the country to offer prayers for the nation and its leaders, the time has come for privileged Nigerians to rise to the challenges of the less privileged in the society, by so doing, “we are securing the future of our children.”

Responding to the kind gesture, chairman of the society, Evangelist Ayodele, who expressed his gratitude by

prostrating, said his personal joy knew no bound because the association written a letter to Gov. Uduaghan requesting for a bus to ease their mobility challenges.

“We had prayed our governor to assist us in that direction.

You may now understand why I am overjoyed because God had answered our prayers by this kind gesture of Papa Ayo and Mama Helen Oritsejafor,” he said in ecstasy.

On pensioners Speaking earlier, Pastor Oritsejafor in a statement urged President Jonathan to look into the suffering of pensioners in the country even as he praised his achievements in the agricultural sector and especially for initiating a national dialogue.

He said: “Your decision to intiate a national conference is indeed a right step in the right direction that can only make Nigeria stronger. We must continue to talk. Your efforts in the power sector, your agricultural agenda your efforts at reviving rail transportation nationwide just to mention but a few is worthy of commendation.”

Oritsejafor also congratulated the president for being the first sitting Nigerian president to embark on an organised holy pilgrimage to Israel and also for signing a bilateral air service agreement with the nation of Israel.

He then appealed to the president on behalf of pensioners outstanding arrears, saying: “Some of our senior citizns that have given their prime to the service of this great nation should not be allowed to end their lives in

predicaments.

F

OLLOWING the tragedy at the Holy Ghost Ministry Adoration ground at Uke in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State where about 25 persons died in a stampede, the senior pastor of Shepherdhill Baptist Church, Lagos, Rev Israel Kristilere has warned politicians to stay clear of church premises for their campaigns.

Reacting to the stampede that followed what was said to be tussles among political parties to turn the all-night prayer session to a campaign rally ahead of the Anambra governorship election, scheduled for Saturday where 25 persons died and over 200 others injured, Kristilere said religious premises and facilities must never be used to garner political supports or mobilise for votes.

According to him, churches are not arenas where politicians canvass for votes, instead, he said, they are sacred sanctuaries where government officials and politicians must be told the truth at all times.

Addressing newsmen ahead of the church's Just Worship session slated for Friday, November 22, Kristilere said: “It is one of the craziest things we see in this country. You see politicians currying the favour of church leaders and using their platforms to seek for electoral fortu-nes.

“I think it’s high time men of God stop playing God and allow God to cleanse His Church which must not be used for political campaigns.

“It's a shame many men of God encourage this. It must be stopped to avert incurring the wrath of God,” he said.

On the proposed national conference, Kristilere said there was nothing wrong in dialoguing, saying that the recommendations of the dialogue should not be subjected to approval of the National Assembly.

Worship, according to Kristilere, is a veritable weapon of divine intervention that Nigerians have not utilised. Theme of the event expected to attract over 7,000 worshippers at the new ultra-modern auditorium of the Shepherdhill Baptist Church, Obanikoro Lagos, is “Glorious God”. Ministers include Lara George, Dupe Olulana, Erujeje, Phil and Lola Adika, The Proclaimers, Sax Angel, Funmi Sax, The Indian Christian Congregation, Yabatech Baptist Students Fellowship, Shepherd’s Voice International etc.

State of emergency “I must commend the National Assembly for extending the state of emergency in the three affected states in the Norh-East.

As you requested, although there has been a significant improvement, however, I will still appeal to the relevant security agencies to re-strategise and work together with a view to improving on their intelligence gathering.

“At this point I must appeal to the elite and grassroots Nigerians especially in the affected states to work more with the security forces,” praying that the insurgence will soon come to an end in Jesus name.

Compensation for Boko Haram victims “I was worried when I saw the screaming headlines in some of the dailies about six days ago which stated that government was not going to pay compensation to Boko Haram victims, then I read that Mr President will assist them.

"This sounded a bit confusing to me, considering the large number of orphans, widows, church buildings destroyed and those that have lost their businesses and means of livelihood. We are anxiously waiting for setting up of a Boko Haram Victims Committee.

“Mr President, the high level of unemployment, corruption, crime and criminality is very troubling, but our prayer is that as you and your team work to turn things around, the Lord will give you grace, wisdom, courage and determination to fight and win the battle.”

*From left: Pastor Gbenga Akande, Rev. Akintunde Akinlowo, Rev Israel Kristilere and Rev. Kunle Oyelekan at the parley on the forthcoming Just Worship session in Lagos.

Beware of selfish politicians, N-Delta Bishops Forum chair warns members

BY LAJA THOMAS

A

RCHBISHOP God-Dowell Avwomakpa, Chairman, Niger Delta Forum of Bishops and Chairman, Christians Association of Nigeria, South South zone, has warned bishops from the Niger Delta region to be ware of selfish politicians.

He advised those bishops who are going from one politician to another in the North seeking support for a particular personality in the rift between the Presidency and Rivers State governor to go and pray and let God do the settlement.

He described President Jonathan as the father of the nation and warned the forum members led by Bishop Julius Ediwe, of Chapel of Love Evangelical Mission, Port Harcourt to desist from betraying their callings and draging the forum‘s name into the mud According to Avwomakpa,the forum was formed to promote Christian virtues and prayer for the unity of Nigeria and to enrich members.

Avwomakpa described the role of the Bishop Ediwe-led group as capable of bringing disunity to the church as well as creating more misunderstanding in the country.

44—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013

Ambrose Alli varsity ASUU threatens strike over VC's appointment

New Delta PPEB begins tour

T

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

HE newly inaugurated Delta State Post Primary Education Board, PPEB, has commenced familiarisation visits to the 11 zonal offices and principals across the three senatorial districts of the state.

Mrs. Imevbore commended the staff and principals for their good work in the zones visited and advised them to be more committed to their duties. She said that there shall be regular monitoring of schools irrespective of their locations.

Comprising Mrs Orode Imevbore, the Chairperson; Thomas Ogobri, David Upaka and Jude Azimor, as members, the committee urged teachers to work towards the human capital development agenda of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration.

B

ENIN— ACADEMIC Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Ambrose Alli University, AAU, chapter, Ekpoma, Edo State, yesterday, threatened to embark on a fresh strike action, if the state government fails to appoint a substantive Vice-Chancellor, VC, before the current industrial action embarked upon by the national body of the union was called off.

A statement by the chapter Chairman, Professor Fred Esumeh, said that the state government was yet to appoint a substantive VC for the university in the past three years, noting that the situation was hindering progress in the institution.

The statement said: “The union had in the past made several efforts to draw the attention of the Governing Council and state government to the need to appoint a substantive VC for the university in consonance with the law and best practice.

Burial

university on April 8, 2013.

“The fallout of the meeting was the understanding and promise of the Visitor to swiftly resolve the issue of the appointment of a substantive VC. “This understanding was followed by a permission of

E

LDER Abiodun Goodwill, 72, is dead.

He died October 4 and will be buried November 15.

Christian wake keep holds at 5p.m., Thursday, November 14, at his residence, 81, Fagbemi Street, Aboru, IyanaIpaja, Lagos, while funeral service will be conducted by the Christ Apostolic Church at same venue the following day by 11a.m.

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

P

ORT HARCOUT— FORMER acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Pastor Power Aginighan, has called on the Federal Government to ensure that the proposed national dialogue was accorded constituent powers.

Aginighan, in a statement, lauded the government for

acceding to calls from Nigerians for a national conference.

He expressed the hope that the conference would afford Nigerians an opportunity to address issues of structural imbalances and other related problems plaguing the country, adding that every ethnic group should be made to send equal number of representatives to the conference.

HE commissioners representing the Urhobo nation on the board of Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, DESOPADEC, have been commended for their commitment, transparency and

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI— NO fewer than 260 indigent persons in Ukwani Local Government Area of Delta State have been empowered through the

Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, SURE-P of the council.

Flagging off the programme, the state Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Mr. Newworld Safugha,

sincerity towards the development of the area.

National President of Urhobo National Youth Movement, Mr. Alex Idu, who gave the recommendation, said that the Urhobo youths have also passed a vote of confidence on

the DESOPADEC commissioners, including Dr. Henry Ofa, representing Sapele, Ethiope West and Okpe; Mr. Festus Utuama, Udu, Uvwie and Ughelli South; and Chief Ominimini Obiuwevbi, Ughelli North and Ethiope East.

commended the transition committee chairman, Mr. Christopher Ochor for making good use of the council’s SURE-P share.

Urging the beneficiaries to make good use of the items and cash given to them, Safugha said Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan is one governor in the country that was committed to the economic well being of the people of his state.

He thanked President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Uduaghan for ensuring that the proceeds of the SURE-P were being used to better the lot of the people.

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

He said that the outcome of the exercise should be used to evolve a new and popular constitution for the country.

Aginighan said: “It should be a sovereign national conference with full constituent powers. The conference is more important than any other thing we need to do. If we must evolve a true people’s constitution, then we must discuss even the unity of the country.”

260 benefit from SURE-P in Delta

Youths commend DESOPADEC commissioners

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“The union had before now advised and encouraged the Governing Council to explore the period of the ongoing national strike action to commence and, if possible, conclude the process for the appointment of a substantive VC.”

Nat'l confab must have constituent powers— Aginighan

Negotiation

“For the information of the public, the union’s efforts to ensure that a substantive VC was appointed culminated in the visit of a delegation of our National Executive Council, NEC, to the Visitor to the

NEC to our branch to embark on an industrial action if on expiration of the time lag granted by NEC, the appointment of a substantive VC was not made.

“Again, for the information of the public, that time lag expired on July 31.

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On Golden Eaglets' rewards

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OOD gesture from our President to the worthy ambassadors!

Everywhere I go, the talk is about the Eaglets’ brand of football. People could not believe that our local footballers could play the way these boys did. Neither did I. — Miss Ayo Olushola, Student.

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HE body cannot be good if the head is bad. It is time we started sending our successful coaches to more courses and competitions. We cannot wait till a competition is around the corner to start preparation. God bless Nigeria.

— Mr. Emmanuel Iyoke, Businessman.

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LT H O U G H Goodluck Jonathan is the most criticised president in the history of our dear country, there is still tremendous progress. Youths must join hands and support this government, like the Golden Eaglets did. — Mr. Ismaila Aremu, Computer Trainer.

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HIS is a very good step by the GEJ administration as the team has done the nation proud. Beside boosting the morale of the team and their coaches, it will encourage other youths to take national assignments seriously. — Mr. Solomon Bombata, Pensioner.

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ET’S keep this team intact and set aside some money for their benefits, training and friendly matches. We failed in these areas in the past. I pray our President will make a break from the norm this time and plan ahead. — Mr. Dozie Adichie, Worker.

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bullet proof BMW car for each player would have been more appropriate. Perhaps, the de Dollar brand of cap that can comfortably accommodate several thousand dollars and still maintain its balance on the head would do.

— Miss Amanchinefe Okoji, Banker.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013—45

Delta lawmaker donates cars to constituents

The Sun Editor's car stolen

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BY KELECHI AZUBUIKE

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HE member representing Burutu II Constituency in Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Kennedy Daubry, has donated 11 new cars to members of his constituency for their loyalty, dedication and commitment, adding that he will continue to be responsive to the needs of his people, as his constituency projects were geared towards uplifting the standard of the people.

The cars, which were presented to the beneficiaries by retired Supreme Court Justice, Justice Francis Tabai, Chief P. Biakpara and the Burutu Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chairman, Mr. Kenneth Ogoibiri, is to reward the people for working for PDP. Daubry said that a total of 30 cars would be distributed before the end of the year, adding that this was just the first phase of his empowerment programme for his constituents.

The lawmaker noted that he will soon unveil his women and other empowerment initiatives, saying that it was in line with the Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s three-point agenda.

ANNIVERSARY/LAUNCH: From left— Former Head of State, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.); Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State; Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, All Progressives Congress, APC, leader and others at the 5th anniversary ceremony of Governor Oshiomhole's administration and the official launch of APC in Edo State, yesterday.

Without tangible results, SURE-P a failure— Kolade

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

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ORT HARCOURT— CHAIRMAN of the Federal Government Subsidy Re-Investment and Empowerment Programme, SURE-P, Dr. Christopher Kolade, has said that the programme would be a total failure if it does not display “believable evidence” of benefits for Nigerians.

Kolade spoke in Nonwa, Rivers State during a road show to access SURE-P’s intervention value on the EastWest Road.

He said: “This awareness is very critical because Nigerians have suffered from expectations that had not always been met.”

Represented by Professor Kunle Wahab at the event, the SURE-P helmsman, said:

NIGER BASIN: Mark decries lack of commitment

BY FUNMI OLASUPO

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BUJA— SENATE President David Mark has warned that the failure of the nine member countries in the Niger Basin Authority, NBA, to fund the body was militating against its goal of improving the living condition of the people covered by the basin.

Speaking at the conference of Parliamentarians, Focal Ministers and Ministers of Finance of the NBA, in Abuja, Senator Mark said: “The singular act has almost grounded NBA’s activities.”

The Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe, at same event, urged the need for more interface between parliamenta-rians in countries covered by the NBA

and the authority for effective delivery of the organisation’s goals.

Mark said: “The shared vision is to promote understanding, strengthen cooperation among the countries, and make use of the natural resources of the basin to improve the lives and living conditions of the people.”

According to him, the dream of the founding NBA to fight poverty through various programmes may not come to pass, due to lack of commitment by the member states.

He said: “However, it is regrettable that NBA member counties are yet to meet up with their financial commitments. This singular act has almost grounded NBA.”

“Even though Nigerians have lost confidence in the ability of the leadership to keep promises, SURE-P is about keeping the promises government made to them despite their distrust.

“Should we fail at this point in winning back the confidence of Nigerians, our country will be on the brink. It is clear that the citizens are tired.

“That was why President Goodluck Jonathan stepped forward and took definite

steps to keep the promises we made.”

Mr. Isaac Okah, Deputy Director, SURE-P Engineering Section, said through the programme’s intervention, 65km of a total 95km of Section III from Onne Junction, Rivers State, to Ette Junction, Akwa Ibom State, had been completed on the East-West Road, while 30km had also been completed on the Delta State axis on Section I.

Dickson lauds UNESCO underwater research centre

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA— GOVERNOR Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, yesterday, said that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO, Underwater Research and Imaging Centre in Yenagoa would make the state the hub of underwater research activities in Africa.

Declaring open the first African Underwater Cultural Heritage Conference in Yenagoa, which attracted participants from across Africa and Europe, Dickson noted that the services of youths trained at the centre would be utilised by the Nigerian Navy, construction companies in the Niger Delta region, oil exploration companies, tourism industries, fishing and maritime industries among others.

Represented by the state Commissioner for Culture and Ijaw National Affairs, Dr. Felix Tuodolo, Governor

Dickson, while highlighting the importance of the centre, noted that Africans must begin to acknowledge the value of public education as a contribution to the awareness, appreciation and protection of underwater cultural heritage and its attendant recreational benefits and job creation among others.

He said: “Let me thank UNESCO for approving the location of the Underwater Cultural Research and Imaging Centre in Yenagoa.

“As a government, we promise to justify the confidence reposed in us by making judicious and optimal use of it for the benefit of not only Bayelsans and Nigerians, but the whole of Africans.

“In addition, the establishment of the centre will culminate in the immense benefit of building the capacity of our youths in the rare areas of underwater archeology, scuba diving, underwater research and imaging and underwater bio-technology.”

green Toyota Camry (2001 model), belon-ging to the News Editor of The Sun newspaper, Mr. Adesina Aiyekoti, has been reported stolen where it was parked Monday morning at the entrance of Abayomi Odukoya Close, Cele Aladewura, Alakuko, Ajegunle, Lagos.

The car’s registration number is GGE 359 BM; and Chasis number, 4t1bg22k914780813.

Any information that will lead to its recovery should kindly be directed to The Sun newspapers or the nearest police station.

Utuama mourns Adjogri

BY FESTUS AHON

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GHELLI— DELTA State Deputy Governor, Professor Amos Utuama, has commiserated with the Adjogri family of Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state on the death of their son, Mr. Jackson Adjogri.

The late Mr. Jackson Adjogri was former Secretary to Delta State Government, and Head of Service.

Utuama, who spoke when he paid a condolence visit to the Adjogris, said; “Mr. Jackson Adjogri was a diligent and hardworking officer, who delivered genuine service in whatever position he found himself.”

He described Adjogri, who was until his death, Chairman of the State Advisory Council, as a very patient and great man of wisdom, who paid his dues in life by doing what he was supposed to do and was never found wanting in any respect.

Utuama said: “I pray that God will protect the wife, Mary, and the entire family even as I pray for God mercies on the soul of Mr. Adjogri, considering his worthy service to humanity.”

46—Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013

NUJ flays alleged manhandling of AIT cameraman by DSS official

BY PETER OKUTU

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BAKALIKI—THE Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ebonyi State chapter, has condemned the alleged manhandling of the Africa Independent Television, AIT, cameraman, Mr. Chineye Sunday by an official of the Department of State Services, DSS, during the wedding of the son of former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, Mr. Bisoye Obasanjo at Okpuitumo, Ndufu Ikwo Development Centre in the state.

The event attracted the presence of dignitaries including Chief Obasanjo, present and former Governors of Ebonyi State, Chief Martin Elechi and Dr. Sam Egwu, among others.

Mr. Sunday was alleged to have been punched on the face as he was trying to take shots of dignitaries at the event by the DSS personnel, leaving him with a swollen face, even as his camera was destroyed.

Book presentation

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A G O S — THE Faculty of Law of the University of Lagos,UNILAG, will tomorrow, Thursday, November ,14 by 3.00pm at the Main Auditorium, UNILAG, Akoka, Lagos hold a public presentation of a book‘Among Giants: Memoirs: Deans of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos(1962-2012)’ by Great Nwakaibeya, Vange Begha and Adetola Onayemi.

Former President, Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, will chair the occasion while Governor Babatunde Fashola, SAN, and his Benue State counterpart, Gabriel Suswan, former World Court Judge, Prince Bola Ajibola, SAN, are special guests of honour. HRM Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Oba of Lagos is the book presenter.

UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rahamo Bello is the chief host while the Dean of the law faculty, Prof.

Imra Oluwole Smith, SAN, is the host.

Anambra guber: APC raises alarm over alleged secret creation of polling units

BY DOTUN IBIWOYE ENIN—BARELY 72 hours to the November 16 governorship election in Anambra State, the All Progressives Congress, APC, has raised alarm over alleged secret creation of 1,973 polling units for the election.

APC said that the creation of the extra polling units apart from the existing 4,608 units has brought the number of voting points to 6,581.

In a statement issued in Benin, yesterday, by the party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, APC said the alert became ‘’necessary because INEC has not educated voters on the extra polling units, a few days before the election-a development that could either disenfranchise many voters or play into the hands of those who are already perfecting their rigging’’ strategies.

APC further said its fears were further heightened by the fact that the extra polling units together account for over 800,000

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votes.

According to Mohammed, ‘’INEC, apparently in other to facilitate the accreditation and voting process on Saturday, has created these extra polling units from those that have in excess of 500 voters. ‘’But in a situation where voters are not aware of this development, there is the risk that some dirty

INEC officials could collude with unscrupulous and desperate politicians to move these extra units away from the location of the original ones for secret thumb-printing, thus disenfranchising over 800,000 voters and paving the way for the appropriation of such votes by vote thieves.’’

The party then implored INEC

to urgently give the creation of the extra polling units the necessary publicity; alert voters to the fact that the extra units will be at the same location as the original ones; ensure the deployment of adequate officials to man the extra units on Saturday as well as ensure that enough voting materials were made available for them.

FORUM: From left: Corp Marshal, FRSC, Osita Chidoka, Director General, NESG, Frank Nweke II, Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Chief Economic Adviser to the President, Dr. Nwanze Okidegbe, at the 24th World Economic Forum on Africa media launch in Abuja.

Owerri Concorde Hotel staff lament unpaid salaries

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

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WERRI—STAFF of Imo Concorde Hotel, Owerri, have cried out over what they called “the excruciating pain occasioned by five months of unpaid salaries and allowances.”

The workers who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear

of victimisation, said that things had ceased to be the same since the past two years.

“The once heavily patronised Imo Concorde Hotel, Owerri, which previous administrations proudly called the pearl of the East, is now a ghost of its former self.

“Since the inception of the present administration, many

workers have been summarily sacked, even as those left behind are owed five months of unpaid salaries and allowances,” they said.

The staff recalled that they were told that the Rochas Okorocha’s administration in the state leased the hotel to a company known as ABM, managed by one Mr. Mark, an expatriate.

Alleged double registration: Hearing begins on Obiano, CNRV's suit today

BY OKONKWO EZE NITSHA—THE Federal High sitting in Awka, Anambra State, is expected to commence hearing today in an originating summons filed by an Onitsha-based human rights lawyer and President of Conference of Nigeria Registered Voters, CNRV, Mr. Jezie Ekejiuba, seeking to stop the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Willie Obiano

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from contesting Saturday ’s election in the state over double registration.

Joined in the suit as codefendants are APGA, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Anambra State, Prof.

Chukwuemeka Onukogu and the Independent National Electoral Commissioner, INEC. In the suit No. FHC/AWK/CS/ 269/2013, brought pursuant to Order 3, Rule 6 of the Federal High Court Rules, 2009, Section

31 (1)- 6) of the Electoral Act, 2010 as amended and inherent jurisdiction of the court as preserved by Section 6 (6) (a and b) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended, the plaintiff is asking the court to set aside, nullify and or void the election of the first defendant who is the governorship candidate of the second defendant, APGA, if he contested and got elected on the November 16, 2013 governorship election in the state.

Alumni, governing board seek varsity status for Oko Poly of its maiden World Alumni stations

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KO—THE Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni Association and the governing council have called for the upgrading of the polytechnic to a degree awarding institution.

The groups in a separate communiqué said upgrading of the polytechnic to a degree awarding institution will be in line with the Federal Government’s earlier upgrading of Yaba and Kaduna Polytechnics.

The alumni association in a communique issued at the end

Congress of the polytechnic, at the institution’s auditorium and by the national president, Sir Uchenna Udensi and the National Secretary, Nze Christian noted that the association has resolved to take all positive steps to ensure that the institution was upgraded to a university.

The group however, appealed to the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, NBC, and other relevant agencies of the government to grant operational licenses for the take-off of the polytechnic’s radio and television

The association also felicitated with the founder of the polytechnic and former vice president of Nigeria, Dr. Alex Ekwueme on his 81st birthday anniversary, praying God to give him continued wisdom and good health.

Meanwhile, the polytechnic’s governing council in a statement by its Chairman, Dr. Christian Odukwe maintained that it is long over due to convert the 34-yearold institution to a federal university of science and technology.

“In the past one month or more, Mr. Mark has not been seen in Concorde Hotel, fuelling the rumour that he may have absconded. His deputy, Mr. Roland has also left the scene in the past two weeks and nobody can tell if he is coming back or not.

“In the past five months, AMB have not paid Concorde Hotel workers their leave allowances of the past two years.” the staff added.

While saying that no staff can out rightly say if they were working for ABM or the state government, they equally lamented the hardship they were passing through.

Passage

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LDER GABRIEL Ikechi Maduka, 93, of Umudiawa Ohuhu, Umuahia North L.G.A., Abia State is dead. He will be buried on Friday, November 15, at his residence, Umudiawa Ohuhu, after a commendation service, at St. Augustine Anglican Church, Amachara in Umudiawa Ohuhu, Umuahia.

He is survived by the widow, many children and other relations, including Mr. Chika Maduka.

Late Gabriel Maduka

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013—47

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LAUNCH: From left, Mr. Doyin Ashiru, Manufacturing Director; Vivian Ihaza,Category Manager,Tea & Spread, both of Unilever Nigeria; Mr. Dare Art Alade, Musician, and Mr. David Okeme, MTN Songstars Winners, during the MTN Songstar 2nd prize presentation to winners, Brand Building Director, Unilever, during Unilever Nigeria Plc's in Lagos. Photo: Diran Oshe Lipton Tea Party and Launch, at the Landmark Events Centre, in Lagos. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye

VISIT: Senator Bukola Saraki (left), Hon. Beni Lar, during the From left, Tayo Babalakin, Golf Captain, Ikoyi Club; Mr. Cliff Shiridzinodya, Deputy former's condolence visit to Hon. Lar, over the demise of her General Manager, Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel; Ehi Edache,Trade Account Manager, Nigeria father, former PDP Chairman, Solomon Lar, in Abuja.

Bristish Airways, and Mark Loxley, General Manager, Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel, at the 2013 Southern Sun Ikoyi Golf day prize presentation. Photo: Akeem Salau

CONFERENCE: From left, Legborsi Pyogbara, President, Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, MOSOP; Joseph Gitari, Senior Programmes Officer, Ford Foundation, Nigeria; Akin Fatunke, Manager, Public and Government Affairs, Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc, and Dr. Glenn Bestall, Vice President, QHSSEC, Seven Energy Nigeria Limited, during the '2nd Annual Sustainability in the Extractive Industries' conference, organised by CSR-in-Action, at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos.

FORUM: From left, General Manager, Intergraph Nigeria, Mr. Diran Abidakun; Vice-President, Middle East, Intergraph, Mr. Talal Jazayerli; Managing Director, Resources Energy, Accenture Nigeria, Mrs. Abayomi Olarinmoye, and MD, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America, Accenture, Mr. James Arnott, during a forum on 'Challenges in Asset Takeover and Performance Optimisation,' in Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi

LECTURE: From left, Guest lecturer, Dr. Muiz Banire; Chairman, May Clinics, and Co-Founder, St. Paul Senior Citizens Foundation, Esther Aworinde, special guest of honour; member, Board of Trustees, St. Paul's Senior Citizen's Foundation; Chief Olu Falomo, and Elder Akindoye Akinyemi, at the seventh Annual Lecture of the Foundation, in Lagos.

CONFERENCE: From left, Mr. Wale Fapohunda, representing Chief Wole Olanipekun, Board Member; Professor Taoheed Adedoja; former Minister of Sports, and Board Member, Mr. Yinka Fasuyi; President, Professor Oladapo Fafowora, former Federal Head of Service and Board Member, and Chief Mojisola Ladipo, former Registrar, University of Ibadan, and Registrar/Chief Operating Officer, Ibadan Business School, during the unveilling of Ibadan Business School to the media, at a conference, in Ibadan. Photo: Dare Fasube

PRESENTATION: From left, National Sales Manager, Daily Independent Newspapers, Mr. Godwin Agwamese; General Overseer, Royal Life Christian Assembly, Pastor Godwin John; Author, Mr. Livy-Elcon Emereonye; Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Ike Onyeche; and Book Reviewer and Health Editor, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Sola Ogundipe, at public presentation and launching of the book, entitled: 'Malaria War -the Winning Strategies,' in Lagos.

48—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013

Our efforts yielding good results in Kogi — Wada

We'll resolve PDP crisis before 2015 — Tukur

By BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO

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OKOJA —GOVER NOR Idris Wada of Kogi State has said that opponents would soon find nothing to complain about as efforts of the administration were beginning to yield results.

Wada spoke at the Government House, Lokoja during a courtesy call on him by the Good Governance Committee of the Federal and State Governments’ Projectsled by the Minister for Information, Mr Labaran Maku.

Wada who enumerated some of the projects and efforts of his administration so far said that sooner than envisaged, those projects and efforts would begin to yield positive results that would silence critics.

Jonathan condoles with Shema over father's death

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BUJA—PRESI DENT Goolduck Jonathan has condoled with Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State over the death of his father, Alhaji Shehu Shema, yesterday, at the National Hospital in Abuja.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Reuben Abati yesterday, said "as the governor and members of his family mourn their father who was an accomplished farmer and notable community leader, President Jonathan urges them to also give thanks to Almighty Allah for Alhaji Shehu’s long and fulfilled life.

"The President believes that in passing on at the grand old age of 86, Alhaji Shehu will return to his Maker in peace and contentment having produced worthy offsprings such as Governor Shema.

BY SALISU ZAKARI

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SECURITY—From left: Secretary to Kwara State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold; Director, Department of State Services, Alhaji Tanimu Alkali; Deputy Governor, Elder Peter Kisra; Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed; Commissioner of Police, Agboola Oshodi Glover and Grand Kadi of Sharia Court of Apeal, Idris Haroon, during the flag off of new security outfit, "Operation Harmony" at Government House, Ilorin, Monday.

Taraba Assembly rebuffs Judge’s order, clears 4 commissioners J

BY SONI DANIEL & JOHN MKOM

ALINGO— THE fluid po litical climate in Taraba State deteriorated, yesterday, when members of the State House of Assembly ignored a state High Court injunction restraining them from clearing four persons nominated by the Acting Governor, Garba Umar, for appointment as commissioners.

This came as the court bailiff, Markus Gaddas who insisted on serving the Speaker with the court injunction was allegedly manhandled by the Speaker and his security aides.

Gaddas was at the assembly complex before arrival of the speaker and other members of the House to serve the court notice.

Justice Ali Andenyangsto had, based on a motion filed

by Governor Danbaba Suntai against the House of Assembly, ordered that the members should not screen the nominees whose names were forwarded by Umar to them.

In the motion of notice dated November 11, 2013, the judge restrained the Speaker and the members not to directly or indirectly act on the list sent in by Umar, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

Suntai had filed the motion trying to stop the acting governor from stopping the dissolution of the state Executive Council, which he announced upon return from his medical trip in August.

Umar had rejected the dissolution of the council, saying that it was done by agents of the governor and not the governor himself and asked the members to stick to their posts.

But Umar in his bid to get his men into the deeply divided cabinet also sent in the names of Ate Sale Kundu, Musa Sande, Balisu Hamangabdo and Mathias Dan-Azumi to the lawmakers to screen for appointment as commissioners.

The House of Assembly relying on its laws, however went ahead and cleared the four nominees paving the way for them to be inaugurated as commissioners in the state any time from now.

Vanguard learnt that Suntai is poised to appeal against the action of the state legislators and cause them to be charged for contempt.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House of Assembly has denied knowledge of any court injunction restraining the house from screening the commissioners who were nominated by the Acting Gov-

ernor, Alhaji Garba Umar.

Kente spoke in his office while answering questions from journalist shortly after the screening at the chambers of the assembly.

Meanwhile, the bailiff, Gaddas stressed that when, “I went to the assembly before the arrival of the Speaker.

I was directed to his office, although I did not know him in person but when he arrived then I was in the reception of his office and some one showed him to me.

“I went into his office and handed over the court order to him; he looked at it very carefully and threw it back at me. I came back to the reception and after some seconds someone came out of the office and told the security that the Speaker directed that they should take me out of the assembly complex."

USAU— NA TIONAL Chairman of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has said that the party would do everything within its power to resolve the crises rocking it before the 2015 general elections.

Tukur spoke when he addressed party supporters in Kaura in Zamfara State, during the presentation of ‘’some democracy dividends’’ to the people of Kaura Senatorial District, by Senator Sahabi Kaura. He also said that arrangements were being made to reconcile all the warring factions of the party in order to forge ahead.

He spoke as the former Governor of Zamfara State, Mahmud Shinkafi predicted a resounding victory for the PDP in the state in 2015 and asked the people to remain calm and law abiding as the party would do everything possible within its reach to take over the state in the forthcoming elections. ‘’We are optimistic that we will succeed in that direction and all will be okay even before the forthcoming 2015 general elections,” Bamanga added.

Promotion based on hard work, dedication —Army

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI

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BUJA—OFFICERS of the Nigerian Army have been advised to be dedicated, loyal and hardworking in any assignment given to them as these form parts of the criteria used in assessing them for promotions.

Chief of Accounts and Budget, Nigerian Army, Major General Abdallah Muraino gave the advice at the decorating ceremony of his Military Assistant, Major Emmanuel Jonah, with the new rank of lieutenant Colo-

nel, and a Staff Officer lieutenant Col. S.A Eiyowawi.

According to him, “promotion comes from God but officers have to show commitment and leadership in any position they find themselves to merit such”.

The CAB noted that as senior officers, they must be ready to take certain decisions and carry out assignments without supervision.

“You are now in leadership position, you must be ready to set agenda, take executive decisions and the promotion must reinforce your determi-

nation to work harder.”

General Muraino added that having worked hard to attend the level of Lt Colonel which means they are now in the rank of officers that should control 800 soldiers; the sky should be their limit in the Nigerian army.

In attendance to witness the decoration of the two officers were Senior Army officers including Major General E.E Bassey, Chief of Policy and Plans(Army); Major General Jack Nwaogbo, Chief of Training and Operation(CTOP) Army; Major General Bola Koleoso, Chief of Civil Military relations(Army) and Major General Ewansihia, Chief of Standard and Evaluation, Army.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013 — 49

50 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013 — 51

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52—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013

Keyamo gives INEC ultimatum on Obiano’s alleged multiple registration

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN

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PGA was on the spot yesterday after fiery Lagos lawyer, Festus Keyamo served INEC with a twenty four hour ultimatum to commence the prosecution of Willie Obiano for alleged multiple voter registration.

Keyamo in a letter to INEC dated November 12, 2013 said he was acting on behalf of APC, one of the four major parties in the election due this weekend.

Noting the commission’s past assertions of dealing with electoral fraud, Keyamo said: “This is the case of one “Obiano, Maduabuchi Willie,” a voter registered at Otuocha Ward 1, Polling Unit 004, Eri Primary School 1 of Anambra East Local Government Area. From the Voters’ Register made available to all the political parties including our client, the said “Obiano, Maduabuchi Willie” was issued a Voter Identification Number (VIN) 90F5B12B88377091121 at 2:18 pm on August 21, 2013. Further, the said Obiano was again issued with another Voter Identification Number 90F5B15E7D378200332 at exactly 10:25 am on September 3, 2013. It is instructive that save for the fact that the said “Obiano, Maduabuchi Willie” was wearing different clothes on the said dates,

Ngige has not lost any supporter — APC

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

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HE Ngige campaign yesterday denied assertions that it was losing support to his major rivals in the election, Tony Nwoye and Willie Obiano, respectively the candidates of the PDP and APGA. The denial by the Ngige campaign followed news reports that one time Director General of the Ngige Campaign Organisation, Senator Annie Okonkwo had led 10,000 of his active supporters to back Nwoye and that a long time strong loyalist of Ngige, Chief Sam Anyamutaku had on his part defected to back Obiano.

Okelo Madukaife, reacting on behalf of the Ngige campaign yesterday flatly denied the assertions.

“Chief Anyamutaku is a business partner of Chief Annie Okonkwo who has consistently supported him politically,” Madukaife said yesterday in an email response to Vanguard.

all other particulars relating to the “Obiano, Maduabuchi Willie” remained the same. For instance, in both voter’s cards, the suspect was registered as “Obiano, Maduabuchi Willie” while his address was “No. 1 Chief Willie Obiano Street, Otuocha.” The date of birth was also recorded as 08.08.1955 on both cards while the age was recorded as 56. The watermarks on both cards clearly showed the different voter identification numbers as well as

different issuing dates and times.

The name “Obiano, Maduabuchi Willie” was unchanged. Find attached copies of documents evidencing the said double registration at Otuocha Ward 1.”

“Also, it is now public knowledge that the said “Obiano, Maduabuchi Willie” had earlier registered at Ifako/Soluyi Ward 2, Polling Unit 060 - Junction of RamotOluwakemi Street, Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State. His Voter Identification

Number (VIN) is 90F5B12B01296204172 while his serial number on the Voters’ Register is 416. Find attached a copy of the document evidencing the said registration at Ifako/Soluyi Ward 2 of Lagos State.”

“Having regard to the above, we hereby give the Commission a 24 (twenty-four) hour ultimatum to commence the process of prosecution of the said “Obiano, Maduabuchi Willie” failing which we shall on behalf of our client

•Keyamo apply for Mandamus to compel the Commission to carry out its statutory duty.”

NANS relocates national secretariat to Anambra for Nwoye •Col Ali asks students to take leadership through Nwoye

I

T was an irony in the consideration of some people when the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS and its one time number one foe, Col. Ahmadu Ali, former Federal Commissioner for Education in the first advent of Olusegun Obasanjo came together to campaign for Comrade Tony Nwoye last weekend.

Nwoye, it would be recalled, was a former national president of NANS while Col. Ali as

federal commissioner of education in the late seventies was the number one foe of students under the Obasanjo military regime during which time the popular phrase, Ali Must Go became a popular refrain in the nation’s campuses.

Differences were put aside last weekend as both agreed that Anambra should go for Nwoye this weekend.

To give effect to the resolve, NANS has relocated its national

secretariat from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife to Anambra State ahead of the eventful election as a way of boosting support for the former students’ leader.

The incumbent president of NANS Comrade Yinka Ayafele who disclosed this at the flagoff of the Nwoye’s campaign at the weekend.

Also at the flag-off, Col. Ali advised the people of the state to use Nwoye to take leadership of the country.

•Nwoye: PDP Candidate

Candidates in mop up campaigns

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

C

ANDIDATES for the November 16, 2013 election have entered the last stage of their campaigns with most of them visiting those considered as major stakeholders in the state to woo them to their side.

Many prominent Anambrarians were in the state weekend and some candidates were sighted visiting them to solicit their support.

Surprisingly, some of the stakeholders who were known to be sympathizers of certain political parties in the past appear to be abandoning their

•Ubah: Labour Candidate

•Obiano: APGA Candidate

former political parties for new candidates.

It was also gathered that some of the stakeholders are planning to host their

colleagues for the purpose of deciding who to support on Saturday, putting so many things into consideration.

A chieftain of one of the

political parties, who is from Anambra South senatorial zone told Vanguard yesterday that his party has made a big catch of a major stakeholder in the state who, before now, was a major financier of one of the major political parties in the state, but has decided to pitch his tent with his party for the purpose of the governorship election.

He said that the said stakeholder has promised to assemble some of his friends to educate them on the need to vote his preferred candidate on Saturday, adding that it did not mean that the said stakeholder has joined his party.

I will crush criminals within first 100 days — Ngige

BY ENYIM ENYIM

A

PC candidate Senator Chris Ngige yesterday vowed to tackle head long the vexed issue of insecurity in the state within the first 100 days in office if successful in the election this weekend.

Ngige in a chat with Vanguard, regretted that in the past eight years of the present administration, crime rate rose to an unprecedented level.

Citing section 2(14) of the 1999 Constitution Ngige said the government of Mr Peter Obi had failed in the cardinal and fundamental duty of governance.

He said the first step which he described as preventive would be to make the educational curriculum have vocational training orientation so that school leavers would after secondary education create jobs for themselves.

Besides, he said he would

boost graduate employment by creating agricultural settlements that would employ thousands of young graduates and further improve the power situation through procuring independent power plants, IPP to generate power for the State.

In the curative approach, Ngige pledged to synchronise the security system to enable the Vigilante Services and the Nigeria Police work together seamlessly.

•Ngige: APC Candidate

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013 — 53

Saggy pants and all•••

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Health challenge as weapon against Chime and subjected to even greater mental torture with all the loud and negative publicity about her, just because she happens to be Governor Chime’s NCE again, Governor Sullivan Chime is wife. In his desperate bid to reap from the situation, selling newspapers and burning up web a well known lawyer even chose to make nonsense pegs and social networks. Once again, it is about of his professional integrity by falsely claiming that health issues - only that this time it is not about the he was representing Mrs Chime. He had continued governor but about his wife, Clara. Another media to claim so even when the woman had publicly fest is thus in full bloom and the ‘meal’ is again, and firmly denied ever consulting or retaining him.

Chime. The rumour mongers and political Contrary to what the drivers of this new assault wayfarers are reenacting the scene a few months against Chime have claimed, I refuse to agree that after the governor took a prolonged leave to treat a all these are happening because Chime is a developing cancer. governor and, therefore, “has lost his right to Then, as now, it was a full carnival for everyone. privacy” On the pages of newspapers and the social media, I am convinced that this matter is being celebrated the governor suffered everything from AIDS to in the media because some people want it that way heart, kidney, lung and whatever failures that could and they will do all within their means to ensure be conjured. He died not less than ten times in that it remains that way for a long time. The object? different countries notably England and India.

To embarrass and distract Governor Chime in the Disgruntled politicians who could find no place to worst possible way since they cannot get at him fault Chime’s trailblazing achievements in office, any other way. If you check carefully, you would literarily danced themselves lame celebrating what notice that all the negative treatment of Governor they thought was the man’s permanent end. Even Chime in the media have always followed the same when Chime returned, we were told that he was pattern. They all started with an anonymous posting not the person but a copy and that the pictures were on a particular website hardly known for its doctored. Well, we know where all that went to at adherence to professional ethics. Then the posting If you check carefully, you would notice will suddenly ‘go viral’ and that all the negative treatment of Governor then, all the news media in Nigeria would suddenly Chime in the media have always followed abandon all important the same pattern national issues to focus on Chime’s private issues. the end of the day: the trash can of false history.

Even the most serious newspapers would The party is on again and this time it is even suddenly adopt the stance of yellow tabloids. Sundry more groovy since it is centred around Chime’s wife. writers and analysts (some with quaint fake names) All manner of stories are now being built and spread would suddenly surface along with some ‘concerned out of the health challenges of the Enugu first lady. citizens’ and hitherto idle ‘human rights activists’, A real African should know that a serious health to discuss these “issues of national importance” in challenge of whatever kind, is normally a burden the newspapers and other media. Of course, those borne by the family of the affected individual. Such behind it all had always found willing partners in a person and his or her family, would normally attract the media which had long pencilled Chime down the sympathy of neighbours and people in general. as a non-media friendly governor .

But not when it involves Governor Chime. Such a Unfortunately for the sponsors of these anti-Chime development must be politicized, it must be used to frenzies, nobody is really fooled. Try as much as ridicule him, it must be used to becloud his they may have not been able and will never be able achievements, it must be used to fight him. to make Enugu people change their view of their In this situation, here is a woman with a condition exemplary and unparrelled leader-the best they that demands all the support and assistance her have ever had. family, nay the the world can give her. A woman •Ozoamalu, a public affairs analyst, sent this needing peace and quiet to overcome her health piece from Enugu challenges, is suddenly turned into media spectacle

BY JOHN OZOAMALU

O

,

,

Governor Sullivan Chime with wife, Clara

T was a sunny afternoon at Obalende bus stop on the Lagos Island. A young man in saggy pants was among the hundreds of others waiting under the scorching sun. The top of his jeans which was significantly below his waist revealed much of his boxer shorts, bunching around the ankles. When eventually a bus going his way came along, he made to run in pursuit of it but fell flat on his face. Not surprising, really, as his ankles were manacled by the saggy pants.

Saggy pants have become a craze which has caught up with youths of this age. They can often be unsightly especially when the wearer has nothing under thereby revealing his bare rump.

This has generated a lot of furore and condemnation in

where a few elders were seated. After greeting the people, he was about to take a seat when an elderly man said to him: “Young man, you’d better run quickly to the gents before you come to sit down.” It’s hard to tell whether the old man actually thought that the youth was under pressure to answer nature’s call because the saggy pants leave the impression of one at the losing end of a battle with acute diarrhea.

While saggy pants are essentially a male fashion trend, young ladies are often seen wearing jeans that seem to lack the strength to reach up to their waist line.

Ordinarily, it is amusing when such ladies are seen trying desperately to pull down their skimpy tops to

While saggy pants are essentially a male fashion trend, young ladies are often seen wearing jeans that seem to lack the strength to reach up to their waist line

several parts of the world. In the United States, for example, a few states have passed legislations banning out rightly, the wearing of saggy pants. In such places it is common to see bill boards proclaiming: “Pull up your pants or the law will do it for you.”

Originally, wearing saggy pants was a prison thing in the US. It came in states where belts were taken away from the prisoners so that they can’t make weapons with them. Their trousers were, therefore, left to sag.

Really low trousers This evolved into which role a prisoner would have during male-on-male gay practices. The one with the really low trousers is the submissive one. Thus it showed that a person was another prisoner’s property.

Such persons were forced to wear their trousers that way so that it would be easier for their masters to pull them down and make love to them.

This trend has become a fashion since the late 1990’s. It is now a fashion statement.

Only the other day, this fellow walked into the living room of his family house

,

cover the distance which their saggy pants are unable to attain. Most nauseating, one must say, are those who wear saggy pants with nothing under.

Did I just say nauseating?

I must withdraw that, for the sight of it could be appealing to many others.

It’s different strokes for different folks.

While the youths are free to choose their mode of dressing, it is not out of place to consider what statement they are making through their dresses.

Saggy pants, as we have already seen, have their origin in the US prisons.

Worse still, it bears a gay symbol. In many societies, wearing saggy pants identifies a person as gay and proclaims that one is available. But there again, it is a matter of choice – identifying with the life of a prisoner or that of a free man.

For ladies, they are seen to be exposing more and more of their private parts.

Very soon, they may begin to walk the streets nude.

Miley Cyrus is a popular female singer in the US who has won several awards in her music career. She performs without a stitch of thread on her body. Copy that?

,

54 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013

Academic community mourns Iyayi

BY HUGO ODIOGOR, AMAKA ABAYOMI, LAJU ARENYEKA & IKENNA ASOMBA

L

AGOS—LAMENT ING, Dr. Olunifesi Suraj, Assistant Secretary of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Lagos State University, LASU chapter, blamed Iyayi’s death on the Federal government’s insensitivity to quickly implement core areas of the agreement it From Left: Chairman of the occassion, Dr Godwin Ajakpo; President of Hallelujah Diets Living Foods reached with ASUU in Stores, Dr Paul Malkmus and his wife Ann, during the 2013 Anniversary on Health Conference in 2009, which has made Abuja, yesterday. Photo: NAN. members of the union to be on the roads, back and forth, in the course of finding a lasting solution to the inherent problems of the nation’s education sector.

The don, however admonished ASUU to review its no-flight policy, as according to him, it’s highly dangerous for Continues from page 5 prison. His consistency is a victim of Nigeria’s to the pursuit of excel- members to be restricted lence at the tertiary level saw him through when crisis of governance. in honour of the de- from taking flights durtrade union leader who the Supreme Court of ing national assignments ceased. devoted all his life to the Nigeria ruled that the Uduaghan The governor in a of this nature, consideremancipation of the Alele-Williams leader- mourns Iyayi statement by Felix Ofou, ing the poor state of down trodden. It is un- ship of UNIBEN acting his press secretary, said roads across the country. fortunate that he died at the behest of the miliDelta State Governor, the highest honour that state of our roads.” with this ASUU strug- tary was wrong and re- Dr Emmanuel the late Festus Iyayi degle”. instated him".

Uduaghan, also ex- served was the return to Trade Union Congress pressed deep shock at the pursuit of academic Adekunle, of Nigeria, TUC, in a the sudden death of excellence in our univer- Chairman Labour leaders statement by its Presi- Iyayi and called on play- sities and other higher ASUU-LASU react ers in the education sec- institutions, arguing that Vice-president of the dent, Bobboi Kaigama, tor, including the Federal anything short of this “It’s very true that Prof.

Nigeria Labour Con- said: “Congress feels Government and striking would have meant that gress, Comrade Issa particularly pained that lecturers in the country the late activist might Iyayi died in an autocrash on Lokoja Road, Aremu said: “ The Nige- the comrade died while to rededicate themselves have died in vain. rian labour movement travelling to ensure the has indeed lost a tested resolution of the four and committed activist of month-old strike emdecent work in the uni- barked upon by ASUU. versities and Nigerian Comrade Iyayi was a BORN in Ugbegun in of Benin in 1980 as a lecIronically, that same labour market in gen- dogged fighter and crusader of justice.

He will Ishan in Edo state of Ni- turer in the department year, he won the Comeral”.

Aremu said, the late be remembered for his geria, Professor Festus of Business Administra- monwealth Prize for Literature for his book Professor Iyayi would service to the working Iyayi started his educa- tion .

He held radical views Heros. be remembered for the people and humanity. tion at the Annunciation He was however reinhonesty and commit- The labour movement Catholic College in the on social and political stated when the Sument as well as abun- has lost a tested and com- old Bendel State and fin- issues.

The late activist and preme Court ruled that dant energy he brought mitted activist of decent ished in 1966. In 1967, he proceeded to Govern- Professor is survived by the university of Benin to the struggle of work- work.

"Only two weeks ago ment College Ughelli in his wife , Grace and four was wrong to have ing men and women for evicted and dismissed improved working and the Congress appealed the present Delta State children. to the Federal Govern- and graduated in 1968.

The late Professor was him from service. living conditions”.

That same year, he won one of those listed to pay Professor Festus Iyayi Comrade John Odah, ment to end the ASUU strike as if we had a prethe zonal prize for tributes to another Com- became president of immediate past General Secretary of the NLC, monition of what will Kennedy Essay Compe- rade, Baba Olumide ASUU in 1986 during described Iyayi as “eas- happen, little did we tition organized by the Omojola at his pre-burial which he led a national ily the finest this coun- know that the strike will United States Embassy in ceremony tomorrow strike which led to the government of General (Thursday). try had in terms of intel- claim the life of our in- Nigeria.

Festus Iyayi travelled As president of ASUU, Ibrahim Babangida lect, patriotism and hon- defatigable leader and an ardent believer in the to the then Union of So- Professor Iyayi led a promulgating Decree 17 esty”.

He recalled that Festus struggle for the emanci- viet Socialist Republic national strike in 1986 of 1986 to de- affiliate (USSR) where be ob- which saw the authori- ASUU from NLC and Iyayi led “ASUU at a very pation of workers.

But for the strike, Com- tained a Masters Degree ties of the university of make membership of difficult time and remained steadfast despite rade Festus as well as in Industrial Economics Benin under the first fe- ASUU voluntary.

The decree failed to the military’s efforts to students should be in the from the Kiev Institute of male vice-chancellor, break him by sacking lecture room going about Economics . He obtained Professor Grace Alele achieve its objectives.

The late activist and him, throwing his prop- their academic works and his Ph. D from the Uni- Williams throwing his erty out and eventually not on the road. Festus’ versity of Bradford, Eng- property and family out Professor is survived by throwing him into death was avoidable; he land after which he re- while evicting him from his wife , Grace and four sumed at the university the university campus. children.

Kogi gov's convoy kills ex-ASUU president, Iyayi

The man, Festus Iyayi

Kogi State. As I speak, we are at the Lokoja General Hospital Mortuary, where Professor Iyayi’s body has been deposited.

Also, Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Ilo, the National Welfare Officer of ASUU was badly injured as a result of the auto-crash, and we are still waiting for an ambulance to take her to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, where she can be properly attended to.”

He added that “the Kogi State Governor, Idris Wada’s convoy rammed into the ASUU vehicle conveying Professor Iyayi and others to Kano State for the NEC meeting at about 11.00am today (Tuesday), but the Governor showed up only after 4.00pm, several hours after the news was broken to him. We learnt that he initially didn’t want to come in person, but succumbed after some pressures by his aides.”

The National Coordinator, Education Rights Campaign, Mr. Hassan Soweto said: “This is a sad and terrible loss to the movement. He was a very bold voice in the fight for proper funding education. We mourn Prof. Iyayi, and urge education lovers all over the country to do the same. However, when a fighter dies, the fight continues. ASUU might decide to mourn him for a few days before continuing the struggle, but that decision is entirely up to the union. However, I must add that this is a needless death; one that could have been avoided if our elected officials and their convoys are more careful about other road users.

The Student Union President, University of Benin, Comrade Osasere Osifoh said: “The University Community has been thrown into total mourning. It is a huge shock to us. Before now, we were hoping that the strike would be called off by tomorrow, but that is not our primary concern now at all. We have lost a true gem indeed. I only just got news that the Heads of Department of Business Administration and Foreign Languages have only just regained consciousness.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY,

Felix seeks N5m for kidney transplant

Free benign jaw disorders mission at LUTH

BY RACHAEL OLAYIWOLA & MODINAT AMUSAT

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U

NTIL he was diagnosed with end stage kidney disease, Felix Obiogbolu - a clearing and forwarding agent and doting husband, was a healthy and vibrant yound man, ready to face the challenges of life while helping out whoever needed his help. But, unexpectedly, out of the blues, fate has dealt a cruel blow on Felix who hails from Onisha North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

At the moment he is engaged in a do-or-die battle to save his life from the clutches of the potentially fatal renal failure.

In a narration to Good Health Weekly, Felix stated: “I started feeling pains in my body early in February this year. I thought it was normal pain associated with hard work, little did I know it was an ominous sign.

“I went for tests and bought malaria drugs but noticed each time I took the drugs, I felt pains in my stomach. It was severe pain as if a snake was moving around in there biting me hard. I did another test, this time I said to myself it must be typhoid and malaria I was wrong.

The pains were becoming unbearable and I began attributing it to spiritual manipulation, but continued the tests to decipher what the problem was.”

Ban on ‘bad’ fats

T

HE American Food and Drug Ad ministration, FDA, last week announced plans to label partially hydrogenated oils, the primary source of trans fats, as "not generally recognized as safe" for use in food.

Eating lots of of trans fats has been linked to heart disease and while consumption of potentially harmful artificial trans fat has declined in recent times, current intake remains a significant public health concern, Read more about this here on Friday.

• Felix Obiogbolu undergoing dialysis at the Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos.

After much testing, it was discovered Felix had kidney problems and was referred to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital Ikeja LASUTH and later to Gbagada General Hospital where he was placed on dialysis,three times a week.

“Each session of dialysis costs N30,000, and lasts approximately 20 hours before I have to do another round.

I have spent all my life earning but because of this sickness, now I am left with nothing and to even cater for my wife is a big challenge. Doctors say I need a kidney transplant because the functional kidney is also weak. Now I need a total of N5 million for the kidney transplant. Please help me. I am pleading to well meaning Nigerians to come to my aid so I can live a normal life

What you eat (and drink) may cause chronic pain I

NFLAMMATION is the body's attempt at self-protection; to remove harmful stimuli, including damaged cells, irritants, or pathogens.

When uncontrolled and repeated, it can damage the body, and play a role in obesity, heart disease, and cancer.

Chronic Inflammation may also play a role in aging and eventual cellular death.

It can be caused by trauma, infection by bacteria or viruses, infestations with parasites, tumors and, most insidiously, by immune reactions.

The inflamed area releases irritant chemicals that can trigger pain.

Immune reaction In an immune reaction, the body's defense team, which includes mast cells and immunoglobulins know simply as "E", swing into action in response to a foreign invasion. Like soldiers, they mount a defensive offensive against things they perceive as harmful to the body.

The battle results in gunfire, explosions, smoke, environmental damage and casualties at cellular and tissue level.

The body heals. The spoils of war are gone. The landscape is repaired

NOVEMBER 13 13,, 2013 —55

and looks untouched. Everything returns to normal.

Until the next battle. And the war is never won.

Allergy In the case of food allergy, every time you ingest the " allergen " ( something your body soldiers see as foreign and dangerous), the cellular and tissue terrain is damaged. This could be in the skin, the eyes, nerve endings, the muscles and the joints.

Nature, in its omnipotent dispensation, makes it more interesting. What is an allergen to one person may not be to another.

An allergen that causes inflammation in one tissue may cause the same reaction in a different tissue in someone else. Something a person has previously welcomed into the body may suddenly be seen as foreign and harmful, and therefore attacked.

Allergens And vice versa. The battles with the "allergen" may remain the same, or increase or decrease with intensity over time......in the same person.

What is clear is that the repeated

again.” he lamented.

A medical report signed by Dr. O.J. Babafemi, a consultant nephrologist and Head of Medicine at Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos, Felix was referred with a history of hypertension from LASUTH on November 3, 2012, on account of persistent vomiting and two months frequent urination and hiccups.

On completion of a salvage dialysis and creatinie clearance, a diagnosis of end stage kidney disease was made.

“He will require kidney transplant and continue maintenance dialysis three times a week pending the transplant,” Babafemi advised.

•Anyone willing to help should send donations to Felix I Obiogbolu, Fidelity Bank 6060005354 or call 08033044098. inflammatory process can lead to chronic pain.

What are t h e s e allergens in food?

Top of the l i s t are.....gluten, soy and wheat (GSW).

Others are milk, oats , barley, trans fats, eggs, some artificial sweeteners, some colourings and preservatives GSW is perhaps the most difficult group to avoid. They are used by manufacturers in almost all processed food.

Survey Let's perform a quick NATIONAL food allergen survey! If you would place this newspaper down for a moment and go into your fridge or kitchen or store. Pick up any 5 labelled items. How many of those items have gluten, soy or wheat in the ingredients list?

Drinks may contain allergens too!

Beers can trigger gout and arthritis by the purines they produce and the barley they contain. As can whiskey!

In some countries manufacturers have to give an " allergen list " on their products. This is so in the UK and most

HE HEWS Foundation, in partnership with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, holds a Free Benign Jaw Disorders Mission for 10 indigent Nigerians, at the LUTH on November 13-15, 2013.

In a statement, the Foundation said partial funding is provided by Folawiyo Energy Limited, through its Managing Director, Alhaji Tunde Folawiyo.

A collaborative effort of corporate and individual donors as well as Public Health Practitioners, Healthcare Professionals, the programme which will be declared open

by CMD, LUTH, Professor Akin Osibogun, is the ninth Mission in the series of HEWS Foundation Free Surgery programme in about three years of existence.

Ondo, Ekiti and Lagos State benefitted in the first year, Oyo, Ondo, Gombe and Lagos State in the second year, Lagos in the third year with successful repair and reconstruction surgeries carried out for a total of 108 patients comprising of 68 children and 40 adults.

Benign Jaw Disorders is prevalent among Nigerians owing to ignorance and superstitious beliefs in the populace.

Although treatable with surgery/medical treatment before the outward manifestation/sign, late presentation for orthodox medical treatment is traceable to indulgence in self medication/patronage of traditional/herbal centres, contributing in no small measure to massive deterioration of dentures and bone structure amongst others.

of Europe. It is not universal in the USA. Reactions to food allergy may be mild and unnoticeable by the sufferer, or moderate and severe, leading to doctor visits, speculative treatments and no clear diagnosis.

As a consolation, there are also some foods that can help to alleviate and reduce pain.

These will be discussed in a future article.

So , if you suffer almost daily bouts of itchy, tearing eyes, itchy skin, stomach pain, body aches and joint pains - take a closer look at what you eat.

•Dr. Femi Ogunyemi, FRCA, FWACS, is a member of the British Pain Society, American Pain Society, the North American Neuromodulation Society and the Aerospace Medical Association.

He is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Pain Management and a Fellow in Pain Medicine from Emory University.

56 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 13, 2013

BRIEFS

Egypt ends state of emergency

E 5 Senegalese anti-gay women violators remanded S

ENEGALESE police detained five women accused of violating the country’s anti-gay law, highlighting increased pressure on suspected lesbians in the deeply conservative West African nation, an activist group said yesterday.

The five women were detained early Monday morning during a birthday party at a restaurant in Dakar’s Yoff district that has been described in the Senegalese press as a meeting point for gay men and lesbians, said Ndeye Kebe, president of the activist group Women’s Smile.

The oldest of the suspects, 31-year-old Sene Dieng, is an assistant director at Women’s Smile, the only group in Senegal to advocate for lesbians’ rights.

The five women were expected to appear in court Tuesday, though Kebe said they had been unable to afford a lawyer.

Senegal’s penal code

calls for prison sentences of up to five years and fines of up to $3,000 for committing “an improper or unnatural act with a person of the same sex.”

Since 2008, the Muslimmajority country has been gripped by what Human Rights Watch describes as an anti-gay “moral panic,” with arrests and mob justice on the rise.

As in other sub-Saharan African countries that enforce laws criminalizing homosexual acts, Senegalese police have primarily targeted gay men for arrest and extortion, and raids against suspected lesbians are fairly rare.

Kebe said, however, that suspected lesbians have been under mounting pressure in the wake of

HE United Nations has launched a $300m appeal to help victims of the devastating Super Typhoon Haiyan amid concerns about

I

•Senegalese President, Macky Sall several scandals that have garnered significant media attention. Earlier this year, for example, a man who discovered cellphone footage of his 18-

delays in delivering relief aid to those who need it.

Typhoon Haiyan smashed into central Philippine islands last

Vietnam escapes devastation

T

YPHOON Haiyan has made landfall in Vietnam, days after leaving thousands feared dead and widespread devastation in the Philippines, meteorologists confirm.

The national weather forecaster said Haiyan made landfall in northern province of Quang Ninh on Monday. It was moving towards southern China and is expected to weaken to a low depression later on Monday.

Downpours hit the capital, Hanoi, and houses in some northern provinces were damaged by strong winds. “Several hundred houses had their roofs ripped off. Thousands of trees in the province were uprooted,” said Nguyen Cong Thuan, a disaster official in Quang Ninh province. “Three people were reported missing,” he added.

National disaster officials said no deaths had been reported so far on Monday, although state media said five people had died during preparations for the typhoon.

lier than the interior minister said it would end.

The discrepancy came because while the state of emergency began on August 14, it was renewed for two months on September 12.

The court said that means it ends on November 12, not November 14.

Iran, US trade blames on failed deal

year-old girlfriend kissing another woman posted it online, Kebe said, forcing the girlfriend to flee the country when the story spread.

Typhoon: UN launches relief for Philippines

T

GYPT’ s Cabinet spokesman has announced that the country’s three-monthold state of emergency is ending yesterday after a court ruling.

A Cairo court ruled earlier in the day that the state of emergency expires on Tuesday, November 12, two days ear-

Friday, leaving at least 10,000 people feared dead and 673,000 others homeless.

Praising the international community’s response to Haiyan, Valerie Amos, the UN humanitarian chief, said in the capital Manila that more needed to be done to help the victims.

“We’ve just launched an action plan focusing on the areas of food, health, sanitation, shelter, debris removal and also protection of the most vulnerable with the government and I very much hope our donors will be generous,” she told reporters.

RAN and the United States have blamed each other for failure to reach an agreement on a deal to limit Iran’s uranium enrichment in exchange for an easing of Western sanctions in talks in Geneva.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Monday criticised US Secretary of State John Kerry’s remarks that blamed Iran for lack of the deal and

said that the American’s “conflicting statements” damaged confidence in the process.

“Conflicting statements harm the credibility of the one who keeps changing positions and damages confidence.

The goal of dialogue is to reduce the lack of trust. Conflicting talk doesn’t give credit to the person saying it,” Zarif said on an Iranian TV talk show.

DRC carpets Uganda for failed talks

T

HE Congolese gov ernment delegation has quit Ugandan-hosted talks with M23 rebels, saying Kampala’s support for insurgents was to blame for the failure to sign a document due to officially end Congo’s latest rebellion.

Okello Oryem, Uganda’s junior foreign affairs minister, did not immediately comment on the accusations, but said he ex-

pected it would take a few more days before any deal could be signed to end the most serious Congolese uprising in a decade.

Congo’s accusations against Uganda shows the deep mistrust in the region, a barrier standing in the way of long-term peace despite the defeat of the M23’s 20-month insurgency by Congo’s United Nations-backed army.

IEA warns of global heat up

G

Greenhouse gas emissions will rise by 20 percent by 2035, putting the world on track for a temperature increase of 3.6 degrees, far above the UN target of 2.0 degrees.

In the past, the IEA has said that the world temperature would shoot up by six degrees if all efforts to limit human-based emissions were abandoned.

US 2016 poll: Christie trails Clinton by 10 points

LOBAL warming is set to worsen with temperatures rising to nearly twice targets set by the United Nations, the International Energy Agency warned on Tuesday.This is despite pushes towards energy efficiency and a raft of international pledges to curb global warming, the IEA said.

T

Syria’s opposition names cabinet

An aerial view of the devastation of Philippines by Typhoon Haiyan

HE 2016 presidential election is 1,093 days away. But if it were held today, and the candidates were Hillary Clinton and Chris Christie, the former secretary of state would have a double-digit lead on the New Jersey governor, a new NBC News national survey finds.

According to the poll, which was released Tuesday, 44 per cent of 1,003 adults surveyed would support Clinton, while 34 percent would back Christie. The rest either preferred another candidate, said they would not vote or were undecided.

S

•Hillary Clinton The results are similar to a Quinnipiac poll, conducted last month, that showed Clinton beating Christie 49 per cent to 36per cent.

The latest far-too-early presidential election poll comes on the heels of Christie’s landslide re-election in the New

•Chris Christie Jersey governor’s race, which instantly branded him the front-runner among potential 2016 candidates in the Republican Party.

Still, some observers say Christie would face an uphill battle in a general election.

YRIA’s internation ally recognised opposition group has approved nine “ministers” for an interim government charged with running Syrian territory in rebel hands.

The move by the National Coalition late on Monday followed its announcement earlier in the day that it planned to attend proposed peace talks with the Syrian government, if certain conditions were met.

It also stipulated that

President “Bashar al-Assad and those with the blood of Syrians on their hands have no role in the transitional phase and Syria’s future”.

In a statement issued after two days of meetings in the Turkish city of Istanbul, the National Coalition said it would take part in the Geneva peace talks only if humanitarian aid is allowed to reach besieged areas and the government releases political prisoners.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013—57

Bus owners, Lagos on collision course over re-accreditation •Govt insists on Jan 1, 2014 deadline

•Danfo bus park in Lagos

E

IGHT days after commencement, Lagos state commercial bus owners and drivers have snubbed the re-certification exercise introduced by the government as the second phase of the Traffic Law signed by Governor Babatunde Fashola on August 2, 2012.

While the drivers’ umbrella union ,the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, is saying its members are not ready for the exercise, the state government is breathing fire and brimstone, saying the Nigeria Police, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASMA, a Special task force and other security agencies have been charged to ensure compliance and enforcement Transportation Commissioner, Mr Kayode Opeifa, who is in the forefront of the re-certification, condemned the low turn out by those concerned, saying the state government would begin to sanction any commercial motorists who fail to comply by January 1, 2014. He

promised that his ministry would begin mobilisation of motorists from their motor parks across the state.

So far, only 52 vehicle owners, 132 drivers and 86 conductors have appeared for re-accreditation. “This is worrisome and we are not going to extend the date, any offender(s) will be sanctioned appropriately,” he said However, the measure seems unpopular with public transport operators, especially commercial bus drivers popularly called “Danfo Drivers”, who accused the state government of planning to phase them out of business.

Re-registration exercise Most drivers, who spoke with Vanguard, denied any knowledge of the re-registration exercise in spite of the claims by state government of holding meetings with leadership of various transport unions on the exercise.

When contacted, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Road

Transport Workers, NURTW, Lagos State branch, Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede, confirmed that there had been series of meetings with the state government’s representatives led by the Commissioner for Transportation “but talks are still on-going on a number of unresolved issues concerning the new reg-

,

By OLASUNKANMI AKONI

ercise and moreso, I do not think my co-drivers are aware too. We won’t accept this. After all, I have my Driver's Licence and pay other levies why are they coming up with this again? It is unacceptable.”

Akeem Olubiyi, a conductor, wondered why he should put on uniform to work. “Why is

Lagos government has come again to extort us. I am, not aware of this exercise and moreso, I do not think my co- drivers are aware too. We won’t accept this

ulations.

“We agreed on the re-accreditation exercise and we have directed our members to show up for the exercise but we did not mention the aspect of uniform and badges. We are still on the negotiation table. I believe we are going to achieve a common goal at the end of the day,” Agbede stated.

Rasheed Ayinla, a bus driver, when asked his view, said: “Which accreditation are you talking about? Lagos government has come again to extort us. I am, not aware of this ex-

,

Lagos always looking for a way to inflict pains on the masses, why the uniform? Where has such been done before? This will not work. The State government wants to make money through the sale of uniforms and badges, haba!!. This is too much.”

The process of re-accreditation involves the physical examination of vehicles and particulars to ascertain thier road worthiness status and the submission of detailed personal data of the commercial vehicle owner who thereafter will be is-

sued a public transport operator is licence.

Also, drivers and conductors are to visit any of the five Drivers Institutes spread across the state where they will be accredited and issued with unique Lagos commercial passenger vehicle driver’s and conductor’s badge after completing the mandatory LASDRI training.

It also includes the re-introduction of commuter bus routing scheme, commercial passenger vehicle licencing, corporate outlook for transport operators, that is use of uniforms and badges and the implementation of passenger insurance for all commercial passenger vehicles on state roads.

Opeifa assured residents that; “the accreditation exercise was also to ensure security and safety among the citizens of the state, saying many security challenges often experienced in the state result from continuous operation by several unregistered vehicle owners which will be addressed if all vehicle owners are captured in the state data.”

58—Vanguard, WEDNESD AY, NOVEMBER 13 , 2013 WEDNESDA

The Snowden affairs: Geopolitical issues in US snooping on friends and foes

By HUGO ODIOGOR, Foreign Affairs Editor

V

ISITORS to United States Consulate in Lagos in Lagos or the Embassy in Abuja will have no illusion that those territories are garrisons of a sort.

From an equi-distance of 200 metres, any visitors to any US facility are under close circuit security coverage, with surveillance camera mounted and monitored from different angles.

All the access roads to American facilities and residences are littered with barricades and cameras. Security personnel to US Embassy and Consulate, residences; etc, are under strict instructions to ensure that vehicles are not allowed to park within the vicinity of these structures.

Persons that have appointments or formal invitations to the embassy or consulate must leave their names with the embassy or consulate 48 hours before the appointment date .

At the consulate on Lagos or the Embassy in Abuja or the homes of American diplomats there are all kinds of masts, security and communication equipment. One does not need to be told that all those equipment and gadgets are just to show the strength and might of US as a technology advanced country or a military/economic super power. In fact, those who are allowed into the embassy or consulate buildings are required to go through thorough security

Brazilian president, Dilma Rouseff at the UN General Assembly an unprecedented digital espionage and cyber warfare which the Americans have taken advantage of the age of information technology to invade individual and civil liberties as well as breach national sovereignty of its friends and foes, alike.

Media reports the no fewer than 37 leaders of different countries including those allied nations have been subjected to acts of wire tapping by the NSA speaks volumes of how the war against has left the US isolated, unsecured and unsafe. The revelation of how low the NSA had descended to tap telephone conversations, email account of world leaders, organisations and individuals to gather intelligence has provoked global outrage at Washington.

Edward Snowden took the

The reported incident of bugging the telephone of Chancellor Angela Merkel for over ten years and over 65million Germans left a bitter taste in the mouth of ordinary Germans

,

checks and frisked with metal detectors. Cellphones and cameras are not allowed, into the buildings.

Sometimes it looks like you are going into Guantanamo Bay detention facility. A Nigerian staff of the US consulate summed up this garrison mentality thus, “Since the September 11, 2011, everything about America is security, security, security it is security one, security two, and security three.”

The Snowden affair Since the revelations of Mr. Edward Snowden, the former IT Consultant to the United States National Security Agency (NSA), the world is witnessing

,

stage in June 2013, revealing the sweeping extent of the NSA’s surveillance programme. He has gone down as one of US’ most important whistleblowers of all time, becoming the seventh person to be charged by the Obama administration under the Espionage Act, more than double the number of prosecutions of all previous presidential administrations combined.

The spying row has prompted European leaders to demand a new deal with Washington on intelligence gathering that would maintain an essential alliance while keeping the fight against terrorism on track.

Edward Snowden, former NSA IT consultant

German Chancellor, Angela Merkel...angry Germany and Brazil are also working on a UN General Assembly resolution to highlight international anger at US data snooping in other countries, diplomats said on Friday.

The global anger of snooping on friends The act of nations snooping on each other is an age long practice but the golden rule has always been: “Don’t get caught”. There are several reasons why countries embark on acts of espionage. It could be for military or economic reasons. It could be to monitor the activities of hostile nations or to gain advantage over friendly nations. Some Americans who felt embittered by the actions of the NSA organised a march on the Capitol Hill, no fewer than 2,000 attended the march. The protesters were urging the US Congress to reform the legal framework supporting the National Security Agency’s secretive online data gathering.

Brazil Brazilian President, Dilma Rouseff the first to accuse the US of violating her country ’s

sovereignty with what she called grave violation of human rights and civil liberties. She said personal data of Brazilian citizens was indiscriminately intercepted. Brazil knows how to protect itself and called on US President Barack Obama to apologise to her country and assure them that electronic snooping will stop. Rousseff said the NSA also collected economic and strategic corporate data, as well as messages by Brazilian diplomats, including to the United Nations, and from her own office.

Fibre optic cables Rousseff alleged that “the NSA also collected economic and strategic corporate data, as well as messages by Brazilian diplomats, including to the United Nations. It must be noted that Brazil is an important hub for trans-Atlantic fiber optic cables. According to her, “The arguments that the illegal interception of information and

French president, Francois Hollande data aims at protecting nations against terrorism cannot be sustained.”

Rousseff told the UN General Assembly said: “Friendly governments and societies that seek to build a true strategic partnership, as in our case, we reject, fight and terrorist groups, we do not harbour them.

France President Francois Hollande was shocked at the fact that over 70.3 million calls made by his country men were listened into

by NSA. Since the time of De Gaul, France has tried to resist the incursion of US into its affairs.

Successive French presidents regard America as an ally but with a mind to pursue independent cause of action in the international arena.

Germany Germany is a major political and economic power in Europe.

Its actions in the 1914 and 1935 resulted in two world wars. The US is interested in knowing what the Germans are up to at any given time. The reported Continues on page 59

Vanguard, WEDNESD AY, NOVEMBER 13 , 2013— 59 WEDNESDA

space where defence industries as well as its economic system have been targets of cyber attacks.

Washington may have regarded Germany as its post World War II ally but in reality the United States is uncomfortable with Germany as the hegemony in Europe.

Germany has the biggest economy in •British PM, David Cameron...GCHQ culpable •US President, Barrack Obama...embarrassed Europe and its military power is awesome.

The process of political and economic union in Europe which was championed by France and Germany has a major impact on Continues from page 58 The global media landscape in defined by preservation on self America’s economic dominance. incident of bugging the the past two weeks have been serving national interest. The first and second World Wars, telephone of Chancellor Angela dominated by accusations and Secondly, the post cold war instigated by Germany helped Merkel for over ten years and counter accusations of international system may have to push America to abandon its over 65million Germans left a espionage activities that are seen the emergence of United isolationist foreign policy. It is bitter taste in the mouth of throw back of the cold war era, States as a major power, but its important to America to know when distrust, and acrimony, dominance in global affairs is not what the Germans are doing. ordinary Germans.

In South America, Brazil is a dominated relations between in absolute terms, given the Spain In Spain, more than 60 million and among nations on the resurgence of Russia, with all the major regional power and the arsenal of the old Soviet Union. U.S. also wants to be on top of telephone calls were reportedly international scene.

The rise of China is a major its game in monitoring what It started with Julian Assange spied on by the US National Security Agency (NSA) in a who published 700,000 sensitive challenge to America’s goes on in its backyard. The month. Spanish Prime Minister US diplomatic and security hegemony in world affairs. activities of NSA therefore go Mariano Rajoy described the documents by 23 year old trans- Politically China remains a beyond counter-terrorism as snooping, as “inappropriate and gender US service corporal communist country, but the free claimed by those defending the unacceptable between partners Bradley Manning, now called market reforming of its economy actions of US spy chief.

The actions of the NSA has and friends.” Spain played a Chelsea Manning. The US has has made China the second done more to undermine only largest economy in the world. not fully recovered from the crucial historical part in the security as its has created the America is constantly watching shame when the trans-Atlantic emergence of America as a espionage row broke. Supporters developments in China. U.S. impetus for Internet and cyber nation. of Snowden argued that the was strident in its accusation of security bad guys to exploit the Mexico For so many reasons, Mexico invasive method adopted by the China for hacking into its cyber same route. There is every is a country of special interest to NSA amounted to gross America. The activities of the violations of the privacy of

The Snowden affairs: Geopolitical issues in US snooping on friends and foes

,

Activities of NSA therefore go beyond counter-terrorism as claimed by those defending the actions of US spy chief

drug cartels, the ever contentious issues of Mexicans crossing into America, made this southern neighbour, a country to spy on. Both Belgium, the Vatican have all raised their voices that the NSA bugged them.

US feeble defence of Big Brother mentality Embattled officials of NSA, namely the National Security Advisor Susan Rice, its Director Keith Alexander Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and Counter-terrorism advisor, Lisa Monaco tried to defend the actions of the NSA by directing the focus of the debate on other countries, whom they claimed to be spying on Washington. Clapper. The enabling law to embark on this type of invasive security procedure came into effect in 2011 when the Patriots Act was enacted. .

Between Assange and Snowden

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individuals, especially those outside the radar of terrorist networks that they have employed what ever method it deemed proper, to protect the lives and interests of Americans and their country.

First, the United States has often projected itself as the defender of individual and civil liberties. It has been a champion of democracy and transparency has been caught snooping leaders of it allies, and millions of persons, whose emails, telephone conversions individuals that have nothing to do with terrorism The downside of Big Brother diplomacy Watchers of the unfolding spying saga have argued that there are several reasons why America has embarked on snooping on its presumed allies.

First, an ally today may turn out to be a foe tomorrow in an international system that is highly unpredictable and

Countries under NSA Spygate

possibility that other countries as well, would embark on their own hacking and perpetration of cyber crimes, which the NSA has provided the lead. . Even before the uproar about the activities of the NSA and its digital spying activities Nigerians have been concerned about the state of intelligence gathering in Nigeria, the scope of the knowledge and vision of those who manage the country’s security organisations, the scope, size and capacity of our security agencies their modus operandi, the quality of finding, structure of control, their attitude to their jobs have not be impressive and cannot match the technical ability of the US to monitor, store and sift information in its host countries especially as we live in the age of technology and big data gathering.

Even in a sovereign state like Nigeria, the United States has full surveillance equipment and operates unhindered.

According to Mr. Bassey Okon, a human right lawyer, the snowden revelation is just a tip on the ice berg, the US has been active on digital spying even when Nigeria is sleeping on its charge that is why they know more than US on so many issues and even come handy to offer assistance to us on every issue of our national life. Don’t ever be surprised to hear that Aso Rock, the National Assembly the NNPC and other strategic institutions are under intensive security surveillance.

60 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 13, 2013

Why Calabar is Eagles’ ‘shrine’— Kalu F

ORMER Abia state governor Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu thinks Ethiopians are coming to Calabar as tourists not s e r i o u s business,maintaining that the town is Nigeria’s Holy Ground.

Kalu said,”maybe they want to watch the Calabar Carnival,or enjoy the Obudu Mountain Race.If it is a World Cup ticket,the Ethiopians should wake up from their dream.Calabar is a no-go area,the cradle of Nigerian soccer.

According to the exgovernor,”Calabar hosted the first football competition in the nation ,the Beverly Cup in 1906.The first secretary of our Football Association,Efiom Okon,who till date remains the only man to have served NFA as Chairman and Secretary came from the area.”

That is not all.”The first player to captain Nigeria overseas,Etim Henshaw,the longest

serving NFA scribe Oyo Orok Oyo,who was also the first Nigerian member of the FIFA Executive Commitee and Paul Bassey,first Nigerian Sportsjournalist in the CAF Media Committee have a lot to do with the town,”Kalu added.

“The only time a Service Chief headed the NFA was in 1962. He was Louis Orok Edet.Nigeria’s first President Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe who played for Lagos Diamond in 1923,began his soccer career at the Hope Wadell Training InstituteCalabar,”Kalu disclosed.

Today,it is more than a mere irony that Eagles captain,Vincent Enyeama is from the Calabar axis of the country.

JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU AND JOSEPH ERUNKE

T

Victorious Golden Eaglets celebrate their feat at the just concluded U-17 World Cup

Abedi Pele: Cairo will be safe for WCQ G HANA football leg end Abedi Pele says much work will be put in to ensure Cairo remains

safe for next Tuesday’s World Cup playoff against Egypt.

There have been delib-

erations over the safety of the Egyptian capital to host the return leg qualifier on 19 Novem-

ECOWAS Cycling flags off today

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HE third edition of the ECOWAS Cycling Tour flags off today at the National Stadium in Surulere with over 300 cyclists drawn from 15 West African countries. The cyclists will ride through Agege Motor Road, Dopemu, Egbeda, LASU/ Igando road, Igbolere Bye pass, Badagry Expressway to Cotonou where the first leg will terminate. The cyclists will then move from Cotonou through Lome to Accra and end in Abidjan on November 18, 2013 were the winners of the Tour will be given their prizes.

The Tour Director, Francis Chuks Njamani said the Ecowas Tour was intro-

duced to foster unity amongst the youths as well as promote cycling in the region.

Meanwhile, the Technical Director of Team Nigeria Mohanned Bashiru said they have prepared

LAIN Giresse has demanded Senegal erase the 3-1 playoff loss to the Elephants with pride this Saturday in Casablanca.

The Teranga Lions will not kick-off the game as hot favourites against Didier Drogba and company but maintain that they still believe in their chances of qualifying for the prestigious event in Brazil next June.

“We have to believe. A competitor must have faith in his performance and possibilities,” Giresse said, and who refuses to throw in the towel.

“In football, we cannot predict in advance the result of a game; we will go there with the idea of making up the two-goal deficit against the Elephants.

“For this game we

Gov Chime to inaugurate Enugu Sports Club Exco

G

OVERNOR Sulli van Chime is expected to inaugurate the new Executive Board of Enugu Sports Club on Saturday, November 23.

Media secretary of the club, Professor Chike Anibeze said yesterday that the new board led

well enough to win this year’s edition. Burkina Faso won the last two editions.

Giresse: Elephants can fall

A

by Okey Chukwu will organise competitions for different sports sections of the club on the day of inauguration. “Governor Sullivan Chime is the President of Enugu Sports Club and he is expected to be at the club not only to grace the occasion but also to inau-

Senate to host Eaglets

gurate the new Executive Board,” Chike Anibeze said yesterday, adding “competitions in tennis and some other sports will precede the inauguration.” Enugu Club is on Club Road near Okpara Avenue Enugu.

have to be ambitious and show some pride, and mostly keep in mind that this is a very important game."

ber.

The three-time African footballer of the Year was a member of Ghana’s delegation which met FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke in Lome, Togo on Monday.

Ayew, whose two sons are in the Ghana squad for the decisive tie, believes everything will be done to ensure the safety of the players, officials and fans. ‘’Everybody should be relaxed about it. The FA boss and the minister are doing all they can to ensure that players and fans are safe,” the exGhana captain said.

HE Senate yesterday agreed to host the victorious Golden Eaglet for winning the just concluded 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup in United Arab Emirates, UAE. The senate had during the championship involved the services of its prayer warriors to ensure that the nation’s U-17 team came out victorious in all their matches.

In a resolution from the motion sponsored by the Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba and supported by other 108 senators, the senate said for making the country proud, it was expedient to honour the Eaglets as a way of encouraging them.

The upper legislative chamber noted with proud that the Golden Eaglets not only made Nigeria proud, but the entire African continent by beating Mexico 3-0 in the final match thereby winning the U-17 championship four times which was the highest any nation had won.

The senate further noted that the Eaglets set a new record by scoring 26 goals in the tournament which has remained the highest goals scored in the history of the tournament that started about 28 years ago.

NFF promotes Eaglets to Flying Eagles

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HE Nigeria Football Federation have announced world champions Golden Eaglets will be promoted to the country’s U20 team, the Flying Eagles.

The NFF have also told MTNFootball.com that they would elevate one of the three coaches of the Golden Eaglets with the team to the U20.

It is most likely head coach Manu Garba will be moved up to tinker the Flying Eagles, while his assistants Nduka Ugbade and Emmanuel Amuneke take charge of the new Golden Eaglets.

NFF chairman technical and development committee, Chris Green, said: “We have plans to graduate these Golden Eaglets to the Flying Eagles.

“The coaching crew shall be split, some remain in the U17 and others in the U20. And this is because we want the teams to maintain a playing pattern which is attacking football.”

Green added: “And these players would graduate to the U23s and maybe Super Eagles, while other players coming from the ranks would

have learnt the playing culture of the country.”

Coach Garba

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013 — 61

C M Y K

62 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 13, 2013

Edwards justifies Tennis whizkid rating

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ARYLOVE Edwards, the emerging tennis whizkid of Nigerian tennis, justified that rating by beating Tolu Lawani from Kwara State 9-2 in the Girls 14 round robin match.

The 10 year - old Edwards was allowed to play in two age groups to fast track her progress and she did not disappoint as she fired forehand and backhand winners at will to

overwhelm an opponent four years older.

Junior players from Rivers State also shone like stars as three of them won their matches easily to progress. Fortune Aniso the top seed in the Girls 14 beat Venus Ubiebi from Lagos 9-1, Ngowari Jim-Jaja beat Deborah Abiodun from Ibadan 95 while Timipre Maxwell beat Neku Onoja from Kaduna 9-2. The only loss on the day was suffered

by David Dawariye who was beaten 9-2 by Ekene

Lagos International Squash Classics kicks off

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HE Molade O k o y a -T h o m a s Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium will be ignited today as some of the world’s top players including Nigeria’s national stars begin hostilities at the Lagos International Squash Classics.

According to the Main Organising Committee (MOC) of the Lagos Sports Classics, four countries including Nigeria are expected to take part in the four-day $40,000 prize money championship.

Already, Zambia national team and one of England’s top stars, Adrian Grant have confirmed their participation while Jonathan Peters will lead the home team to the competition.

Zambia, a joint bronze medalist with Nigeria at the 2003 All Africa Games in Abuja will have a four-man team made up of two males and two females taking part in the championship.

The Southern African team will also contend with former world’s top 10 rated player, England’s Grant who just competed at the Qatar Open before heading to Nigeria for the classics.

Meanwhile, one of Nigeria’s top rated player, Kally Yasim has been given a wildcard to be part of the tournament.

The Nigerian players that will jostle for honours with their foreign counterparts are Peters, Endurance Omosan, Idowu

*Wahid Oshodi

Enimakure, Tunde Ajagbe, Gbenga Adeyi, Wale Amao, Jerry Ojodioffo and Taiwo Sadiq for the men’s event.

Aside Yasim, other top female players that will represent Nigeria at the classics are Joy Ugbememe, Kafayat Idris, Udeme James and Ebifemi Taiwo.

In the U-19 event, Edward Bethel, who emerged the winner in the qualifiers will square up with the likes of Temiloluwa Adegoke, Musa Abubakar, Ayomide O., Olanrewaju Pratt, Precious Fada, Oladele Pratt and Onapemipo Adegoke for the top prize.

For the Chairman, MOC, Wahid Oshodi, the state is set for the competition as the fish bowl court expected to be used for the tournament has been set up while all arrangement have been concluded for a s u c c e s s f u l championship.

Eagles Continues from BP players in Calabar on Tuesday afternoon.

And the former captain warned that Wednesday was cut-off date.

“Anybody who is not here by Wednesday training, is out,” he said.

Skipper Vincent Enyeama and midfielder John Mikel Obi led a group of early birds in.

The rest included the likes of Victor Moses, Bright Dike, Austin Ejide and Elderson Echiejile, who joined the team at the stadium, where he had a heart to heart talk with Keshi.

PLAYERS IN: Vincent Enyeama, Mikel Obi, Godfrey Oboabona, John Ogu, James Okwuosa, Bright Dike, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Nnamdi Oduamadi, Sunday Mba, Chigozie Ag-

Ezeh from Onitsha in the boys 12 and under category.

Michael Michael and Christopher Itodo from Kaduna, the number one seeds in the boys 16 and 14 had easy victories to progress.

The NNPC/Shell Junior Tennis Championship, part of the junior tennis circuit run by the International Tennis Academy is taking place at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club and is scheduled to end on Saturday.

Elegbeleye hails Arik Air for airlifting Eaglets

D

IRECTOR General of the National Sports Commission (NSC) Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye has praised Arik Airlines for assisting the Commission through the airlifting of the FIFA U17 World Champions the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria from Lagos to Abuja on arrival from the United Arab Emirates on Saturday night.

Elegbeleye said that the good gesture of the Arik Air under the leadership of its Chairman Sir Johnson Arumemi Ikhide has further boosted the enthusiasm of the young lads who now realize that there is always great rewards for hard work and good performance while representing their fatherland, Nigeria.

The NSC top officer however urged the Airline not to relent in their efforts at boosting sports generally in the country and also the promotion of good values for Nigerian youths in general. He commended Arik Air for associating with the National Sports Commission in the development of sports in the country. bim, Victor Moses, Solomon Kwambe, Austin Ejide, Benjamin Francis, Elderson Echiejile

Ethiopian Continues from BP has not giving up hope that the Ethiopians could pull the upset button in Calabar when they tackle the Super Eagles.

With the presence of Saladin Seid and midfield marvel Shikels Bekele, Bishaw said that they would go for attacking play to be able to cause the upset and qualify for their first World Cup appearance in Brazil. ‘’Nothing is impossible in football. We’re working hard and the players are responding well with a positive attitude. We’re on track”, Bishaw told an Ethiopian Newspaper.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013 — 63

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2013

FIFA replaces Nigeria/ Ethiopia official

T

HE world football governing body Fifa have made changes to the officials lined up to handle the much anticipated match between hosts Nigeria and Ethiopia in the second leg of the World Cup

2014 World Cup cracker:

Eagles disappoint Keshi *Anybody who is not here by Wednesday training, is out — Keshi

N

IGERIA coach Stephen Keshi was left fuming after only 15 out of the 25 invited players turned up for the opening day of training on Tuesday.

The Super Eagles began preparations for the second leg of their 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Ethiopia at the U J Esuene Stadium in Calabar, and Keshi was not pleased at the turnout.

“I am not happy at all,” he told KickOffNigeria.com. “We talked about this and everyone was expected to be here today(yesterday).

“But maybe because of flight issues, some people are not here and it will destabilize our program.”

With Nosa Igiebor ruled out with injury, Keshi expected to see 24

Ethiopian Coach plots Eagles fall as Kebede returns

BY TONY UBANI

J

UST as Cross River State Government plans a carnival for Super Eagles qualification to the 2014 World Cup after Saturday’s return leg against Ethiopia, the Ethiopians on their own received a massive boost as one of their dare-devil strikers Getaneh Kebede returns to the Walya Antelopes.

Kebede, a sharp-shooter missed the first leg which they lost 2-1 to the Eagles because of a knee injury. He rejoined the team on Monday and there was joy in their camp.

Coach Sewinet Bishaw Continues on Page 62

*Emenike

Continues on Page 62

PUZZLE

*Kebede

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

2014 playoff in Calabar.

Kenyan referee Aden Marwa Range will now replace Rwandese Felicien Kabanda who was assigned as the second assistant referee.

Gambia’s experienced 34 year old Bakary Papa Gassama is the man tasked with handling the match as centre referee as Eritrean Angeson Ogbamariam will be the first assistant referee and Maudo Jallow will be the fourth official.

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

Across 4 Push (5) 7 Handbook (6) 9 Strive (3) 10 Whelp (3) 12 Guffaw (5) 13 Extol (4) 15 Benefactor (5) 17 Rest (6) 19 Pipe (4) 20 Skirmish (5) 22 Label (3) 24 Supposed (7) 27 Friend (3) 28 Requirements (5) 31 Weaponry (4) 33 Depress (6) 35 Hurry (5) 37 Grind (4) 38 Bequeath (5) 39 Consume (3) 41 Weep (3) 42 Non-professional (6) 43 January (5)

Down 1 Badge (6) 2 Unroll (6) 3 Weaken (3) 4 Grain-store (4) 5 Centre (5) 6 Tramp (8) 8 Board-game (4) 11 Demand (9) 14 Animal (4) 16 Tidy (4) 18 Look (4) 21 Way in (8) 23 Curve (4) 25 Go by (4) 26 Judge (4) 29 Puzzle (6) 30 Quiet (6) 32 Trauma (5) 34 Trade (4) 36 Askew (4) 40 Brown (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS Across: 1, Stop 4, Dub 6, Task 9, All 10, Abridged 11, Seem 14, Asp 16, Tempt 19, Reported 21, Medoc 23, Damaging 24, Barge 27, Lip 31, Alto 33, Alienate 34, Air 35, Espy 36, Run 37, Pant

Down: 2, Tube 3, Pail 4, Digested 5, Body 6, Taste 7, Ale 8, Sleep 12, Crumb 12, Spear 14, Arm 15, Pedal 17, Magic 18, Tough 20, Dominion 22, Cup 25, Atlas 26, Glory 28, Fair 29, Snap 30, Stun 32, Tip

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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