Reps move to ban use of foreign currencies

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 61819

VALENTINE LAGOS

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013

Pope resigned due to head injury •Pg.9

A resident in Valentine mode ,yesterday, in Lagos.

Photo: Bunmi Azzez.

•It's not true — Vatican

Reps move to ban use of foreign currencies •Say it's wrong for dollars, others to be freely used in Nigeria •Why Excess Crude Account is not designated in dollars — CBN

•Mint earned N2 billion in 2012

BY OKEY NDIRIBE, HENRY UMORU & EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

A

BUJA —THE House of Representatives, yesterday, moved to ban the use of foreign currencies in lo

Continues on page 5

COLUMNISTS:

DONU KOGBARA: •P.17

ADISA ADELEYE: •P.48

Mr & Mrs

PASSING OUT—2012 Batch "A " Corps members cheering during a passing out ceremony in Kaduna, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

Only HOS can dismiss Maina — Presidency —P.8 C M Y K

2—Vanguard , FRIDAY FRIDAY,, FEBRUARY 15 , 2013

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013 — 3

C M Y K

4—Vanguard , FRIDAY FRIDAY,, FEBRUARY 15 , 2013

C M Y K

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POCKET CARTOON

VISIT—Gov. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso with the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero in London yesterday.

The governor was in London to see how the emir's health has improved. Photo: Govt. House, Kano.

Reps move to ban use of foreign currencies Continues from page 1 cal and domestic transactions in Nigeria. This was sequel to a motion brought to the floor of the House by Hon Nadu Karibe, representing Bayelsa State.

Karibe who led the debate had argued that “every country has its currency which serves as a means of exchange, a symbol of identity, a source of pride and a

sign of independence and economic stability.”

He also observed that “ without equivocation, the Naira is the only means of exchange for local and domestic transactions in Nigeria.

There is a growing trend in the use of foreign currencies, especially the US Dollar for payments of school fees, hotel bills, real estate, rent and purchase in bars, night clubs, luxury good

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

Adapt yourself to changing circumstances. The only thing that is constant in life is change.

TAKE HEART

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BY ELLA RANDLE

he best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our beingness — Nicholas Sparks Joel Osteen’s take on harmonious relationship brings to light some virtues that call for beautiful love between people in relationships.

“It is important for a spouse to understand that his words have tremendous power in his wife’s life.

He needs to bless her with words. She’s given her life to love and care for him, to partner with him, to create a family together. If he is always finding fault in something she’s doing, always putting her down, there will be consequences that are very unpleasant. One of the leading causes of emotional breakdowns among married women is the fact that they do not feel valued.

One of the main reasons for that deficiency is because husbands are wilfully or unwittingly withholding the words of approval women need to help them unfold. If you want to see God do wonders in your marriage, or relationship, start praising your spouse. Start appreciating and encouraging her.

Every single day, a husband should tell his wife, “I love you. I appreciate you. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.” A wife should do the same for her husband. Your relationship would improve immensely if you’d simply start speaking kind, positive words, blessing your spouse instead of cursing him or her.”

shops, in Nigeria.”

He further argued that “this trend has led to the high demand of these foreign currencies, especially the US Dollars in Nigeria.”

Speaker of the House, Hon Aminu Tambuwal at this juncture asked members to make their contributions.

In his contribution, Hon Warman Ogoriba said: “I was in South Africa where I wanted to pay my hotel bills in dollars and it was rejected.

Honestly I was pleasantly surprised because here Nigerians freely use the dollar. I urge members to support the motion and the CBN to ban the use of foreign currencies in local transactions”.

Speaking in the same vein, Hon Buba Jibrin representing Kogi State said: “In my opinion this motion is very timely. In foreign lands we are made to change dollars into local currencies using our passport as an identification mark. But here in Nigeria even in our shopping malls dollars are freely used and that is wrong. It is only the high and mighty that spends Dollars the way they like."

Speaking against the motion, Hon Aminu Sulayman said: “I see this motion as a glorified one as only inconsequential number of Nigerians use the dollar in Nigeria. This matter should be left for the appropriate authority to

handle or the motion should be thrown out through the window."

The Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal quickly pointed out to Sulayman that there was no win-

dow in the chamber.

Also in his contribution, Hon Ali Madaki representing Kano said: “If Nigeria is really serious and wants investors, we need to use Dollars. If we look at Dubai today Dollars are openly used and just in the 1970s they came here to borrow money from us.

They wanted to borrow $10 million but the then Obasanjo administration was told the place was a desert but look at Dubai today, is it not better than Nigeria? We need investors to grow our economy."

Hon 0gbuefi Ozomgbachi, however, in his contribution said: “There is an existing Act of Parliament that forbids Nigerians from using foreign currency for marketing purposes.”

But while rounding up the debate, Hon Karibe said: “This motion is not against the sale of foreign currencies what it is against is its usage in local and domestic transactions in Nigeria."

This attracted a loud ovation from members and when the Speaker put it to a voice vote it was unanimously adopted."

Why Excess Crude is not designated in dollars — CBN M

EANWHILE, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday gave an insight into why the bank does not designate Excess Crude account in dollars, saying it was constrained by the country’s constitution.

Answering questions, yesterday, when he appeared before Senator Bassey Otu-led Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, CBN Deputy Governor, Suleiman Barau, said the apex bank was still discussing the matter internally to ensure a well advised position. Mr Barau who appeared before the committee to be screened for another term, disclosed that the bank was making efforts to ensure that the banks were strong enough to support the real sector for national development.

Barau who told the Senate that the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission advised the apex bank against designating the Excess Crude Account

in dollars said: “This is a constitutional constraint. When it was first mooted, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission informed us that the Constitution only recognizes the naira as the unit of account.”

He also said that if the apex bank must perform effectively, it must be allowed to maintain its financial autonomy as against the proposed amendments to the CBN to subject its budget to the scrutiny of the National Assembly.

Barau argued that such autonomy was in line with the spirit of the law and international best practices, saying, “we believe that the National Assembly can make inputs in our budget through oversight. You can tell us what to do and what not to do.”

Responding to a question on interest rates, Barau stressed that the lending rates by banks were still high because of the adverse consequences that lower rates would cause to the rate

of inflation at the moment.

On allegation that CBN does not patronize NSPMC for the printing of naira notes, he described it as untrue, adding that only a residual quantity of the 3.2 billion notes required by the CBN were printed by a foreign company.

According to him: “We patronize Mint. The company printed 2.8 billion notes in 2011 and 2.6 billion notes in 2013 out of total 3.2 billion notes the CBN printed.”

He explained that the company made a total profit of N2 billion in 2012, just as he said that it was a matter of capacity and not patronage.

Earlier in his remarks, Senator Otu advised that if the banking sector must remain the backbone of economic development in the country, there was the need to get the CBN inject the necessary support, adding that the committee is saddled with the responsibility of screening the nominee for a second tenure as Deputy Governor in the apex bank.

6 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI, NNAMDI OJIEGO & MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

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AGOS — NOBEL laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka and civil society groups, yesterday, condemned the N4 billion earmarked for the construction of a Mission House for the First Lady, Patience Jonathan, in the 2013 budget of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, saying it is “a mind-boggling fiscal misappropriation.”

It would be recalled that the fund for the mission house, which was expected to serve as centre to host other African First Ladies, was listed in the 2013 budget of FCT, Abuja.

Soyinka and civil society expressed their displeasure in a lettter read during a protest march organised by Women Arise for Change Initiative, which also had in attendance, Mr. Festus Keyamo; wife of late Beko Ransome-Kuti, Abosede; daughter of the late Afro beat king, Yeni Anikulapo and others.

The protesters, who were over 100 converged on the premises of the Lagos State Television, LTV, Agidingbi, Ikeja, and later marched to Lagos House, Alausa.

Traffic was partially paralysed around Alausa axis for about an hour due to the activities of the protesters.

The protesters displayed various placards which read: "N4 billion will create jobs, so we say no to mission house; N4 billion budget for Mission House, we say no to fiscal rascality.”

The Nobel laureate whose statement to other African First Ladies was read by the President of the Initiative, Mrs. Joe-Okei Odumakin in the presence of Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, said: “There is no such thing as an African First Ladies Mission in the Nigerian appropriation list.”

He, however, urged other African First Ladies to distance themselves from the idea, saying: “Your names have been invoked as the ultimate beneficiaries and thus, you are vicariously

A cross section of Nigerian women under the aegis of Women Arise for Change Initative, protesting against N40 billion allocated for the building of First Lady House, at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

Soyinka leads protest to Fashola over N4bn First Lady House Says it’s a mind-boggling fiscal misappropriation As Okei-Odumakin wants First Lady's office scrapped implicated. In the name of St. Valentine and the love I bear for you all, please dissociate yourselves from this display of shameless avarice. I shall not go so far as to ask you to denounce what you probably know nothing about, but if you ever get to hear of it, distance yourselves from the gross impropriety."

It's unconstitutional —Keyamo Keyamo, on his part, said: “The allocation of such fund to an office that wasn’t recognised by the 1999 constitution is

unconstitutional, null and void.

And this is significant that it is women that are protesting against this act.

“It is sad that Abuja has since become the capital of corruption.

The stories that come out of the FCT daily aren’t palatable at all."

Okei-Odumakin wants First Lady's office scrapped Okei-Odumakin, in her speech, demanded that “President Goodluck Jonathan must direct the FCT Minister to withdraw this budget allocation

and sack him for this assault on public morality.

“The unconstitutional office of the First Lady should be scrapped and spouses of elected officials to play no more than ceremonial roles in the country.”

The President noted “N4 billion could help millions of school age children to receive better education, equip rural clinics with drugs and do society a host of other good.”

Mrs. Abosede Ransome-Kuti on her part said “of what interest is the N4 billion allocated for the construction of a Mission House for African First Ladies to the man

Prison authorities celebrate Valentine with female inmates

BY EVELYN USMAN

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AGOS — AS Nigeria joined other parts of the world to celebrate Valentine’s Day, yesterday, inmates at the Kirikiri Female Prison, Lagos, were not left out, as they were hosted to a banquet of celebration by the Prisons authorities.

Speaking at the occasion, Deputy Comptroller of Prisons in-charge of the Female Prison, Mrs Onwuli Isioma Leticia, explained that the celebration was a clear demonstration of what Valentine meant and also to facilitate the reformation process.

She said: “We actually want

to show them love so that they can replicate it here and when they go out of here.

Since everyone outside the prison wall is celebrating, we feel they deserve to celebrate

Deputy Comptroller of Prisons,Mrs Onwuli Isioma Leticia, members of a Non Governmental Organisation and some inmates of the Kirikiri Female Prison, cutting a cake in celebration of Valentine's Day, yesterday.

also because being in prison is not the end of life. And to achieve reformation, the purpose for which they are here, they must be shown love.”

Clad in red and white and other multi-coloured clothings, the inmates, perhaps for once, forgot about their confinement, as they displayed talents in dancing, drama, recitation and news broadcasting.

In an exclusive interview with Vanguard, the DCP stressed the need for installation of solar power in the prison, with a view to supplementing the Power Holding Company of Nigeria during power outage and also in the entire security of the prison.

on the street. Of what interest is this to the vast majority of the citizens of the country who cannot eat three square meals daily?”

In his response, Fashola said: “This is what I think is the discharge of your own responsibilities of participation in the country’s democratic journey.

For nothing, I will deliver this letter today.

“Our democratic experience is comparatively very young. And this is about the 14th year. And going forward, I believe that it is your participation that enriches the process that helps to set the appropriate priorities.

“Nothing can be much more incisive as the demonstration of the occupational endeavours of survival that we see our women engage in as it was shown by Mrs. Beko Ransome Kuti, women selling matches to survive in the country, definitely that is a wake-up call for us all.

“The opportunity still exists because I am aware that the budget is yet to receive the assent of the President. And this provides an opportunity to look at it again. There is also an opportunity for us as we embark on constitution amendment about what role women who are spouses of the heads of government should really play.

I think that this type of protest only enriches the debate and helps us as a people to decide what we want going forward in this nation.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013 — 7

7 Injured, 20 vehicles damaged as hoodlums invade motor parks

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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Youths and fire fighters battling to put off fire at a building at the Federal Low Cost Estate in Gombe metropolis, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

3 killed in renewed cult clash in Ebonyi varsity As gunmen abduct former Perm Sec’s wife

BY PETER OKUTU

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BAKALIKI — NO fewer than three persons have been killed so far in renewed hostilities between rival cult groups in Ebonyi State University, EBSU, between Tuesday and yesterday.

This follows the killing of an apprentice chemist in a shop in Abakaliki by robbers and the kidnapped of Mrs Bridget Nnenaya Obasi, wife of a retired Permanent Secretary in the Ebonyi State Civil Service, Sam Obasi, by unknown gunmen.

Vanguard gathered that the 40-year-old Mrs Obasi was kidnapped at Mile 50 area of Abakaliki metropolis by three

armed men on Tuesday night when she was on her way to buy drugs for one of her children. The gunmen equally made away with her Toyota Corolla car.

Sources close to the family told our correspondent that the husband of the victim was with her when the incident happened, adding that the kidnappers later dumped the car at an undisclosed location.

The source also revealed that no ransom had been demanded by the kidnappers.

In a related development, one Ogala Angel Kenechukwu, a final year student of Bio-technology Department,Ebonyi State University, EBSU and one

James of the Marketing Department of the same institution have been killed in renewed hostilities between rival cult groups.

While, Ogala Angel Kenechukwu was killed on Tuesday evening, the death of James and one other student whose name was not immediately known occurred yesterday morning.

Reacting, the Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Sylvester Igbo confirmed the kidnapping incident and the death of Kenechukwu Ogala, adding that the Police were doing everything possible to rescue the kidnapped victim alive.

BEOKUTA — PANDEMONIUM broke out in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, yesterday, when some hoodlums invaded two motor parks in Kuto, and Ita-Oshin, leaving seven people critically injured.

About 14 persons were said to have been arrested by the security agencies which include Department of State Security, DSS; Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, and the Police in the state in connection with the attack.

Vanguard gathered that the hoodlums who were led by one Lateef Toriola reportedly damaged about 20 vehicles in Kuto and Ita-Oshin in Abeokuta during the attack.

It was further gathered that, the

Court ruling: JTF releases arrested vessel in Rivers

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ONNY — THE Joint Task Force, JTF, operating in the Niger Delta, yesterday, released a vessel suspected to be involved in illegal oil bunkering in compliance with a Federal High Court ruling on its detention.

The Media Officer Personnel of the force, Ft.-Lt. Chris Erondu, announced the release of the vessel in Bonny Island, Rivers State.

A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt on November 19, 2012, had ruled in favour of High

Arepo: Police nab two more suspects

BY IFEANYI OKOLIE

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AGOS— TWO suspected vandals, Timi Koro and Wusaina Etipiwey, have been arrested by operatives of the Inspector General of Police Special Task Force on AntiPipeline Vandalism Unit, for fracturing and siphoning petroleum products from a System 2 B pipeline at Arepo area of Ogun State.

Vanguard gathered that the suspects who met their waterloo when the anti-pipeline operatives, who have heightened patrols along the creeks, following incessant cases of vandalism and explosion on the System 2 B pipeline, spotted them at Abule Oba area of Ikorodu, with 50 litres of stolen petrol and a pump action gun while alighting from the boat that ferried them to the creeks.

The Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the Task Force, Friday Ibadin, while confirming the arrest, said the suspects were involved in the killing of three NNPC officials at Arepo Village, Owode in Ogun State, last year.

He said: “We are gradually closing in on the notorious

Igbekorowa and Tokyo who led the suspected vandals that murdered the NNPC officials last year. It was in the course of our investigation that we got a tip off that these boys were on their way back from the creeks.

“Policemen led by Sector Commander, DSP Onaghise Osayande, laid ambush and got the two of them arrested while the rest fled on spotting the police.

The taskforce has promised to handsomely reward anyone with useful information as to the whereabouts of Igbekorowa and Tokyo.”

In his confession, Timi, 29, said the pump action rifle belonged to one of the leaders of the gang and was given to him for safe keeping.

He said: “I joined them two years ago when my timber business was dwindling. In Abule Oba and Konu axis of Ikorodu area, pipeline vandalisation is the main source of making money.

They have a strong union in that area and I am yet to be included because of the amount involved.”

On what really happened to the NNPC officials, Timi said: “The NNPC officials were so unfortunate. The main target was their local security man popularly known as ‘deadman’. For some

time, deadman stopped cooperating with us by allowing us to tap fuel from any of the ruptured pipelines. Our suspicion heightened when security officers started arresting our people in their numbers. We believed that he was the one that gave them information about our operations in Abule Oba. They agreed at the meeting to kill ‘deadman’.

Unfortunately, on the D day, NNPC officials were there and

crisis ensued as a result of the alleged plan by a faction of the Road Transport Employers’s Association, RTEAN, in the state led by Toriola, to take over the parks.

There was heavy presence of policemen in Kuto motor park shortly after the attack, while the injured were reportedly rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba Abeokuta Chairman of RTEAN, Mugisu Akinpelu, while narrating the ordeals of his members in both motor parks, said seven persons sustained injuries at Kuto motor park but no one was attacked at Ita-Oshin park.

While appealing to the government to come to their aid, the Chairman said the ring leader of the hoodlums, Toriola had been barred from parading himself as either a member or chairman of the union.

they were left with no choice but to kill and bury them."

The second suspect, Etipiwey, 27, lamented that he was hungry that was why he went back to the vandalisation business. “I was lucky to have survived the blast that happened last year. I had sworn to myself that I will not join them again but when there was no other source of livelihood, I had no choice but to call Tokyo who allowed me to join them.”

Tide Marine Limited, owners of the vessel, over allegation of complicity in illegal oil bunkering activities.

Erondu said the vessel, with the registered name, AV Pecos Peters, was arrested on October 17, 2012 on suspicion of transporting petroleum products without permit.

APOLOGY

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N our January 23, 2013 edition features story entitled: Jobless pay for federal jobs, we inadvertently referred to Mr. Sina Babasola as the spokesperson of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, ICPC, while quoting from 2008 press statement by the commission.

We regret the error.

—EDITOR

Lagos NSCDC Commandant loses dad

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The suspects

HE Lagos State Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC, Shem Obafaye, has lost his father.

The deceased, Pa Michael Orungbeminija Obafaye, 82, died in Kabba, Kogi State on Friday, February 8, 2013 after a brief illness.

Funeral arrangement kicks off with Christian wake on Friday, March 15, 2013 at Ayetoro Kiri Kabba/Bunu LGA, Kogi State while interment holds on Saturday, March 16, 2013.

He is survived by eight children including Mrs Becky Sangodere and Samuel Obafaye.

8—Vanguard , FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013

Ecological fund: Anyim, Environment Minister shun Senate This is lack of regard—Senate

BY HENRY UMORU

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BUJA—MOVES by the Senate to get detailed information on how the funds for the Ecological Fund office was being spent, yesterday, suffered a major setback as Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim shunned the Senators.

Minister of Environment, Mrs Hadiza Mailafia, who was also invited for the meeting failed to turn up while only the Permanent Secretary, Ecological Fund office, Goni Musa Sheikh, honoured the invitation of the Senate Committee on Special Duties.

The Senator Clever Ikisikpo, PDP, Bayelsa Eastled Committee on Special Duty had invited the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Minister of Environment and Permanent Secretary, Ecological Fund Office, for an interactive session to come and explain how the money voted for the fund was being spent.

The senators having waited for the government officials to honour the invitation which they failed, had to shift it till another day, but warned that this will be the last time the Senate will accept this kind of behaviour from government officials.

Besides the Chairman of the Committee, other senators who waited in vain in Meeting Room 443, Senate's newest wing for Anyim and others were Senators Victor Lar; Aisha Jummai Alhassan; Robert Borrofice, Solomon Ita Enang, among others.

The angered Senator Ikisikpo who noted that the meeting was designed for them to give expected information on the fund, said that three per cent of the federation account goes to the Ecological Fund Office and the National Assembly must be told how much goes into the account and how it was being spent, adding that the absence of the officials was an indication of total disregard for the Senate which must stop henceforth.

Maina: Presidency refers dismissal to Office of Head of Service As Police vow to arrest him

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI & BEN AGANDE

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BUJA—THE Presidency yesterday pushed the case for the dismissal of the Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Force, Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina, to the Head of Civil Service, saying it is the only constitutional body that could handle the case of discipline of civil servants.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati said President Goodluck Jonathan was not backing Maina against the Senate as is being speculated in some circles.

The Senate in a unanimous decision gave President Jonathan a two-day ultimatum within which to sack Maina from the Federal Civil Service or risk a frosty relationship with the Senate.

But in an interview, Dr Abati acknowledged that though the Senate has constitutional right to summon anybody, asking for such persons to be sacked has to follow due process of the law.

According to Abati, since the president is an ardent believer in the sanctity of the rule of law, laid down procedure should be followed in addressing issues.

He said: “The Senate has constitutional power to summon anybody. If such a person failed to appear before them, the lawmakers are also empowered to issue warrant of arrest against the person.

“The President has not, in anyway, stood in the way of the Senate in inviting Maina. You will recall that the police even declared him wanted.

“Maina is a civil servant. If he has done something that amounts to a breach of civil service rule, the appropriate office to do the right thing and ensure that due process is followed is the office of the Head of Service of the Federation.

President Jonathan not backing Maina “Nobody should suggest that the President is backing Maina.

It is not an issue for the President.

“There are laid down procedures for handling situations like this. The President believes in due process. It is a matter for the civil service to handle. The President does not have to be disciplining civil servants personally”.

Meanwhile, Police authorities insisted yesterday that they are irrevocably committed to arresting Alhaji Abdulrasheed Maina, Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pension Office, CIPPO, who was earlier declared wanted by the force.

Reiterating the commitment of the force at a parley with newsmen, Force Spokesman, CSP Frank Mba said that no matter what happens and no matter those shielding him, the Police will arrest Maina in accordance with the directive of the Senate Mba said: “The Nigerian Police Force remains irrevocably committed to finding him. As soon as we lay our hands on him, we will arrest him and take him before the Senate. If you are conversant with policing tradition, you will understand that the declaration of any person wanted is usually necessitated by a need.

“In this case, he was declared

wanted because he went into hiding and that made it difficult for the Force to execute the warrant of arrest that was legitimately issued against him”.

On the allegation that Maina was being provided security by the police, Mba said that he had no such security from the Police adding, “Maina has no police officer in his entourage to the best of my knowledge. Even in the press release that we gave, we did say that any citizen who has any information that could help us in finding and executing that order, that person should please pass the information to the appropriate authorities. If anyone has

the information on how we can get him, we will be pleased to have it”.

The Force Spokesman said the police will not allow themselves to be pulled into unnecessary controversy, saying “The only thing is that Senate has issued a warrant of arrest on Maina and that is where we come in”.

It will be recalled that the Senate, had on Dec. 13, 2012, issued a Warrant of Arrest against Maina.

The warrant also mandated the Inspector-General of Police to arrest and produce Maina before the Senate Joint Committee on the Investigation of Pension Fund.

LECTURE—From left: Prof Olu Akinkungbe, Chairman of the occasion; former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Guest Lecturer and Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State at the 1st Dr. Abel Guobadia memorial lecture organised by the Women's Health and Action Research Centre, WHARC, in Benin City, yesterday.

Senate asks FG to expand Nigeria's territorial waters

BY HENRY UMORU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

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BUJA—THE Senate yester day, expressed concern over Nigeria’s territorial waters which it noted, had remained stagnant at 200 nautical miles even as some African countries were extending theirs to meet the standard required by the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea, UNCLOS. To this end, the Senate tasked the Federal Government to commence a process that could lead to the expansion of the country’s international territorial waters from the said 200 nautical miles to a maximum distance of 350 nautical miles as permitted by the UNCLOS. The Senate directive to the Federal Government came, following the deliberation on a motion

tagged: “Urgent funding of the activities of Nigeria’s extended continental shelf project”, sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, PDP Taraba and 14 other Senators.

The legislators while contributing to the motion, insisted that the development had both international security and economic implications on the country as Ghana, a neighbouring West African country, was at the verge of extending its territorial presence, noting that it had already inaugurated an independent technical body to handle the extension of its continental shelf.

Senator Bwacha, in his lead debate, had reminded that Nigeria, in 2009 made a submission for an extension of her continental shelf to the United Nations Commission on Limits of the Continental Shelf, CLCS, but regretted that

the dream was at the moment, having challenges arising from funding.

He said the submission was aimed at claiming additional maritime territory of up to 140,000 sq km for Nigeria which he noted, was “potentially rich in hydrocarbons, hydrates, ferro-manganese crusts, and other natural resources.

“When approved, it will make a significant contribution to the development of Nigeria economically, politically and securitywise”.

As all the senators who spoke on the issue were unanimous in support. The upper chamber therefore asked the Federal Government to source for funding of the extended continental shelf project outside the normal budgetary allocation, saying that was the practice in other countries.

Vanguard , FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013—9

Pope resigned due to head injury It's not true — Vatican

BY SAM EYOBOKA & CLIFFORD NDUJIHE, WITH AGENCY REPORT

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UT for a head injury he sus tained during a trip to Mexico last March, Pope Benedict XVI would not have suddenly resigned on Monday, it has emerged.

Vatican Spokesman Rev. Federico Lombardi, confirmed that the Pope hit his head during his March 2012 trip to Mexico, but denied the accident had any “relevant” role in his resignation, citing old-age and not a particular health problem as reason for his resignation.

However, a prelate who was on the trip with the pope told an Italian paper that after the injury he knew that “the pope no longer had the physical strength to endure these long trips” and “the change of time zone, the burden of public commitments” was adding to his problems. The Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, reported earlier in the week that Benedict had taken the decision to resign after the Mexico-Cuba trip, which was physically exhausting for the 85-yearold pope.

This came as Pope Benedict XVI, who said he would remain hidden or secluded after his retirement, enumerated what could pass as an action plan for his successor.

How Pope sustained head injury Benedict XVI was injured in Leon, Mexico when he was trying to move around an unfamiliar room in the dark not being able to find the switch for the light. Italy’s La Stampa newspaper said he bled and blood stained his hair and sheets.

The BBC reported yesterday that the previously unpublicized head injury made the Pope to resign from the post, adding that it was soon after his trip to Mexico and Cuba last year that the Pope announced his possible resignation.

The head injury was the latest revelation of a hidden health issue to emerge from the Holy See since the Pope’s shock announcement, and adds to questions about the gravity of the pontiff’s condition. On Tuesday, the Vatican said for the first time that Benedict has a pacemaker, and that he had its batteries replaced just three months ago.

To be hidden from the world Pope Benedict will see out his

life in prayer, “hidden from the world”, he said yesterday in his first personal comment on his plans since he announced his retirement.

His remarks, in a voice that was hoarse at times, followed Monday’s resignation notice which spoke of “a life dedicated to prayer.” The Vatican has said the 85-year-old German would live within its walls. His seclusion may allay concern that the first living former Pope in centuries might trouble Church unity.

Speaking unscripted to thousands of priests from the diocese of Rome, in what turned out to be a farewell address in his capacity as bishop of the Italian capital, Benedict outlined a cloistered life ahead, once he steps down in two weeks time: “Even if I am withdrawing into prayer, I will always be close to all of you and I am sure that you will be close to me, even if I remain hidden to the world,” he said.

After February 28, when he becomes the first pontiff in hundreds of years to resign instead of ruling for life, Benedict will first go to the papal summer retreat at Castel Gandolfo, South of Rome, and then move permanently into the four-storey Mater Ecclesiae convent, in the gardens behind St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Vatican has already said that he would not influence the election of his successor, which will take place in a secret conclave between March 15 and 20 in the Sistine Chapel.

Confusion over his postretirement title The Vatican, which is navigating uncharted waters since Pope’s shock announcement, said experts had not decided what his title would be or whether he would wear the white of a Pope, the red of a cardinal or the black of an ordinary priest.

“In my opinion, once he resigns he should put aside the white cassock and put on the robes of a cardinal,” said Father Thomas Reese, senior fellow at the Woodstock Theological Centre at Georgetown University and an author of books on the Vatican.

“He should no longer be called pope, or Benedict, or your Holiness, but should be referred to as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger,” Reese added. “After the new pope is elected, he should attend his installation along with the other retired cardinals and pledge his allegiance to the new pope.”

Action plan for successor

From left: Amb Walter Carrington, Former America Ambassdor to Nigeria/ Guest Lecturer; Mrs Arese Carrington, wife; Prof Duro Oni, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Manamagement Services, University of Lagos, and Mrs Dehab Ghebreab, Public Affairs Officer, United States Consulate General during the lecture on Celebration of Black History Month at the Univerty of Lagos UNILAG, Yaba, Lagos, Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

Earlier yesterday, Benedict held a 45-minute reminiscence about the Second Vatican Council in the early 1960s, blaming the media for what he called media’s distorted interpretation of the church meetings at the time for many “calamities” that plague the Catholic Church today.

It was the second day in a row that Benedict has sent very pointed messages to his successor and the cardinals who will elect him about the direction the church must take once he is no longer pope. While his farewell remarks on Wednesday were in many ways bitter-sweet, Benedict was more combative yesterday as he addressed an audience hall full of thousands of priests.

Benedict was a young theological expert at Vatican II, the 196265 meetings that brought the Catholic Church into the modern world with important documents on the church’s relations with other religions, its place in the world and the liturgy.

Benedict has spent much of his eight-year pontificate seeking to correct what he considers the misinterpretation of Vatican II, insisting that it wasn’t a revolutionary break from the past, as liberal Catholics paint it, but a renewal and reawakening of the best traditions of the ancient church.

He stressed that point yesterday, blaming botched media reporting of the council’s deliberations for having reduced the work to “political power struggles between various currents in the church.”

Because the media’s interpretation was dominant and “accessible to all,” it fueled the popular understanding of what the council was all about, he said. That led in the years that followed to “so many calamities, so many problems, really so many miseries: Seminaries that closed; convents

that closed; the liturgy that was banalized.”

In what will be one of his final public remarks as pope, Benedict said he hoped the “true council” will one day be understood.

“Our job in this ‘Year of Faith’ is to work so that the true council, with the strength of the Holy Spirit, is truly realized and that the church is truly renovated.”

Hours earlier, Benedict delivered another pointed message during an emotional Ash Wednesday Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, his last public liturgy before he resigns as pope on February 28.

In his homily, Benedict lamented the internal church rivalries that he said had “defiled the face of the church” — a not-too-subtle message to his successor and the cardinals who will elect the new pope. Those rivalries came to the fore last year with the leaks of internal papal documents by the pope’s own butler. The documentation revealed bitter infighting within the highest ranks of the Catholic Church, allegations of corruption and mismanagement of the Holy See’s affairs.

Benedict took the scandal as a personal betrayal and a wound on the entire church. In a sign of his desire to get to the bottom of the leaks, he appointed a commission of cardinals to investigate alongside Vatican investigators. His butler, Paolo Gabriele, was convicted and sentenced to 18 months in prison, although Benedict ultimately pardoned him.

‘Good governance tour, drain on public fund'

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

P

ORT HARCOURT—A GROUP, Speak Up Nigeria, has described the ongoing good governance tour by the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, as a drain on public funds.

Coordinator of the group, East of the Niger, Mr. Declan Ekenna, said the Minister was using the opportunity of the tour to feed Nigerians with misinformation on the performance record of the federal and some state governments.

He said the Minister was economical with the truth when he told Nigerians in Anambra State that the Federal Government had delivered its promise on an inland port for the people of Onitsha.

Describing what the Minister called an inland port as a low priced jetty, Ekenna said: “What is more worrisome is the fact that tax payers' money is being squandered in this unholy jamboree called Good Governance Tour, where the Information Minister goes from one state to the other."

10—Vanguard , FRIDAY, FUBRUARY 15, 2013

Fashola vows to end to street begging in Lagos

BY MONSUR OLOW-

OOPEJO

L

AGOS—GOVER NOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday vowed to intensify ongoing enforcement in the state on street begging.

This came barely two weeks after the state arraigned 39 beggar at the arrested at different locations in the state begging for alms.

Fashola who spoke during an inspection tour to the remand home, Isheri and Eko Transport Service, Oshodi, said begging was not an option in the state.

According to him, “So when we say people shouldn’t beg for alms on our street, we mean it. Everyone must contribute to this economy and those who have drug problem or ill have the choice to visit our remanded home where we treat, feed and rehabilitate them. So we have provided choice and there is a law against street begging and we will enforce it.”

“And with what you have seen here, it shows that people have moved on from here to become very useful member of the society through the intervention of the centre.”

Former Sapele LG boss, Obule passes on

F

ORMER Chair man, Sapele Local Government Area, Andrew Obule is dead. Obule passed on in the early hours of Sunday, February 10, at Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara.

A family spokesman, Mr. Fredrick Obule, described the late Andrew Obule as an educationist, successful businessman, philanthropist and politician.

The late Obule

Budget 2013: Nigerians are running out of time—Saraki •Urges Jonathan to Sign it or return it to NASS •Says formation of APC a wake up call for PDP, it will keep them on their toes •Rejects calls for Local Government autonomy

BY HENRY UMORU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

A

BUJA—CHAIRMAN, Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, Senator Bukola Saraki, PDP, Kwara, yesterday, said that if President Goodluck Jonathan cannot sign the 2013 budget as passed by the National Assembly into law, he should return it to the lawmakers.

The former governor of Kwara State said Nigerians who were eager to have the budget signed and implemented were running out of time.

Saraki’s call is coming on the heels of the end of the mandatory thirty days for the National Assembly to veto presidency over a Bill that has been passed for presidential assent.

Answering questions from jounalists in Abuja, Senator Saraki said: “Time is running out for the budget to be signed into law; otherwise, the gains for passing the Budget would be lost. I don’t want to speculate on issues with the budget. There is now urgency for the presidency to sign the budget into law or return it to the National Assembly for further necessary legislative action.”

On the formation of the All Progressives Congress, APC, following the marriage of four opposition political parties, Senator Saraki who described the merger as good for democracy and a wake up call for the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said it will keep the ruling party on its toes.

He noted: “PDP should not be complacent. We need to sit up; APC is good for our democracy; it will keep us on our toes; we must watch the unfolding scenario.”

On possible threat of the pro-

posed mega opposition party to PDP, he said, “it is too early though to think so”, adding “I doubt if the APC will not scatter and be uncoordinative”.

The former chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, however, rejected calls for local government autonomy, stressing that 70 per cent of the LGs cannot survive on their own and that if they don’t have the states to work with they will not survive.

On the Petroleum Industry Bill that was currently at the National Assembly, Saraki said, “the problem with the PIB is that there are so many things that are taken at the same time”. He regretted that although “some of them are con-

troversial” the kind of criticisms trailing is misplaced.

He said: “The key issues which are fiscal are not being addressed. Rather than condemn the Bill in its entirety, we should have taken administrative and institutional framework instead of dumping it for political reason. We want to right the wrongs that were committed in so many decades; the damage is too much”.

The senator, however, urged that the Senate “should not keep it in abeyance”, stressing, “we should either pass it or reject it; we will try and pass it after wide consultations.

He said the committee on en-

vironment was doing its best and that his committee was the first to visit pollution sites, just as he observed that the oil companies were in the habit of pollution because, adding, “there is no law in the land that panalises oil spills, noting that the amendment Bill on NOSDRA currently at the Natioinal Assembly, is aimed at redressing the situation.

“If we can pass these amendments there will be no need for anybody to travel to the Hagues to sue an oil firm; right now the oil majors are feeling the heat.

We need political will to combat gas flaring. A bill is currently in the Senate, it is yet to pass Second Reading.

DONATION: Managing Director, UBA Foundation, Ijeoma Aso; Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Mr. Dave Umahi, and Executive Direcror, UBA Plc, Mr. Dan Okeke, during the presentation of four security vehicles by UBA Foundation to Ebonyi State Government in Abakaliki.

I have been abused for proffering solutions to nation’s problems —Obasanjo

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN CITY—FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, said that he has nothing else to say about the problems facing the nation, regretting that he had been abused in some quarters, each time he proffers solution to the country’s problems.

The former President, who spoke to newsmen shortly after he paid a courtesy visit on Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State in Benin, explained that he was in Benin

to honour the late former chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Dr. Abel Guobadia, whom according to him, contributed immensely to the growth of democracy in the country.

Chief Obasanjo, who was asked to comment on the problems of corruption and insecurity facing the nation, said: “I have flogged the issue of corruption internally and externally. I have flogged it every day, some people go along with me, and they agree that it is a problem that we must face

squarely. Some people abuse me.

“But the point is that when you have a problem and you attempt to cover it, you are not solving the problem, rather, you are complicating the problem. Even the problem of security, I have been discussing it. I have gone on a fact finding mission. I have found out what is there and what is not there. I had talked, and talked. I have nothing more to add.”

He commended what he described as the monumen-

tal achievement of Governor Oshiomhole in the state, saying “before you came, they ran the state aground, but today, you have ran it up. I am happy with your achievements today.

Formerly, you used to be radically but today, you are facing realism. But frankly speaking, you have not disappointed us.”

Responding, Oshiomhole, who commended the former president for visiting the state, described him as a leader, whom many Nigerians have learnt a lot from.

Vanguard, FRIDAY FRIDAY,, FEBRUARY 15, 2013—11

Jonathan tasks corps members on self-reliance

BY DAYO JOHNSON

A

KURE—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, enjoined National Youth Service Corps members to be more creative and shift their minds from white collar jobs to self-reliance and wealth creation.

Speaking in Akure, through Governor Olusegun Mimiko, at the passing-out ceremony of 2012 batch ‘A’ corps members, President Jonathan said white collar jobs were becoming less attractive. Represented by the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Alhaji Yekini Olanipekun, the president noted that his administration deliberately introduced Skills Acquisition Programmes to corps members to make them self-employed.

He said: “The present administration remains focused on youth empowerment, which we have pursued using the platforms of the Sure-P, You win and oth-

....As NYSC sanctions 24 corps members in Ogun

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

A

BEOKUTA—AUTHORITIES of National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, in Ogun State, yesterday, said 24 Batch ‘A’ corps members posted to the state, had been sanctioned for various acts of infringement of the rules and regulations of the scheme, ranging from absenteeism, abdication, to insubordination.

State Director, Mrs. Theresa Anosike, who announced this during the passing out parade of Batch ‘A’ corps members who served in the state, noted that, 10 among the affected corps members had been asked to repeat their service year.

Anozike, who commended other corps members for their patriotism throughout the exercise in the state, said out of the 3,715 members, deployed in the state, only 24 contravened the rules and regulations of the scheme.

She said 3, 715 corps members were deployed to the state while 3, 491 were able to complete the service successfully.

er programmes. I, therefore, implore you to cooperate and support this administration to reduce the current level of unemployment.”

Jonathan said the Federal Government, under an arrangement with the United

Nations Development Programme, would this year, recruit young professionals to work on a variety of UN programmes.

He said the programme would expose the youths and make them serve as Nigeri-

Ekiti reconstitutes LG caretaker c’ttees

an ambassadors, not only in the international civil service, but also in many other respects.

Jonathan urged the out-going corps members to utilise the experiences garnered in the last one year to guide their pursuits of life goals.

VISIT: From left: Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhamed Sa'ad Abubakar III and Alhaji Azeez Arisekola, during a visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, over his burnt palace. Photo: Dare Fasube.

Sultan warns monarchs against partisan politics

BY OLA AJAYI

I

BADAN—THE Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, yesterday, in Ibadan, Oyo State, advised traditional rulers not to be involved in partisan politics, saying that keeping politics at arm’s length, would help sustain the dignity and respect of traditional institutions.

The Sultan spoke during a sympathy visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, over the fire that gutted his palace last month.

He said: “Once we put our eyes and minds in partisan politics, we lose respect. Government believes in us and in the traditional institution and that is the reason we have to be apolitical.”

The monarch also asked other rulers across the country to bridge the gaps among them, saying, “It is left for us to

strengthen the ties existing between us by being good leaders.”

Alhaji Abubakar, who frowned at the way the subject of History was

gradually becoming irrelevant to educationists who expunged it from the school curriculum, said it was not the best as coming generations

would lose touch with their cultural heritage.

He tasked political leaders to be just and fair in the distribution of the dividends of democracy.

ACN leaders meet in Osun on merger

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

O

SOGBO—LEADERS of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in the South-West, will today, converge on Osogbo, the Osun State capital, to deliberate on issues affecting the party in the region in the light of the party’s merger with others to form All Progressives Congress, APC. The meeting, to be hosted by the state chapter of the party, is expected to be attended by five governors of the ACN controlled states of Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos and Ekiti States

among other leaders of ACN. Also expected at the meeting are the National Chairman of the party, Chief Adebisi Akande, National Leader of the party, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former governors of Ogun and Ekiti States, Chief Olusegun Osoba and Chief Adeniyi Adebayo.

Vanguard gathered that top on the agenda of the meeting will include the merger of the opposition political parties in the country.

It was learnt that the party in the South-West would take a position on the place of the South-

West ACN on the sharing of political offices in the newly formed APC at the end of the meeting.

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

A

DO EKITI—EKI TI State Government, yesterday, reconstituted members of the caretaker committees for the 16 local government areas of the state with two members of the former caretaker chairmen reappointed.

The state House of Assembly had earlier in the day dissolved the local government caretaker committees in each of the 16 local government councils.

A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Gani Owolabi, listed two local government caretaker chairmen, Major Femi Awe, Chairman, caretaker committee, Irepodun-Ifelodun Local Government and Chief Adio Folayan, Efon Alaye Local Government, as members of the newly constituted caretaker committees.

The release said the newly appointed caretaker committees would be sworn in today.

In dissolving caretaker committees,the lawmakers also approved the reconstitution of transition committees to oversee the affairs of the 16 Local Councils in the state.

The House, at its plenary in Ado Ekiti, observed that the tenure of the present caretaker committees expired on February 12, 2013.

The Speaker, Adewale Omirin, had earlier read a letter from Governor Kayode Fayemi, notifying the House of the need to reconstitute the committee to avoid a vacuum at the third tier of government.

PUBLIC NOTICE

DR. MARIUS UCHENNA ASHIBUOGWU FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for: 1. Alteration of its Constitution by adding three objects to the existing ones namely: i. To assist in rendering humanitarian services to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP’s) ii. To assist in the provision of medical services to victim of natural or man-made disaster. iii. To support the campaign for upholding of good habitat environment for humanity.

2. Alteration of Articles 3,4,5,6,7,9 and 10 of the Constitution of the foundation.

Any objection to the above alteration /amendment should be forwarded to the Registrar- General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja within 28days of this publication.

Signed: Jude Dele Ugbechie, ESQ 08034523879

12—Vanguard , FRIDAY FRIDAY,, FEBRUARY 15 , 2013

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013—13

Monarch urges peace, unity among ethnic groups

BY IFEANYI OKOLIE

T

HE Chairman South-South Traditional Ruling Council, Lagos State, Charles Ogodo, yesterday, said that unity and peace among ethnic and geopolitical groups, was the only solution to the security challenges facing the country at the moment.

Ogodo, who spoke while hosting a delegation of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Eze-Ndigbo in Lagos State said, it was time for Nigerians to see themselves as one if the country was to become the envy of other nations. He said: “Going through our National Anthem and even the motto, Peace and Unity, if we Nigerians abide by it in one accord it will go a long way in boosting economic growth and thereby reduce poverty in the country.”

LG boss lauds youths on skill acquisition

K

OKO—TRANSITION Chairman of Warri North Local Government Area, Evangelist David Edun, has hailed the foresight and hard work exhibited by Egbema/Gbaramatu youths, as they take the path of skill acquisition, and engage in spiritual rebirth rather than resort to anti-social conduct.

Edun, who spoke in Koko, Warri North council, when Ijaw youth group, Egbema Professionals and Skilled Artisans Association, paid him a courtesy visit in his office, enjoined the youths to keep the good spirit of industry, noting that he was impressed by their zeal to learn trade in different fields of endeavour even in the face of obvious challenges.

He offered himself as one of the patrons of the association, assuring the group that his government was ready to partner any group that contribute to the peace and development of the council.

Obasanjo tasks govt on solution to women's challenges

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN—FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, said it would be difficult for governments at all level to achieve the desired economic and political growth if the challenges facing women in the country were not addressed.

“Affirmative action must be designed and implemented to give women an opportunity to acquire and exercise their knowledge, not just in health issues but also in many national issues. They must be part of decision making body.

Contribution of women today in our national life cannot be over emphasized.”

Governor Adams Oshiomhole, meantime, advocated the active participation of women in the democratic process, noting that, “women are more loyal voters than the men, yet they don’t get what they deserve.”

Obasanjo and Oshiomhole spoke during the 1st Dr. Abel Guobadia Memorial lecture, organised by Women’s Health and Action Research Centre, WHARC, with theme, The Role of Women in Safe

Guarding the Nation’s Health.

Obasanjo said: “If women are shut out, national development in health and other sectors will be hard to realise. Majority of Nigerians, particularly women, are poor and they are susceptible to diseases and that is bad for any nation.”

He regretted that women de-

spite their efforts to the growth of the nation, have been marginalised in the country. “If about 50 per cent of our population are women, any thing that affects the bulk of that population affects the nation directly and this is in addition to the issues of direct effect on women’s health, children and

VISIT: From right: Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State; Mr. Labaran Maku, Minister of Information and Communication, and Mallam Mohammed Garba, NUJ President, during a Pre-National Good Governance Tour courtesy visit to the governor, at the Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke.

INEC sacks Soyinka’s party, one other

BY JOSEPH ERUNKE

A

BUJA—THE Democratic Front for a Peoples Federation, DFPF, the political party of Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has been de-registered

by Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. DFPF is one of the two parties delisted, yesterday, as INEC continued its cleansing assignment involving non-performing political parties. The other party affected by the commission’s latest sledge hammer is Change Advocacy Party, CAP. The development brings the number of political parties de-registered so far to 38.

Mr. Kayode Idowu, Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, who confirmed the development to newsmen in Abuja, said that the action was taken based on a meeting held by its top officials on February 5, this year.

He said more parties would still be de-registered as the commission continued to review the performance of the parties. According to

the family. The issue of women’s health must be treated with the other issues of power, control and decision making.”

Oshiomhole on his part, said: “We must make conscious efforts to encourage our women to participate, not by asking men to give them a chance. They must struggle to find a place to engage."

INEC, the affected parties did not meet the requirements stipulated by the Electoral Act 2010 as amended and had failed to win any electoral position.

It will be recalled that INEC

had late last year, deleted 36 political parties, an action the affected parties said was as illegal and dragged the commission to court to seek redress.

NULGE faults Amaechi on LG autonomy

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

P

ORT HARCOURT— NATIONAL President of Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Mr. Ibrahim Khaleel, has faulted the argument by Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State against the call for local government autonomy in the country.

Speaking to Vanguard during NULGE’s Get Angry and Fight Back pro-local government autonomy rally in Port Harcourt, Khaleel accused the Rivers State governor of advancing a misleading notion that most government’s in the world favour only two tiers of government.

He said: “The Chairman of Nigeria Governor ’s Forum, NGF, will be right to say most countries favour two tiers of government, but he twisted the argu-

ment with the impression that the global preference for two tiers system is to the exclusion of the local government.

“Even Britain, as a leading democracy in the world, is governed by two tiers of government recognising only the central and local (municipal) governments without state structures as we have in Nigeria. The Heathrow, one of the biggest and finest airports in the world, and the largest hospital in the UK, are managed by local administrative structures.”

He said NULGE was displeased that state governors were holding the country to ransom over the issue of local government autonomy, which had gained overwhelming support of Nigerians as manifested in the National Assembly's debate and public hearing on the bill.

We're not owing contractors —Dickson

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

ENAGOA—GOVERNOR Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, yesterday, apologised to Bayelsans over the stringent financial and infrastructural development policies of his administration in the last one year, saying it was aimed at transparent spending and freeing funds for developmental projects.

He said Bayelsa remains the only state not owing any contractor because of its stringent financial and infrastructural development policies, adding that though the stringent policies had earned him the nickname of “tight-fisted governor,” his administration had been able to save and make Bayelsa the only state that was not owing any contractor for jobs awarded.

Dickson in his monthly briefing as part of his first year anniversary celebration, noted that the saved funds of the state were being used to finance over 41 roads and other infrastructural projects across every sector of the state.

C M Y K

C M Y K

14—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FUBRUARY 15, 2013

Anambra govt threatens contractors over damage of water pipes

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA—ANAMBRA State Government has issued a seven-day ultimatum to road contractors working in various parts of the state to repair damaged pipes or be prepared to face the wrath of the law.

Commissioner for Public Utilities, Mr. Emeka Nwaukwu, who handed down the warning yesterday, while conducting newsmen round some of the damaged water pipelines, frowned on a situation where the contractors recklessly destroy the pipes in the course of working on the roads and pretended as if nothing happened.

Describing the act as sabotage, the commissioner said it was unethical in the construction industry for any contractor to embark on any construction work without recourse to the public utilities ministry of that state for clarification and guidance in areas they were to operate.

He said: “On several occasions I had had to appeal to the construction firms through the ministry of works to cross check with my office before embarking on any construction work in order to avert such problems. Regrettably, the contractors never obeyed the instruction.”

Jonathan lauds Arik

A

BY BEN AGANDE

BUJA—PRESI DENT Goodluck Jonathan has sent a letter of appreciation to Chief Johnson ArumemiIkhide, Chairman of Arik Air, for providing the aircraft that brought the national football team, the Super Eagles, from South Africa to Nigeria after the African Cup of Nations 2013.

In the letter to Arik boss, President Jonathan said: “Your very kind gesture of providing the aircraft that brought our gallant and victorious team and officials back home from South Africa was an act of high patriotism worthy of note.”

Umeh accuses Obi of hijacking APGA Threatens to drag governor to court

BY CHRIS OCHAYI BUJA—EMBAT TLED National Chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, yesterday accused Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State of attempting to hijack the party’s machinery in the aftermath of Enugu High Court ruling which sacked him and other members of the National Working Committee, NEC. Umeh, who made the accusation while speaking with journalists alongside the party’s National Secretary, Alhaji Sanni Shinkafi in Abuja, however, threatened to drag Governor Obi to court because, according to him, the governor has no power under the party’s constitution to interfere in the running of the party.

Umeh also accused the governor of sponsorship of the entire crisis in the party, warning him to steer clear of the party since he could not execute the decision of Enugu High Court which had been criticized as a most flawed verdict.

Accusing Obi of destroying APGA, Chief Umeh called on all APGA members to boycott the proposed meeting of the party to be held this weekend in Abuja at the instance of the governor who, he said, had no constitutional power to convene it.

Reminding that he had already appealed Enugu High

A

Court ruling at the Court of Appeal in Enugu, and as well applied for stay of action in the execution of Enugu High Court ruling, Umeh said he still enjoyed the constitutional power to drag the case even to the Supreme Court should the ruling of the Appeal Court not favoured him.

He said: “Governor Obi should allow the judicial process to be exhausted before he

can talk about doing anything. What he is trying to do now is an attempt to overreach my subsisting appeal at the court of appeal Enugu division which is challenging the nullification of the APGA’s convention and the sacking of the entire working committee of APGA. “In the event of his continuing to invite people to meeting, I will drag Governor Obi

to court immediately over his subterranean activity in trying to destroy this party that built him through our sweat.

I hereby call on all APGA members and officials to boycott that meeting he is calling because he is calling it without any competence.

“I had done what the constitution of Nigeria has guaranteed me which is the right of appeal when a judgement is against me or anybody for that matter in Nigeria.

COMMISSIONING: From right: Dr. Modele Osunkiyesi, Director, Family Health and Nutrition, Lagos State Ministry of Health; Prof. Wale Oke, Chief Medical Director, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH; Dr Yewande Adeshina, Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Public Health, and Dr Tunde Willliams, Perm Sec, Primary Health Care Board, during the commissioning of the youth-friendly health clinic of adolescent youth sexuality and reproductive health programme, by Lagos State Government in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

Ecological fund: Anyim, Mailafia shun Senate

A

BY HENRY UMORU

BUJA—MOVE by the Senate to get detailed information on how money for the Ecological Fund office was being spent yesterday suffered a major setback as Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, shunned senators.

Also invited to the meeting but failed to attend was the Minister of Environment, Mrs Hadiza Mailafia.

Only the Permanent Secretary, Ecological Fund Office, Goni Musa Sheikh, honoured the invitation of the Senate Committee on Special Duties.

The Committee on Special Duties, led by Senator Clever Ikisikpo, PDP, Bayelsa East, had invited the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Minister of Environment and Permanent Secretary, Ecological Fund Office, for an interactive session to explain how money voted to the Fund was being spent.

The senators, having waited

for the government officials to honour the invitation but failed to appear, had to shift it to another day, with a warning that this will be the last time the Senate will accept such behaviour from government officials.

Besides chairman of the committee, other senators who waited in vain for Anyim and

others were Senators Victor Lar; Aisha Jummai Alhassan; Robert Borrofice, Solomon Ita Enang, among others.

Angry Senator Ikisikpo, who noted that the meeting was designed for them to give expected information on the Fund, said 3% of the federation account was allocated

to the Ecological Fund Office, stressing that the National Assembly must be told how much got into the account and how it was being spent.

He said the absence of the officials was an indication of total disregard for the Senate which must stop henceforth.

Saboteurs behind UNIABUJA crisis —VC

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

A

BUJA—VICE Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof James Adelabu, yesterday alleged that saboteurs were responsible for the crisis in the institution.

Prof Adelabu, who made the allegation while briefing newsmen in Abuja after he undertook a tour of newly established infrastructures in the main campus of the institution, maintained that some mischievous makers were bent on destroying the reputation of the university.

The VC said: “University of

Abuja is a public institution which some people are bent on running down for no other reason other than their personal dislike for the chief executive.

“It is the proverbial case of employing a sledge hammer to kill a fly. I pray that you will see through the deceit of the selfish few and assist the university in its drive to salvage the situation on the campus for the good of us all.”

He said when his administration came on board in 2009, all the four new pro-

grammes, including Agriculture, Engineering, Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, which were the main crux of the crisis were housed either in rented buildings or borrowed structures at Gwagwalada or Sheda from where they were either ejected or relocated.

He, however, stated that the Engineering programme, which was illegal in the school before now, had earlier failed verification by the National Universities Commission, NUC, and, therefore, ought to have been stopped by the previous administration.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013 —15

Oyerinde’s murder: Reps summon AGF, DSS D-G

BY EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

A

BUJA—THE House of Representatives yesterday summoned Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke, his Edo State counterpart, and Director-General, Department of State Security, DSS, Mr. Ita Ekpeyong over the murder of the Principal Private Secretary to Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde.

Expected to appear alongside the AGF and DSS DG before the lawmakers on February 27 are Oyerinde’s widow and her brother.

Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, had recently accused the police of shoddy handling of his late aide’s murder, declaring that DSS’ investigation into the murder was more thorough.

This development prompted the House of Representatives to intervene.

Appearing before the House Committee on Public Petitions in Abuja, Conference of Civil Society Groups said police investigations were fraught with inconsistencies.

They chided the police for

C M Y

detaining fellow activist, Rev. David Ugolor, in contempt of a court order.

The petitioner described the police prosecution of Ugolor as a ploy to divert attention from the real people behind the murder.

However, counsel to the police, Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN, faulted the submission of the petitioners, dismissing their

petition as filled with lies.

He said the police had adequately responded to the legal opinion of Edo State Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, which a Magistrate Court that tried Ugolor relied on.

Gadzama insisted that the police did a thorough investigation, and that as the person who was last seen with Oyerinde on the night of his

death, there was nothing wrong with investigating Ugolor.

The session was preceded by a mild drama as six activists attempted to appear for the petitioners.

Ruling on an objection from Gadzama that six persons could not speak for one group, committee chairman, Uzor

Azubuike, demanded that counsel to the group made the presentation.

Azubuike decried what he said was the politicisation of a purely criminal matter, saying the next sitting on the matter would help unravel the mystery behind Oyerinde’s murder.

NLC, teachers at war over LG autonomy

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

A

BUJA—A major crisis yes terday hit organized labour as the Nigeria Union of Teachers lambasted Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, President of Nigerian Labour Congress, for betraying the union’s confidence and trust over his position on local government autonomy in Nigeria.

NUT is strongly not in support of local government autonomy, while the NLC and Trade Union Congress, TUC, are campaigning for autonomy to be granted to local governments in the country.

NUT President, Comrade Michael Alogba, in Abuja yesterday, berated Omar, who was also his predecessor at NUT for advocating local government autonomy, arguing that the autonomy would spell doom for teachers in the country.

He said: “The NLC President was the immediate past president of NUT and cannot pretend not to know the position of our union on this matter. We are not happy hearing him say that the National Assembly should not yield to pressure.

“We expect him to be our spokesperson. I think press

may have quoted him out of context.”

For instance, Olukoya argued that the whole nation’s primary education would collapse if local governments were granted autonomy because they would not be able to afford the resources needed to sustain the schools effectively.

Olukoya further argued that the fallout of local government autonomy would also include non-payment of salaries of primary school teachers nationwide as well as non-remittance of 7.5 per cent counterpart funding from

local government councils to the Pension Funds of primary school teachers nationwide.

He said the NLC President was not unmindful of the implications of local government autonomy based on the experience of 1990 to 1994, where teachers were owed salaries for months.

He said the plight of Nigerian teachers was alleviated with the creation of StateJoint Local Government Accounts, JAC, saying since its introduction, primary schools in the country have remained stable, devoid of industrial crisis.

16—Vanguard, FRIDAY FRIDAY,, FEBRUARY 15 , 2013

Senator Reid accuses GOP of blocking Hagel

U

.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid yesterday accused Republicans of putting the country at risk by trying to delay a vote to confirm Chuck Hagel as President Barack Obama’s new secretary of defense.

“For the sake of our national security it is time for us to put aside political theater,” Reid said.

The Nevada Democrat made an impassioned appeal for Hagel’s confirmation amid questions over whether he could get the 60 votes needed to overcome roadblocks preventing a vote.

Reid accused Republicans of trying to score political points by coming up with one reason after another to delay confirmation of a new Pentagon chief, including for the first time ever using the blocking

tactic known as a filibuster to prevent a vote.

If confirmed, Hagel would replace retiring defense secretary Leon Panetta.

Democrats, who have remained united in support of Hagel, a former Republican senator from Nebraska, control 55 seats in the 100-member Senate and could confirm Hagel without any Republican backing. A Cabinet nominee requires the support of only a simple majority to be confirmed.

However, they need the support of 60 senators to clear the procedural hurdles and allow the vote.

Hagel broke from his party as a senator by opposing former President George W. Bush’s handling of the Iraq War, angering many of his Republican

colleagues.

Some members of his party have also raised questions about whether Hagel, 66,

is sufficiently supportive of Israel, tough enough on Iran or capable of leading the Pentagon.

Earlier, two

Republicans had said they would vote for Hagel and several others said they would oppose

procedural hurdles, but those votes may not have held as bitter battling over Obama’s nominee h

Pope to retire into seclusion after papacy T HE outgoing head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI, has hinted he will

withdraw into seclusion after stepping down at the end of this month. “Even if I am withdrawing into

prayer, I will always be close to all of you... even if I remain hidden to the world,” he told a meeting

Egypt’s ruling party pushes for majority in new parliament

T

HE Muslim Brotherhood’s political party aims to win an outright majority in Egypt’s forthcoming parliamentary elections without making alliances with other more hardline Islamist groups, its leader said yesterday.

Saad el-Katatni, 61, became the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) leader

in October, replacing Mohamed Mursi who had become the first elected president of Egypt since the overthrow of veteran authoritarian President Hosni Mubarak in 2011.

“The Freedom and Justice Party will aim to get a majority (in parliament). We expect more popular support

and an increase in our number of seats beyond what we held in the previous parliament,” Katatni told a news conference.

The FJP won about 40 percent of the vote in a parliamentary election last year, short of an absolute majority, although Islamist groups won a total of about 70 percent of the seats.

of Roman priests.

The pontiff, 85, shocked the world’s biggest Christian Church on Monday when he announced his resignation.

He cited his advanced age as the reason for resigning.

The Pope appears to be planning a complete retreat from the public eye, the BBC’s Alan Johnston reports from the Vatican.

However, he is expected to spend his retirement in a monastery at the Vatican and his relationship with his successor as pope is bound to be an endless source of speculation, our correspondent adds.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013 — 17

T

HE main Opposition parties – ACN, ANPP, CPC and APGA - recently merged to form a new political entity that will be known as the All Progressives Congress.

I mentioned this development – which I regarded as fascinating and deeply significant - when I met a friend yesterday; and I expected him to share my interest in analysing the implications –

Governors of the new mega party, APC in Lagos last week

Lol which I regarded as wideranging.

My view was that the All

Progressives Congress contains several influential grandees and is a potentially

Congrats to an action governor

M

y dear friend, Daniel Markson, who is Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dickson of Bayelsa State, has this to say about his boss’s achievements (Dickson celebrated his fist anniversary in office on February l4, that is yesterday):

C M Y K

365 days of running a transparent and accountable regime Until about a year ago, Bayelsa was a place where it appeared time had long stood still, where locusts had had a long running carnival in the sun. Such was the medieval approach to governance, such was the rapacious use of the public treasury. Upon assuming the mantle of leadership on February 14, 2012, Governor Dickson’s first order of business was to drive home the imperative of public accountability without which no meaningful development can take place.

He declared: “We believe that it is the right of the people of the state to know what funds accrue to the coffers of the state and the various local governments and how they are utilized. This is the only way to secure the trust and confidence of the people in whom sovereignty lies.”

He accordingly directed that all local government councils “comply with this paradigm shift.” He gave meaning to the statutory obligation of governments to publicly declare all revenues that accrue to them as well as giving an account of the expenditure. He duly got the state House of Assembly to pass into law the Bayelsa Income and Transparency Bill 2012.

Structures and practices to ensure the or-

powerful alliance which might prevent President Goodluck Jonathan from being reelected in 2015, if he decides to seek a second term.

But when I asked my friend to comment on my view, he said that he was surprised I was taking the matter so seriously because “ while these Opposition fellows are busily merging with each other, the PDP will be merging with

INEC!” I laughed till I nearly fell off my chair. And I collapse into giggles whenever I remember that remark. OK, so I maybe shouldn’t find such cynical observations about our rottento-the-core body politic amusing. But I suspect that I would go mad if I didn’t have a sense of humour; and it WAS a pretty excellent joke.

Readers’ reaction: President on TV

Gov Dickson of Bayelsa State der of business were instituted and functionaries in the public services made to realise that it could no longer be business as usual. Such reorientation was necessary but given how hard it is to change bad habits, the Governor’s leadership by example was a good starting point. Governor Dickson had promises to keep. And he has been driven to keep them.

Next week, I will provide more details about some of the areas in which Governor Dickson has fulfilled his obligations to the people of Bayelsa State.

Before the more cynical Vanguard readers accuse me of praising Dickson only because his Chief Press guy is my chum or because I have allegedly been settled. Let me hastily assure you that I’ve also heard very good things about Dickson from a foreign journalist who recently visited Bayelsa and has absolutely no reason to be biased.

TACHED.

FROM Peter Udosen (fazclean_ventures@yahoo.com), responding to last week’s column in which I said that Mr President should have media training to improve the way in which he presents himself to the world in TV interviews, etc.

Don Don, My position is that it is difficult to teach a dog new tricks. Mr President is not pretending when giving public address. From his days as Deputy Governor to Governor, from Vice President to Acting President and on to President, his delivery has remained the same.

So, for me, that becomes his style. We must not forget that most Nigerians speak/write English as a second language, not as a first or mother tongue.

From Ifeka Okonkwo (ifekaokonkwo@yahoo.com), who regularly contacts me to passionately complain about the system and the people who run it:

Donu The movers and shakers of our society who were all there at Abuja on February 12, 2013, when President Goodluck Jonathan hosted the Super Eagles for winning the African Nations Cup, should take a cue from them for bringing honour to our country with their football skills, quite unlike the politicians who have brought dishonour to our country by being neck-deep in corrupt practices that brought our country down on her knees.

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

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013 WILL the current debates about how much Nigerians spend on foreign medical treatments achieve anything? Are they meant to stop the practice? If public officers value only their own lives, what should other Nigerians do?

There are great points in expecting that our politicians and leaders should invest in the health sector in Nigeria. Millions of Nigerians are ailing. They cannot afford medical services abroad, an ambition reserved for the rich, or public officers, most of who warehouse national resources for their benefit.

Images of such public officers flash through the mind when pondering the N80 billion which the Senate said Nigerians spent on medical treatments abroad in 2012. The bulk of the expenditure reportedly went to India, the favourite destination for all ailments.

Why would government officials not trust the medical institutions that their policies provide? Have we thought of the security implications of our leaders being treated abroad? Other countries not only treat their sick leaders at home but at their military hospitals because of the security consequences of their leaders’ medical records falling into

Improving Our Hospitals “wrong hands”.

It is worse that those who are supposed to ensure that public hospitals work after running the places aground, still have the privilege of getting treatment abroad at public expense.

Our general hospitals and health centres, the health facilities that are generally available to the people are in worsening states of neglect. Apex medical facilities like the National Hospital, Abuja, is not in a better shape. It is a mere glorified version of the public health centres and hospitals that lack the basic facilities they require to function.

The pecks of office of our leaders and top

civil servants include annual foreign medical checkups. The public pays for them. How would people who go abroad at our expense to meet their medical needs have any concerns about the state of our hospitals?

It is a shame that there are no hospitals deemed good enough to treat these VIPs who go abroad at the slightest ache. Development of good hospitals is tied to infrastructure.

Most of the good medical workers are in private practice or have gone abroad, in search of better working conditions.

While in other places their research institutes are tackling challenges and working with their health facilities in seeking solutions to illnesses and diseases that confront their people, a combination of poor funding and government disinterest are hurting our health services.

The billions of Naira Nigerians spend abroad annually on health services, would gradually be earned by Nigerian hospitals as their facilities improve. If our leaders patronise our hospitals, their patronage would help fasttrack some of the improvements required in our hospitals.

OPINION

BY DONATUS OKPALA Continued from yesterday's pg 18

T

HE financing of these community development efforts is invariably from contributions and levies from individual community members - at home and abroad -who consider such contributions as obligatory socio-cultural and filial responsibilities.

Indeed, whatever services and facilities that the state level government is able and willing to provide, is often only a marginal supplement or complement to the developmental efforts of communities.

Most of the services that local rural communities enjoy is, therefore, in spite of the state government NOT because of it, thanks to the communities’ own efforts.

The autonomous communities innovative governance initiatives awaken the spirit of the citizens at the basic local levels to rise to the challenge of community-driven economic and social development. Imbued with a sense of solidarity, there certainly exists enforceable social contracts at this level, even if- sometimes it be through mutual coercion- mutually agreed upon!

The practical and greater effectiveness of autonomous communities system becomes more relevant when the prevailing ineffectiveness, gross incompetence and deeply ingrained corruption in the existing local government system, as currently constitutionally configured, is considered.

In terms of development, most of the local governments in Anambra State only exist in name, not in fact. Developmentally, there is not much to show that they exist. The verdict

Anambra: Who is afraid of autonomous communities system?(3) is near unanimous that the current local government system has not been able to deliver the so-called dividends of democracy to the local people. They are largely ineffectual and ineffective.

The disenchantment and loss of faith in the efficacy of current local government system in Nigeria is such that there has been widespread suggestions for the system to be scrapped in the process of current constitutional review. The suggestion has in this regard been made to the effect that: “Under the new envisaged amended constitution, let each federating unit (state, region/zone) determine whether it wants to continue the existing local government system or replace them with community or county governments”.

The Anambra State Government has been waging a protracted battle to squelch the emergence and evolution of the autonomous community system in the state. The prop or crux of the state government’s reasoning for opposing the emergence of autonomous communities in its State is that by virtue of section 3(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which assigned 21 local governments to Anambra State, and by virtue of section 4(5) of the Local Government Law of Anambra State 2000, each local government area has a specified and listed number of towns.

Based on these, the state government goes on to argue, that if the emergence of autonomous communities would lead to a gross multiplication of the number of towns that make up each local government in Anambra State”. On the basis of this reasoning, the state government concludes that the earlier Law (Anambra State Autonomous Communities (Recognition) Law 2002) (enacted by a previous administration of the State) was in breach of section 3 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It consequently proceeded to repeal "the recognition of Autonomous Communities in Anambra State".

W

hile the issue of constitutionality or otherwise is left to constitutional lawyers to argue, it is common knowledge that Anambra State is only one out of the 36 states that make up the Nigerian Federation and that these states are governed by the same 1999 Constitution as is Anambra State. It is also common knowledge that autonomous communities and similar governance systems or structures have been created and/or recognised by several other Nigerian state governments -more noticeably Anambra’s neighbouring states of Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi and with varying appellations, Lagos and indeed

several other states of Nigeria. These are done with the progressive view of decentralizing development and accountable governance. Indeed, as has been noted by Dr. Sylvan Ebigwei of Aka Ikenga, there are zones where almost every street is a local government.

What water then does Anambra State government’s arguments hold in anchoring its opposition on the 1999 Nigerian Constitution? This stance smacks of the tragedy of a limited view and is patently visionless.

It is a manifestation of political backwardness for the Anambra State Government to expend resources to fight against such progressive development trend of decentralization reflected in the Autonomous Community System. It also appears doubly paradoxical that a state that prides itself as "The light of the Nation” would fight so doggedly (for nine years now!!) to constrict and impede the progressive march to modernization of the governance process and system in the State.

Rather than expending energies and resources at constricting and squelching community growth and development initiatives, the Anambra State Government, ought to, as its sister states in the South-East Zone are doing, accept and support the Autonomous Communities System so as to leverage and accelerate community-driven and more accountable economic and social development at the grassroots level.

Concluded

*Mr. Okpala, a commentator on national affairs, wrote from Lagos.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013 — 19

B

Y now,most Nigerians would have noticed the deluge of books cataloging the author's perspectives of Nigeria,s recent political history and the key actors since the return to party democracy in 1999,literarily flying into the book shelves.

Remarkably,at the heart of the books and authors frenzy, is the struggle for the hearts and minds of Nigerians which is a welcome change because,about this time last year,the refrain was "Occupy Nigeria , which now seems to be morphing into "Indoctrinate Nigeria" via books.

Expectedly,as the socio-political struggle-aka Occupy Nigeria migrates from the streets to the intellectual realm,the tone, contexts and perspectives of the books and their authors are eliciting the curiosity of politically conscious Nigerians who by now must be struggling to cope with the slow but steady speed of our country's political evolution .

Bearing in mind,the statement of the English philosopher ,Mark Twain,who once noted that "A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes", it is believed in some quarters that the rash of books by these latter day authors are attempts to write and re-write

contemporary Nigerian political history for the specific purpose of positioning the ethnic stock of the authors, themselves or their political parties above others for 2015 when our nation's political space,especially at the presidential level, is expected to be open for re-contestestation.

So unravelling the altruistic value or the sinister motives behind this new wave of campaign with books which is more or less intellectualising ethnic nationalism by the politician turned authors is the raison det for this article.

Amongst this genre of books, is There was A Country by a celebrated author, Chinua Achebe whose account of the Nigerian civil war is perceived by other ethnic groups to be dripping of ethnic nationalism .

Particularly irksome to the Yorubas,is Achebe's view in the book that the revered Yoruba leader,Obafemi Awolowo was the architect of the federal government's strategy of starving Biafrians via a systematic blockade of the region's access to sea and airports thereby compelling a surrender, 30 months into the war as the secessionists could no longer bear the pains of seeing their young ones die of 'kwashiorkor '.

Characteristically,Nigerian

politics is generally divided along ethnic fault lines,so the South Westerners naturally responded to the book with loud refutals and venomous attacks that called to question the author's moral and historical authority , just as the Northerners who were at the helms of political affairs when the Biafiran state was declared , also received the book with antagonism while the South Easterners,whom the book was making a case for , welcomed it with deafening ovation .

T

he scenario above which implies that every book strikes different cord with different audiences depending how it imparts their lives,brings to mind a joke someone once shared with me about books and it goes thus:.A book seller conducting a market survey asked a woman: 'which book has helped you most in life.The woman replied with glee 'my husband's cheque

Ndoma-Egba, jurist, teacher, hunter and many more

BY VICTOR NDOMA-EGBA

J

USTICE Emmanuel Takon NdomaEgba, OFR, JCA (rtd) who died at the age of 84 last October was prolific in his trades, languages and even in his amusements.

Though he was renowned as a Justice of the Court of Appeal, Ndoma-Egba almost always referred to teaching as his first love, and not surprisingly, was known to his community folks as Teacher Takon to the point of death last October.

Justice Ndoma-Egba was an all-round pioneer in his part of the world. He was a teacher, civil servant, lawyer and Judge, of both the High Court and Court of Appeal.

A polyglot, languages came to him naturally, and he spoke many. He was a consummate hunter and marksman who proudly displayed his game at his dining table which was the meeting point for many.

Every meal was an opportunity for him to share and to display his culinary skills so he hardly ate alone. He relished the company of people, high and low. He took part in hunting expeditions up to Scandinavia .

True to his friends, available to his community, honest in his dealings with fellow humans, his life was an exemplar to the endless possibilities of the human spirit.

His was a life of love; he was patient, kind, never boastful or conceited, never rude or selfish, hardly took offence, never resentful or jealous, trusting, hopeful and delighted in truth. His friendships knew neither bounds of age, tribe or religion and he remained simple E.T to the world.

He lived life on his terms, worked hard and lived well.

The quintessential gentleman, he was exact in manners and sartorial style, though dead in flesh, he lives in the hearts of people.

Ndoma-Egba born on August 28, 1928 in Akparabong, Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State to Chief Ndoma-Egba,

,

a prominent farmer and entrepreneur of the Egba Etta family, and Madam Ekori Obasse.

He started his educational career at the Church of Scotland Mission, Ikom from 1933 to 1941. On passing his Standard Six in 1941 (as amended in 1939) he was immediately employed as a Pupil Young Teacher, PYT, by the Church of Scotland Mission in 1942 and served for three years earning the appellation ‘Teacher Takon’.

In 1945 he proceeded to New Bethel College , Onitsha for his commercial and secondary school education which he completed in 1949. This period consolidated his friendship with the Ibo Nation and it is fitting coincidence that his son, Victor, was to marry Amaka from Onitsha .

After his commercial and secondary education, he was employed as a typist and later Correspondence Clerk in the Ikom Native Authority where he soon rose to the position of Assistant Secretary of the Authority. He returned to his first love, teaching, and taught till 1954 when he was seconded to the Board of Internal Revenue, Ikom as its first staff. He served as a selected

Late Justice Emmanuel Takon NdomaEgba

book'?Although Achebe may not be contemplating politics,he would be glad if somebody from lgbo stock becomes our president in 2015 and Easterners have the right to such lofty aspiration.

Humour aside,other best selling books that are focused on contemporary political history but of a different hue are Power,Politics And Death-A Front Row Account Of Nigeria Under President Yar'Adua by Segun Adeniyi" late president , Yar'Adua's spokesman and Thisday newspaper Editorial board chairman/columnist which is essentially a political diary from the corridors of power plus Reforming The UnreformableLessons From Nigeria by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala,former World Bank president and current Finance Minister/Coordinating Minister of the Economy derived from her experience as minister of finance during president Olusegun Obasanjo's days (OBJ) in office.

As controversial as Achebe's book and as enlightening as Adeniyi's and Okonjo -lweala's maybe , they've turned out to be a mere side kick compared to the more incandescent books from more active participants in Nigeria's contemporary politics from 1999 till date such as Peter Odili,former Rivers state governor's Conscience And HistoryMy Story. The former vice president Atiku Abubakar's media office The War,The Victories,and The Accidental Public Servant by Nasir El Rufai,former minister of the Federal Capital Territory ,FCT as well as OBJ's The President Explains-A Compendum of Policy and Statements.

,

BY MAGNIUS ONIYBE

,

Intellectualising Nigeria's ethnic nationalism

Every book strikes different cord with different audiences depending how it imparts their lives

True to his friends, available to his community, honest in his dealings with fellow humans, his life was an exemplar to the endless possibilities of the human spirit

,

Special Constabulary at the reception for the Queen of England in Enugu in 1956. He resigned in September 1956 to seek the proverbial ‘golden fleece’ in England .

He schooled at the Regent Street Polytechnic (now City of London University from 1956 to 1959 and obtained the B.Sc in Economics. He then proceeded to the Holborn College of law where he obtained the LL.B and was called to the Bar at the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple in November, 1961 and promptly returned to Nigeria to enrol as a Barrister-at-Law and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on December 21, 1961.

H

e set up his law practice which immediately got busy in Enugu, the capital of the then Eastern Nigeria under the name and style of ‘Ogoja-Ejagham Chambers’, a practice that saw him traverse the Eastern and parts of the Northern Regions of Nigeria and the Cameroons establishing him as a courtroom titan.

At the end of the Nigerian Civil War he relocated briefly to Ogoja before moving to Ikom.

He was the Leader of the Bar in the Northern Divisions of the then South Eastern State, member of the National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association(1971-1974), a member of the Nigerian Bar Council, Member of the Disciplinary Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, Vice Chairman of the Legal Aid

We will return to the variety of perspectives and insights offered by the four new very revealing and controversial books shortly,but first of all,let us not make any mistake about the fact that the current development is not the first time that political office holders in Nigeria would resort to book writing.

The military documented their experience in political leadership in excess of three decades in books such as My Command by Olusegun Obasanjo,Why We Struck by Adewale Ademoyega and Blood On The Niger by Emmanuel Okocha which is a civilian account of the massacre of Asaba people in then Midwest state by federal troops as a consequence of their alleged support for the retreating Biafran army.

So far ,Odili has revealed in his book,how he believes he was schemed out of presidential and later vice presidential positions in 2007 with EFCC's former chairman, Nuhu Ribadu as the arrow head and Atiku's media men on their part exposed the genesis of Atiku's tiff with his principal, OBJ when he was implored by some governors of the People Democratic Party,PDP in 2003 to run against him, but he eventually declined and the affront of even considering the offer turned out to be Atiku's political nemesis as OBJ reportedly vowed to ensure his veepee never realised his ambition of taking over from him.

Continues on Monday pg 17

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

Council, member High Court Rules Committee under the Chairmanship of Sir Darnley Alexander who was soon to become Chief Justice of Nigeria and Member of the Interim Judicial commission of the then South Eastern State. During the Nigerian Civil War he was a Member of the NigeriaBiafra Peace Committee to Addis Ababa , Ethiopia on the Biafra side.

He was a Member of the Investigative Committee into the affairs of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital under the Chairmanship of Sir Alvan Ikoku, Member of the Ogoja Provincial Government under then Eastern Region, Member, Students Advisory Committee, Ministry of Education, Eastern Region, Member, Consultative Assembly, Eastern Region (leading the Ogoja delegation), Member, Ikom Town Planning Authority (Eastern Nigeria), Member, Constitution Review Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. Nabo Graham Douglas S.A.N Hall Master, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Member South Eastern State Economic Advisory Committee, Chairman, Manilla Insurance Company Ltd, Chairman, Sestrade Ltd, Member Investment Trust Company Ltd, President, Boys Brigade of Nigeria, Cross River State Command.

He was elevated to the Court of Appeal in 1987 and served in the Jos, Benin and Port Harcourt Division. He retired from the Port Harcourt Division in 1993 into a quiet life in Ikom from where he served the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria as Elder, trustee and Patron of the Boys Brigade, his community and humanity.

He is survived by Adeline, his wife and consort of several decades, Rowland, Professor of Surgery, Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the Obafemi Awolowo University, IIe-Ife; Ransome, a Community Leader; Victoria, a School Principal; Glory, a Court Registrar; Victor, Leader of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Knut and Eta, businessmen; Roy, Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State; Mbong, a housewife; Oti, a student, several children and grandchildren and great grandchildren. *Mr. Ndoma-Egba, wrote from Abuja.

20—Vanguard , FRIDAY FRIDAY,, FEBRUARY 15 , 2013

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA, OWERRI

T

HE early Christian missionaries in Nigeria made their marks and left worthy foot prints on the sands of time.

Schools, hospitals and a couple of other social services were established and nurtured for the good of mankind. The Anglican Church settled for, among others, the Inyienu Hospital in the present Anambra State and Amainyi Maternity Home in Ihitte Uboma local council area of Imo State.

Amainyi Maternity Home was established as a sister health institution to Iyienu Hospital in 1937 under the then Niger Diocese and the first recorded birth in it was in 1938. History has it that this was the only health institution in this part of the world at the time and it served the people so much. It helped to save lives, especially pregnant mothers and their children.

It must also be mentioned that some very eminent personalities in Okigwe senatorial zone and possibly beyond, were born in this rural maternity home run by the Anglican Church.

The sad thing is that after the initial successes recorded in this hospital by successive leadership of the Anglican Communion, it was later left to rot and indeed, it degenerated so much that it became a mere historical artifact.

Not surprisingly, some private medical practitioners took advantage of the situation and established clinics and hospitals in and around Amainyi community. But their bills soon

*Amainyi Maternity Home now Our Saviour’s Hospital and Maternity

After years of rot, life returns to Amainyi Hospital *Rt. Rev. David O.C. Onuoha

synod on the reactivation and upgrading of Amainyi Maternity Home. He bluntly refused to be counted among those who refused or neglected to positively re-write the history of the ancient health institution

,

After the initial successes recorded in this hospital by successive leadership of the Anglican Communion, it was later left to rot and indeed, it degenerated so much that it became a mere historical artifact

soared out of the reach of the average patients and their relations. Precious lives were sadly lost, giving cause for loud lamentations among affected families.

This ugly situation remained so until 2004 when the Rt. Rev. David O.C. Onuoha was consecrated and enthroned the third Bishop of Okigwe South Diocese. No sooner had he settled for his pastoral duties than the new Bishop got to know about the plight of his adherents.

He became disturbed about the people’s poor health status and non-availability of quality health care in the area. He was not pleased that people needlessly died from avoidable health challenges. He anchored one of his presidential addresses to the

,

Priests and laity of the diocese bought into the project and the Anglican legacy was lifted to a 50-bed cottage hospital and maternity. With this, the name changed to “Our Saviour ’s Hospital and Maternity”.

Not minding that he is neither from Amainyi nor Imo State, the family of the former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, supplied all the foams for use in the new hospital. The likes of Sir Jonas Okeke, Sir Cyprain Agim, Mr. Chucks Anamekwe, Venerable Collins Igwe and Lady Gloria Nwaoha made outstanding contributions to the hospital project.

Indeed, when men of vision come on board, things change for the better. Today, the Diocese of Okigwe South, Anglican

Communion can also boast of a befitting Bishop’s Court, courtesy of the stoic determination of Bishop Onuoha.

Onuoha not only constructed a solid Bishop’s Court but also built edifices for his support staff, including his driver, cook and all.

His predecessors in office will surely marvel if they come visiting again.

Speaking during the dedication of the two projects, the Primate, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, expressed happiness with the realisation of the hospital project, as well as the newly constructed Bishop’s Court, Ezeoke Nsu, Ehime Mbano local council area of Imo

State.

Archbishop Okoh enjoined the faithful to resist the temptation of constituting themselves into agents of destruction, character assassination and rumour mongering aimed at running down the leadership of the Anglican Diocese of Okigwe South. Nothing can be better than this advice.

Igbogila Ipaja community gets free health screening

BY GABRIEL OLAWALE

I

GBOGILA Ipaja Methodist Church was a bee hive of activities at the weekend as residents came from far and near to benefit from a free medical screening and treatment of various ailments, including diabetes, high blood pressure and malaria. The initiative was organised by Igbogila Ipaja Methodist Church in partnership with Malaria Society of Nigeria.

Dr John Puddicombe, President of Malaria Society of Nigeria described the event as another golden opportunity for the resident to know their health status, adding that people who were found to have any of the diseases were treated free of charge while insecticide-treated mosquito nets were given to all participants.

Puddicombe, who stressed the need for regular check up, revealed that early detection of diseases through regular health screening can make a major impact on the effectiveness and cost of treatment later on. “As such, regular medical check-up will aid healthy living”.

He explained that malaria, diabetes and high

blood pressure are most neglected diseases that claimed millions of lives even though they can be prevented through early intervention.

On his part, the Very Revd. Samuel Ojelade said: “As Christians, it is our social obligation to give back to the community what God has given us. When we have good health, we have the ability to serve God and the strength to deliver the duties God called us for. But here today it is not only the church members or Christians but the opportunity is for the whole residents of Igbogila Ipaja” Ojelade posited that a good health status gives all the opportunity to go about their duties without worry and enhances productivity, adding that the notion of going for medical check up only when sick or in serious pain should be abhorred.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Aina Odusanya thanked the organisers for the initiative as it has brought relief to people who cannot go to hospital on account of distance and also do not have money to patronise nearby private hospitals.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013 — 21

Security, priority issue of all tiers of govt — KADCCIMA

BY NAOMI UZOR

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From left: An official of the Platinum Standard Publication Limited, Mr. Samuel Adesina presenting the “4th Nigeria Merit Gold Award for Productivity” to the Base Manager of Seplat Development Petroleum Company Limited, Sapele, Engr. Chukwumah Uje-Uku Igelenyah, at the Nigeria Merit Award Centre, Maitama, Abuja.

$1bn GE investment plant’ll put Nigeria on world map — Maku … as FG targets 370,000 SURE-P jobs in three years

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

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INISTER of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, has said the $1 billion manufacturing plant being constructed by General Electric in Calabar, Cross River State will place Nigeria on world map.

Mr. Maku disclosed this at the Citizen Forum of the Good Governance Tour at the Cultural Center in Calabar, Cross River State.

He said the investment of GE which was attracted by the state tourism potentials has already provided 2,000 jobs and is to generate additional 6,000 more. Maku also commended Cross River State for maintaining peace saying it was key to development.

“If we give President Goodluck Jonathan peace in this country for the next two years you will not recognise Nigeria as major transformation will occur in critical sectors”, Maku stressed. He disclosed that the Federal Government will provide 10,000 new jobs annually through Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P) for next three years in Cross River State

and other 35 states of the federation including FCT and hopes to sustain it for the next three years bringing the total number of jobs to 370,000.

He also called for focus on internally generated revenue for the state governments, stressing that oil dependence was no longer sustainable.

The Minister stressed that Nigeria must begin to move away from mono economy of oil and focus on other non oil sectors of the economy where the future lies.

Maku also reiterated that rehabilitation the railway is ongoing on the Port Harcourt Maiduguri rail line and is expected to be completed before the end of the year, adding that federal government has also approved that the railway will be extended to Calabar and then to Obudu Cattle Ranch.

In another development, the students of the College of Education, Akamkpa have called on the Cross River State Government to consider upgrading the institution to a University as this will enable them acquire better qualifications and skills to better contribute to the development of the state and the nation. They made the call during interaction with Maku who

led members of the National Good Governance Tour on an inspection of projects in the institution, the students commended the development in the school following the intervention of the Cross River State Government.

They further informed the Minister and his team cultism is now at zero level in the school. In his remarks, Maku said the team was in their school to inspect projects and he urged them to work hard and be of good conduct.

“If you are not reading you can’t make it. Character is more important than becoming number one. We can see Cross River is moving forward and you must move forward as well. You have to expose any one engaged in cultism because it is a disgrace to the family, the nation and the institution”, the Minister said.

Briefing the Team earlier, the Acting Governor, Cross River State, Mr. Efiok Cobham, said before the establishment of the College of Education, there was no institution dedicated to the training of teachers especially in the area of primary education. He said most of the infrastructure seen in the institution were put in place from 2007 to date.

HE Kaduna Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA), has said that the challenges of security issue in the country have obviously impacted negatively in the socialeconomic activities and has remained the priority issue of all tiers of government.

In a parley with pressmen, on the forthcoming 34th edition of the Kaduna International Trade fair (KITF), tagged “Combating Security Challenges and the Way Forward for Nigerian Economic Transformation” the 1st Deputy President of KADCCIMA and Chairman, trade fair organizing committee, Alhaji Awwalu M. Makarfi, said effort of the government and its agencies, the contributions of religious and traditional institutions as well as those of numerous organizations toward restoring peace and developmental pace in the country are highly appreciated and commended.

“The choice of the 34th edition of the KITF theme is not coincidental. The process has reckoned with current realities on ground. In a way, it intends to appreciate and compliment government effort towards combating the embattled security challenges. You may recall that the last edition of the KITF had to be rescheduled twice before it was finally held in April/May 2012, as against the usual and traditional period of February/March.

This had to do with the same unfortunate security uncertainties.

138.45

-2.2

2,135.00 -44.00 18.25

0.17

118.65 -0.01 96.76 CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYA KRONA SDR

154.74 240.9302 208.7752 168.654 1.6518 0.298 236.0646 24.8262 41.2607 27.9758 236.8296

155.24 241.7087 209.4498 169.1989 1.6571 0.308 236.8274 24.9069 41.394 28.0662 237.5948n

-0.75 SELLING 155.74 242.4872 210.1244 169.7439 1.6625 0.318 237.5902 24.9876 41.5273 28.1566 238.3601

CBN Exchange rate as at 14/02/2013

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013

FG to establish development finance institution to attract long term fund

BY BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

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HE Federal government has commenced work to establish a development finance institution for the purpose of attracting long term funds into the country.

Minister for Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr (Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo Iweala disclosed this in Lagos while fielding questions from journalists at the sidelines of the 4th Pan-Africa Investor Conference organised by Renaissance Capital.

She said that the new DF is designed to address the scarcity of long term funds in the country, and it is part of efforts to restructure DFIs in the country.

She said that the new institution is designed to attract long term funds of about 15 years and then wholesale to the existing DFIs. She said, “You know we have had DFIs in Nigeria, we have the

Agriculture Bank, Bank of Industry, Infrastructure Bank, but they need restructuring, because obviously there are so many actors in Nigeria, SMEs, farmers, who are not getting access to credit. And our commercial banks are not set up to give long term credit. So we have said we don’t want to do it, like when the Minister of Agriculture said doing Agriculture differently, we want to do DFIs, the President has said we should look at the whole issue of long term financing for the economy urgently and differently so we are going to do that.

What we want to do is that we want to be able to attract ten to fifteen years money in today ’s economy so we are going to be looking at restructuring the ones that exist on ground. We cannot continue to capitalize them all the time but I must say Bank of Industry, for instance that the MD, Evelyn Oputa has done a fantastic job of trying to restructure the place and turn it around, even Bank of

Agriculture the MD is trying.

“So how can we help them? So that private sector can take an interest in these specialized banks and invest and it becomes more private sector driven. At the same time we create an institution that can wholesale long term finance, we don’t have it now, Brazil has it and it worked for them, even Germany, KFW in Germany does that, BNDS in Brazil does that, we don’t have it so if we create it and can get its own credit rating, they can wholesale finance to these other specialized institutions in a way that they are not able to get now so that’s what we are trying to do and we hope to be able to create that.

“Between that and with what we are trying to do for the housing sector. I think by the end of the year you will begin to see a few things that are taking shape within the economy on the finance side. It will take us about eighteen months to be able to get there. The housing institution will take us about 12 months but we are already working now.

L – R: Chief Executive Officer, Rand Merchant Bank, Mr. Alan Pullinger; Chief Executive Officer, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) Mr. Oscar Onyema; Chief Executive Officer, FirstRand Bank, Mr. Sizwe Nxasana and Executive Director, Business Development, NSE, Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri at Bell Ringing Ceremony on The Nigerian Stock Exchange in commemoration of the Bank in Nigeria.

Shareholders want SEC to check unwholesome capital market activities NKIRUKA NNOROM

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HAREHOLDERS under the aegis of Proactive shareholders Association of Nigeria, PROSAN, have called on the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, to take steps to curtail activities capable of hampering the operation of the Nigerian Capital Market.

Speaking on behalf of the members, the National Coordinator, PROSAN, Mr. Taiwo Oderinde, condemned the recent strike action embarked on by the Nigerian Postal Service, which he said impeded the on-going Rights Issue of Oando Plc. Oderinde said, “SEC needs to be up and doing and sanction any of her stakeholder that may hinder the capital market growth in one way or the other like in this case. In a

civilized society, NIPOST are not supposed to go on strike for any reason. I believe this is a lesson to all d capital market stakeholders and d need to guide against this in d future.”

Speaking further, he said that the Securities and Exchange Commission should consider holding periodic meeting with various stakeholders in the market, adding that this would go a long way in sustaining the recovering in the market.

His words, “This is a clarion call to the apex regulatory authority on the need to identify Nigerian capital market stakeholders and hold a joint meeting with them with the sole aim of soliciting their support on the need to sustain the present bullish trend in our

market after years of downward trend.”

It would be recalled that Oando Plc last week secured the approval of the SEC to extend its on-going Rights Issue by two weeks to February 20th, owing to the industrial action embarked on by pensioners in NiPOST. In a statement from Oando, it was observed that the industrial action by the pensioners impacted the circulation and distribution of the rights circular to majority of the shareholders.

According to the company, the extension would enable shareholders take up their rights.

Oando is issuing 4.548 billion shares at N12 per share by way of Rights Issue offer to existing shareholders.

ADB hosts Forum on Indigenous Peoples’ Development

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HE African Development Bank (AfDB) has convened a Forum on Indigenous Peoples’ Development Issues in Africa.

The Forum, which was held in Tunis, Tunisia, was attended by international experts, indigenous peoples groups, ministers, African Development Bank staff, and key stakeholders.

The forum sought to provide a platform for key stakeholders to discuss relevant policies on indigenous peoples’ integration into development initiatives.

During the opening session, Simon Mizrahi, Director of the Quality Assurance and Results Department of the African Development Bank, welcomed participants in what would prove to be a lively and timely debate on inclusion of indigenous peoples in the forum’s discussion. The morning’s panel gathered together leading government representatives and multilateral organization members to discuss case studies in the hopes of better informing the AfDB’s policies.

Berina Kawandami, Deputy Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs in Zambia, spoke of her country’s journey to honour the diversity of indigenous people in Zambia. With 287 chiefs representing the 73 tribes throughout the country, Zambia has recognized the importance of honouring these chiefs and looking to create unique economic opportunities for each tribe, said Kawandami, who summarized her country’s efforts as “one village, one industry.”

Providing a complementary perspective to the Zambian example was General Kahinda Otafire, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs in Uganda. General Otafire offered advice to the AfDB stating, “I would rather look at acquisition, creation and distribution of wealth as the single most important question when we are talking about minorities and indigenous people.” As he moved away from importance of a formal definition for indigenous people, General Otafire quipped, “ we are all indigenous people from somewhere.”

Aisha Abdullahi, Commissioner of Political Affairs for the African Union, lauded the Bank’s efforts to develop specific policies and guidelines on indigenous peoples and looked forward to further collaboration amongst multilateral organizations. As her organization celebrated its 50th anniversary, she hoped that the continent would also honour the theme of PanAfricanism and the African Renaissance.

Abdullahi added that establishing “added efforts to ensure inclusivity” not only for indigenous peoples, but “for all peoples and minorities, women, the youth and future generations” was of critical importance to the development of the continent.

Of the same tenor, Prof. Mthuli Ncube, AfDB Vice-President and Chief Economist, observed that indigenous peoples were not “victims,” but should be seen as partners as well as beneficiaries for Africa’s development.

Bank Vice-President Zondo Sakala opened the day’s discussions stating that the forum “is really about inclusion of people regardless of who they are.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013 — 23

Nigeria can stop rice importation by 2015 — AfDB official

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Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State (right) and Henry Egbiki, Regional Managing Partner for West Africa, Ernst & Young, during Ernst & Young’s management team courtesy visit to the governor.

NEXIM Bank tto o suppor supportt expor 8bn in xportter erss with N1 N18bn 20 13 — Or 201 Oryya

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HE Nigerian Export Import Bank (NEXIM) has stated that it would support Nigerian exporters with N18 billion in 2013 to boost the country’s export profile.

The Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Roberts Orya, disclosed this to newsmen recently, saying, “We are projecting to support exporters this year to the tune of N18 billion; that is projected to generate close to 15,000 direct jobs in addition to indirect jobs that will be created. We hope to enhance credit insurance so that we can develop better market access for Nigerian exporters this year.”

According to him, the foreign exchange projection to generate for the economy from the present and existing funding interventions for the year will not be up to 1.6 billion dollars.

Orya said that the bank would strengthen the collaboration with other EXIM banks in the world to avail concessional long term credit as investment capital to help create jobs for Nigeria.

“We’ve been able to sign a master line of agreement with African Development Bank of 200 million dollars; we expect to draw down the first tranche of 50 million dollars in 2013.

“That will provide long-term funds at very concessionary rate to small and medium enterprises. We hope that at the end of the day, we should be able to intervene more than N18 billion because the N18 billion was exclusive of first tranche of 50 million dollars from the AfDB line.”

He noted that the bank would step up exporter enlightenment campaign to enable Nigerians understand and know the products available to tap into adding that inter agency collaboration would be

strengthened.

Orya said that the bank was able to support and assist various export oriented projects in various sub sectors of the economy in 2012.

These sectors, he said include the agro processing, manufacturing, solid minerals and services sub sectors.

“Under the services, we looked at financing, hotels for tourism, financing transportation, both air, road and sea as well as the creative and entertainment industry.

The managing director said that lack security from the stakeholders in the industry had hampered easy access to entertainment fund “As we speak, we have been able to make available to the industry close to N1 billion and we have several pipe line projects that we are processing.

“But like I explained, the speed at which this fund is being accessed is being muted because of lack of security from most of the stakeholders.”

According to him, the bank has been able to get a report from EXIM bank of India to help to give the entertainers forbearance package.“That type of forbearance can only be given when the federal government has been able to come out with a definite position and how people can access the fund based on various innovative products that will not necessary tie them into some form of definite security.”

He assured that the bank would continue to find avenues to ensure that some of the regulatory challenges limiting the accessing of the fund were reduced.

Orya observed that the banks insisted on the regulatory framework because the fund was not a grant, adding that those that were able to access the fund had effectively used it to boost the sector.

HE African Development Bank (AfDB) has expressed optimism that Nigeria can stop the importation of rice by 2015, if the right things are done. Dr Patrick Agboma, the AfDB’s Chief Operations Officer, said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja. Agboma said that all the Federal Government needed to do was to triple rice production from the current production figures.

“If you hear about the amount of rice the country imports, you will wonder why it cannot produce its own rice. So the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) is to address this shortfall.’’

Dr Akinwumi Adesina, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, had announced in 2012 that the country will stop the importation of rice by 2015, as the commitment to ensure rice sufficiency.

According to him, the bank is willing to help the Federal Government attain its food sufficiency target. He recalled that the bank had earlier received a request from the Federal Government

for assistance toward the agricultural agenda. He said that progress been made with the government’s new rice policy, with the private sector providing 13 rice mills with 240,000-tonne production capacity. He observed that with only 40 per cent of the over 84 million hectares of arable land currently utilised, the agricultural potential of the country had yet to be tapped.

Agboma added that this was why the sector remained critical in the diversification of the economy. “There is cause for hope; we can begin by improving budgetary allocation to agriculture. In the 2013 budget proposal of over N4 trillion, agriculture and rural development was allocated just N81.41billion.

“This is far less than the 10 per cent that the African Union, in its Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme adopted in 2003, that its member nations should dedicate to agriculture.’’ He advised that the country could emulate some progressive countries, which had made agriculture a priority.

Nwangi named Forbes Africa person of the year

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HIEF Executive Officer and Managing Director of Kenya’s Equity Bank Dr. James Mwangi received the Forbes Africa Person of the Year 2012 award in Nigeria from American business magazine Forbes.

James won Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2012 and received the Forbes accolade for his contribution to business, including creating employment opportunities and applying an innovative mindset.

“Entrepreneur of the Year (EOY) is an excellent example of how Ernst & Young identify and recognize promising and successful entrepreneurs and build longterm relationships with them,” says Ernst & Young Regional Managing Partner (West Africa), Henry Egbiki.

“Not only has James really transformed people’s lives across Africa by offering them access to funding that they have never had before, but also Equity Bank continues to grow quickly and report strong financial performance.

James epitomizes the vision and determination that set entrepreneurs apart.”

Accepting, the Forbes award, James said: “All Africans should take up the challenge of improving Africa as our generation could go down in history as that which changed the Africa continent for good.”

James was picked from among the 59 country finalists vying for the title across 51 countries, each of whom had already been named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in their home country.

Dr. James Mwangi has been pivotal in the transformation of Equity Bank from a failing micro-finance institution to a publicly listed commercial bank. He has also driven the bank’s aim to transform the lives and livelihoods of people socially and economically by giving them access to modern, inclusive financial services that maximise their opportunities.

Equity Bank is the largest bank by customer base in East and Central Africa and the largest African majority owned company in the region. The bank has more than seven million accounts representing over half of all bank accounts in Kenya. It also has operations in Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda and Tanzania.

24 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013

IDANRE HILLS:The historic Idanre Hills are another marvelous tourist attractions in the state. Idanre Town, the location of these hills, is about 24 kilometres southwest of Akure, the state capital. The town is divided into viz, the new settlement which is at the foot of the hills and Oke-Idanre, the old settlements on the top of the hills. There is the hill top sanctuary of Idanre, which consists of about 640 steps. These had necessitated, in addition, the construction of five resting posts along the steps to the top. At the top of the hill, there is an intriguing footprint, which is widely believed to enlarge or contract to accommodate every foot. It is as well believed that anybody whose foot does not exactly fit into the footprint is considered to be a witch or a wizard.The cultural relics in term of gods, goddesses and traditional arts can still be seen in addition to the old palace built around the 17th century. The panoramic view of the new Idanre never fails to fascinate first time visitors.

ARTIFACTS: D-G dismisses tourists’ allegations D

IRECTOR-GENERAL,National Commission for Museum and Monuments, NCMM, Malam Abdalah Usman, has said Nigeria’s museums could rank among the best in the world as its artifacts were original.

Usman made this assertion while refuting the allegation made by some tourists that 50 per cent of the artifacts in the nation’s museum were fake.

Speaking in Abuja during the week, Usman said that the museums were custodians of original works of indigenous communities in which they were found.

The Director-General dismissed such allegations as “not only unfounded but baseless”.

Some Nigerians had alleged that some of the artifacts displayed in the nation’s museums lacked originality.

It is reported that some foreigners, who visited the Osun Osogbo Groove during the 2012 Osun Osogbo Festival had expressed displeasure over the unkempt state of the artifacts on display.

Mr Nathias Ryffel, a tourist from Switzerland, once stressed the need for the groove to be well managed.

Another tourist from the same country, Mr Christian Zeier, called for improved infrastructure in the groove.

But in a swift reaction to the allegation Usman gave the assurance that the commission was working hard to give the artifacts the needed facelift so that tourists would have no cause to complain again.

He said that the commission would leave no stone unturned to tackle the challenges of maintaining the country ’s sites and monuments.

The Director-General said that the commission had recorded some success in retrieving stolen artifacts.

Usman recalled that only recently some artifacts were returned by the French Government and said that they were Nok Terracotta stolen by a Frenchman who visited Nigeria.

World tallest drum to be unveiled at Badagry Heritage Museum

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CREATIVE arts’ consultant and Director, Femi Art Warehouse, Lagos, Mr Femi Coker, has said the world tallest drum would be unveiled at the Badagry Heritage Museum.

Coker told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos on Tuesday that, the 11 feet tall drum, would be unveiled to commemorate the black history month.

“The world tallest drum is to be unveiled at the Badagry museum to pay tribute to the black history and to honour the 150th Anniversary of emancipation proclamation.

“It is also the feast of Martin Luther, ‘I have a dream,’ to salute African courage and achievements,’’ Coker said.

NAN reports that the emancipation proclamation was issued by Abraham Lincoln in 1863 that all slaves should be set free.

The unveiling of the drum is, therefore, to honour the end of slave trade.

He said that it would be a three-day event, starting from Feb. 16, at the Badagry Museum.

According to him, the second day will be at the Kalakuta Museum while Feb. 18, the final day, will be at the National Theatre.

Eagles’ victory’ll lift tourism — NDTC

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IRECTOR-GENERAL, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe said the victory of the Super Eagles at the just concluded African Cup of Nations in South Africa will have spillover image on the country’s tourism.

Speaking with Nigerian community leaders in Johannesburg,South Africa to thank them for supporting the Super Eagles during the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, Runsewe said football is a major tourism generator as soccer fans all over the world that watched the Eagles matches will want to know more about the country by visiting.

He added that the expected influx of tourists to the country as a result of the Eagles success will generates a great deal of revenue for the tourism industries . “Hotels, restaurants, nightspots, and transportation facilities are only a few of the tourism industries that will benefit from these success.”

Runsewe , who also launched Friends of Nigeria in South Africa during the AFCON told the Nigerian community that “I am particularly happy because when I came to give out souvenirs to our people before Sunday’s AFCON final in Pretoria, I was expecting to see just 30 people but more than 700 people came to the stadium.

I was happy just as I was overwhelmed by the large turn-out.

Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu receiving souvenir from Otunba Olusegun Runsewe at the Nigerian Embassy in Madrid while Dep Head of Mission, Mr Dokun Fagbohun looks on.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013 —25

NEPC, NAFDAC urge exporters to be transparent

BY DANIEL GUMM

T STAKEHOLDERS FORUM — From left: Dr. Ayobami Omotoso, President, Federation of Nigerian Shippers Association (FONSA), Mrs. Omowunmi Osibo, Director Product Development, NEPC and Controller, Lagos Zonal Office, NEPC, Mr. Matthew Iranloye at the forum.

Stakeholders fret over dumping, faking

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TAKEHOLDERS in the manufacturing, export and other non-oil sectors of the economy have decried the continued effect of counterfeiting of Nigerian goods and dumping of Asian products in Nigerian markets.

They argued that such activities were already taking their tolls on the the economy.

But they insisted that the way to economic growth could only be found in the diversification of the economy, away from its current mono-product source of revenue.

The stakeholders, who decried the practice in-

cluded the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN); Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI); Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA); Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Export Group (MANEG); Nigerian Textile Manufacturers Association; Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON); and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

The occasion was a one-

day seminar organised by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, entitled: “Effects of counterfeiting and faking of Nigerian goods and dumping on manufacturing export,” in Lagos.

The Executive Director/ Chief Executive Officer of NEPC, David Adulugba said if government’s desire to make the non-oil export sector an important contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is to become achievable, there was a need to urgently address the ugly practice of dumping and counterfeiting to encourage growth of local capacity and export.

HE Nigerian Ex- port Promotion Council (NEPC), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Cargo Defence Fund (CDF) have jointly called on exporters to be conscious of transparency, when dealing with clients in international markes in order to enhance the image of the country.

Director of Product Development, NEPC, Mrs. Omowunmi Oshibo, who gave the advice during a stakeholders’ forum on Export Proceeds Recovery Through Cargo Defence Fund, in Lagos, said that the international community at several fora had complained seriously about some of their dealings with Nigerians exporters.

She said: “In some of our meetings with the European Union, they give us warning on our export and the practice of our exporters. Some people export illegally and this won’t help us as a people and as a nation. The few exporters do-

ing this should know that this is not good for smallscale dealers and others who are doing it right. We must all work together to promote the image of Nigeria.

“I advise you to research your product thoroughly before exporting them. You should harness your resources together in order to enhance a standard production and export process. This will make other countries have confidence in Nigerian exporters and give us reputation internationally.”

The Controller, Lagos Zonal Office, NEPC, Mr. Mattew Iranloye, pleaded with the exporters to adhere to procedures that guide exporting, saying that was the only way quality could be guaranteed.

He explained that many exporters experienced constraints of nonpayments after exporting their products, adding that we needed a way of tackling the problem and called on exporters to do the right thing.

“It is important to get the right things done. Export

business should not be taken or embarked upon because you want to make money over night. It should be taken as a career and that is what will make you invest in the process.

Try to trace who is producing a product and build relationship with them.”

Iranloye advised exporters to take advantage of the Cargo Defence Fund, adding that many exporters were unaware of the activities of the agency.

Deputy Director, Export, NAFDAC, Ports Inspection Directorate, Yaba, Lagos, Mrs. Sylvia Ajoku, who spoke on the theme, “Incidence of rejected exports from Nigeria to United Kingdom,” advised exporters that were not producers to source their products from factories that were certified and already registered.

Meanwhile, Secretary, Cargo Defence Fund, Ms. Azuka Ogo, advised exporters to embark on cargo defence, explaining that it aids economic sustenance of small and medium enterprises in international transactions.

26—Vanguard,

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013

Nigeria and quest for nuclear power energy in the 21st Century (4) •Lessons from selected contentious case studies across the globe This is the fourth instalment of this piece. The third part was published yesterday.

Nuclear power facility

(viii) HOWEVER, despite these peaceful initiatives, in October 2006, North Korea is reported to have tested a nuclear weapon underground near Gilju in the north-east of the country, and the whole matter was referred to the UN Security Council. However, to ease tension, a further negotiation meeting was said to have taken place in February 2007 in a yet Six-Party Talks, involving China, Japan, Russia, South Korea and the United States of America respectively; (ix) At the cited 2007 talks, it was also agreed that North Korea shall shut down and seal its Yougbyon reactor and related nuclear facilities including reprocessing plant within 60 days (i.e.

by April 14, 2007) and also accept IAEA's monitoring of that exercise, in return for some incentives. However, the April 14, 2007 deadline was said to have gone without any compliance by the North Korean. However, after diplomatic persuasion, the disputed reactors were reported to have been shut down in mid July 2007 which was verified by the IAEA team. Also other nuclear facilities at the site were said

ABDULLAHI U AKI U.. MAIY MAIYAKI

to have been closed notably, the reprocessing plant (“Radiochemical Laboratory”) and fuel fabrication plant respectively. These nuclear sites and facilities were said to have been sealed, to be further subjected to an on-going inspection and monitoring by the

IAEA; (x) Furthermore, the Phase II measures of the February 2007 agreement is said to involve the establishment of full inventory of nuclear materials and actually disabling the offending plants initially promised by the end of December 2007. It was said to have dragged out to June 2008 and then was marked by demolition of Yougbyon’s cooling tower. The phase III also requires North Korea to hand over fissile materials and weapons gear.

However, North Korea is said to have raised the question that it needed to revive the KEDO project in order to build its light water reactor; (xi) However, on June 25, 2008, it was announced that North Korea had agreed to end its nuclear programme; its nuclear declaration was expected to be handed over to China in Beijing on Thursday, June 26, 2008. While the nuclear devices the country already had were to be handed over at a later date. North Korea is said to have began to dismantle its nuclear programme.

Dismantling of nuclear programme (xii) However, in September 2008, North Korea is reported to have refused to accept verification procedures and further threatened to restart its Yougbyon reprocessing plant. The usual six-party team met in December 2008 but failed to reach a consensus on verification, though the removal of fuel rods from the Yougbyon reactor is said to have continue. (xiii) The controversy between North Korea and the International Community took a dramatic turn when the country reportedly expelled IAEA inspectors from North Korea and restarted reprocessing at Yougbyon. In May 2009 it was said to have exploded another nuclear device underground, possibly described as more successful than the 2006 test, with yield about 2KM TNT of (Hiroshima 1519); (xiv) The question about Uranium environment capacity is

said to have remain unresolved on the list of contentious issues through the period of negotiations.

In November 2010 it was confirmed that since 2008, some 2000 century figures had been set up in a building at Yougbyon, on the site of a nuclear fuel fabrication facility. Along with this, it is also speculated that the construction of a 25-30MW electricity high water reactor reported to have begun in mid 2010 may require fuel enriched to about 3.5 per cent. The construction is said to have advanced into year 2011. (xv) However, it seems controversy between North Korea and the International Community over its disputed nuclear power/ nuclear weapons design programme is far from being conclu-

,

BY ABDULLAHI U. MAIYAKI

from 20.7GW electricity plant, with the aim to provide 59 per cent of the country’s electricity from 40 units by 2030.

Nuclear activities were reported to have been initiated when South Korea became a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency in 1957. By the next year, the Atomic Energy Law was said to have been passed, while in 1959, the Office of the South Korean Atomic Energy was established by the government in close rapidity. However, a major land mark in the South Korean nuclear power energy programme was the acquisition of a small reach unit nuclear reactor in 1962.

Ten years later, construction is said to have begun of the first nuclear power plant - Kori-1, a Westinghouse unit build on turnkey contract respectively. By 1977, South Korean nuclear power energy reportedly achieved commercial operation which led to the burst of activity resulting to the emergence of eight reac-

Generally, South Korea is said to be heading to a status of a major world nuclear energy country, exporting technology

sive. The recent press reports mid December 2012 has it that North Korea has launched a longrange rocket into the air space.

This may imply that the end to this controversy is far ahead. The foregoing presentation indicates that the Korean Peninsula may not afterall witness desired sustainable peace and security to the delight of peacefully minded analysts and statesmen across the globe. In my usual manner of balance/fair and objective analysis of issues and event, we shall briefly examine the SouthKorean nuclear power development programme to give the Nigerian public an alternative view point to the precarious situation the Korean Peninsula present to the world order at large to comprehend.

Nuclear Power in South Korea Generally, South Korea is said to be heading to a status of a major world nuclear energy country, exporting technology.

Reports have it that 23 reactors providing one third of the South Korea’s electricity requirements

,

tors coming under construction in the early 1980s. South Korean energy policy is said to have been driven by consideration of energy security and the need to minimize dependence on the country current imports. The basic core to the South Korean policy is said to be the desire to continue to have nuclear power as a major element of electricity production.

Furthermore, between 1961 and 2001, South Korea’s sole electric power utility agency - i.e. Korea Electric Power Company (KEPCO) was established as a government corporation, with 40 per cent shares now being held by the public and foreign investors respectively.

The power generation segment of the KEPCO was said to have been split into six entities, of all, the country’s nuclear generation capacity, while a little amount of electricity power generation by hydro system respectively, CO11 entirely, Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Company Ltd D KHNP & KEPCO remains as the country’s

transmission and distribution monopoly, while Korea Power Engineering Company is said to be another KEPCO subsidiary.

In addition, the Korean Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP) programme is expected to spend $3.68 billion (4.7 trillion won) on nuclear plants in 2009.

It plans to complete 18 nuclear power plants by 2030 at an estimated cost of $32 to $40 billion equivalent of 40-50 trillion won in order to provide 59 per cent of the country’s electricity. This target is said to have been endorsed by the Prime Minister in March 2010. Similarly, South Korean Power generation capacity is said to have reached 80.5GW electricity in 2009 and is expected to grow to 88 GW electricity by 2017, of which 26.6 GW electricity to be generated

by Nuclear Power, meeting an estimated 47 per cent of demand (214TWh) respectively.

Nuclear capacity In a related development, it is reported that in year 2009 nuclear capacity was 17.7GW electricity met (22 per cent of total), supplying 32.5 per cent of demand (148 billion KWh gross). By April 2012 it is reported to have risen to 20.7GW electricity. However, by 2020 South Korean nuclear power capacity is expected to reach 27.3GW electricity providing 226 billion KWh - 43.4 per cent of electricity respectively.

In recent years, the capacity reactor for South Korea power reactors has been set at an average of up to 96.5 per cent - described among the highest figures in the world.

Fuel Cycle - South Korea is said to have had an open fuel cycle, without enrichment or reprocessing, due to the terms of its 1974 nuclear cooperation agreement with the United States of America, which requires a renewal in 2014. In recent years diplomatic efforts reportedly have sought a removal of these constraints so as to get some 30 per cent more energy from imported Uranium so as to reduce the amount of high-lend wastes. Reprocessing is said to be the main concern.

To be continued

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013—27

EDUCATION SECTOR IN CRISIS:

Evidence, causes and possible remedies (2)

By LADIPO ADAMOLEKUN

•ACCORDING to the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report Index, 2011-2012, Nigeria was ranked 140th out of 144 countries in primary education enrolment.

•“National Planning Minister, Shamsuden Usman, said two years ago… that "Northern Nigeria harboured the highest number of school-age children in the world that were out of school”.

•Enrolment of children into schools is as low as 12.0 per cent in some states.

•Six million of 36 million girls out of school world-wide are Nigerians.

•Nigeria is one of the few countries in the world that has had to launch a boy-child education campaign - launched by the Federal Government in the South-east in June 2012 • In 2008, Kwara State tested 19,125 teachers in Primary Four Mathematics… Only seven teachers attained the minimum benchmark for the test in Mathematics. Only one of 2,628 teachers with degree passed the test; 10 graduates scored zero. The literacy assessment recorded only 1.2 per cent pass.

B. Secondary education: Students’ poor performance records •The following are the percentages of students who obtained five credits, including English and Mathematics in the May/June WAEC over the last five years: 23 per cent (2008), 26 per cent (2009), 24 per cent (2010),

LADIPO AD AMOLEKUN ADAMOLEKUN

31 per cent in 2011 and 39 per cent in 2012.

• Regarding NECO, failure rate was 98 per cent in 2008, 88 per cent in 2009, 89 per cent in 2010, 92 per cent in 2011, and 68 per cent in 2012.

• Percentage of students who scored 200 and above (out of 400 total) in JAMB in the last four years ranged between 36 per cent (2010) and 46 per cent (2009) –

TABLE 1: NIGERIA ’S SCORE AND RANK IN EDUCA TION SUB-CA TEGOR Y, MO IBRAHIM NIGERIA’S EDUCATION SUB-CATEGOR TEGORY GOOD GO VERN ANCE INDEX, 2006 -2011 GOVERN VERNANCE YEAR

NIGERIA’S SCORE (%) AFRICA’S AVERAGE SCORE (%)

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Change 2006 – 2011

51.0 48.8 48.2 48.4 49.0 47.6 -3.4

49.4 50.9 50.8 51.8 53.6 53.8 + 4.4

NIGERIA’s RANK 21st 24th 25th 25th 28th 30th -9

overall average of 42 per cent. In 2012, only three of 1,503,93 candidates scored above 300 and only five per cent scored 250 and above • “The single biggest problem (in Nigerian universities) is the abysmal quality of the intake; the vast majority of my students barely know their grammar, never mind the poor quality of their knowledge.”

•According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report Index, 2011-2012, Nigeria was ranked 120th out of 144 in secondary education enrolment.

C. Universities: Some Education minister, Prof. Raqqayatu Rufai specifics on decline •“The most ridiculous of teaching staff; and in some, the in all aspects of quality education indication of the rot in our number of senior administrative measurement on an African universities was the recent staff alone is more than the total comparative basis is provided in reported dismissal of three number of teaching staff.

Table 1 above. It is based on the •“There is an average of four 2012 Mo Ibrahim Good graduates of the Enugu State University of Science and abandoned projects per university Governance Index, Education Technology from the National in Nigeria” – with negative Sub-Category of the Human Youth Service Corps scheme for consequences for classrooms, Development Category. (The falling below the standard laboratories, students’ hostels, three other Categories of the Index are: Safety and Rule of Almost all the universities are overLaw; Participation and Human Rights; and Sustainable staffed with non-teaching staff: in many Economic Opportunity).

The six indicators used to universities, the number of non-teaching calculate the scores recorded in staff doubles, triples or quadruples that the Table are: education provision and quality, ratio of pupils to of teaching staff; teachers in primary school, primary school completion, progression from primary to expected of graduates.” (The and staff accommodation. Poor secondary education, tertiary university is reported to have infrastructure adversely affects education, and literacy. According declared “an academic teaching, research, learning and to the evidence, education students’ health and safety. emergency.”) performance in Nigeria declined •Minister decries lack of •“…Nigeria’s university significantly between 2006 and system is in crisis of manpower Nigerian academic journals (that 2011: score declined from 51 per (italics and bold added). Instead are cited) abroad. cent to 47.6 per cent in and •There are 75,000 Nigerian of having no less than 80 per cent Nigeria’s rank declined from 21st of the academics with Ph.Ds, only students in Ghana who pay not to 30th.

43 per cent are Ph.D holders less than N160 billion as tuition It is striking that there was while the remaining 57 per cent alone annually, compared with improvement across the are not. And instead of 75 per the annual budget of N121 billion continent: from an average of 49.4 cent of the academics to be for the entire federal universities per cent score in 2006 to 53.8 per between senior lecturers and in Nigeria. cent in 2011, an increase of 4.4 • In 2010, Nigerian students professors, only about 44 per cent per cent contrasted with Nigeria’s are within the bracket while the spent about N246 billion in decrease of 3.4 per cent. Nigeria’s remaining 56 per cent are not. tertiary institutions in UK, more poor performance in the The staff mix in some universities than 60 per cent of education Education sector is typical of the is alarming…Kano State sector budget in 2012. country’s performance in respect •Universities do not have University, Wudil (established in of all four Categories of the Mo 2001) has only one professor and adequate supply of Ph.Ds but Ibrahim Index in2012: Nigeria Ph.D holders seek graduate-level 25 Ph.Ds”. dropped into the bottom 10 •Almost all the universities are positions and some compete to be countries in the overall rankings over-staffed with non-teaching truck drivers. for the first time: 14th out of the In addition to the above sectorstaff: in many universities, the 16 countries in West Africa and number of non-teaching staff specific illustrations, broad- 43rd out of the 52 countries in the doubles, triples or quadruples that gauged evidence of huge decline Report -Nigeria was 41st in 2011

,

This is the second instalment of this piece which was first published yesterday

,

and 37th in 2006.

Part three: Causes of the crisis: Three major causes of the crisis in the education sector are examined in this Lecture: (i) overcentralisation; (ii) implementation failure; and (iii) de-emphasis on the value of education and decline of the teaching profession.

Some other causes of the crisis are linked in varying degrees to one or the other among the three main causes highlighted and they will also be mentioned, as appropriate. The problem of corruption deserves special mention. Although it is not highlighted as a major cause of the crisis, it will feature prominently as it is uniquely linked, in varying degrees, to both over-centralisation and implementation failure. (i). Over-centralisation: Overcentralisation is, without question, a major cause of the crisis in the education sector and its origin is unarguably the intervention of the military in the governance of the country. The fact that military rule lasted for almost three decades (one of the longest in Sub-Saharan Africa) and was extended by a former military ruler and strong believer in centralisation who served as the first civilian president from 1999 to 2007, has resulted in the entrenchment of overcentralisation in a constitutional federal system. The following are five key misbegotten legacies of military-imposed centralisation in the education sector:

Military imposed centralisation (a) At the primary education level, former President Obasanjo, the civilianised military who served between 1999 and 2007, invented a role for the Federal Government in primary education that was different from what the 1999 Constitution prescribes: Universal Basic Education (UBE) was designed as a Federal Government policy and programme in defiance of the provision in the 1999 Constitution that assigns responsibility for primary education to state and local governments.

The role of the federal government in primary education is limited to prescribing minimum standards as provided in the Constitution’s Second Schedule, Exclusive Legislative List, 60 (e). Sadly, two civilian presidents have maintained this usurpation. Former president Yar ’Adua committed to abandoning this bad practice but he died within a year that he turned his attention to the subject. (“I have also directed that all laws be examined that go against the federal system so that they will be amended to be in conformity with the federal system of government” (interview with London’s Financial Times reported in various national newspapers, May 20/08).

To be continued

28 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013—29

Unveiling the REAL Kefee Watching her perform on TV and chatting with her life are two most wonderful experiences you wouldn’t forget in a hurry. She is a superstar who knows her onion, yet so down to earth that you would think you are having an everyday chat with a teenager. She has got no air about her, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t at the top of her game and more. She is no other than the ever young, ever glowing, the amazing worshipper, who got advertised by people who saw her performed in church as a young girl. Kefee is her name; in this interview, she talks about her cooking skills that she has bottled up in a restaurant, Kefee Peace Foundation, her husband who inspired her beautiful song titled Beautiful and more…

By FLORENCE AMAGIYA We haven’t heard from you in recent times?

I just released a new album titled “Chorus Leader ”, it is going to be a double CD album. But at the moment only one CD is in the market. We need people to really get used to the songs and also learn from it. The first CD which has been released into the market contains 12 tracks including, the in-tro and out- tro.

The album is going to be a Body and Soul thing; the CD out is the Soul of the album, the spiritual part of the album. You would understand better when you listen to it. They are songs you can actually lift your soul. I am a spiritual person, and I want to be known as one. The hit track is titled “Beautiful.” It is inspired by my husband, the video titled “Beautiful” dropped today (Wednesday)and I am so excited because it is indeed beautiful.

The video is not my usual kind of video because you know I love dancing. You would also say that it is not like Kefee, but variety is the spice of life. Also in that CD, I did a song titled, “Dan Maliyo” which is already enjoying airplay and I featured Becca from Ghana. The album with two CDs would be called: “Best of both Worlds. I love cooking and I can cook very well. Recently, I ventured into commercialized cooking of a sort like other manufacturers do. So I have added cooking to my career; I have a restaurant called the Branama Kitchen in Ikeja, Lagos State.

You referred to one of your new released CDs in your new album as the SOUL of your album; you called it the spiritual part, what

I N S I D E:

Kim Kardashian storms Nigeria for Darey’s ‘Love Like A Movie’ concert C M Y K

kind of songs are we expecting in them, the regular dance hall Christian songs?

The CD is all encompassing because there are praise songs and worship songs in them. There are songs you can worship God with, there are also inspirational songs you can lie down and relax with. I did a song with Duncan Mighty, so you can imagine Duncan Mighty kind of beats; I also did another with a popular group in Delta state known as DC Envoy. One of them is the popular Gordons, the comedian, Obus Zalee, the actor cum Take The Stand initiator and the last, but not the least is Festus. In that same song, the comedian, Apkororo was also involved; it was comical, but wonderful. The title of the track we did together is: ‘ who get ear make he hear ’. It was really comical and you would want to listen what stuff Gordons is made of as well as Apkororo.

It is an exciting album.

How have you been able to manage your fame, the spotlights and still look ageless?

I don’t know how I have been able to do it but I know that I don’t allow anything to bother me.

I cannot lose sleep over anything. More over, I have small stature, yet I appear very big on Television. I try to distinguish between Kefee on TV and Kefee in real life. I don’t take stress to my heart and I dance a lot. I don’t bother myself about how people see me because I am comfortable the way I am. I also eat healthy foods; as you can see I enjoy cooking delicious foods. I am not living my life to please anybody; I hate living a routine life. I am a happy and easy-going person.

Would you pay anything to get back your youthful looks?

We learned from people around us, my Dad for instance, is someone who knows how to take care of himself. He had gray hair while we were growing up but he does a lot of exercise and eats right.

I think somehow this must have rubbed off on me because at his age he didn’t grow a tummy.

8 most dressed stars at the 2013 Grammys

When I noticed I was putting on weight, I decided to work on myself.

Do you mean you would have been bigger than the way you are today?

I don’t know but my parents are not fat. Except now that my mum is advancing in age. My dad is still watching his weight. Secondly, I have been a busy person, right from childhood, I would go to school, come back home, go for extra moral classes, and then, go to church. In a nutshell, I am used to being active; I guess that’s the reason I’m not really fat.

Continues on page 30

Why are you buying that

laptop?

30—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013

SYNOPSIS

Looper I am still me — Kefee Continues on page 29 What was life like while growing up?

While I was growing up, I wanted to make a career in music. Particularly, in 1994, I was still very young and I told my dad I wanted to go into music. He wouldn’t hear of it; he wanted me to pursue a professional course like Law, Medicine or others. But obviously, I was destined to be an artiste. At a point, my dad advised me to restrict my passion for singing only in the church.

But something happened that made all the difference in my life. I could remember those days when I was doing the chores at home.

Each time I stopped singing, people around me would have cause to complain and insist that I should continue.

How do your siblings see you as a sister and a superstar?

First and foremost,I used to sing with my siblings while we were growing up.

In fact, I am from a family where singing run in our blood. You need to hear my dad sing. My mum on her own was a chorister in the Anglican Church. I could recall when she featured in music competitions and returned home with smiles of victory. Like I said earlier, my siblings used to sing together with me. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to bring them to the studio and do songs with me. They will tell you that Kefee on stage is the same as Kefee at home.

You look like the girl next door?

I am still me. I don’t see any reason to get carried away with fame. Usually, I go out of my way in search of my old friends. Even though I grew up as a star, it didn’t change me much. Meanwhile it is a wrong way of approaching stardom. In Europe, stars are seen as humans and they do things that other people do. They go to the Chinese restaurants like you do and all that. So, it is no big deal becoming a star if you cannot live a life of freedom.

What are those things you did, and later regretted doing them?

I cannot tell you all that now. But I promise you, you will read such things in my upcoming book. I am writing a book about

my life and I’m sure, you will find out what I have regretted doing in life.

H

ow did you get your major break I grew up in Sapele, in Delta State. Sapele being a very small town has its advantage and disadvantage. I sang in Churches then. One fateful Sunday, I was invited on stage to sing for the congregation , I sang myself into fame. We had some missionaries from America who attended the church programme and later commended my performance. That was where I got my break.

How do you describe your type of music?

My music is basically about love; love for God. I can sing about love for my loved ones; love for my parents and all that. Music is a medium through which messages are conveyed to the audience. If you cannot get the message l am

Everything I sang in that track was about him. My husband is beautiful to me and makes me beautiful!

sending perhaps you would get it somewhere else.

How do you manage your home after all the noise with your music?

It is not easy to run all these and make the best out of them all. So, there is need for delegation and team work. I have wonderful cooks at the restaurant; they are professional cooks. I have also an understanding husband who loves me for who I am. He inspired one of my new songs, Beautiful.

You talked about your husband with pride. If you have to do it again, will you marry him?

If I’m asked to do it again, I will choose him. He is amazing, he is indeed awesome. And I have no regret marrying him whatsoever. My husband indeed makes my life beautiful, hence the title of my new song Beautiful . Everything I sang in that track was about him. My husband is beautiful to me and makes me beautiful! So, if you are in a marriage and you are not feeling beautiful by your husband; then you are sitting on a wrong thing!

The children, are we expecting them soon?

My children would come with God’s grace.

Do you have any pet project?

I have a foundation and it is not a celebrity thing. I have set up this foundation since 2007. It is called ‘Kefee Peace Foundation’, we distribute relief materials to flood victims and people in need.

We were in Bayelsa with our relief materials and hosted a musical concert, we were also at Jos, but we didn’t do any musical concert because of the state of restiveness. This foundation started when we had ethnic crisis in Delta state between the Itsekiri, the Urhobos and the Ijaws. We had to set up these foundations because the Government alone cannot reach out to all these victims. Sometimes, some of the tings allocated to the victims may not get to them one way or the other.

During our first concert, we had Sunny Nneji and Faze perform at the concert. At that time, Faze’ song Kolomental just came on air and it went a long way to relieve the victims’ pains. I am a member of Red Cross Society and we distribute relief materials as well. We also visit old people’s home, motherless babies’ home.

Yes other people visit there and give materials but they are not enough. We should give more to them.

The movie, Looper starring Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt and Joseph Gordon Levitt is hitting the box office today. In 2074, when the mob wants to get rid of someone, the target is sent 30 years into the past, where a hired gun awaits. Someone like Joe, who one day learns the mob wants to ‘close the loop’ by transporting back Joe’s future self.

TOP MOVIES OF THE WEEK •DJANGO UNCHAINED •FLIGHT •LES MISERABLES •SILVERLINING PLAYBOOK •JACK REACHER

Exhibition Schedule for 15- 22 February, 2013 SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, VICTORIA ISLAND Looper: 4:30pm, 8:30pm Flower Girl : 1:30pm, 4:10pm Silverlinings Playbook: 2:00pm, 6:25pm.

Flight; 11:00am, 6:40pm.

Les Miserables: 11:10am.

Django Unchained: 1:15pm, 8:45pm Jack Reacher: 9:15pm Rise of the Guardian: 11:10am.

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, IKEJA Flower Girl: 12:50pm, 5:10pm, 9:40pm.

Django Unchained: 3:10pm, 6:15pm Hotel Transylvania: 11:05pm.

Here Comes the Boom: 3:05pm.

The Meeting: 4:10pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, ABUJA Flower Girl: 1:10pm 5:50pm, Silver linings Playbook: 1:00pm, 3:50pm, 6:30pm, 9:10pm .

Man on Ground: 11:30am,5:10pm Flight: 11;10am, 1:50pm, 6:20pm, 9:00pm Les Miserables: 11:50am, 2:50pm, 8:10pm.

Django Unchained: 11:20am, 4:15pm, 8:40pm.

Jack Reacher: 4:20pm.

Rise of the Guardian: 12:20pm.

Pitch Perfect: 2:10pm, 8: 30pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS CEDDI PLAZA , ABUJA Looper: 11;30am, 1;50pm, 4:10pm,6:30pm, 8:50pm.

Flower Girl : 2:10pm, 6:50pm Man on Ground: 3:30pm Django Unchained: 12:20pm, 5:20pm, 8:30pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS PORT HARCOURT FLOWER Girl : 12:20pm, 2:35pm,4:20pm, 6:40pm Silverlining Playbook: 11:20am, 3:00pm, 5:20pm Man on Ground: 12:55pm, 4;50pm, 8:40pm Flight: 12;20pm, 2;50pm, 5;30pm, 8:10pm Les Miserable: 12:10pm, 3:20pm, 8:20pm Django Unchained: 1:35pm, 4:40pm, 7:50pm, Dr Bello: 12:50pm, 3:00pm.

Rise of the Guardian: 1:20pm,6:20pm Hotel Transylvania : 11:30am .

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS UYO Flower Girl : 12:05pm, 2:20pm,4:35pm, 6:50pm The Lost Number: 2:35pm, 4:45pm.

Inside Story: 12;15pm, 4:45pm Twilight Saga breaking dawn part2: 2:10pm, 4:50pm.

Premium Rush: 12:40am, 2:30pm, 4:30pm, 5:10pm.

Here comes the Boom: 12:25pm, 2:45pm, 4:55pm, 7:00pm.

English Vinglish: 6:30pm Safe: 11:40am, 4:25pm.

OZONE CINEMAS LAGOS Looper: 1:00pm, 3;20pm, 5:40pm, 8:00pm Flower Girl : 2:30pm, 7:05pm Silverlinings playbook: 12;10pm, 4;45pm.

Flight: 10:00am,2:55pm.

Les Miserables: 10:00am Django Unchained: 5:35pm Rise of the Guardian: 10:05am Hotel Transylvania: 10:30am FILM HOUSE LAGOS Flower Girl : 2:15pm, 8:45pm Dr Bello: 12:15pm FILM HOUSE CALABAR Flower Girl: 3:15pm, 8:45pm Django Unchained: 5:30pm.

Twilight Saga : Breaking dawn part2: 12:00pm Hotel Transylvania: 10:00am GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS LAGOS Flower Girl : 11:00am, 3:00pm, 5:10pm, 10:20pm Looper: 10:10am, 12:40pm, 5:40pm, 7:50pm Silver linings Playbook: 3:10pm, 10:00pm Django Unchained: 10:20am, 1:30pm, 4:30pm, 7:30pm GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS PORT HARCOURT Looper: 1:10pm, 5:20pm, 7:40pm.

Django Unchained: 9:30am, 2;25pm, 5;30pm.

Man on Ground: 12:00pm, 2;15pm Flower Girl : 11:45am, 7:25pm GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS ENUGU Hotel Transylvania: 10:00am, 12:00pm, 3:50pm Django Unchained: 11:00am, 2:05pm 5:10pm, 8:15pm, Flower Girl : 10:00am, 2:00pm, 6:10pm, 8:30pm

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013—31

Ground Zero, unveils a 5D set up in Nigeria

Kim Kardashian storms Nigeria for Darey’s ‘Love Like A Movie’ concert

By ANOZIE EGOLE

A

I

merican reality TV show star, Kim Kardashian is due to storm Nigeria this weekend as she co-hosts Darey ArtAlade’s “Love Like A Movie concert.”

Although all arrangements have been concluded in respect of her attending the much anticipated event, Kim K as she’s fondly called by her fans took to her twitter page during the week to confirm the news.

The valentine concert is billed to hold on Sunday, February 17, 2013 at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre, Lagos.

This will be the second time in quick succession that 32 year old, “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” star will be visiting Africa. She recently paid a visit to Abijan, Ivory Coast on Friday, January 18, 2013.

Kim, who is expecting a baby with rap mogul Kanye West. Real names; Kimberly Noel “Kim” Kardashian, she was born on October 21, 1980. In 2006, she gained notoriety as the subject of a sex tape that subsequently resulted in a court awarding her $5 million. In 2007, she and her family rose to prominence with their E! Reality television series “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” and its subsequent spin-offs, including Kourtney and Kim Take New York and Kourtney and Kim Take Miami.

In 2010, Kardashian was the highestearning reality star, with estimated earnings of $6 million. With sisters Kourtney and Khloé, Kardashian co-owns the fashion boutique chain D-A-S-H. She has been involved in the production of several lines of clothing and fragrances. In August 2011, Kardashian married basketball player Kris Humphries in a widely publicized ceremony. That October, Kardashian filed for divorce following 72 days of marriage. The move garnered significant backlash from the media, who labeled it a “publicity stunt”.

n the quest of fighting the menace done to marketers by pirates, the foremost entertainment set up, Ground Zero, has recently unveiled a 3D and 5D set up which ensures zero tolerance to piracy for pirates unlike the common popular 2D which breads piracy.

The outfit did not just only end in setting up a 3D, it also made available all arms of entertainment which aims at giving a full dose of entertainment to fun seekers. The two storey building which is located outfit which is located at Ebute meta, in Lagos State do not only run a a relaxation center, it can also be defined as a good tourist center as all it takes to make tourism fun is found there. It can be said to be Las-Vegas in Nigeria as all that could be find in such places were taken time to be imported in Nigeria.

•Kim Kardashian

American singer, Maxwell to clash with Omawunmi, Bez at Beat FM stage V in its tradition of being at the forefront of Classy events and bringing exciting international acts to Nigeria, have announced plans for “Valentine’s with Maxwell”, the coolest and most exciting evening to remember this first quarter of 2013, to be headlined by Grammy award winning American R&B, funk and neo-soul singer, Maxwell.

“Valentine’s with Maxwell” which had being receiving mas- which is slated for tomorrow, sive airplay since last year. at the Ocean View grounds, Crystals is a Nigerian boy and Eko Hotel and Suites, will girl band, consisting of 6 mem- also feature the best of Nigebers; rapper (Romeo), two fe- rian musicians on stage inmale lead vocalists (Slimberry, cluding Yinka Davis, Bez, Apholyzty), drummer (Emma Omawunmi and Black MagBlow), keyboardist (Dammy ic alongside with Maxwell.

Keys) and bass guitarist (G Powered by Classic FM Base).

97.3, the radio station that Since signing up with Now brought Sax sensation, KenMuzik, Crystals have per- ny G to the country in 2011 formed at various shows to the admiration of music lovers thus gradually becoming a prominent figure in mainstream popular music and youth culture with an increasing number of fans.

The launch has the support of Star, el Canaral, Beat fm, Trace Urban, Spinlet, My streetz and NM En.core.

Elevated had the input of seasoned and A-list producers.

They worked with Samklef, Del B, Shizzy, Harrysong, George Nathaniel, J. Sleek, Spyke, Phat E and the renowned OJB Jezreel. The album also features upcoming female rapper,

alentine’s Day is here again, and in the spirit of the season of love, Radio Station of the year Classic FM 97.3

Crystals set to drop Elevated

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

T

HE much awaited album of the teen pop sensations from Now Muzik management outfit, Crystals, is set for launch at the prestigious Industry Nite on February 20 at Get Arena, Lekki, Lagos.

Aptly titled ‘Elevated’, the 11 track album is the first from the

fun band with the ‘crystal effect’ after formation and winning the 2012 edition of the Nigerian Brewerries Plc organized singing competition, Star Quest.

The young exciting band had whet the appetite of good music lovers with the release of two singles from off the album; ‘Gbe Sun Mo Mi’ and the melodious afro pop ‘Ringtone’

•Crystals-Star-Quest-2012-Winner

Speaking at the official unveiling of some of the new 21st century equipments, the cooperate affairs officer, Dimeji Lamore, said that they had in mind of making that place a visual reality with the introduction of 5D set up. “ we had in mind of putting smile on peoples faces with the introduction of this kind of outfit. We decided to situate it this area so that the poor can as well have asses to fun.

There is also a need to cub piracy that was why we are using 5D instead of the common popular 2D so that pirates will find it difficult to have their way ”. Demeji said. He also stated there interest of premiering its first 3D film, shot in Yoruba and subtitled in English on the Valentines day “fourthnight from today, we will be calling you for the premiere of our first 3D film, short in Yoruba, subtitled in English.

in association with Sax Appeal. Multi-talented vocalist and musician, Maxwell, will also be visiting the country for the first time ever, and will be thrilling and serenading music lovers with his hit singles which include ‘ Ascension (don’t ever wonder)’, ‘this woman’s work’ and ‘Pretty wings’.

Speaking on the much anticipated concert, Classic FM’s Programme Director, Chico expressed joy that the fast rising station is bringing to the country another famous R &B funk from America. “We are delighted to bring to our listeners this fabulous Valentine’s gift. It’s going to be a fantastic night – Maxwell – enough said!”

32—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013—33

By Prince Osuagwu

Why are you buying that

laptop?

T

he 21st work environment has made computer ‘a must’ for everybody. However, some also buy laptops to be counted among the 21 st century complaints. In Nigeria, particularly, a lot of people buy laptops, mostly the tablet genres, just for status symbol.

But, for what ever reasons to buy a computer, be it to make PowerPoint presentations, take notes and do other simple business tasks or watching HD movies, playing video games and video chatting with friends, there are common factors to consider

Battery Life

For those on the go, whose laptops are going to be in constant use, battery life is perhaps the most crucial consideration when picking a laptop. This is quite contrary to that of desktop which most probably will sit on your desk day in, night out.

Laptop computing is all about mobility, and battery life is quite as critical.

However, laptop makers always claim battery life times that do not practically follow, in reality because the numbers they convey often refer to light usage with a dimmed screen. This means that there is always the possibility of up to 1 to 2 hours less than claimed, particularly while browsing the Web and running multiple applications. There may be even less when using the laptop for playing games or other tasks that taxes the computer.

Size and weight

It has been widely accepted that this is a mobile world. So to pick a laptop one needs to pay attention to the size and weight. Heavy laptops kill mobility.

In 2011, computer processor maker, Intel, debuted with ultrabook category of laptops which were also launched in Nigeria. The systems focus more on lightweight, usually weighing about 1.3 kilograms with ultra low voltage CPUs. Ultrabooks do away with disc drives and focus on portability, long battery life.

Although these laptops aren’t powerful enough for some users, they demonstrate a trend towards lightweight notebooks that are extremely portable.

They are manageable to carry between home and the office every day

Storage memory

and

All laptops, traditionally, store data on spinning physical discs called hard drives, but faster solid state drives that use silicon-based memory are becoming more affordable and more prevalent in mobile computers. Because solid state drives don’t rely on moving parts, they’re more reliable in computers that tend to get bumped and jostled around.

However, storage space may not be a big concern for users now, as cloud storage is gaining more ground. So for those who store most of their data in the cloud and don’t plan to load a computer up with gigabytes of music and video, storage and memory are less a headache. Besides, every piece of software running on a computer and the operating system itself, store data in RAM to function. The more RAM you have, the better. But you must remember to upgrade this component when possible.

Screen and Resolution

There are three common screen sizes in the notebook industry: 13 inches, 15 inches and 17 inches. The smallest in this group of laptops obviously prioritize portability, and often forgo DVD drives to make their bodies thinner and lighter. The mid-size category has a bit more range: Some heavier systems operate as desktop replacements, while others are light enough to still be easily portable while offering large screens. The largest category of laptops are, well, pretty huge. They always offer high resolution displays and powerful hardware, but can easily weigh up to 4.5 kilo. For those who love to watch movies on their laptops, 15-inch and especially 17-inch laptops are large

*Laptops

enough to be decent TV/computer monitor substitutes for watching video, particularly on the go.

Processor and Graphics

For professional graphic artistes this feature is important. A computer’s processor determines how efficiently it can run programs, multi-task and basically do everything expected of modern computers. Processors get faster and more efficient every year. Most Windows-based computers run on Intel’s processors; smaller ultraportables, such as Apple’s thin MacBook Air, run on ultra low voltage processors that draw less power than some of Apple’s other chips.

Quad-core chips deliver more powerful performance, but even dual-core processors are up to the task of playing video and running system-intensive programs like Photoshop.

The graphics processor, or GPU, is important when it comes to playing HD video and running games. Many laptops use integrated graphics rather than dedicated graphics chips.

There’s way out of social media addiction

By LAJU ARENYEKA

W

*Blackberry craze

hat are our youths driving at, making the social media a second nature? From the lecture halls to the dinning rooms and in the churches, hands are permanently locked away on the keyboards of the iPad, Blackberry or mini laptops. Addiction has set in, taking over the better part of a normal life.

You know you are a social media addict when your fingers shake, your legs are pressed together from an enduring bladder, but you remain in front of your computer screen. You know you’re a social media addict when the ‘cling’ alert on your blackberry sounds, and your heart races as if you’re about to enter a million dollar deal. You know you’re a social media addict when the smell of burning food awakens you from virtual wonderland more times than you can count; when you have no idea what’s going on in a business meeting because you’re distracted. Whatever your signature symptom is, there is a remedy:

Admit it: The first step on the road to recovery is to admit that you have a problem. Living in denial will help you sink deeper and deeper under internet water.

Take the first drastic step: Could you just deliberately refuse to charge the battery of your device for a few hours, delaying your internet payment for a week, or leaving your phone at home for a day? There could be sanity in those hours, really.

Get some help: Share your problem. This time around, not on the internet but physically with your neighbour, friend or loved one and let them keep you accountable.

Get a life: No offense here, but you just might need more to fill your day. Get a hobby, host a group of friends in your home or volunteer in a charity home.

Little peeks and clicks: If you deny yourself altogether, you might get a major breakdown after a while, so allow yourself little peeks and clicks preferably as a reward at every milestone of ‘abstinence’ because let’s face it, everyone needs a bit of the social media.

34 — Vanguard, FRIDAY , FEBRUARY 15, 2013

One year after Whitney

passing. Broken hearts have mended, and lovers of Whitney Houston both home and abroad can come to terms with her demise without shedding a tear or developing a lump.

—Lessons learnt

T

he entire universe was heartbroken last year when news of the death of the extraordinary vocalist But if you thought the world’s heart would never mend, you were startlingly wrong. The world has not forgotten Whitney: on the contrary, it is quite agreed that the world will never forget her, still her new and old fans are settled she will forever live in our hearts. Her life, as well as her passing, have taught not a few life lessons.

act ‘disrespectful’.Also, despite raging conspiracy theories involving (not so) secret cults, Whitney was honoured at the Grammies by Clive Davis playing what he called a rare performance of Houston belting “All The Man That I Need” at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Houston’s brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Pat Houston, attended the gala, where Davis thanked them “for being here tonight.” He also called Houston the

A Legend is better dead than Living

•Whitney

“greatest, greatest singer of our lifetime.” It was all part of the party.

The party will continue Allegedly, Whitney ’s godfather invited her mother, Cissy Houston, to party the Saturday night before her anniversary. She declined, saying she would rather go for her daughter ’s memorial the next day.

Some have expressed outrage over the decision her mogul-mentor made to continue the event amidst Whitney ’s shocking and sudden death. Music heavyweights like Chaka Khan and even Houston’s own mother Cissy considered the

The ex will remarry

Okay, he had to do it sometime, but Bobby Brown could have tied the knot with before the sad demise of his ex wife, making like it was her or no one else. The minute her back is turned, though, he couldn’t get hitched quickly enough. Just four months after Whitney ’s demise, Bobby Brown married his fiancée of two years, Alicia Etheredge. The couple was surrounded by family and friends but with one noticeable exception, Brown’s daughter Bobbi Kristina, who did not make it to the festivities. It confirms what the sceptics say: if you die, he’s going to move on.

Time will Heal all Wounds

It is a clichéd saying, but it has definitely been reinforced by Whitney’s

•Bobby Brown and Whitney

Valentine Weekend- things to do F

or the celebration junkies, it is not a deterrent at all that Lovers’ day this year falls on a Thursday. The weekend begins the very next day and there are a million and one

Pamper Yourself

Wear Red

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Visit an orphanage

I

t has become trendy now to visit the ‘less privileged’ during the Valentine season and while this is a good development, make your efforts more than a show but a time to get to know them and forge long lasting

Xpressions •Westerhof

friendships. Don’t forget- they need your money, but they need your friendship more.

activities lined up.

In addition, it’s your call to do with your valentine week. Here are a few tips:-

his is the part where you get to wear the ridiculously red shoes/suit/bangles/ wig you could not have got away with wearing any other time of the year. Wear it with a smile and watch the world respond.

Like Bob Marley and Michael Jackson before her, Whitney will be finding out from heaven that while being a living legend drives you into self-defeating dependencies such as marijuana, prescription pain killers and crack cocaine and is selfthreatening, dead legend is comfortable and real, not to mention lucrative.

As has been the trend with so many artists — Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, Johnny Cash, among them — sales of Whitney Houston’s music received a huge boost in the aftermath of her sudden death on Feb. 11. With just 24 hours passing between news of Houston’s death and Nielsen SoundScan tabulating the weekly album charts, Whitney: The Greatest Hits still managed to surge into the Top 10 with 64,000 copies sold. That’s a 10,419 percent gain from the previous week, which saw it move fewer than 1,000 copies.

It was the great songstress Whitney Houston that famously sang: “learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all”.

Go to the spa and go all the way. Eat a 20,000 naira dinnerbecause you’re worth it.

Redefine love

D

ebate with your friends and

frenimies about the meaning of love.

Spread the love nd this is not necessarily with your body, though there really is nothing wrong with doing that with your significant other (wink). Put your money where your heart is and send surprise gifts to loved ones, particularly those who were not expecting it. Give a gift… or three

A

Thank Westerhof

I

t is a well known fact that Clemens Westerhof, the ‘foreigner’ from Holland, was the one that defined modern Nigerian football.

It was a time that the world had found itself on the edge of globalization, and the first of the sports to fall over was soccer. The round leather game was already drawing, in Europe, hundreds of thousands of fans to the stadiums each week, but the business side required that non-Europeans- a whole lot of them- be hired to become not experts but new superstars who were to be celebrated not only for their skill but also for their lifestyles.

A new aristocracy was born.

The pads, the (trophy) wives, the other toys, the clothes and of course, the cars all became gist material and fodder for party discussions.

Endorsements grew. It was the perfect time for Africans to enter the game, and Westerhof knew this. The glamour- or the quest for it- drove excellence.

Kanu, Okocha, Ikpeba, Kanu, Amokachi, Okechukwu, Oliseh, Siasia, Taribo , Ike Sorunmu, Finidi George and of course Stephen Keshi as well as others all brought in diverse experience into the Continues on page 35

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRAURY 15, 2013 — 35

Fashion Month at the Capitals A

part from Valentine’s, February is also the month that has the blood of fashionistas around the free world boiling as the now-est designers put the styles they will be pursuing for the next six months at least on the trendiest catwalks in London, New York, Paris and of course Milan.

The London shows start today for Autumn/Winter 2013, while the New York shows have concluded, Thigh high slits, bold stripes and asymmetrical hemlines are some of the main features of new York and a controversy is raging over similarities in designs and the factors responsible for them.

There is also the new ‘trend’ of being able to buy online straight off the catwalks, without having to wait for them to get on the high street.

New York favourites Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karan/DKNY, Victoria Beckham and Ralph Lauren wowed as much as the newcomers, bringing fur back with a bang to the fashion scene. Fake, of course.

If New York is glamour, glamour and more glamour, London promises to be a mixture of glamour and fun, as the fashion week becomes more and more of a cultural event each year and gets more international press than any other fashion week. Paul

Smith, Temperly of London, Nicole Fahri, Pringle of Scotland and the good old Mulberry label.

Milan, of course, will be the ultimate, with all the world’s biggest names in fashion on the runways- Feragamo, Cavalli, Fendi, Gucci, Prada etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. Set to begin on the 20 th , surprises are expected as much as they

usually come in inventive Italy, where a hatmaker showcased her collection for the first time atop buck naked models- men, women, oldies and pregnant women.

The party will be extended in Paris, where the shows start on the 26th and go on for ten days until March, and there it will all end, unless you are counting Russia,

where Mercedes Benz is sponsoring a fashion week this year.

Paris will have Yves Saint Laurent, Chloe, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton and Hermes, and together with London and Milan, will continue to be one of the justifications for Europe’s anticipation of a better economic future.

Thank Westerhof Continued from page 34

national team. The Eagles, for the first time, qualified for the world cup.

1994 was the beginning of something glorious, heady days for Nigerian football.

Expectations were high, and justifiably, but nothing lasts forever as the saying goes, and the slide into disgrace as it were, came around the turn of the century.

Westerhof was out of the national picture, but that did not deter the mass exodus of our finest raw football talents, the old ones having almost all retired, or attained veteran status. But while the position of the latter group had changed, it had not become irrelevant. In the old Eagles is a veritable goldmine. Keshi and his colleagues hold in their legs the technical future of Nigerian football in their various legs and they- as well as us- have Clemens Westerhof to thank for it.

•Keshi

S TA T I S T I C S :

Girl Child Education in Northern Nigeria T

he Transforming Education for Girls in Nigeria and Tanzania (TEGINT) project is a special education initiative to transform the education of girls in Northern Tanzania and Northern Nigeria, enabling them to enrol and succeed in school by addressing key challenges and obstacles that hinder their participation in education and increase their vulnerability to gender violence and HIV/AIDS. TEGINT ran between 2007 and 2012 as a partnership between ActionAid, Maarifa ni Ufunguo in Tanzania and Community Action for Popular Participation (CAPP) in Nigeria, funded

by Comic Relief and the Tubney Charitable Trust in the United Kingdom. As well as interventions to enhance girls’ education, the project included a substantial research component involving researchers from Nigeria, Tanzania and the Institute of Education, London.

90%

Despite the legal framework, basic education is still not free for many parents and children. Levies have not reduced over time: over 90% of SBMCs, head teachers and girls state that levies have either stayed the same or increased since 2008.

156th The Human Development Index, which is a composite statistical measure of life expectancy, adult literacy, and income, is 0.459 placing Nigeria at 156 of 179 countries and making her one of the most unequal countries in the world.

0.278 However, that the real valueof Nigeria’s human

development is even lower at 0.278 once the HDI value is adjusted for distributive inequality across the population (UNDP, 2011).

73.8% average poverty level in the three northern zones is 73.8% compared to an average of 63.3% in the South (British Council Nigeria, 2012).

46% Girls in Katsina report receiving information on girls and women’s rights (and do well in schools’ gender profile score) but only 46% said that a girl can lead a school as well as a boy, and32% (the lowest of all states) said that women can engage in politics on equal terms to men.

16 The socioeconomic status of women and girls in the northern zones lags behind those in the south: over twothirds of girls in the North aged 15-19 years are unable to read compared to less than 10% in the South; in the North only 3% complete secondary school and more

than 50% are married by age 16 (British Council Nigeria, 2012).

88% said that a teacher who has a sexual relationship with a pupil should be dismissed and never allowed to teach again.

36—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013

D

URING the time of Prophet Ibrahim (a.s) there was a man who lived in the household of Ibrahim. (a.s) Ibrahim loved him, fed and clothed him, took care of him as one of the members of his own family. But he never knew he was a pagan.

He returned home one day to discover to his chagrin that this man was not only a pagan but was a chief priest of the pagans.

He was angry and threw him out of his house. The man wandered about hopelessly.

Almighty Allah in his infinite mercy watched how Ibrahim dealt with the man. Few days after, Ibrahim was reproached by Allah in a dream for throwing out the man and rendering him homeless, without food. Allah told him in that state of subconsciousness that He was the one who created the man and who had kept him for 70years of his paganism; providing means of sustenance to him without. He was ready to even preserve his life more with adequate sustenance irrespective of not believin in

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

Islam in the face of violence What struck the man (pagan) was the revelation that God had kept him for 70years. He was shocked since he had never told anyone his age. He wondered that only the true God would know everything about him and would continue to provide his sustenance despite the enormity of sins he had committed against HIM, he thought. He did not only return home with Prophet Ibrahim, he became a believer and a servant of God immediately.

Our characters and manners as Muslims will affect people’s attitude towards Islam more than what we say

,

Allah. There Prophet Ibrahim realised it was not right for him to have thrown the man out and subjecting him to excruciating living conditions just because he was a pagan.

Ibrahim, realising his grave error went out in search for the pagan. He found him after several efforts and beseeched him to return home even promising to give him more for his daily needs. He went as far as narrating the revelation that led to his action to the pagan.

,

The Quran says call people to the way of God with wisdom and not with violent. “Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for thy Lord knoweth best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance. “ (Q16:125) That is why we say Islam is a way of life that gives us the best guidance on how to invite people to Islam in the

most effective way. The above verse serves as the approach or methodology recommended by the Qur’an, which is also the Sunnah of the Prophet. Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet said, “A believer is friendly, and there is no good in one who is neither friendly nor is treated in a friendly way.”

(Tirmidhi 4995; and Ahmad) This shows that Islam is not based on a deep hostility to pagans or non-Muslims or the socio-political institutions.

Every Muslim who knows his faith knows that there is a world of difference in his faith and other religion, but for the fact that we have to co-exist, for the fact that those who reject the faith today might embrace the faith tomorrow by the leave of Allah, and for the fact that we do not create them, Almighty Allah did, just like in the story of Ibrahim and the pagan narrated above. Therefore, we have to co-exist and live Islam the way we preach it.

Contemporary multi religious society In a contemporary Multi Religious society like ours, it is imperative that we are friendly and kind in inviting nonMuslims to Islam. Our characters and manners as Muslims will affect people’s attitude towards Islam more

than what we say. If we behave nicely, as we ought to do, the non-Muslims will see the impact of Islam in us and it will be easy for them to embrace.

Allah only forbids you, with regard to those who fight you for (your) Faith, and drive you out of your homes, and support (others) in driving you out, from turning to them (for friendship and protection). It is such as turn to them (in these circumstances), that do wrong.” (60:8-9) If non-Muslims, or at least a sufficient number of those who now link the happenings in the country to Islam, were to understand the ideology of Islam and its effect on the minds of its adherents, then they would recognize that no matter the spate of bombings here and there, Islam inculcates the right ideals. This is the way Islam should be viewed and not the pseudo character given to him by those who know little or nothing about the religion.

Another argument by some sects of people is that since we claim Islam is monolithic, whatever a sect of Muslims does is a representation of all. In fact, it is not uncommon to always hear people say that the Southern Muslims are not really practicing the religion, some would say the Northern Muslims do not recognise the Southern Muslims as practicing

the real Islam. My take is that Islam is the same all over the world.

The Quran is one and the hadiths or the practice of the prophet are clear, showing no divisions in the Ummah. What may not be monolithic is the character or attitude of Muslims themselves. This of course has to do with the level of understanding of Islam and also the effect of infiltration of cultural practises which affect the way they exhibit the tenets of Islam.

I wish to also say at this point that there is a school of thought that also believe that some people are hiding under the cloak of the name Boko Haram to unleash terror on the land in order to realise their ulterior motive. So, if that is to be believed, we might not have seen the end of all of these as amazing revelations are yet to come on those who are really behind it.

Muslim leaders in this country including the Sultan of Sokoto, the head of Muslims in the country have spoken in line with the thought that the spate of bombings, killings and violence by a group of people is not representative of Islam and have vehemently condemned it. They have also showed reasons why we all have to live together as one irrespective of our religious differences.

It is the hope of every concerned Muslim that Islam is properly understood in line with its teachings and tenets; and that Muslims and nonMuslims live peacefully and practice their religions without fear.

To link Islam with the the spate of terrorism in the country is part of the rash, designed to confuse the situation and also to weaken the minds of those ready to embrace Islam. But Islam will endure.

Quareeb FFamily amily lauds Aregbesola this year ’s Maolud on Hijrah Da Dayy Nabiyyi. (the birth of

T

HE President of AlFatih-Ul Quareeb Islamic Society of Nigeria, Alhaji Odedele Mustapha commended Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for declaring a public holiday in the State to mark this year ’s Hijrah

day. Just as he urged politicians to play according to the rule as they warm up to activities leading to 2015 General Election.

Alhaji Mustapha made this call while addressing Muslims during the celebration of

NASF AT Igbogbo holds NASFA inauguration

A

•Members of Al-Fatih-Ul Quareeb Islamic Society of Nigeria during the celebration of this year's Eid-el-Maolud, in Ikeja, Lagos.

ll is set for the f o r m a l inauguration of another branch of Nasrul-lahi-lFatih Society of Nigeria at Igbogbo, Lagos State.

The event which comes up on Sunday February 17, according to a release sent to Vanguard, will be presided over by the President of the Society, Worldwide, Alhaji Sheriff M. Yusuff branch.

The chairman of the

inaguration committee, Alhaji Moshood Ogunlowo stated that apart from attracting the presence of all the major national officers of the society including the Chief Missioner, worldwide, Sheikh Abdullah Gbade Akinbode, prominent businessmen and captains of industries will also grace the occasion.

The event is slated for 10am.

Prophet Muhammad).

“I call on all politicians to play according to the rules having in mind the fear of Allah in all their activities as they warm up to activities leading to the 2015 General Elections. I hasten to warn that history will not forgive anybody who does anything capable of worsening the already battered infrastructural facilities, living condition and o v e r w h e l m i n g insecurity all over the Country in the name of playing politics.”

He urged the National Assembly to urgently embark on legislative processes that will make the criminal codes more corrective and punitive for corrupt officials as a way of stemming the current wave of corruption in the country.

Vanguard, FRIDAY FRIDAY,, FEBRUARY 15, 2013—37

INEC pledges freest poll in 2015 E

NUGU—THE Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is determined to conduct free, fair and credible elections in 2015 and beyond, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Enugu State, Dr Lawrence Azubuike, has said.

Azubuike who gave the assurance in Enugu at a capacity building workshop which the commission organised for the commission’s staff in Enugu State said that toward achieving the goal, the commission had commenced series of training for its workers to prevent any laxity in the future elections.

He said: “INEC is doing everything possible to conduct one of the freest elections in 2015. There is a consensus that the electoral exercises which the commission has undertaken since 2011 have improved.

Therefore, the public will no longer tolerate any shortcoming from the election management body.”

Azubuike expressed delight that INEC in the state had not had cause to conduct re-run, run-off or bye-elections since 2011. He attributed the development to hard work and dedication to duty by the staff and urged the participants to take the workshop seriously.

He said the workshop would boost the workers’ productivity in meeting the expectations of Nigerians in future elections.

In a paper entitled, “Election

Logistics: Distribution of Election Materials’, the Head of Department, Operations of INEC, Dr Fidelis Uguru, stressed the need for timely provision of election logistics for elections.

He said that the distribution of election logistics were key to the success of elections. Uguru explained that the logistics for polls involved planning for and computation of human electoral

personnel as well as sensitive and non-sensitive materials.

He said that it also required timely recruitment and procurement of resources, effective transportation of electoral personnel and materials, proper storage of material and provision of adequate security.

Uguru said that out that distribution of election materials, especially non-sensitive ones like

voters’ register, forms and stationery usually commenced two weeks before an election.

Uguru emphasised the imperative of monitoring movement of distributed materials with a view to ensuring that they got to the end users.

“If all these are put in place for the elections and with the cooperation of the electorate, there will be free and fair elections in the country,” he said.

Count us out of merger – APGA Youth

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

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WKA— AS the uncertainty over the future of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, continues, following the emergence of a mega party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, the youth wing of APGA has denied knowledge of any talks by the party with other political parties for the purpose of merger.

National youth leader of APGA, Mr. Okpara Ferguson Ogbonnaya, said it was ironic that some people belonging to a party in a democratic dispensation would contemplate taking action that would involve the totality of party members without the courtesy of allowing such a

weighty decision to be deliberated upon by the party.

He said: “The action of those that unilaterally said that APGA, our great party, has merged with other parties can justifiably be described as a manifestation of dictatorship and apparent lack of direction. APGA youths were yet to get over the shock of the purported planned merger only to read on the pages of the newspapers that the purported merger had already transformed into the formation of a new party, meaning that APGA has ceased to exist, God forbid!

‘This is perhaps one reason those who claim to control our great party have refused to strengthen the party in any form, so that it would give them room to continue to manipulate the

party for their selfish purposes. The APGA youth wing calls on every APGA member to respect the party and its ideals, which are greatly bound to the ideals of our late leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu. As Ojukwu always told us, APGA is essentially to give voice to the Igbos and not an instrument to negotiate selfish, political calculation.

“We call on all faithful APGA members and Nigerians, as well as INEC to ignore the story as regards APGA merging with any political party in Nigeria. The idea of merging without consultations with any party in Nigeria was never the dream of the founding fathers of APGA. So, what they have done is telling us that they have dissociated themselves from our great APGA.”

JUSUN suspends strike

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

T

HE Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, has suspended its 11-day industrial action aimed at pressing home demand for the new minimum wage, which paralyzed activities of courts in Imo State.

The State Chairman of JUSUN, Comrade Kenneth Aloka, told journalists in Owerri, after the intervention of the union’s National President, Comrade Marwa Mustapha Adamu, and other stakeholders that “since the national officers have taken a decision that is in our best interest, we have suspended the strike to allow the committee work out details of the agreement.”

National President of JUSUN, Comrade Adamu, said: “Government has realized and accepted that the placement of basic salary of judicial staff in Imo State was wrong and we have agreed on N15,718.75 as basic.”

Works Minister, Arc Mike Onolememen flanked by Otaru of Auchi, Ikelebe 111 on the left and Director of Highway, North Central, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr Emenike Mgbemena on the right and another community leader during the flag-off of the dualization of Lokoja-Auchi-Benin road, yesterday in Auchi, Edo State.

Electricity consumers protest in Idemili

BY ENYIM ENYIM

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ESIDENTS of Awada in Idemili north local government area, under the aegis of electricity consumers forum, Awada chapter, have protested what they described as estimated billing by the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN. The placard carrying protesters who marched in a peaceful protest through major streets in the area, complained that PHCN had for over two years billed them on estimation without visiting their individual residences to read their meters.

Addressing newsmen after the peaceful protest, spokesman and one of the coordinators of the group, Chief Ferdinand C. Uzor, said they were forced to embark on the protest because PHCN had been extorting money from Awada residents through crazy bills without actually reading their meters.

Uzzor noted that that all efforts to make the power company redress the anomaly fell on deaf ears, adding: “In the last two years, we have been billed between N6,000 and N100,000 monthly for a 3bedroom flat. We had written to them to correct the anomally but they refused to hearken to our request. We appeal to them to correct it immediately before things get out hand.”

The worrisome aspect, he said, was that PHCN had refused to give them prepaid meters even when majority of them had paid for them.

He said the power company told them that they could not be issued with prepaid meters on grounds that if they were issued prepaid meters, the company would not meet its expected target.

Ezzu River: Five LGAs worry over looming epidemic

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

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WKA—THE five local government areas of Awka North, Anambra East, Anambra West, Ayamelum and Oyi which make up Omambala area of Anambra State, yesterday, expressed fears that all the communities along the Ezzu River that empties into Anambra River may become

victims of an epidemic.

Dr. Nnanna Egwu, who led a delegation of Omambala Forum to the palace of the traditional ruler of Amansea, Igwe Kenneth Okonkwo, said the various communities living along the river should be taken into consideration, in view of the environmental consequences posed by the floating dead bodies to their people.

Egwu said: “Ezzu River is part of the great Omabala River and if it is polluted in Amansea because of the mysterious dead bodies floating on it, it will equally affect other communities within the area.

This issue has been discussed at the enlarged meeting of Omambala Forum.

“The river that passes through Amansea is part of Omabala River that traverses over 20 communities

and that is why the matter should be of great importance to everybody. We are using this medium to appeal to the Federal Government to wade into this matter because before December last year, our people reported that some dead bodies were floating in our river. We did not take it seriously because it was not up to the magnitude of the Ezzu River discovery.”

38 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013

Ex-militants kick against Amnesty Phase 3

Why opposition parties've gone to sleep in Delta — Amori ....We're not asleep —Labour Party

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

BY FESTUS AHON

U

G H E L L I — URHOBO Exmilitants Group, yesterday, kicked against the ongoing documentation process for the third phase of the amnesty programme, describing it as fraudulent and capable of triggering fresh violence in the Niger Delta region.

It said the implementation process for the third phase of the programme was a departure from assurances by Chairman of the Amnesty Committee, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, that he would use the United Nations’ Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration, DDR, standard code for the documentation of the third phase.

Addressing newsmen in Ughelli, Delta State, National Chairman of the group, Mr. Wise Onobruchere, said unlike the first and second phases of the amnesty programme, where one gun represented two slots of beneficiaries, five guns were being used to represent a single slot in the third phase.

LG boss tasks Transition C'ttee members on performance

BY TOMMY ANADUAKA

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RANSITION Com mittee Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, Mr. Innocent Esewezie, has advised the newly sworn-in members of the transition committee to live up to expectation of government and the people in the discharge of their duties.

Esewezie, during the swearing-in ceremony of the Vice-Chairman, the secretary and other members of the committee, said governance at every level was complex, dynamic and challenging, hence individuals with integrity and foresight are entrusted with the task of making decisions to attain societal goals.

A

SABA—SENIOR Po litical Adviser to Delta State Governor, Chief Ighoyota Amori, has said that opposition political parties in the state have lost relevance and are as good as dead because of what he described as “overwhelming achievements of the Emmanuel Uduaghan administration.”

Meantime, Labour Party, LP, in the state, has countered, saying the party was not asleep, but strategising ahead of the 2015 general elections.

Amori said: “They will continue to sleep because they have nothing concrete to oppose. The overwhelming achievements of the Uduaghan administration as spelt out in his three-point agenda of peace and security, infrastructure and human capital development, are too pronounced for any opposition party to criticize, hence they are sleeping.

“When they wake up, they will join the PDP/Uduaghan administration. Secondly, the opposition parties have come to realise that criticizing for the sake of it does not

enhance their chances in any electoral contest hence they are fading away and the only honorable option open to them is to go to sleep.”

Reacting, Chairman of Labour Party, in the state, Mr. Emeka Nkwoala, disagreed, saying: “Delta is one state in the federation where opposition parties won various seats both at the

state and National Assembly elections. The opposition also challenged the validity of the April election up to the Appeal and Supreme Courts as the case may be. Last year, we dragged the governor before a Federal High Court sitting in Asaba for delaying the conduct of local government elections in the state. Such oppo-

NIGERIA INTER-RELIGIOUS COUNCIL: From left: Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof.

Amos Utuama; his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Lady Valerie Ebe; President, Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, during the opening ceremony of the 2013 first quarterly meeting of Nigeria InterReligious Council, in Uyo.

Edo LG polls: BTM lauds Oshiomhole over conduct of ACN primaries

BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG

B

INI Truth Movement, BTM, a socio-cultural group in Edo State, says it has confidence in the leadership style of the state governor, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, in view of the peaceful conduct of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, primaries.

It said Oshiomhole, as an apostle of one man, one vote, must be commended for the

internal democracy recently experienced in Edo ACN. In a statement by the group’s Director of Research and Publicity, Mr. Donald Inwalomhe, BTM, said the only way ACN could win an election and perform in office was to present credible candidates for the election through credible primaries, rather than what obtained in the past and in other parties where cronies are imposed on the people.

Inwalomhe said: “I am happy the party came out of the pri-

maries without crisis. There are no factions in Edo ACN because for factions to exist in a party, you need to have two party chairmen but in this case, we have only Mr. Thomas Okosun as party chairman operating from the party office on Airport Road, Benin City. I am also pleased becuase, the perceived supremacy contest between Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu and Deputy Governor, Pius Odubu never reared its ugly head."

Aguma condemns gang up against Amaechi

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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ORT HARCOURT— Former House of Representatives member, Mr. Igo Aguma, has warned those allegedly conspiring to pull down Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State.

Speaking in Port Harcourt, the state capital, yesterday, after donating drugs worth millions of naira to Elekahia Primary Health Centre,

sition in the state cannot be regarded as sleeping.

“We are the true face of opposition. Our great party, the Labour Party, is already strategizing ahead of 2015 general elections. We are touring the various wards in the state, beginning with the wards in Isoko South Local Government Area."

Aguma said that any conspiracy against the governor will fail.

He said it was sad that some persons, who had benefited substantially from Governor Amaechi's political machinery had suddenly turned round to fight their benefactor.

Aguma said those fighting the governor within Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, were engaged in a lost battle, adding that they were mostly Abuja based politicians.

He said: “We have always had Abuja group. I had been classified as a member of Abuja

group. It is bound to fail. The gang up which is led by an Abuja politician will fail. Ever since God baptized Rivers State with Governor Amaechi, we have been hearing of court cases. They can continue to manufacture frivolous court cases but they can’t shake the judiciary,” he said.

He noted that the foundation will partner the 17 health centers built by the state government to tackle malaria, diabetes, hypertension and child mortality.

IYC hails Jonathan’s transformation master plan

I

JAW Youth Council, IYC, has expressed satisfaction with the efforts by President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to transform the country’s infrastructure.

IYC, in a statement, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, noted that in less than two years, the administration had launched, for the first time, an infrastructure development master plan, a Gas master plan to make gas an active contributor to growth and development, as well as aviation and railway infrastructure revolution.

It listed inland and coastal ports development, petroleum refinery and petrochemical/fertilizer facilities development anchored on private sector and the implementation of the power sector reform roadmap, as a demonstration of the administration's seriousness to transform the country.

The group praised the administration's power roadmap which it said promises to deliver 10,000MW of electricity by December this year.

Vanguard , FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013 —39

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan (6th left), Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, Chairman, National Working Committee of National Summit Group (middle), Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife (5th left), and others during a courtesy visit on the Governor by the committee members in Government House, Asaba.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, (right) presenting a souvenir to the first VicePresident of the International Association of Lions Clubs, Barry Palmer (left) during his courtesy call on the Governor at the State House, Marina, Lagos.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State (left) and Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, President, Nigeria Labour Congress during a visit of the NLC President and his team to the Governor in Benin City.

From left: Alayandelu of Odo-Ayandelu, Oba Asunmo Aderibigbe; Senator Gbenga Ashafa and Chief Lanre Rasaq, during the Senator's education enhancement programme at Ikosi Ejinrin LCDA in Lagos.

From left: Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed; Chairperson, Hygeia, Mrs Fola Olaoye and Mr. Kees Storm during signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Health Insurance Fund and Kwara State Government in Abuja.

From right: Mrs Ibim Seminatari, Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communication; Elder Adeogun Ajala, Zonal Director, NTA Port Harcourt and Mr Oliver Wolugbom, State Director, National Orientation Agency, NOA, during a pre-national good governance tour briefing of Rivers State by the State's Ministry of Information and Communication in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke.

From left: Maria Ikuforiji, Project Officer; David Higg's, Country Director and Adetomi Soyinka, Project Manager all of British Council at the exhibition on UK education at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.

From right: Evangelist David Edun, Chairman, Warri North Transition Committee, receiving a note from Mr Joel Agbiriki, President, Egbema Professionals and Skills Artisans Association in Koko, Warri, Delta State.

From left: Arc. Ladi Lewis, Vice President (Govt), Mr. Feyi Dinyo, Global President, BIFOBA, Dr. T. K Oloruntola, Chairman, Mr. C.A.F. Agbonjimi, Principal Senior School, Mrs. M. A. Ibrahim, Principal Junior School during 53rd Founder's day of Birch Freeman High School in Lagos. Photo: Diran Oshe

40—Vanguard, FRIDAY FRIDAY,, FEBRUARY 15, 2013

Unions call off plans to shut down oil operations in N-Delta

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-

L

YOUNG

AGOS—NIGERIA Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, have called off its plans to shut down oil operations in Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and six other states over alleged unfair labour practices by the management of Onne, Rivers State, Free Trade Zone.

The industrial action slated to commence last Wednesday, would’ve also affected other states such as Ebonyi, Imo, Enugu, Abia, Anambra and Benue.

NUPENG and PENGASSAN members were protesting the sack of union members and refusal of over 100 oil firms in the Onne Free Trade Zone to allow their workers to join unions as guaranteed in the nation’s constitution, labour and international conventions ratified by Nigeria.

The suspension of the strike, according to NUPENG and PENGASSAN, was sequel to the agreement reached with management of the zone last week in a meeting called by the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu.

Lithuania celebrates National Day in Lagos

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AGOS—ARRANGE MENTS have been concluded for the celebration of t Lithuania National Day in Nigeria this Saturday.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Rauf Thompson, a cocktail party will be hosted by the consul of Lithuania to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairman, Ikeja Hotel Plc, Mr. Goodie M. Ibru, at the Federal Palace Hotel & Casino, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event celebrated annually will attract captains of industries, diplomats and important dignitaries.

Gunmen kill 1, injure 2 in Adamawa

BY UMAR YUSUF. OLA—UNIDENTIFIED gunmen, yesterday, in Yola, Adamawa State, stormed Abubakar Atiku way near the Shopping Complex in Jimeta, shot dead one man and left two others seriously injured.

Eyewitness told Vanguard that the sound of the gunshot caused panic in the area as hawkers and traders at the shopping complex scampered for safety.

According to the eyewitness, prior to the attack, the yet-to-be identified victim had engaged in a phone conversation with some people and seemed to be waiting for them to show up.

But not long after the phone conversation, three men on gown stormed the scene, one of them brought out a gun from his gown and shot the victim three times at close range which killed him instantly while two others at the scene sustained gunshot injuries.

The eyewitness who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: After the killing, the as-

Y

sailants crossed over to the other side of the road where they parked their car and they fled the scene of the crime.

Police Public Relations Officer of Adamawa State Police Command, DSP Mohammed Ibrahim, confirmed the incident and said no arrests had

been made. However, he said the police had swung into action to uncover the perpetrators of the crime.

ALL FOR VALENTINE: From left: Miss Ikpe Charlyne, Mr. Victor Omoriege, Manager, Corporate Communication, Vanguard Newspapers Limited; Ms Wunmi Majekodunmi, Manager, Sunfit International Limited; Miss Peace Eze, Ms Alero Atsimene, Deputy Advert Manager, Vanguard Newspapers Limited, and Mrs. Esther Onyegbula, during the final meeting on Vanguard Valentine Love Notes competition, at Vanguard’s conference room, Apapa, Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

Why some graduates were not mobilised —NYSC

BY CALEB AYANSINA

A

BUJA—THE National Youth Service Corps, has explained why some graduates for 2013 Batch ‘A’ orientation exercise, were not mobilized, saying they were not properly admitted by their institutions.

This explanation is sequel to several complaints by students and parents over the inability of their children to get call up numbers for their mobilization.

NYSC in collaboration with Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, had earlier issued a new directive that graduates preparing for NYSC must provide their Unified Matriculation Tertiary Examination registration numbers before they are mobilised.

The admission letter is requested by various school managements as evidence to prove to NYSC that the intending corps members wrote the exam.

Vanguard However, learned that some institutions had refused to yield to several calls from JAMB, for them to come forward to regularize their students’ admission process.

The Director General of NYSC, Brig-Gen Nnamdi Okore-Affia said NYSC would not serve as liaison office between any corps pro-

ducing institution and regulatory bodies, insisting that they should regularize their students’ admission process with JAMB as required by the law.

Okorie-Affia in a statement

in Abuja said: In as much as the service is partnering with relevant regulatory bodies of the respective Corps Producing Institutions, CPIs, the data of all prospective corps members as submitted for mobilisa-

tion by their respective institutions, are subjected to screening for conformity with the requirements of these regulatory/examination bodies.

FCTA commences implementation of Apo resettlement scheme

BY LAIDE AKINBOADE

A

BUJA—THE Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, yesterday, commenced the implementation of the Apo resettlement scheme by inaugurating a ministerial committee.

Minister of State, FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, while inaugurating the committee in Abuja, reiterated the commitment of the FCTA to proffer solution to the problems that hindered the success of the scheme in the past.

It would be recalled that the committee on facts finding and way forward was constituted about five months ago.

The committee subsequently submitted its report December 13, 2012, after a thorough deliberations on lingering problems affecting the Apo Resettlement Scheme.

Akinjide said: “During the submission of the report last year, I did promise that the report will be studied and imp l e m e n t e d

after consultations with the Minister of FCT, Sen. Bala Mohammed.

“Having carefully studied the report, we have decided to immediately commence the process of implementation.

Members of this committee have been carefully selected to deliver on the set Terms of Reference (ToR) based on performance in the last committee which produced this report.”

Merger of opposition parties won’t achieve anything —Babatope

BY GBENGA OKE

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AGOS—FORMER Minis ter of Transport and a member of the Board of Trustees of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, yesterday, said the merger among opposition parties in Nigeria would not achieve any result.

He said the merger cannot withstand the PDP machinery at the 2015 polls.

He said: “I believe strongly that the merger among opposition parties will make Democracy in Nigeria strong but perhaps if you go by what is happening among

some of the so called parties now, you will realise that there is contradiction among the political parties involved and that will eventually destroy the moves they are making.

“I hope they can be serious about what they intend to achieve because I can tell you specifically that the more united they are, the more destruction their merger will suffer because they will never agree among themselves.

“When the time comes, people who think their unity will drive them home will realize there is more cracks among them than what they are seeing in the PDP.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY FRIDAY,, FEBRUARY 15, 2013 — 41

Completion Board Meeting: UPDC, a subsidiary of UAC of Nigeria last week held its completion board meeting in Lagos. Above, from left, are Mr Hakeem Ogunniran, Managing Director, UPDC, Mr Larry Ettah, Chairman, and Mr. Godwin Samuel, Company Secretary during the meeting in Lagos.

Commandant, Police Secondary School, Akure, CSP Francis Bisong, presenting a plaque to Mr. Louis Odion as part of his investiture as the Grand Patron of the Police School Press Club in Akure on Tuesday. In the middle is the Regional Managing Editor of National Mirror, Mr. Biyi Adegoroye.

C M Y K

42—Vanguard , FRIDAY FRIDAY,, FEBRUARY 15 , 2013

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013 — 43

C M Y K

C M Y K

44 — Vanguard, FRIDAY FRIDAY,, FEBRUARY 15, 2013

Blade runner, Pistorius charged with murder S

OUTH African Paralympic and Olympic star Oscar Pistorius has been arrested and charged with murder after allegedly shooting dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp at his home in Pretoria.

Pistorius is understood to have shot her in the head, chest and arm, although the circumstances surrounding the incident were unclear. Initial reports coming from South Africa suggested he may have mistaken her for a burglar, though the police later denied this.

The Paralympic gold medallist was questioned at Silverwoods Country Estate in connection with the shooting at his home in a gated community in the Silver Lakes area of Pretoria. He was later picture leaving Boschkop police station wearing a grey hooded top.

It was initially reported that his girlfriend, former FHM model Miss Steenkamp, 30, was trying to surprise him for Valentine’s Day and that he had mistakenly thought she was an intruder.

Pistorius, 26, was set to appear at Pretoria State Court on Thursday afternoon, but the

hearing has now been fixed for 9am today.

Speaking on Thursday afternoon, Pistorius’ father Henke said his son was ‘a bit emotional, but he is fine’.

Henke Pistorius also told The Associated Press ‘we all pray for guidance and strength for Oscar and the lady’s parents.’

Police spokeswoman Brigadier Denise Beukes revealed there have been ‘previous incidents of a domestic nature’ reported at Pistorius’ home.

A spokesperson for Pistorius said that he is ‘assisting police with their investigation into the death of a 30-year-old woman at his home this(Thursday) morning’.

Police confirmed they will oppose bail and also revealed they have interviewed neighbours who ‘heard things that happened earlier in the evening and when the shooting took place’.

Brigadier Beukes confirmed that ‘a 26-year-old man has been arrested and has been charged with murder,’ and said police were aware of media reports the death may have been an accident, caused by suspicions of a break-in, but said that

those reports did not come from information provided by police.

‘There was no sign of forced entry or persons who weren’t supposed to be there at this stage,’ she said.

‘The South African Police Service was surprised to hear

allegations on the radio this morning that the deceased had been perceived to be a burglar. The allegations did not come from us.

‘The deceased was a friend of his.’

Police said at this stage there is no other suspect involved. Foren-

•Oscar Pistorius and his late girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp

sic tests were continuing on the premises.

Beukes added: ‘There were only two people on the premises: the resident and the deceased.’

Pistorius is a national hero in South Africa and the world’s biggest star in Paralympic sport.

The sprinter won two gold medals and a silver at the London 2012 Paralympics.

Brigadier Beukes said police were aware of previous incidents at the house where Pistorius lives

2015: G25 cautions Delta politicians A SOCIO-POLITICAL group, the G25 Assembly, yesterday, in Asaba, Delta State, called on politicians in the state to identify themselves with political pressure groups that have ideology of developing the polity in the state and not those with selfish interest inimical to the state’s development.

Speaking through its chairman, Mr. Benedict Ebede, G25 Assembly said it was poised to ensure that there was peace and unity among political pressure groups in Delta State, adding that the assembly comprised well meaning Deltans that believe in the unity and development of the state.

Ebede called on Deltans irrespective of their gender to join the group to enable them contribute to the growth and progress of the state.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013—45

manner. The Yoruba vote, more than those of any other part of Nigeria , gave his election credibility and universal acceptance.’’

Accordingly, Falae said, ‘’when the then acting President Jonathan choose to run for president, he got the enthusiastic endorsement of many Yoruba progressives, especially the leadership of YUF, die-hard Awoists who pushed his acceptability to the Yorubas by portraying him as a fulfilment of an earlier Awolowo prophesy about the Ijaws and the presidency.’’

Obasanjo shortchanged the Yorubas

•Gbonigi, Olajumoke & Falae: Fighting the Yoruba cause

Now we're the marginalised — Yoruba elders T

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

HE venue was symbolic if not nostalgic for the elderly men and women that gathered that day. From the elevated position of The Premier Hotel, Ibadan anyone who looked down the hill could decipher the distress of a people who were once in the commanding heights of the political sphere.

The hotel, a legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s stewardship of the defunct Western Region, was a reminder to many, of a once glorious past.

The gathering convened by the Yoruba Unity Forum on February 7, 2013 was primarily put together to bring to public view, the alleged marginalisation of the race in the distribution of appointments into Ministries Departments and Agencies, MDAs of the Federal Government.

In attendance were; Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, Senator Bode Olajumoke, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, Senator Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa, Senator Femi Okurounmu, Chief Tokunbo Ajasin, Chief Olu Falae, Chief Biola Ogundokun, Chief Dipo Jimilehin; Prof. Adenike Grange; Sen Tony Adefuye and Dr. Kunle Olajide; Others were; Chief Charles Ekundayo, Chief Akin Omojola, Alhaji Rasak Folunso Chief Yemi Falade, Mr. Tola Noibi, Chief Akin Omojola among others.

Declaring the gathering open, Bishop Gbonigi, who is the Convener of YUF, regretted that the marginalisation of the SouthWest geo-political zone in the distribution of political positions was an attempt to relegate the zone in the federation.

The retired Anglican Bishop of Akure Diocese, who spoke in Yoruba language, said, ‘’seeing what is happening now is very painful, for someone of my age.

Most of us are very selfish because we do things only because of money.

What we are demanding for is our right, because it belongs to us. You cant buy integrity with money. The reason why we talk so much about Awolowo is because he left us with a legacy of selfless service. Abraham Adesanya, Ajasin and others looked for opportunity to serve the people.’’

No Yoruba person occupies top political office Nonetheless, what could be described as the highpoint of the event, was the presentation of YUF’s position on the political fortunes of the race in the present dispensation by Chief Falae.

The former Secretary to the Federal Government, SGF, regretted that no Yoruba person occupies any of the top 12 political offices in Nigeria . Giving a breakdown of YUF’s grouse, he lamented the absence of a Yoruba

person in apex political positions such as the President, Vice president, Senate President, Speaker, House of Representatives, Chief Justice of the Federation, Deputy Senate President, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, the acting President, Court of Appeal, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief of Staff to the President, National Security Adviser and Head of Service of the Federation.

Explaining further, Falae said, ‘’while other zones may make routine complaints of marginalisation with a view to

,

SOME Yoruba elders met recently to review their lot in the nation’s political configuration. Their chorus was a lamentation of woe.

are experiencing ethnic cleansing and other discriminatory acts in the federal civil service.

Hence, Falae said, ‘’because the Yoruba are thin at the topmost ranks of the federal government, Yorubas in the federal public service have been frequently subjected to arbitrary sacks, humiliating deployments and discriminatory actions.’’

He noted with irony that the Yorubas found themselves in this predicament under President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration despite their early support for him. ‘’In the dying days of the Yar’Ádua administration, when

We have listed 12 topmost positions that constitute the apex of political power hierarchy in the country and no Yoruba person is included in that apex

having a better deal , the degree of marginalisation of the South West zone borders on attempts to excise the zone out of the federation".

Highlighting the details of the alleged marginalisation, he noted that, ‘’we have listed 12 topmost positions that constitute the apex of political power hierarchy in the country and no Yoruba person is included in that apex. These people constitute the source from which all other powers flow.’’ Not done with the lamentations, he noted that at the moment, people from the race

,

there was a lot of reluctance to make Jonathan the acting President, it was predominantly Yoruba activists who led the march to the National Assembly to force our lawmakers to pronounce Jonathan acting President,’’ Falae added.

Continuing, he said, ‘’when the then presidential candidate Jonathan made a gaffe at a campaign rally in Ibadan, referring to some South West governors as rascals, he sent a placatory delegation to Ikenne and the Yoruba leadership rose to his defense in non partisan

On the strength of these instances he enumerated, Falae asked: ‘’Why inspite of all the above, would the President choose to turn against the Yorubas now?”

In addition, he said, ‘’perhaps we should remind him that when a Yoruba man, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was President, he ruled like a detrabalised Nigerian, even refusing to identify with the Yorubas and frequently short-changing them".

Also speaking at the forum, Sen Olajumoke, said, ‘’the Yorubas have suffered so much in this dispensation. I am a Yoruba man and I am concerned about the marginalisation of my people.

Myself and other Yoruba people, who are BOT members of the PDP are making efforts to talk the President on the matter.

We are leaders and are ashamed of always defending the defenceless. You will hear something about this pretty soon.’’

Similarly, another former lawmaker, Sen. Adefuye, corroborated Olajumoke’s stance, saying that efforts were in top gear to urgently discuss the issue with the President. ‘’We have never been able to discuss this issue with the President in private. We must do that because we are accountable to our people, who are in a hurry to see the anomaly corrected. We are hoping that he will listen to us very soon,’’ he added.

Adefuye, also said, ‘’In the history of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, no Yoruba man has ever been appointed as the Comptroller General of Immigration, CGI, out of the 15 CGIs it has had.

The Minister of Education recently reshuffled the principals of unity schools across the country. Out of 28 principals, only two are Yorubas.’’

Nonetheless, findings showed that this was not the first time the leaders of the zone are crying out against perceived marginalisation.

46—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013

APC: We’re

back to the

SDP days — Osoba •Explains why previous merger attempts failed AREMO Segun Osoba, a former governor of Ogun State and a chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in this chat, explains reasons behind the recent merger of opposition political parties. Osoba, who was a member of the strategic committee that saw the emergence of the All Progressive Congress, APC, accused the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) of allegedly sabotaging pervious efforts to form an alliance. Excerpts:

M

ANY people still have doubts about this merger based on the ambitions of some of the leaders. So, how far do you think this can go?

We agreed at our merger meetings that under no circumstances should we debate the process on the pages of newspapers because we are conscious of attempts and moves to sabotage the merger.

I must, however, tell you that in principle we are together, not because of political offices, not because of sharing loot or simply because we just want to win the presidency at all costs.

Our philosophy and determination is to redeem Nigeria, we are on a redemption mission.

We are determined to regain the lost soul of this country. It is our belief and philosophy that we must create a genuine, trustworthy and reliable alternative to the evil that the PDP has become in Nigeria because they have been in power since 1999.

Major achievement I cannot point out any major achievement on the part of the PDP government since they have been in power.

Why did effort at merging ahead of the 2011 elections fail?

It failed because we had a presidency that wanted to create a one party state and a one party country.

The one I can tell you authoritatively about was the Alliance for Democracy.

The presidency then funded the breakaway of AD deliberately to sabotage the progressives in the Southwest.

But this time around, we are determined to learn from previous experiences and if

any of those methods are unleashed, we have our own counter measures.

Some allege that some of those involved in the merger are strange bedfellows. Is it also true that some PDP governors are coming into your fold?

When you call us strange bed fellows, it is a thing we have done before when we all coalesced into the SDP believed to be to the left, while the NRC were the conservatives. Inspite of the different backgrounds and because of the progressiveness in all of us, we survived and produced the best election that has not been beaten.

We are back to the days of the SDP where those progressive elements that we lost to the PDP, are going to be the evil that will destroy PDP as a party.

ACN with control of the Southwest is the biggest party in the new party. Is this a plan

,

BY DAPO AKINREFON

•Osoba: We're on a redemption mission attention will be focused on security, lives and property skillful management of the economy, regular and

Our philosophy and determination is to redeem Nigeria, we are on a redemption mission, we are determined to regain the lost soul of this country

to return the South-west to the centre?

Our own attitude about mainstream politics is different from the PDP mainstream politics. PDP mainstream is sharing of positions, largesse and pocketing as much as they can pocket.

Our own principle of mainstream is true federalism, in which power is devolved from the over-concentrated centre to the federating states.

Fiscal federalism where revenues are shared between the federal and states; each of the federating states can create as many local government as it wants.

We want a country where

,

sustained power supply and the Awolowo philosophy of egalitarianism, equality.

You mentioned true federalism but there is this agitation for local government autonomy, do you support this?

There is nothing like local government autonomy. We had a Supreme Court judgment that ruled that local governments are creation of states.

I have never heard of a country where you have number of local governments listed in the constitution making it impossible for states to create local governments as they develop.

Imagine Lagos State, the most densely populated state in this country with the highest internally generated revenue, having 20 local governments.

The old Kano State that was broken into Kano and Jigawa states and combined had over 60 local governments.

Does that make any common sense arithmetic or political sense?

Political sense By all means, let each state create as many local governments it chooses. Look at London, it is the most cosmopolitan city in the United Kingdom, it has the highest number of local governments and that is how it should be.

How come the PDP cleared the entire South West during the presidential elections except Osun State?

It was because Adamu Ciroma alienated a lot of southerners with his northern agenda.

The North did not play its card well. Religion came into it, Jonathan went to kneel at the

Redemption Camp and the born again group went for Jonathan.

Professionals who felt that such people just wanted to grab power for their own interest went for Jonathan.

The likes of r e s p e c t e d activists, well tested leaders like the Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, fought on principle for Jonathan to be made president just like Alani Akinrinade, a retired general who had been Chief of Defence Staff, now donning t-shirts with Bakare and highly placed people.

The Save Nigeria Group went on all fronts demonstrating round the country for Jonathan to be given the power of the presidency when Yar ’Adua was sick.

At that time, the perception of Nigerians was that we needed to have a young dynamic person to take charge.

Go and ask the Save Nigeria Group what their experience is now and how they feel? What do they feel about the situation? It went beyond party politics.

What are your views on Nigeria at 100, where did we go wrong and how can we make it right?

I have no objection to the centenary celebration; it is a fact that in 1914, we were forced to come together as a country. 100 years, for whatever it is worth, is worth looking at, it is not for me now to start crying over spilt milk. We know where we went wrong.

In 1999, the North imposed on us without reference to us in the Southwest, a president and the PDP continued to rig elections, they perfected rigging, created an INEC that was ready to collaborate and cooperate with them, that is where we went wrong.

And when I say we are on a redemption mission, we want a situation where we will save this country from going under.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013—47

Wh ew on't re-admit Whyy w we won't Orji K alu tto o PDP — Okpara Kalu MR James Okpara is Special Adviser to Abia State Governor on Public Relations. Okpara, who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bende Local Government Area of the state explains why the local chapter resolved not to re-admit the former governor, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu. Excerpts:

BY DAPO AKINREFON

T

HERE is controversy between the Abia State Government and former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu on his membership of the PDP. While the former governor says he is a legal card carrying member of your party, the government insists he is not. What is the true position of things?

There is no iota of controversy in this matter. The State PDP chairman and chairman of PDP in Bende Local Government Area and other party leaders and stakeholders have severally addressed this issue.

But to answer your question, Orji Kalu is not a bona fide member of the PDP. The party card he is brandishing is fake. It is not genuine.

The reasons are very simple and I will enumerate them as follows. First, every ward has her own serial number and the number of Orji Kalu’s purported card is different from that allocated to his ward by the party.

Second, There is a Register of PDP members and Orji Kalu’s name

is not in this Register. Can you validly be a member of an association without your membership being registered in the Register of members? Third, The Ward chairman and executives who purportedly gave him the card were no longer members of the PDP on the date they gave him the card. Can you give what you don’t have?

Fourthly, in a resolution made on November 14, 2012 by members of the Bende PDP, it was unanimously decided that Orji Kalu shall not be readmitted into the party because “Chief Orji Uzor Kalu has a minus electoral value and we do not want to be infected by his political virus which will irreparably damage our great party”.

Please note that the Igbere Ward chairman who purportedly gave him the membership card attended the meeting and signed the resolution. This resolution was published in many newspapers including The Nation newspaper of November16, 2012 and Thisday of November 21, 2012 . What actually happened is that somebody in his usual way of

•Okpara: The antecedent negative believing that he is smarter than every human being alive went and printed his own membership card and started shouting that he is a member of PDP. If I want, I can get any printer to print the membership card of any party for me. It is the simplest thing in the world to do.

Fifth, can you be a member of two different political parties at the same time? On the day Orji Kalu purportedly received PDP card, executives of Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) visited him. Kalu is the founder and owner of PPA. Therefore, can he be a member of PPA and that of PDP at the same time? The

answer is no.

But by rejecting K a l u ’ s readmission into PDP, isn’t the state government infringing on his freedom of association?

It is wrong to imply that the rejection of his purported readmission back to PDP is being driven by the state government.

P l e a s e remember that it is his own people, those who belong to the s a m e of Kalu is constituency with him that vehemently said no when the rumours were strong that he was planning to come back to PDP. Stakeholders of the party and members from Bende have, at least two separate occasions, unanimously stated that they do not want Orji Kalu in their party.

On your question of infringing on his freedom of association, don’t you think that the freedom of association of 99.9% of PDP Bende members will be breached by the readmission of Orji Kalu into their party?

The Bende PDP members in their Resolution of November 14, 2012 stated that “the constitution and the extant laws of Nigeria

recognizes freedom of association. That friendship or association is by choice and not by compulsion, fiat or coercion”.

In order words, you cannot force me to be your friend or associate with you.

You have the right to say that you want to associate with me but in the spirit of freedom odf association, I have the right to say sorry, I do not want to be your friend or associate with you. Is friendship or association by force?

What exactly is the reason for this massive opposition?

The antecedent of Orji Kalu is negative.

During his administration, there was no development in Abia State .

Government affairs became a family business.

Let Orji Kalu take you around Abia State and point out one thing that he did in his eight years in power. There is nothing positive that will come out from him and our people are tired of quarrels and distractions.

But many people will say the present administration has not fared better in terms of developing the state. The refrain is that nothing is happening in Abia.

Honestly, I am not saying this because I work for Chief T A Orji.

He is doing an excellent work in Abia State. This is one of the distractions we are talking about.

Some people have been specifically instructed to run down the government. Let those who are alleging nonperformance by the present administration come to Abia and see things for themselves.

Kalu is a one man opposition — Kamalu DR Chrisian Kamalu, chairman of the Transition Council of Osisioma Ngwa LGA in Abia State between 2002 and 2003 and elected chairman between 2008 and 2010 is a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the state. Kamalu was also former Special Assistant to the former Governor of the state, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu between 2005 and 2007.

In this interview, he x-rays the issues behind the spat between the former governor and the incumbent, Chief Theodore Orji. Excerpts:

D

O you share in the criticisms levelled against the present administration in Abia State?

I would have preferred if you hit the nail on the head. The criticisms as you call them are coming from only one angle and that angle is the former Governor of Abia State and founder of the defunct Progressives Peoples Alliance, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu.

It is very sad that a man who occupied the exalted office of the Governor of Abia State is the one turning around to denigrate that office.

What an irony. If this was a case of the kettle calling the pot black, it would have been highly appreciated. But, this is a clear case of a drowning man hanging

to everything in sight to remain afloat. It is sad and pathetic that the people-oriented Governor of Abia State, Chief Theodore Orji is passing through this crucible, simply because he chose to deviate from the status quo that prevailed before him. He chose to side with the people and the state, to better the lots of the people and reposition the state for greater glory.

But don’t you think the action of the former governor is fueled by concerns on abandoned projects about the state?

The good people of Abia State have not complained to anybody.

If they had complained, is it only the former governor that is empowered to champion the

cause of the people? Can a tree make a forest? Is it possible that only the former governor will be the leader and the follower in a state where there are more than five million people? Don’t forget that this is the home state of notable politicians such as the late Dr. Michael Okpara, Senator Ike Nwachukwu among many others, who have held sway in the politics of the nation.

Where does the former governor compare to these illustrious sons of God’s Own State. It is unfortunate that in Abia God put a man after His own heart to govern the state. Can the former governor try this in other states? Did you see what happened in many other states where former governors pick on the seating head? But the governor has kept his cool, continuing with his good work, not minding the mud being splashed on him by his predecessor.

Then what would have gone amiss?

Let me tell you tell you some of the reasons aside from the ones I have mentioned above. Firstly, the former governor believed in divide and rule system.

•Kamalu: This was the method he used throughout his eight-year tenure, but Governor Orji came and said no, never will Abia be divided again because divided we fall, but united we stand and since all the elements and components of the state have been working together, the state has witnessed peace, development and human empowerment.

Is this kind of politics healthy for the nation?

Nobody has the monopoly of

power. Power comes from God and only belongs to God. Nobody can have the power to anoint another person and it works, if God disapproves of it. Have you not heard of the places where former governors did everything to install their successors and it failed woefully? The hand of God was not present. So, if that is where he is basing his wrong judgement, then he should think twice. When he became governor, did he do so all by himself? Were there not people who helped to put him in the position? How did he treat them?

Did he not run those people out of town? But in his own case, he still had the opportunity of returning and even making scatting remarks.

What is your assessment of the state of Aba? First of all, let me say that if for eight years, the administration of OUK had done anything in Aba, Aba will not be the way it is now.

Is he claiming that under eight years Aba deteriorated. If he did anything in Aba let him point to that thing. I am an Aba man and I know Aba more than he does and he cannot cry more than the bereaved. How many times has he visited Aba since he left office?

48—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013

D

URING the Olusegun Obasanjo years before his re-election in 2003, there were cries of marginalization from Arewa and Igbo quarters and attempts were made to impeach President Obasanjo.

The main reason, though superficial, was essential.

President Obasanjo won the 1999 elections without the support of his Yoruba race. Those who supported him then would want to be repaid in terms of developments in their areas.

Of recent, some Yoruba leaders under a Forum joined the chorus of, we too are being marginalized. But for their illustrious names, one would have questioned their motive and conclude that they represent only their selfish interests.

In my book, "The Agenda", published in 2002, I noted that, “The children of Oduduwa, known and recognized as Yoruba race are according to Mrs. Anna Hinderer (the wife of a white missionary in Ibadan in the 1850s) inhabit the Yoruba country with a population estimated at about three million, speaking one language, but comprising many separate tribes, occupies a region stretching inwards from the Bight of Benin to within forty miles of the Niger, and bordered on the West by the Kingdom of Dahomey”.

An accurate description of the Yoruba race today will include the Yoruba people of Kwara and Kogi States with a total population of about 20 million.

Simply put, the Yoruba predominate in Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Lagos, part of Kwara and part of Kogi States in the present political set-up.

The Yoruba belong to one of the most sophisticated communities in West Africa with a fine tradition and recognized fine custom. Early contacts with Europeans afforded that race the

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STATE OF THE NATION:

Yoruba and their political agenda opportunities of copious Western education that it could boast of an impressive list of professionals like doctors, lawyers, historians, surveyors and priests at the beginning of the 20th century when many parts of this country were in total darkness, educationally.

The modern Yoruba still love their education which had been further influenced by Chief Awolowo‘s ‘Free Primary Education Policy‘ in the Old Western Region in the 1950s, they still cherish their custom and traditional activities which are sometimes wasteful. Their mode of dressing is picturesque except that embroidered Agbada (asooke) is now consigned to traditional festivities. In the new millennium, the “lace culture” has returned with a bang, while the Senegalese long dress is fast replacing the smarter Kaftans of the earlier period. The female hair style of the Yoruba is unique and is still popular in the country. The Yoruba, because of early Western education and the notion of easy life (manifesting

itself in dancing, conspicuous consumption of imported products and lavish parties), held other non-Yoruba tribes in absolute contempt during the pre-independence era. That pride, borne out of palpable ignorance had perhaps been responsible for the poor performance of the race in the national political dispensation since Independence in 1960.

The Yoruba, in their unguarded moment of pride, often forget that Western education, as admirable as it is, may not be the only superior culture in the world.

An Arabic scholar is as much exposed to the various cultures of the world like his Western trained mind.

It is an admirable fact that the Lagos Yoruba were more politically conscious than their counterparts from other parts of the country before 1960. Politics in Lagos had always been dominated by principle rather than ethnicity or primordial feelings. In the heydays of NYM (Nigerian Youth Movement), late Ernest Ikoli, an

Ijaw candidate defeated Akinsanya (late Odemo of Ishara), an Ijebu Yoruba for a legislative council seat for Lagos in the Legislative Council of the 1940s.

Paradoxically, late Dr. Azikiwe an Ibo supported Akinsanya (a Yoruba) while late H. O. Davies (a Yoruba) supported Ikoli (an Ijaw). Dr. Azikiwe once represented Lagos in the old Legislative Council and Western House of Assembly, while the late Mazi Mbonu Ojike (an Ibo) was once a Deputy Mayor of Lagos in the1950s. Even in the 1950s and early 1960s when the NCNC was regarded as an ‘Ibo‘ organization, the party won elections in the core Yoruba urban centres of Lagos, Ibadan, Oyo, Abeokuta, Iseyin, Oshogbo, Akure, Ado-Ekiti and Ondo.

Political sophistry In spite of the fine record of sound education and assumed political sophistry, what could have been responsible for the dismal political performance in the past decades? Could the answer be attributed to poor leadership based on pride and comical misunderstanding of the political chemistry of the time?

Yes and no. The First Republic saw the disintegration of the Action Group and the imprisonment of its leader, late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

The proud children of Oduduwa were in total disarray, completely routed and became politically comatose in the early1960, principally because of envy, mistrust and misunderstanding of other political gladiators and tribes.

The Yoruba leaders of the second republic (1979-1983,) like the French Bourbons, appeared to have ‘learnt nothing and forgot nothing‘ about the collapse

Nigeria: Still searching for credible governance LAMENTATIONS over the poor standard of governance resonated at a recent parley organised in Lagos.

BY DOTUN IBIWOYE

T

HE crave for good governance was again the focus of panelists at a recent forum organised by MacArthur Foundation in collaboration with the West African NGO Network, WANGONET. The session which had the theme:"The Nigeria Governance Project", drew panelists including Professor of Law, University of Lagos, Prof. Ayodele Atsenuwa, MacArthur Foundation’s Program Officer, Godwin Odo, and Executive Director, WANGONET, Tunji Lardner.

A common thread in their submissions was the need for the present crop of politicians to be people oriented in their policies.

They also noted that unless

citizens begin to claim the ownership of the entity called Nigeria, and begin to claim their rights as citizens good governance will continue to be a mirage.

Professor of Law, University of Lagos, Prof. Ayodele Atsenuwa, stated that Nigerians must debunk the claim that the law can never work and as such fight suggestions that threaten confidence in the judicial process.

“We must continue to debunk the claim that the law can never work; we must fight racism that threatens our confidence to inspire the people to make the system work. Let us imagine, if you witness the police brutality what you are going to say is that nothing is going to happen as a

result of which you walk away,” she said.

“Just in case that something now happens, you have not set in motion the process of making something corrective happens.

So if everybody believes nothing is going to happen, and do nothing about everything, nothing is going to happen, just like a self-fulfilling prophesy.”

The Program Officer MacArthur Foundation, Mr. Godwin Odo on his part opined that Nigeria still needs mental improvement in terms of policies, laws, institutions and even values. He also affirmed that the implementation of good governance will be the solution to majority of the issues which the country is facing. ”Let the people feel the good impact of government. We should have a government that is responsive. Before policies are put in place, people should be

consulted. By this time last year we all saw what happened during the issue of the fuel subsidy.

“The government said that they were going to put in place palliative measures. One year down the line, where are those palliative measures? We are making improvement, but we still have a longer way to go, we still need mental improvement in terms of policies, laws, institutions and even values.

“There are some values now that nobody will be bold enough to say that is a value in Nigeria.

I doubt that anybody in Nigeria will say to you that we don’t need human-rights/democracy. Those are values which we are still implementing.”

For the Executive Director, West African NGO Network, Mr. Tunji Lardner, averred that the first step to the improvement of governance in the country is for

of the earlier experiment.

The scattered children of Oduduwa in different political parties saw themselves as mortal enemies in the political area which had been reduced to a jungle war.

Their participation in the federal government was minimal and they cared less”. However, the political rivalry between Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe had tilted in favour of Chief Awolowo‘s party (UPN) which was ahead of Dr. Azikiwe‘s party (APP) in the 1979 and 1983 Federal elections.

The period between 1984 and 1998 (being military era) was a cooling period for active political activities except for the rise and fall of late Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO) who was supported by majority of Yoruba people for the position of president under the platform of Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Sadly, the victory of Abiola was crudely annulled by the Military President at the time, General Babangida. The return of democracy in 1999 saw the election of a Yoruba, General Olusegun Obasanjo with the full support of other tribes except the Yoruba. At present, majority of the Yoruba find themselves in the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Party under the leadership of Ashiwaju Bola Tinubu.

That party itself is in a merger arrangement with other parties to form, All Progressive Congress (APC). Whether this represents the interest of the Yoruba is a moot question.That the Yoruba race is an object of admiration by many and envy by others is natural.

Certainly, there is no question of marginalization of a race that has produced the President of a country without begging for it.

The Yoruba, like some others, remain good hosts even if others appear to be bad guests.

the people to stop outsourcing all issues to religious and supernatural beliefs.

According to him, issues should rather be looked at pragmatically. Lardner further stated that Nigerians have to claim ownership and not just to blame anybody not even the government.

In his words: “Who exactly is the government? From my individual point of view, unless we begin to claim the ownership of this entity called government, and unless we begin to claim our rights as citizen and agree to take the responsibilities that are attached to those rights, nothing is going to happen.

“Next year will be 100 years of Nigeria’s amalgamation. So, you ask yourself that after 100 years since that amalgamation of the northern and southern protectorates of Nigeria, what has evolved. And just recently, we celebrated 50 years of our independence, what do we have to show for it?"

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013—49

Visa regulations for Spanish aliens

BY VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU

N

IGERIAN nationals who intend to apply for different categories of visas in order to gain entry into Spain for stay not exceeding ninety days, are expected to abide by laid down requirements by the embassy.

They are to provide documents such as, passports or travel documents, which must be valid and in accordance for the total duration of their planned period of stay.

Intended applicants must also provide documents that justify purpose of travel and conditions of the stay, including a document showing accreditation of sufficient economic means of support throughout duration of stay.

Applicants who are interested in visiting Spain for tourism or some other private purposes, are mandated to present substantiating documentation of accommodation reservation, as proof to show that they have met with the terms and conditions to acquire such visas.

Basic prerequisites for tourism or private visa Applying for one of the above mentioned visa types, requires a letter of invitation, which also is one key criteria for obtaining permit into Spain., and proof of confirmation of reservation for planned trip, displaying itinerary.The regulation also expects the foreign national to present his or her closed round-trip or tour ticket, as proof to indicate that he intends to return to Nigeria after expending his validity period of stay.

Professional, political, scientific, sporting, and religious trip Applicants who fall under the above mentioned categories are expected to package along side other documentation, an invitation letter from a company or entity requesting their participation in meetings, conventions, and so on.

They are also expected to present the invitation card, admission card, or reservation, indicating if possible, the name of the organization that has issued the invitation, the duration of the stay, or any other document that should

indicate purpose of visit.

Trips for purpose of study or training For those who intend to embark on study or training programs, a handy document must be provided as proof to show that they are genuinely traveling for the purpose of participating in a theoretical or practical educational/ training course.

They should also display registration in such educational institution.

In exceptional cases, presentation of medical certificates is required by the Ministry of Interior, in accordance with the Ministries of Health, Consumption, Work and Immigration.

In this case therefore, applicants are advised to note that every effort will be made to ensure that these certificates are requested with sufficient notice.

Applicants also can be requested to present medical certificates, where applicable and should be aware that as a must, they are not subject to an exclusion order (appearing on the Schengen Information System [SIS] or the National Register of persons banned from entering the country).

Possible causes of exclusion Some of the possible reasons that could exclude an applicant entry into Spain according to the Spanish Immigration law, include; if found to have been previously deported or returned to another country by Spain or by any Schengen State, If found to have been expressly denied entry for being part of activities which are contrary to the interests of Spain, and or activities against human rights; If found wanted for notorious connections with criminal organizations, or being internationally sought for criminal activity.�

In order words, the law expects that applicants must not pose a danger to public health, public order, national security, or the international relations of Spain or any State with which Spain holds an agreement related to issues as stated above.

To this light therefore, the Spanish immigration law expects all intended travelers to their country to fully adhere to all the requirements herein, as noncompliance would result into denial of visa or deportation.

L-r: The Publicity Secetary of Nigeria Peoples Centenary Group, Mr. Adewale Adeoye, Deputy Convener, Mr. Lanrewaju Suraj; and South-South co-chairman, Chief Digifa Werenipre, at a press briefing by the Nigeria Peoples Centenary Group on the summit marking the 100 years of Amalgamation, held in Lagos. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

50—Vanguard , FRIDAY FRIDAY,, FEBRUARY 15 , 2013

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRID AY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013 —51 FRIDA

Help! David Oladimeji needs N4m to live D

BY TONY NYONG

AVID Oladimeji Ojo has a hole in the heart. The three-month-old baby requires N4 million urgently for corrective surgery in India. At the moment, David and his parents who have exhausted their life savings on his treatment, are stranded in Uyo, after staying at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital for more than a month.

The family is crying for help from well meaning Nigerians, notably the Akwa Ibom State government.

In a chat, Ojo, the ailing baby’s father disclosed that it was only recently the diagnosis was confirmed following persistent illness and intermittent respiratory disorder.

An artisan, Ojo could not hold back tears, as he told the story. “We began to suspect something was wrong when he was less than a month old.

We went to the Teaching Hospital, Uyo and ran series of tests ranging from Echo, ECG and others. The tests revealed he had a hole in the heart and that a surgery would have to be done in India. A cardiology team that reviewed his case confirmed the diagnosis.”

Ojo remarked that “the hole could shorten the life of the baby, and that is it is desirable that surgery be urgently carried out. It is strange to me that a baby could have a hole in the heart, but the doctors say it is possible and that it can be corrected.

“We want Nigerians to help us, we want government to come to our aid. This is our

WIsdom 212 toothbrush debuts

BY KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE

T

• David Oladimeji Ojo second child, and the first male child we have. We want Chief Godswill Akpabio, the wife, and the government of Akwa Ibom State to help our dear child to survive.”

The baby’s mother, a petty trader also narrated the travails the family has passed through in the bid to ensure all the medical tests prescribed are carried out despite their meagre income.

She lamented that the little she gets from her petty trading could hardly make up for the tests let alone provide the huge sum for the surgery.

“Nobody or family member has come to our aid. We have spent all we have saved in life for the various tests to ensure we keep the child alive.

Things have become extremely difficult to the extent we can hardly eat. We really don’t know how to raise the money to save the child. We don’t want our baby to die. If

you are touched by Baby Oladimeji’s story please call 08094992970, 08084032158 or send your donations to Sterling Bank Account Number: 5446752542150570, Mr. Deji Ojo or Sterling Bank, 5446755557150570, Mrs. Victoria John Udoyen.

HE need for Nigerians to utilise genuine and scientifically designed dental health materials particularly toothbrushes and toothpastes has been stressed. Making the call in Lagos during the presentation of a specialised toothbrush designed to meet consumers’ specific needs, Mr. Chigozie Chukwudi Okafor, Managing Director and CEO, O' Daviis Nig. Ltd, said it is essential to use only certified dental products. ''I want to introduce Wisdom 212, Smokers’ Extra Hard Toothbrush which originated from United Kingdom and China. ''It is certified by the National Association of Nigeria Dentists because of its positive health effect to the end users and smokers. I also want to sensitise the masses on the need to insist on this product, because it has much difference from other toothbrushes in the market. It gives your

teeth a clear healthy service when it is used.'.

Okafor explained that the toothbrush is carefully developed and produced from plastic and nylon virgin materials. ''Imagine the kind of pain we encounter when we have a toothache, that is the more reason we should be careful with the kind of toothbrush we use.

“To ensure healthy teeth, Wisdom 212 range of toothbrushes are recommended because they are made of nylon bristle, and the fact that each strand of the brush is roundended to prevent damage to teeth and gums. ''Buyers should look out for the original product which is made of virgin nylon material which makes the handle of the toothbrush and bristle to glitter. “ We are following the law and have notified the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) and also reported the circulation of fakes to NAFDAC,” he stated.

Nordica holds public forum on infertility

A

S part of efforts to im ity which is in commemoration tility management and fertilprove public awareness of the facility’s 10th anniver- ity health.

Free medical consultation about infertility treatment and sary coming up April 14, 2013, management, Nordica Fertil- is designed to enable the pub- and counseling will also be ity Centre, Lagos is organiz- lic obtain the latest informa- offered at the Lagos, Abuja tion about advances in infer- and Asaba offices. ing an open day forum for the public on Saturday, February 16, 2013. tion as well as Bradferon blood tonic,

BY CHIOMA OBINNA The activwhich provides iron, folic acid and vitamin B complex. Bradferex also proN indigenous pharmaceutical vides folic acid and vitamin B12 and manufacturing company, Bradford can be taken by children and adults.

Pharmaceutical Limited, has called for Obi added that with the introduction increased local production of over-theof Bradmol paracetamol, poisoning counter, OTC, drugs, so as to minimise cases arising from the use of propylene the influx of fake and counterfeit mediglycol as solvent in manufacturing cines and contribute to availability of safe syrups will be reduced. and effective medicines in Nigeria.

Presenting the drugs, Bradford The Chairman, Bradford PharmaceuSuperintendent Pharmacist, Anthony ticals Limited, Hon. Idowu Obasa, who Obi said the drugs, which are 100 per stressed the need for Nigerians to incent Nigerian-sourced, have a unique vest in the pharmaceutical manufacand novel formulation because they do turing, said it would be part of efforts not contain propylene glycol, glycerine to contribute to local industrialisation and analogues. with the collateral benefit of creating In an endorsement, President, jobs for the deep pool of unemployed Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, youths.

PSN, Pharmacist Olumide Akintayo Obasa spoke during the official stressed the need for local presentation of three new locally made pharmaceutical manufacturers to build OTCs and one ethical drug - Bradmol quality in their products with a view syrup, a novelty formulation free of to boosting the country’s drug industry propylene glycol, glycerin and and reducing influx of fake drugs analogues; Bradcuff expectorant, through importation.

Bradferex Blood Tonic and Bradferon.

“There is need for local Bradcuff expectorant is a cough syrup • From left: MD, Bradford Pharma Ltd, Dr. Bode Tawak; Chairman, Bradford manufacturers to look inward and build Pharmaceuticals Limited, Hon. Idowu Obasa; Face of Bradford Brands, Ms. administered in the mitigation and Salako Kosioko and Professor Ropo Sekoni at the launch of the new prod- treatment of cough and nasal congescapacity aimed at producing over the ucts. counter drugs locally.”

Bradford pharma introduces new locally produced drugs

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52—Vanguard , FRIDAY FRIDAY,, FEBRUARY 15 , 2013

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013 — 53

Vanguard CLASSIFIED

Eagles: The foreign coach plot, the victory, the confusion!

W HEN I saw pictures of the reception held for the Stallions of Burkina Faso from the airport to the stadium and their visit to the state house where the President hosted them, I tried to compare them with what happened in Abuja.

Burkina Faso showed class and we showed ourselves. The rewards to our team were encouraging and I commend the President for that. I would also want the President to appreciate other sports. Nigerian athletes are the current champions of Africa. They emerged champions in the African Athletics Championships in Benin Republic, just before the London Olympics last year. It is the equivalent of the Nations Cup that Eagles won last Sunday for which they earned plots of land, money and National Honours. The athletes were not even recognized what more rewarding them. I hope that nobody in government complains if, at the next Olympics, we still end up without a medal. I will continue on this some other day. Back to the reception for the Eagles. My senior colleague, Paul Bassey captured the confusion he saw from the airport to the State House during the reception for the Eagles in his usual refreshing style in Vanguard yesterday.

I need not add more about our shoddy work. The pictures from Burkina Faso showed unbelievable crowd at their National Stadium, how orderly they were and how corporate the players looked in their suites with ties to match. Our players wore track suites, some in green and some in white. Even at the State House, some tied their tracks around their waist.

The hall was rowdy and the presentation of the players and decoration with National Honours lacked the pomp and pageantry, the colour and candour that characterize such ceremonies outside our shores. Bassey wrote more on this.

Potentials The message from what happened from South Africa to Ougadougou and Abuja is simple. We have always lacked organization in spite of our potentials in almost every sector. I was close to the Eagles when we won the Nations Cup in 1994 and I knew how Clemens Westerhof tasked himself to deliver. Left for our organization, we would not have won in Tunisia, we would not have qualified for the World Cup in USA ’94 and we would not have won the soccer gold at the Atlanta ’96 Olympic Games. Left for the Athletics Federation Chioma Ajunwa would not have won that Long Jump gold medal in Atlanta. And now Nigerians are celebrating the Eagles for winning the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. Government did not release money to the team in time and at almost a crisis point NFF was said to have borrowed money to set the team free from their hotel. Who even insisted in training in Portugal when team coach, Stephen Keshi, wanted Zimbabwe or any warm country?

Weather was a factor in those early matches in South Africa although there were other things. People are still wondering what inspired the transformation in Eagles.

Stephen Keshi has always said that the Eagles were still “work in progress” and that he was still building a team. It meant that he was still finding a proper blend C M Y K

for the players he had chosen. It happens to coaches and teams. I have done a piece before on pairing or combination of players in different positions. I was once with Westerhof when he was planning for a match. I saw him opt for Jay Jay Okocha in the midfield because Jay Jay combined well with Mutiu Adepoju and Thompson Oliha in that department. But in terms of marking Emeka Ezeugo was preferred.

He ended up fielding Ezeugo in the right back position with a special instruction to cover up for “Okocha when he dribbles and runs away and doesn’t return when we lose possession.” Ezeugo lost his usual place in the midfield because of a better understanding between Mutiu, Oliha and Okocha. And this was after he had played some matches before he discovered that ‘chemistry’ among his midfielders. It happened in South Africa. The magic we saw in the Eagles was simply the introduction of Sunday Mba and Ogenyi Onazi for Nosa Igiebor and Fegor Ogude respectively. Go and play back the matches and you may not disagree with me. Onazi showed class and rubbished the choice of Ogude. As for Mba, the world now knows his story. I commend the coaches for the changes that produced the flair that the team lacked in their early matches. It was the flair and stability these players brought forte that changed things, brought out the best in Moses, Emenike and made Eagles so super that they won the cup.

And as they start World Cup qualifying matches, the changes will continue. It is normal in a team. Brown Ideye may have to work harder to retain his place in the team. So are Ike Uche and Ahmed Musa.

Eagles made us proud with good football. I’m not happy that controversy trailed their victory. Stephen Keshi and his crew deserve respect. What exploded in South Africa did not start there. After one or two matches, the authorities were already talking about engaging a foreign coach. They should have waited for the games to end.

They should have given Keshi a chance.

But the truth is that before the competition the Sports Minister repeatedly spoken of the need to hire a foreign coach if that was what Nigeria needed not only to win the cup but also to transform Nigerian football. And after the first two matches, the leadership of the NFF bought the foreign coach option and Keshi knew about these plans. How could he have concentrated well? Mumuni Alao wrote in his column that God did it for Keshi and I agree. His case was a forgone conclusion before he beat Ivory Coast in a classic game that renewed the pride of Nigerians in football.

However, the truth remains that the NFF did not start the foreign coach campaign.

But there were other issues that made Keshi conclude that he had lost the support of the federation and he brazenly told the world what angered him. Some of these issues may still play out in the coming days. We are watching.

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ADVERT HOTLINE 01- 8737025

54—Vanguard , FRIDAY FRIDAY,, FEBRUARY 15 , 2013

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013 — 55

AFCON will lift Eagles for World Cup — Elderson N

IGERIA defender Elderson Echiejile has said the recent AFCON triumph will boost team confidence in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

The Super Eagles were crowned African champions for a third time at the weekend in Johannesburg, South Africa.

They are currently top of a qualifying group for the World Cup that has Malawi, Namibia and Kenya with four points.

They host Kenya next month in continuation of the qualifying series.

“What we achieved in South Africa has boosted our confidence as a team and as players and we hope this will rub off on the World Cup qualifiers as well because we want to not just qualify for Brazil 2014, but also set a record there,” he told the Punch newspaper.

The Sporting Braga star is equally excited the Eagles will feature in the FIFA Confederations Cup, where they are

drawn against world champions Spain, Tahiti and Uruguay.

“It will be a dress rehearsal for the World Cup, but on its own it’s also a special event as not

implementation of the sports summit the state held in October last year.

During the summit mentoring was hilighted as one of the motivating factors for athletes. It was against this background that Governor Uduaghan asked Keshi and all the sports heroes from the state to mentor budding talents. Delta invited ex internationals like Godwin Etemike, George Ogawon, Ebuwon Didiere, Owolo and Jossy Dombraye to the event at the Government House after the players rode through Asaba roads and were appreciated by the people. Five of the players in South Africa had roots in Warri Wolves.

“Mentoring is important. Our heroes should begin to put something back into their communities,” Uduaghan turning to Keshi he said, “we know that you are with the national team but once in a while you could put an eye in Delta especially now that we have a soccer programme that could offer avenue for

C M Y K

then known as the King Fahd Cup. The Eagles beat Japan 3-0, drew 0-0 with Argentina before they lost on penalties to Mexico in a third-place playoff.

Eagles victory well deserved — NMA

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

T

HE Nigerian M e d i c a l Association yesterday congratulated the coaching crew and players of the Super Eagles over their victory at the just concluded African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament held in South Africa even as it wants the victory to be used as a template to end medical tourism to countries outside Nigeria.

President of the Association, Dr Osahon Enabulele also congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan and the people of Nigeria for what he described as “hard fought and well deserved victory” Enabulele further noted that the most striking was the liberation and breaking into resounding recognition of the potentials in the local players participating in the Nigerian premier league.

Lagos lawmaker commends Jonathan for honouring Eagles

BY EBUN SESSOU

D

*Mikel Obi (l) fights for possession with a Burkinabe player in Afcon final.

Uduaghan Continued from BP

many teams get the chance to feature in this competition reserved for continental champions,” he said. Nigeria featured at the 1995 version of the competition when it was

you to help.”

He meant Governor’s Cup that also will boast of holiday programme for school boys.

Uduaghan commended the Eagles for winning in South Africa and told the team that Nigeria was proud of them.

Amaju Pinnick of the Delta Sports Commission said the presence of the Eagles would inspire some youths who are bound to emulate the champions.

He said Keshi drew inspiration from the likes of Dombraye and the players of today were emulating what Keshi and his generation did.

He said it was important the cycle continued.

Sylvanus Okpala enlivened the hall when he started a song before Uduaghan started his speech. It was a football song that the governor joined the chorus and demonstrated soccer moves as directed by Okpala. Everybody joined too.

Uduaghan said that he would always support the good dreams and targets of Keshi who is from Illah in Delta

EPUTY Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Lola Akande has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for giving rewarding the new African champions, Super Eagles with cash, plots of land and national

TomTom receives AFCON trophy today

T

OMTOM, the Official Candy of the Nigerian national football teams, have concluded arrangements to receive the Africa Cup of Nations which the Super Eagles lifted last Sunday in South Africa.

The trophy visit to the Ikeja, Lagos premises of

Cadbury Nigeria Plc is part of the elaborate reception for the victorious team which would hold this afternoon.

During the event, TomTom will hand over to the team the packages it had for their triumphant experience.

These include the Most

Police Continued from BP Mr. Oparaku had a bleeding mouth, a torn Tshirt and myriad of pains emanating from the serious beating he received from the rampaging policemen led by one Inspector of Police, Mr. Ochiang.

When Vanguard immediately sought an explanation on why his men brutalized Oparaku, the police inspector declined comment and ordered his men to enter the vehicle and left the bleeding footballer to his fate.

Addressing journalists after, the ace football player said he was

returning to his ancestral home, Umuonyeche, Owerri, preparatory to visiting his inaws.

“My only contact with the policemen was when the driver of the patrol van asked me if the road was a one way and I replied in the negative.

Thereafter, other armed policemen started beating me and even wanted to force me into their patrol van”, Oparaku lamented.

When contact for his comments, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Vitalis Onugu, a deputy superintendent of police, appealed to Vanguard to “ask the victim to come to my office immediately”.

Valuable Player award, which is valued at $10,000 (about N1.6 million) and the Shot-on-Target, which totaled $12,500 (about N2 million) for the 25 shotson-target recorded throughout the championship.

For lifting the trophy, which had eluded Nigeria for 19 years, TomTom will also reward the team with a cash prize of N10 million.

awards to players and officials.

Akande described Super Eagles’ victory over Burkina Faso as “well deserved” adding that the victory “would inspire more youths to excel in whatever they are doing.”

FGCC holds interhouse sports

T

HE Federal Government Girls’ College, Sagamu will hold her 34th annual Inter-House Sports Competition on Saturday, February 23, 2013 at the school’s sport ground.

According to a statement by the Principal, Mrs A. O. Ogunbekun, the chairman of the occasion is Otunba Omooba Leye Ashaye, mother of the day is the chairperson of Sagamu local government, Mrs Funmi Efuwape.

Eagles’ victory extra-ordinary — Airtel

L

E A D I N G telecommunications operator, Airtel Nigeria has congratulated Nigerians and the Super Eagles for winning this year ’s edition of the African Cup of nations which ended last night in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Airtel described the Super Eagles victory as one of the greatest things to have happened to sports in Nigeria in the last two decades.

According Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, Airtel

Nigeria’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, “the Super Eagles have confirmed the wellknown fact that with focus, dedication and leadership, Nigeria’s huge potentials will sure arrest the attention of the world.

Ogunsanya described the victory as “extraordinarily sweet because the trophy was won by an indigenous coach who showed great confidence in local talent.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013

Eagles soar in FIFA rankings •Move 22 steps up •Now ranked 30th in the world TOP 10 African countries 1. Ivory Coast (12th) 2. Ghana (19th) 3. Mali (25th) 4. Nigeria (30th) 5. Algeria (32nd) 6. Tunisia (42nd) 7. Zambia (47th) 8. CAR (51st) 9. Burkina Faso (57th) 10. South Africa (60th)

Police brutalize '96 Olympic champion APPRECIATION: Gov Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State in a warm handshake with Coach Stephen Keshi when he received the victorious Eagles at the State House, Asaba, yesterday. Photo: Henry Unini

Uduaghan charges Keshi to mentor young players •Honours Eagles •Okpala enlivens everywhere

BY ONOCHIE ANIBEZE

G

OVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State while receiving the Super Eagles and their coach Stephen Keshi yesterday

added another dimension to the celebration of 2013 Nations Cup heroes.

He did not only appreciate Keshi with a plot of land but also said that the state would assist him develop the property so that Keshi would find

a home in his home state.

The plan is for Keshi to start identifying with his home state in the area of sports development.

Delta held a reception for the Eagles and this was part of the

Continues on Page 55

PUZZLE

HE Super Eagles of Nigeria recorded a massive leap in the latest FIFA rankings published in Zurich Thursday.

By claiming their third continental title, Nigeria have not only ended a 19year drought since they last won the tournament, but have also climbed 22 places to 30th – their best ranking since August 2010.

Beaten finalists Burkina Faso moved up a massive 37 places to 55th, while hosts South Africa have also enjoyed a significant leap of 25 places.

The new African champions also improved in their position in the continent to the fourth best team in Africa, behind Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana and Mali.

The top ten in Africa are Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Algeria, Tunisia. Zambia, Central Africa Republic, Burkina Faso, South Africa.

In the World top ten Spain continue to reign supreme ahead of Germany and Argentina.

England moved up two places to 4th after their home win over Brazil.

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA, Owerri

T

HE 1996 Olympic Football Gold Medalist, Mr. Mobi Oparaku, was yesterday afternoon brutalized by about seven armed policemen for yet to be disclosed reasons.

The ugly incident played out at about 1.35pm, near 5 Rotibi Street, Owerri, which houses media organizations in the municipality.

At the end of the ordeal,

Continues on Page 55

SOARING HIGH: Super Eagles players celebrate in South Africa.

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

T

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

Across 1 Hop (4) 4 Uncooked (3) 6 Stud (4) 9 Chest (3) 10 Wallow (8) 11 Dam (4) 14 Deed (3) 16 Pedal (5) 19 Stress (8) 21 Lean (5) 23 Guess (8) 24 Toll (5) 27 Hasten (3) 31 Chances (4) 33 Miserable (8) 34 Obtained (3) 35 Repudiate (4) 36 Bight (3) 37 Mute (4)

Down 2 Slay (4) 3 Stopper (4) 4 Derision (8) 5 Cautious (4) 6 Vulgar (5) 7 Mineral (3) 8 Talent (5) 12 Ghost (5) 13 Grab (5) 14 Donkey (3) 15 Rubbish (5) 17 Cape (5) 18 Surpass (5) 20 Wholeness (8) 22 Fasten (3) 25 Elbow (5) 28 Robust (5) 28 Mop (4) 29 Frozen (4) 30 Appear (4) 32 Fellow (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS Across: 1, Scarce 5, Parody 8, Campaign 9, Crop 10, Alb 12, Perch 15, Dew 17, Ova 18, Use 19, Air 20, Crass 21, Peg 22, Nee 23, Kit 24, Due 25, Dumpy 29, Hid 33, Curl 34, Sequence 35, Flight 36, Expert

How to Play Sudoku

THE VIGILANTE

Down: 2, Crawl 3, Rope 4, Exile 6, Panic 6, Rock 7, Drone 10, Award 11, Borne 12, Paced 13, Realm 14, Husky 15, Deapth 16, Waged 25, Usual 27, Upset 28, Pique 30, Incur 31, Clog 32, Heap

e-mail: rowolove@yahoo.co.uk

Place 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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