NNPC failed to remit N3.2trn in 2014 - AGF

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62804

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N150

TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016

NNPC failed to remit N3.2trn in 2014—AGF

Says $235m raised from sale of natural gas not remitted N36.4bn meant for rehabilitation of dams paid to NSA’s office N3.630bn property acquired without C of O NASS made N9.5bn payments without raising vouchers

By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

A

BUJA—AuditorGeneral of the Federation, Mr. Samuel Ukura, yesterday, told the Senate that the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, did not remit N3.235 trillion to the Federation Account Allocation Committee, FAAC, in 2014.

Similarly, he said the sale of gas to Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas,

Continues on Page 5

Poor power supply: DISCOs get marching orders on meters 16

BUHARI IN MALABO— President Muhammadu Buhari and his Equatorial Guinea counterpart, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, and Mr Adadu Echi, Ambassador of Nigeria to Equatorial Guinea, on Buhari's arrival at the international airport in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, yesterday. President Buhari is on a two-day state visit to that country for talks on maritime security.

RANKING OF OBAS: Awujale's 4 comments indecent, uncivil — ALAKE 2015 poll: ‘How Fani-Kayode, Falae, others shared N3.15bn’ •P.44 COLUMNIST:

LEKKI BUILDING COLLAPSE: Army invasion of Ogoni:

Col. Gabriel Ajayi: ‘How they murdered my pregnant wife' Tortured to See Inside impotence •P.17 C M Y K

Ambode sacks 9 building control agency boss, 3 others

$2.1bn arms probe: Court orders release of Dasuki's ex-aide 9

Mr & Mrs

2— Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15 , 2016

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15 , 2016—3

C M Y K

4—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016

Ranking of Yoruba Obas: Awujale’s comment indecent, uncivil—ALAKE

By Charles Kumolu & Daud Olatunji

As Oba Akiolu cautions against inciting statements

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BEOKUTA—THE Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Michael Adedotun Gbadebo, has replied the Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, over his comment on the ranking of Yoruba Obas, describing the Awujale’s comment as indecent and uncivil.

The Alake spoke through his Adviser on Media Affairs, Chief Lai Labode, accompanied by Egba Council of Chiefs at a conference at the paramount ruler ’s palace in Abeokuta, yesterday.

He said: “The Alake’s reply was predicated on the selfindulgence of our respected monarch to churn out outright historical falsehoods in the presence of knowledgeable Nigerians.”

The Alake, whose speech, entitled Putting the record straight: Egba’s response to Awujale’s allegations, said he believed that Awujale’s audience would have taken his attempt to rewrite contemporary history as his personal views: “we feel compelled to state the facts for record purposes,” he said.

Oba of Lagos

Meanwhile, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu of Lagos has cautioned Yoruba traditional rulers against making statements capable of causing disaffection among the various traditional institutions in the country, stating that emphasis should be on fostering peaceful coexistence.

Akiolu, who said this yesterday in Lagos when the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli, visited him at his palace, said it was not in the place of traditional rulers to make statements that could lead to disharmony.

He said: “By the grace of God, I pray for peace and progress.

Olu of Warri, this is your home.

It shall be well with you. God will grant you a peaceful and prosperous reign. You were not poor before you became the Olu, I have been blessed more than I was before I became the Oba, and you will also be blessed beyond measures.

“We, Yoruba Obas, are not supposed to be making inflammatory statements. All the Yoruba Obas should refrain from making statements capable of causing disunity. God gave us one thing in this Lagos; all those who make progress in this country started from Lagos.

There is nowhere in Lagos we discriminate against anybody.”

Awujale had, last week, attacked the Alake over the ranking of Yoruba Obas, describing the Alake as a junior

Alake, Oba Michael Adedotun Gbadebo and inexperienced Oba in Yorubaland.

Awujale was reacting to the comment on the ranking of Yoruba Obas where he was categorised as the last Oba out of five prominent Obas in Yorubaland, saying Alake had quoted wrongly from the 1903 government gazette.

The Alake, who received the new Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi Adeyeye at his palace on February 7, had said: “Ooni is one of the five principal Obas in Yorubaland.

The others are in order of the way they are classified on a supremacy basis.

“After the Ooni is the Alaafin of Oyo; after the Alaafin is the Oba of Benin; after the Oba of Benin, is the Alake of Egbaland and the fifth, and by no means the least, is the Awujale of Ijebuland.”

This statement did not go down well with the Awujale as he replied the Alake, blasting him for categorising him as the fifth prominent Yoruba Oba.

Lugard’s salary scale

However, in his reply to all the allegations raised by Awujale against him, the Alake, in the speech which was signed by the Balogun of Egbaland, Chief Sikirulahi Atobatele, and read by his media aide, said the intention of the Egbas was not to whip up any controversy or demean anybody.

Rather, it is always to educate the public by stating the fact of history and for record purposes.

In his defence, the Alake buttressed his ranking above the Awujale, going to the archives to quote Lord Lugard’s Grading and Salaries of Obas in the Southern Province.

It revealed that the two First Class monarchs were on different salary scales, which showed that the Alake was receiving £2,250, while the

A copy of the alleged gazette.

Awujale was receiving £1,700.

They gave the source of the information as Page 4, paragraph 4, Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Information National Archives, Files Nos. 33044, CSO 26, letter SP 11828120, Secretary’s Office, Southern Province, Enugu, January 31, 1938.

On the allegation by the Awujale that the Alake quoted wrongly from a 1903 government gazette, which was a newspaper publication, the statement said: “Alake quoted government Gazette, Colony of Lagos, Saturday, February 20,1903, page 100, paragraph 16. Gazette is a subsidiary legislation, which has force of law and, therefore, a public document available for verification.”

On the allegation that Awujale made several calls to Alake to confirm if Alake actually made the statement on Yoruba Obas ranking and that the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, contacted the Alake on same issue and he denied, the statement said: “Both the Awujale and Oba of Lagos actually called Alake on the ranking of Yoruba Obas. Alake responded that his ranking was supported by documentary evidence and he, therefore, stands by his position.”

On the allegation of the authority that categorised the Yoruba traditional rulers, the statement said: “The then Ooni of Ife did at the Central Native Council meeting, which was chaired by the GovernorGeneral, His Excellency, Sir William Macgregor, at Governor House, Lagos in 1937.

“Those in attendance included the Ooni of Ife, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba of Benin, Alake of Abeokuta and Awujale of Ijebu-Ode.”

On Egba forest

On the allegation that the

Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona

Alake was a junior Chief in Egba forest and that he fled to Ibadan under the territory of Alaafin, after which he was sacked by Ijebu army and that the Alake fled to Abeokuta where he met the Osile, the Olowu and the Agura and Olubara who had previously settled in Abeokuta before him, the statement said: “20 Alakes had reigned in the Egba forest prior to the founding of Abeokuta in 1830.

“There was no Alake that fled to or took refuge in Ibadan. The Egbas arrived and settled in Abeokuta mainly in 1830. The first Alake in Abeokuta was installed in 1854 , followed

by Olowu in 1855, the Agura in 1870 and the Osile in 1897.”

Before independence

The Alake further explained that he had been ranked above the Awujale long before independence.

He said: “By the Egba United Government Proclamation of February 1, 1898, approved by the then governor of Lagos, the Egba cabinet was as follows: The Alake was President, the Osile was Minister of Justice, the Agura was Minister of Communication and Works and the Olowu was Minister for Finance.”

On the allegation that Alake was a junior Oba like those under the Awujale in Ijebuland and that the Alake’s control since he arrived Abeokuta in 1830 was restricted to Ake section of Abeokuta, the statement read: “Just as there were the Awujale of Ijebu-Ode, the Akarigbo of Sagamu, the Soun of Ogbomoso, the Olowo of Owo, Oba of Lagos and so on, there was the title Alake of Abeokuta.

“Alake is only comparable with the Awujale only now

that they are both paramount rulers and rotational chairmen of Ogun State Traditional Council of Obas. Historically speaking, Alake was higher by salary differentials paid by colonial government.

“Lord Lugard’s grading and salaries of Obas in the Southern provinces: First class (the two monarchs were among First class Obas), Alake of Abeokuta used to be paid £2,250 and Awujale of Ijebu-Ode used to receive £1,700.”

Meeting with Obasanjo

On the allegation that Awujale and the immediate-past Alake, Oba Oyebade Lipede, sat with former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on the issue at Aso Rock, the statement said: “Awujale did not state the outcome of the meeting. We do not want to insinuate that if it were to his advantage, he would have mentioned it.”

On the Awujale’s advice to Alake, having referred to him as a young and inexperienced traditional ruler that needed to receive education from Chief Obasanjo, the statement replied: “Although this concluding part of Awujale’s speech is uncalled for, it is neither civil nor decent.

“We do not intend to defile the sacred Yoruba traditional institution. We, therefore, refrain from trading insults with a highly regarded monarch of his status.”

The statement, however, concluded that though the Egbas were not unmindful of the agitation over the Awujale’s speech by the people on social media, it appreciated the favourable and sympathetic reactions from social and conventional media.

Attempts to get reaction from the Awujale hit a brick wall as his Personal Assistant, Chief Toyin, did not pick several calls made to his phone line, while the text message sent to him was not replied.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016—5

POCKET CARTOON

there was no evidence of remittance and nothing was produced for audit confirmation.

Ghost workers Speaking

on

the

CONDOLENCE—From left: Chief Goodie Ibru, Mabel Ibru, Mrs Onojoma Oniwinde, daughter menace of ghost workers

of Late Felix Ibru; Grace Ibru, and Dr. Paul Ibru, first son of late Felix Ibru, during a condolence visit in Nigeria, Ukura said to late Olorogun Felix Ibru's house, at G.R.A Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi. the embarrassing syndrome of ghost workers would continue in Nigeria, if the current management of the Integrated Personel Payroll Information Systems, IPPIS, was not immediately checked by the appropriate authorities.

Ukura, who presented employment in He alleged that a copy of the report to the a g r i c u l t u r a l unidentified staff of Soft Alliance Limited, the Clerk of the National programmes.

Continues from Page 1 that the management of Assembly, Alhaji Salisu “The sum of software developers, NLNG, to the tune of the National Assembly, Maikasuwa, for onward N2,395,851,978.00 was have unhindered access $235,685,861 was not headed by the clerk, presentation to both payment for group Life to the database and paid to the federation made payments of chambers, gave Assurance Premium for usually set up new users account, noting that the N9.514 billion without highlights of how Armed Forces budget in and change live data payment moneys were diverted or 2013, but not backed. The from time to time. money was transferred to raising In a brief interview what he called “some vouchers. spent by MDAs during sum of N500,000,000 was with reporters, shortly All these were undisclosed escrow the period under review. made as payment for after presenting the contained in the Federal accounts.”

In the same period, the a g r i c u l t u r a l report to the Clerk, He also disclosed that Government’s 2014 audit audit Ukura said the password report said programmes. “the sum of N36.4 billion report of all Ministries, personal advances were “These were variances controls for access to and granted to 112 staff of the with the purpose of the IPPIS were not adequate was released to the Departments Office of the National Agencies, MDAs, which National Assembly from fund. No evidence of because the database Security Adviser, NSA, he presented to the recurrent votes and 50 these lines of could be accessed for the rehabilitation and leadership of the members of staff from expenditure in the 2014 remotely through the internet. construction of dams National Assembly. general service votes Appropriation Act,” the He noted that the The submitted audit from July to December, AGF revealed. instead of the Federal password to access the Ministr y of Water report also captured 2014 for various According to the AGF, IPPIS database does not embassies and foreign purposes, all amounting the management of the expire after 90 days, thus Resources.”

He further revealed missions. to N1.162 billion.

National Assembly making it possible for He said: “Relevant violated the nation’s retired government officers to use their documents were not financial regulations. made available for In the audit report, the password after leaving

BY AYO ADIO verification.”

AGF revealed how the office.

REAT goals are achieved by genuine passion, The report also Embassy of Nigeria in with a day to day commitment to execution. indicated that Washington, D.C., Security checks It's up to you. acquisition and payment United States of America, and salary frauds of N3,630,000,000 realized Internally The AGF expressed property was made Generated Revenue,

BY ELLA RANDLE without a Certificate of IGR, between 2012 and concern that some user Occupancy,C of O. March 2015, but names and passwords Why are you trying to fit in when you were born It was alleged in the expended the whole were shared by several to stand out? —Ian Wallace report that a total amount on sundry users and that most of them used words as O embark on a love journey with yourself is a payment, amounting to expenses, adding that ‘consultant’ or stood at beautiful experience. It brings an awareness N73.55 billion was made, they ‘technical’ with no contrary to established $3,705,428.00. that exudes confidence and calm which enables one purpose of the funds. to be compassionate towards others.

The audit report restriction on the number This sort of love is not self-absorbed. In a love “The sum of indicted the leadership of sign-in attempts.

“The audit trail for the journey with self, you learn to say your truth and N2,894,531, 250.00 was of the Nigerian Prisons allow others their beingness. The ego is balanced spent for the Service as according to IPPIS has not been and absolutely embracing the awakening of your procurement of hand the AGF in the report, enabled and as a result, divine connection as a conscious being. sanitizers for schools Pay As You Earn, PAYE, it is not always possible and critical public tax of N2,036,758,176.75 to trace which user made places. was deducted and said particular inputs or “The sum of to be remitted to Federal changes. For example, He who takes a little child's toy and raises N31,324,952,239.87 was Inland Revenue Service, fraudulent transactions cannot be traced to a his hand, when the hand begins to ache him, for payment of subsidy FIRS. According to the report, particular user. on fertilizer and youth he will bring it down.

NNPC failed to remit N3.2trn in 2014—A-GF

IT'S UP TO YOU

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TAKE HEART

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SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE

“Application controls have not been activated in IPPIS to ensure that gross pay is input from salary and allowance tables, rather than the actual amounts being input directly.

“Completeness checks are not activated to ensure that all necessary data as bank account number, grade level, and job title have been entered.

“Duplicate checks to determine that the bank account numbers or employee numbers are not used by more than one payee.

“Reasonableness checks not activated so that an officer ’s age less than 18 years can still be paid while user profiles are not adequately restricted, hence an officer in one MDA can access the payroll data for other MDAs. “The ability to create new users on the system is not adequately protected and restricted to a few ‘super users,”he stated.

He said his office, as a result of the anomalies, discovered that about N330 million was paid to 300,000 people without following approved salary scale, while double payments of about N30 million was made within three months.

He added that the imperfections in the IPPIS system had made the country lose huge sums of money, with the payment of N12 million each to 40 members of staff who were not included in the payroll of the relevant MDAs. He said 152 officers on IPPIS did not have personnel files in their MDAs, while N193m was paid to unidentified persons.

Besides, he explained that N1.163m was paid to 596 employees with income tax deductions from April 2012 to September 2013 and that 2, 000 employees had no pension deductions.

6 — Vanguard, TUESDAY MARCH 15 , 2016

Ogun relocates Kara market to Ogere

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O V E R N O R Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State yesterday, completed the process of relocating traders from the popular Kara cattle market along Berger bridge immediately after leaving Lagos to Ogere, about midway between Lagos and Ibadan.

The process, which commenced last Friday, saw the state providing the traders with about 300 hectares of land in Ogere.

The new market space has been provided with a sleeper road that ensures that traffic in and out of the complex does not adversely affect the expressway.

In a bid to ensure that the traders do their business in a conducive, secured and healthy environment, Governor Amosun equally ensured that the new market complex is provided with not less than four boreholes alongside the presence of a stream at the location.

The governor, while welcoming the traders to the new location, assured them of his administration’s determination to provide them a modern market fitted with Fire Service center, modern stalls, a police station, an abattoir and other services.

Governor Amosun explained that the decision to relocate Kara market to the present Ogere location had been taken since 2012.

Governor Amosun

Ambode, Olu of Warri make case for peaceful coexistence •As monarch says Itsekiri, Yoruba are brothers

By Charles Kumolu, Olasukanmi Akoni, Gbenga Oke & Monsur OlowoOpejo

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AGOS—GOVERNOR Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State and the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli Emiko, yesterday called for peaceful coexistence among the various ethnic groups in Nigeria, noting that the country can only attain prosperity if its people are living harmoniously.

The duo also emphasised on the historical ties between the Itsekiri and Yoruba ethnic groups, calling for survival of the relationship.

This was said yesterday in Lagos when the Itsekiri monarch paid a courtesy visit to the governor.

Ambode, who expressed delight at the visit, urged both tribes to continuously emphasise issues that would further strengthen the bond.

He further congratulated the monarch for peacefully ascending the throne, noting that he is confident that the king would turn around the fortunes of the Itsekiri nation.

His words: “We believe so much in him and his community. We believe just the way he has said that we are brothers and that anything that concerns the Warri community is the concern of the Yoruba community and like he rightly said, this visit once again emphasized the need for all of us to foster peace and harmonious relationship.

“We are strongly committed to the needs of the people of Itsekiri land because we know that by history, the coming of Olu of Warri to Lagos from Ile-Ife is significant to show the Yoruba hegemony that we have always wanted and we will continue to preach about.

“There is nothing we want to say about the history of the Yoruba

OLU OF WARRI THANK-YOU VISIT TO LAGOS: HRM Godfrey Ikenwoli Emiko, Ogiame Ikenwoli 1, Olu of Warri (left) conferring with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, during the monarch's visit to the governor at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, yesterday. Photo by Bunmi Azeez. nation that we can afford to leave out the Itsekiri. If you look at our titles, our languages and our culture, you will obviously find a symbiotic relationship between us which we must guard jealously and also improve upon as we proceed.”

Yoruba hegemony

Earlier, the Olu thanked Ambode for identifying with the people of Warri during the mourning period of the late monarch and during his coronation.

He said:”I came in from Ile-Ife to this place and the way the Ooni of Ife received me and my entourage confirmed the fact that we are from the same heritage.

As a matter of fact, I had the honour to first receive and bless his new wife. And when I got to the palace of Oba of Lagos this morning, the reception too was like home coming.

“The Oba of Lagos left his throne and sat with me and this is just a confirmation that we are brothers and must not be separated. I am happy sitting with the Governor as a member of the same family.

“My appeal is that we are part of you not minding the geographical distance. There are lots of Itsekiri in Lagos and there are lots of Yoruba in Warri.

I want such relationship to continue and pray that we should sustain it.”

Also speaking during an earlier visit to the Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Akiolu, the monarch commended Akiolu for providing an inspiring leadership to all the ethnic groups in the state.

Remi Tinubu, good ambassador of Itsekiri

He said: “What I have seen here is to show that you are a father indeed. You have accepted us with open hands and demonstrated brotherhood.

You are much older than me but instead of seating on your seat, you came to sit close to me. You came out today and prayed for the success of everyone. You also commended our daughter, Senator Remi Tinubu that, she is a good ambassador of the Itsekiri nation and that is how we are.

“I want to appeal that we see Lagos as our own state too, that is why we are all here to see you and you have demonstrated that from your spoken words. I want to appeal that the love you have exhibited towards my children who are here in Lagos, should continue. Any time they come to you, accept them as your children.

They will continue to contribute their best towards the prosperity of Lagos. I want to tell you that Warri is also your home. We are looking forward to seeing you in Warri.”

Olu warns against communal clashes

At a forum, organised in honour of the visiting monarch by the Itsekiri community in Lagos, the 20th Olu of Warri cautioned the various communities in Warri against engaging in communal clashes.

He also advised against wasting so much money on litigations over communal issues.

In addition, the monarch said his subjects would often

be consulted before vital decisions are taken.

He said: “Recently, we had an issue over land tussle and the lawyer charged us N40 million, we had to beg him to collect 20million.

Why should we spend so much money on litigations when such money could be spent on the developmental projects in our communities?

“During my reign as Olu of Warri, I will consult with subjects before making any pronouncement and I am also using this opportunity to call on people stealing funds meant for community development to stop forthwith.

“I am also using this opportunity to thank all those who stood by me during my coronation, I pray God in his infinite mercies will stand by them as well.”

In his remarks, Chairman of Alphamay, Mr. Luck Ereku, called on the people of Warri to make the city great again.

His words: “Warri does not take the last position in anything and that is why we remain the best today. We are calling on every one of us to come together and make Warri great again.

“The coronation of our monarch was a beautiful one and we thank all those who played a major role in making it a reality. We call on our people who are in Warri North and Warri South-West to all come together and support the Ogiame to reposition our zone.”

Those at the event include: Chief Philip Asiodu, Prof. John Pepper Clark, former governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba, Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor; Amb Patrick Dele Cole, Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli, Henry Boyo, Amaju Pinnick and Miss Temi Harriman.

Others are Chief Brown Mene, Chief Kofi Kate, Chief Prest Udenyi, Chief Emmanuel Jones, Chief Ayirimi Emami, Prince Yemi Emiko, Prince Toju Emiko, Prince Moses Emiko and others.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016 — 7

Fayose’s wife condemns impregnation of under-aged physically challenged Pays her medical bill

By Rotimi Ojomoyela

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IFE of Ekiti State Governor, Mrs Feyisetan Fayose yesterday showed visible resentment and came to the assistance of a 15-yearold girl, (names withheld) at Ijero Ekiti, who suffers from cerebral palsy, who has just delivered a new baby by paying her medical bill.

According to the press statement issued in Ado Ekiti yesterday by the Special Assistance to the wife of the governor, Gbenga Ariyibi, Mrs Fayose paid the medical bill of the minor and 11 others at the Specialist Hospital, Ijero Ekiti yesterday during her visit to the hospital The girl, who could hardly walk nor speak coherently was impregnated by an unknown person in the town and later delivered the baby through Caesarian Section, CS. Speaking while presenting cheque to offset the medical bills of the minor and others, Mrs Fayose lamented the fate of the minor and warned parents to be extra careful in monitoring their female children.

“This is a serious problem that needed to be tackled by all well-meaning members of the society,how would somebody like her be impregnated.

“Surely somebody ,must have impregnated her and left her to her fate, her parent must keep a close watch on her as the person who put her in a family way may still be after her.''

The governor ’s wife who fumed over the rate at which minors and girl child are being defied by some men said these call for serious concern by all.

Earlier,the Chief Medical Director of the Hospital,Dr Olagbaju Adebayo commended Mrs Fayose for her philanthropist gesture and for always remember the hospital in the area of assistance assistance

Mimiko signs N123.720bn appropriation law

By Dayo Johnson

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KURE—ONDO State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko yesterday signed into law this years appropriation bill which was jerked up from N118billion to N123.720billion by the state House of Assembly.

The budget comprised of a recurrent estimate of N69,194,325,000 representing 55.93% and a Capital estimate of N54,526,375,000 representing 44.07% of the estimates.

Speaking at the ceremony, the governor said that the “journey has no doubt, been challenging, but the mercies of God have seen us through to the last lap of the fiscal race.

“It is equally noteworthy that, in the last seven years, God has granted our prayers for the transformation of both the land and the people of the State through the instrument of our yearly budgets.

The governor said this has ”enabled us to implement the several game-changing initiatives and programmes all across the state.

“Our Sunshine State has inevitably been placed on the global scene as a worthy

reference in good and innovative governance.

He pointed out that” the overarching rationale of this year’s budget is to ensure the continuity of the amazing

beyond it (this administration).

He however assured that ''the budget will be implemented towards the continued delivery of dividends of good governance to our people.''

FRAUD: EFCC yet to investigate suspended officials — CBN

By Babajide Komolafe

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday said that the top officials suspended last week have not yet been indicted for involvement in the uncovered fraud.

Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, Isaac Okorafor stated this yesterday.

The CBN had last week reported discovery of a sophisticated fraudulent transaction, as well as suspension of key personnel involved in the transaction. While the apex bank did not reveal the identities of the staff, unconfirmed reports indicated that the suspend staff include Deputy Governor, Financial System Surveillance,

Group detests police treatment of Lekki Garden’s boss

By Innocent Anaba

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social re-engineering process of the last seven years.

“People-oriented governance must continue in the last lap of this administration and by God’s grace must be sustained well

A G O S — C I T I Z E N S Rights’ Association, CRA, yesterday, described the treatment meted out to the Managing Director of Lekki Garden Estate Limited, Mr. Richard Nyong by the Police when he appeared in chains before an Ebute-Meta Chief Magistrate Court on Friday as unacceptable.

President of CRA, Otunba Adeoye Ogundunmade in a statement in Lagos, said the action of the Police was despicable as Nyong reported himself at the Ikeja Office of Lagos State Police Commissioner, Mr Fatai Owoseni.

“It is not right and the action of the Police should be condemned by all lover of freedom and human dignity as it violated the rights of Nyong because an accused person is presumed innocent until otherwise proven,” Ogundunmade said.

He noted that contrary to reports, Nyong was not arrested by the Police, saying: “He submitted himself to the office of Lagos State Police Commissioner in the company of his lawyer, Chief Wole Olanipekun, following an announcement by Lagos State Governor that those connected with the collapsed building should do so.

“If he wanted to run away, he would have done so, but as a law abiding citizen, he gave himself up as he believed he had done nothing wrong. It is therefore, sad to see the police bring him to court in chains.

“In fact, before he reported himself, he had already reported himself at Maroko Police Station and Area “J “ command, Ajiwe, Ajah a day earlier.''

He incidented the matter there and submitted a petition to the police authority seeking an investigation into the matter,’’ the statement added.

Joseph Nnanna, Deputy Director, Payment, Deputy Director, Trade and Exchange department, and the Deputy Director, Governor’s Office.

Commenting on the development, Okoroafor explained that the affected personnel suspended by the Bank’s management had to undergo that administrative procedure because they handled the routine processing of the said payment.

He stated that preliminary investigations so far had not revealed any accomplice within the Bank, adding that management had to suspend the officers in order to allow unfettered investigation into the matter.

Meanwhile, the Economic and

Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said that it had not invited any of the suspended CBN officials for questioning.

It will be recalled that the CBN in a statement last week stated that the bank had uncovered and aborted a highly sophisticated plot to defraud the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) by some criminal minded elements.

The statement, which was also signed by Okorafor disclosed that the CBN management decided to place all key personnel involved in the transaction on suspension and had reported the matter to relevant authorities.

The CBN, in the statement, assured that the security of the bank remained intact.

8—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016

Nigeria's oil production activities slowing As rig deployment now down to 6 from 9 down FG to end gas flaring by 2020

By Clara Nwachukwu, with agency reports, Michael Eboh & Grace Udofia

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AGOS — OIL production activities in Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, is slowing down dramatically, as its rig deployment is now six, down from nine as at Friday.

Although Nigeria produces just over two million barrels daily, but a lull in economic activities, occasioned by the crash in oil prices, is dampening exploration and production, E&P, activities in the country and many other parts of the world.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government, yesterday, said the country was committed to ending gas flaring by 2020 and has plans to sign the United Nations Agreement of ‘Zero Routine Flaring by 2030.’

no funds to support the process at this time.

Cash call obligations

But the Managing Director/ Chief Executive, International Energy Services Limited, IESL, Dr. Diran Fawibe, argued that the low rig deployment was a direct impact from the billions of dollars estimated at over $5 billion cash call arrears being owed international oil companies, IOCs. Noting that rig deployment was a function of drilling operations and exploration and development activities, Fawibe, a one-time head of crude marketing at the Nigerian

National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, said not much could be achieved if the Federal Government did not offset all outstanding cash call arrears.

Gas flaring to end 2020

Speaking at the opening of African Petroleum Congress and Exhibition (CAPE VI), organized by African Petroleum Producers Association, APPA, in Abuja, President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, said the country was committed to ending gas flaring by 2020 and had plans to sign the United Nations Agreement of ‘Zero Routine Flaring by 2030’.

He said: “In Nigeria, gas flaring amounts to about 23 billion cubic metres per annum, in over 100 flare sites constituting over 13 per cent of global gas flaring.

“Nigeria is a member of the World Bank Global Gas Flaring Reduction (GCFR) Partnership and with the support of our legislature; we will sign the United Nations Agreement of ‘Zero Routine Flaring by 2030’ although our national target is 2020.”

Also speaking, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, identified funding as one of the major challenges hampering the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

Implication for Nigeria

The implication for low rig deployment means that there will be less reserve addition, in view of the low rate of E&P, and will in turn impact on Federal Government’s production target of 2.6 million barrels daily, bpd, in the 2016 fiscal year, and 40 billion barrels in reserves by 2020.

According to the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, Nigeria currently produces about 2.2 million bpd, but with just six rigs active in the industry, growing production by adding 400,000bpd might be a herculean task.

So far, Nigeria has persistently missed all set production targets due to lack of commitment to achieve results and policy somersaults, the last being the target of four million bpd and 40 billion barrels in reserves by 2010, which was later extended by another 10 years to 2020.

From all indications, the realisation of these targets just four years away, may also become a mirage.

Wake up call

Speaking on the challenges before the country, the former Chairman, Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria, PETAN, Mr. Emeka Ene, argued that the low was a wake up call for the government to spin into action.

Ene, who is also the President/ Chief Executive of Oildata, said: “In a time of low oil price regime, this is the time we need to be producing, drilling and developing new wells. ‘’There is no better time than now to do it because you don’t do this during a high oil price cycle, you invest in low cost oil, invest in drilling, work over and exploration.”

But he equally noted that efforts to boost exploration and production in the country were currently being frustrated by lack of funds, adding that there were

MEETING: Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola (right), being welcomed by the Managing Director, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, Mr Robert Dickerman (left), to the third monthly meeting of the minister with sectoral participants in the power sector at the Ugwuaji Transmission Station, Enugu, yesterday.

Labour blames DISCOs for erratic power supply Berates Information minister over comments

By Victor AhiumaYoung

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AGOS— ORGANISED labour in the nation’s power sector, yesterday, berated the Minister of Information, Mr. Lai Mohammed, over insinuations that workers were sabotaging the power sector and that government would deal with them, insisting that the minister was off the mark as far as power supply in the country was concerned.

Operating on the platform of the National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, labour noted that if there were people sabotaging the sector, it was the distribution companies that allegedly refused to accept load allocated to them.

NUEE, in a statement by its General Secretary, Mr. Joe

Ajaero, declared that any infringement on the rights and privileges of workers in the power sector would be strongly resisted despite the minister’s stance.

The union said it was shocked that the minister never saw anything wrong in the sack of about 400 workers by one distribution company and the continued abuse and denigration of workers’ rights and privileges by the DISCOs, but had risen to defend vested interests who had hijacked the power sector to the detriment of the generality of Nigerians.

According to the union, “we must remind Alhaji Lai Mohammed who the real saboteurs are so that he can go after them as promised. They are those who refuse load allocation from the national grid for onward distribution to our factories and homes so that they can continue the rip-off.

"Those that punish Nigerians

with estimated billing, whether there was electricity supply or not, those that continue subjecting Nigerians to untold darkness without reason, and those that increase tariff every time with the support of people like Lai Mohammed are the real socio-economic saboteurs.

“Instead of looking for the so-called saboteurs outside who have borne all the errors of this government, we urge Lai Mohammed to look inward and stop using the apparatus of the government to cover up the heist and massive corruption that characterised power privatisation in Nigeria.

"We urge the minister to come clean and stand for Nigerians, at least for once, so that the evil that will manifest more and more in the sector is nipped in the bud immediately."

SEC positions Nigeria for $2trn global Sukuk market

By Yinka Kolawole, with agency reports

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AGOS— THE S e c u r i t i e s and Exchange Commission (SEC) has initiated moves to position Nigeria for a big role in the emerging global market for Islamic or non- interest finance valued at over $2 trillion.

Director General of SEC, Mounir Gwarzo, said this in Sokoto at a regional roundtable on Non-Interest Capital Market.

He said: “In Nigeria, the SEC has implemented a number of reforms aimed at deepening the non-interest capital market. The global Sukuk market continues to witness remarkable growth since after the 2008 global financial crisis. Annual issuances have grown from $15 billion in 2008 to almost $120 billion in 2014.”

SEC has issued regulatory framework, reviewing the rules and introducing new ones on Islamic Fund Management and on Sukuk issuance. The legal frameworks have encouraged Islamic product innovation with the registration of five ethical/ shariah compliant funds and the issuance of Nigeria’s first ever subnational Ijara Sukuk by the Osun State government in 2013 which was oversubscribed.

“We are also considering modalities for setting up a Sharia Advisory Council as a body of experts to advise SEC and the market on noninterest product and their applications,” Gwarzo said.

Investors worldwide are increasingly allocating their resources into Islamic finance products.

Hong Kong, with only about 270,000 Muslims, raised $2 billion from Sukuk sales in 2014 and 2015, which attracted $6.7 billion in total orders, while Indonesia plans to tap investors for the sixth year running and Malaysia is returning for its seventh offering this year.

Last year was widely considered a landmark year for Islamic finance, especially with landmark debut Sukuk issuances by countries such as the UK, Hong Kong, Senegal, South Africa, and Luxemburg. A Sukuk is part of Nigeria’s strategic framework through 2017, the Debt Management Office (DMO) said recently.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016—9

$2.1bn arms probe: Court blasts EFCC, orders immediate release of Dasuki’s ex-aide As EFCC files fresh evidence against Badeh Court defers trial till tomorrow Court in Abuja

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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BUJA — AN Abuja High Court sitting at Jabi has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Nigerian Army to immediately release Col. Nicholas Ashinze, a former aide to the erstwhile National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), who had been in detention since December 23, 2015.

This came on a day full-blown trial of the former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh (retd), could not commence before the Federal High in Abuja, following a fresh proof of evidence the EFCC adduced against him.

In the judgment on Dasuki’s aide, yesterday, Justice Yusuf Haliru directed the respondents to immediately release the applicant on self-recognition, saying his detention for over three months without trial, was “ illegal, wrongful, unlawful and constituted a blatant violation of the fundamental rights of the applicant.”

The court also ordered immediate release of documents and items the anti-graft agency seized from the house of the applicant.

Justice Haliru blasted both the EFCC and the army which he said acted as if Nigeria was still under military dictatorship.

He said: “The EFCC is a creation of the law. The court will not allow it to act as if it is above the law. It is remarkable to note that the motto of the EFCC is that nobody is above the law, yet they are acting as if they are above the law.

“The EFCC Act is not superior to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The respondents in this matter have not behaved as if we are in a civilised society. They have behaved as if we are in a military dictatorship where they arrest and release persons at will.

“The respondents —the EFCC and the Army— I must be bold to say, have behaved like illiterates.

“Why has the 1st respondent kept the applicant without bringing him to court? Why was the applicant, being a serving military officer, who could be easily reached, not granted administrative bail? Or is it that the applicant has been found guilty and already serving his jail term?

“Nobody should be subjected to the whims and caprices of the EFCC. The essence of the rule of law and constitutional provisions is to ensure a just balance between the ruler and the ruled, between the powerful and the weak.

“Though the EFCC has the responsibility to investigate financial crime, it must, however, conduct its operations in accordance with the rule of law.

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“The court is empowered to guard against improper use of power by any member of the society or agency, EFCC inclusive.

“The detention of the applicant, for all intent and purposes, is not just unfair but unfortunate.”

EFCC files fresh evidence against Badeh

Meanwhile, a Federal High

has fixed tomorrow for the commencement of trial of former Chief of Air Staff, Alex Badeh, over allegation of money laundering.

Full-blown trial of Air Marshal Badeh (retd), could not commence before the Federal High in Abuja, yesterday, following a fresh proof of evidence the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, adduced against him.

At the resumed sitting, EFCC notified the court that it had

already served copies of the fresh proof of evidence on the two defendants.

The prosecuting counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, said his witnesses were around and ready to mount the box to enter their Evidence-in-Chief against Badeh.

Jacobs said among the fresh evidence included a statement that Badeh made when he was interrogated by EFCC operatives in relation to the alleged fraud, as well statements by investigators and other proposed witnesses.

MEDVIEW: From left— Executive Director, Business Development, Medview Airline, Alhaji Ishaq Na'Allah; General Manager, UAE and Oman, Anta Group, Mr. Kumar Jagadeesan; Manager, Mr. Shirantha Senteviratne, and MD, Medview, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, during the airline's Trade Partners' Forum on Dubai route and tour packages in Lagos. PHOTO: Lamidi Bamidele.

Lekki building collapse: Ambode dismisses building control agency boss, 3 others Officials indicted of negligence Egbeyemi replaces Abe as new Taskforce boss

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By Olasunkanmi Akoni

AGOS — IN the wake of the Lekki Gardens building collapse, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, yesterday, approved the dismissal of the General Manager of the Building Control Agency, LASBCA, Adeigbe Olushola.

The governor also approved the dismissal of the Head of Inspection and Quality Control in the agency, Adeoye Thomas Adeyemi; the Zonal District Officer in the agency, Dosunmu Gbadebo, while the Zonal Head of Eti-Osa West of the agency, Mrs. Akinde Adenike Sherifat was compulsorily retired from the civil service.

Governor Ambode, in a statement signed by the state's Head of Service, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola, said the affected officers were

dismissed having been indicted of negligence, which according to him, is an act of misconduct under the Public Service Rule 040401.

The Head of Service said the disciplinary measure was the outcome of the recommendations of the Personnel Management Board to Governor Ambode, who was grieved by the high number of fatalities that occurred as a result of the building collapse.

She also warned public officials, private building owners or contractors, who violate or subvert building regulations that it would no longer be business as usual, saying the dismissal of the officers will serve as a wakeup call to public servants.

“It is also a clarion call to them to be alive to their responsibilities as any act of negligence will face sanctions, while hard

working officers will be rewarded appropriately,” the Head of Service said

Egbeyemi replaces Abe as Taskforce boss

Meantime, Ambode has also approved the appointment of Superintendent of Police, SP, Saidi Egbeyemi, as the new chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce on Environmental and Special Offences Unit.

Egbeyemi, who resumed duty, yesterday, replaces his immediate boss, SP Olubukola Abe. According to a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the unit, Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, Egbeyemi, until his new appointment, was the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, of Sango-Otta Police Station.

Abe, it was gathered, left to pursue further studies.

Agatu killings: FG vows to deal decisively with perpetrators

By Omeiza Ajayi

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BUJA — THE Federal Government has vowed to deal with the perpetrators of violence in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, where hundreds of people were killed weeks ago by suspected herdsmen.

The warning came against the backdrop of claims last weekend by former Senate President, David Mark, that over 500 people were killed, while 10 communities were razed in the local government area.

The Minister of Interior, Abdurrahman Dambazzau, who gave the warning in a statement in Abuja, yesterday, said government would not hesitate to deal with those found culpable in the attacks on the communities.

President Muhammadu Buhari had earlier ordered an investigation into the killings that had also thrown up humanitarian problems in internally displaced persons, IDPs. “Minister of Interior has received with shock the sad news of incessant attacks on innocent Nigerians in Agatu and other communities in Benue State by unknown gunmen,” the statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the minister, Osaigbovo Ehisienmen, read.

The statement said Dambazau had earlier directed the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, to carry out an on-thespot assessment of the situation in the communities, adding that the government would not relent in its responsibility to protect its people.

The statement said the perpetrators of the dastardly acts were “unwittingly testing the will and capabilities” of the government, and that the present administration would not fail in its duties to ensure the security and welfare of the people as enshrined in the constitution.

“The minister has, therefore, vowed to mobilize security forces to decisively deal with the perpetrators of these dastardly acts.

“To this end, the nation’s Interior Minister has directed the Inspector General of Police and other heads of security agencies under the ministry to synergize with other security services to speedily arrest this ugly trend and bring its perpetrators to justice.”

10—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016

Kidnapped Edo magistrate, doctors regain freedom

By Simon Ebegbulem

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ENIN—A senior Magistrate in Edo State, who was abducted last week Tuesday, regained her freedom weekend.

Magistrate Hassana was freed alongside three others, including two medical doctors, who were abducted along with her.

They were all reportedly abducted along the BeninAuchi Road after the kidnappers shot her police orderly, identified as Marcus.

They were said to have been freed near Egba village along the Adumagba-Akure expressroad. Vanguard learned that ransom was paid before she was released.

It was gathered that the victims were directed to trek along a particular route inside the forest by the kidnappers until they got to the road from where they took a bike to Egba junction along the Benin-Auchi Road.

The magistrate reunited with her family at about 4p.m. Saturday. It was, however, learned that a farmer, who ran into the kidnappers and the victims when they were about to be released, was tied to a tree after being blindfolded before they dispersed.

Woman allegedly plots grandfather's kidnap

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trader, Ayisat Amodu, who allegedly conspired with two others to kidnap her grandfather, was yesterday remanded in prison custody by an Ilorin Magistrate’s Court.

Magistrate Mohammed Ibrahim ordered the accused remanded at the Federal Prison, Okekura, Ilorin, while the case was adjourned till March 22 for mention.

Amodu, a resident of Ilesha Baruba in Kwara, is facing trial with Ali Mohammed and Adamu Hassan in the court.

The Prosecutor, Inspector Nasiru Yusuf, told the court that the trader, along with Mohammed and Hassan, kidnapped her grandfather, Yakub Bello, for a ransom.

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Tenant punches landlord dead over electricity bill

By Dayo Johnson

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KURE—DETECTIVES from Ondo State Police Command have arrested one Tope Akideji, who allegedly punched his 75-year-old landlord, Kayode Osunkalu, to death over electricity bill.

Vanguard gathered that the suspect is being interrogated at the homicide section of the Command.

The deceased, a retired civil servant, owned a two-storey building located at 17, Ayeferere, Street in Ondo town.

Officials of Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC, according to a source, reportedly brought a bill to the house and the deceased invited all tenants for talks on how to settle the bill.

A police source informed Vanguard that an argument over the settlement of the bill ensued between the suspect and the landlord when he gave an ultimatum that all tenants should contribute their share within 24 hours.

He was said to have expressed concern over the

huge amount owed and directed that all tenants endeavour to pay by all means to avoid disconnection by officials of the electricity company.

An argument reportedly ensued when the suspect said that the ultimatum could not be met by the tenants. The landlord reportedly tongue lashed him and held him by his shirt for several minutes.

The intervention of other tenants failed to separate them, following which the suspect reportedly punched him and he slumped.

The deceased was rushed to the state Specialist Hospital in

Ondo town, where he was later confirmed dead by the medical personnel on duty.

Contacted, the Divisional Police Officer in Enuowa Police Station, where the matter was reported, Chief Superintendent Kunle Omisakin, confirmed the incident.

Omisakin told Vanguard that the suspect has been transferred to the homicide section for further investigations.

Meanwhile, the remains of the deceased has been deposited at the morgue of the state Specialist Hospital for autopsy.

ENDLESS: Queue at NNPC Mega Station, in Asaba, Delta State, as fuel scarcity bites harder. PHOTOS: Nath Onojake.

Kaduna pupils desert schools after eating free meals

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ADUNA State Government, yesterday, expressed concern over the desertion of schools by primary school pupils after taking the free meal offered them. The pupils have developed the habit of leaving school immediately after the free meal under the guise of going to drink water.

The state’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Dr. Shehu Adamu, told newsmen in Kaduna that government was disturbed by the situation.

He appealed to parents to ensure that children remain in school after taking their free meals, so as not to jeopardise the programme.

Adamu said that parents must also ensure that no child returned home until closing hours, “otherwise the aim would be defeated.”

The commissioner stressed that the programme was introduced to encourage school enrolment, attendance and retention.

He said: “The main goal of the school feeding programme is to attract out-of-school children to school and keep them in class for them to acquire education and better their lives.

“We will not allow a situation where children will just come

to school and leave the moment they finished eating their meals; if it is about water, we have already asked parents to provide water for their children.

“Therefore, parents have a responsibility of ensuring that the children do not only come

to school on time, but remain in school till closing hours.”

On the delay in paying vendors supplying food under the programme, he said they had been directed to open account with Heritage Bank through which they would be getting their payments.

Adamu said the bank officials would screen and capture all the vendors in their respective local government areas.

He reminded the food vendors not to cook on March 25 and 28, being Good Friday and Easter Monday.

Day-old baby disappears under step-mother's watch

By Aliyu Dangida

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WO women are currently cooling their heels in police net as they have been arrested in connection with the disappearance of a day old baby from Dutse General Hospital, Jigawa State, weekend.

It was reported that Huraira Yahaya, the mother of the baby, who gave birth through caesarean operation, was unconscious when the baby was reportedly taken out by her step-mother and a yet-tobe identified woman.

Speaking with journalists, the baby’s mother said nobody was initially willing to tell her what happened when she demanded to breast feed the baby.

She said: “It was when I insisted that I was told my

step-mother and a certain woman took my baby out for bathing in town. She later came back to say the other woman ran away with the baby.”

The father of the baby, Yahaya Ali, who corroborated his wife’s statement, said he saw his wife’s step-mother, in company of another woman, taking his baby out of the hospital around 10am, a day after his wife gave birth.

Yahaya said he had wanted to caution that the baby was too young to be taken out of hospital premises, but his friends asked him not to do so as she is his in-law.

He added that he heard the news of his baby ’s disappearance when he brought a pot for hot water for baby and nursing mother.

Yahaya said when he got to the police to report the case, he was surprised that his wife’s step-mother had gone there to report that an unknown woman used charm on her to take the baby away as she could not raise alarm when she saw the woman going away with the baby.

However, efforts to speak with the Chief Medical Director, Dutse General Hospital, Abbas Dutse, proved abortive as he was said to be out of the town.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relation Officer, DSP Abdul Jinjiri confirmed the theft of the baby, saying two women, Lubabatu Musa and Asabe Uba, had been arrested in connection with the baby’s disappearance and that they were undergoing interrogation.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016—11

Scarcity: We don’t have fuel to hoard, depot operators cry out

By Clara Nwachukwu, Sebastine Obasi, Ediri Ejoh & Iloaze Blessed-Odidi

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RIVATE operators, whose depots are being used for throughput arrangement (storage for a fee) by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, have said they do not have enough fuel stock and, therefore, cannot indulge in hoarding.

Some of the depot operators, who spoke in c o n f i d e n c e with Vanguard, alleged that Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, PPMC, the marketing arm of NNPC, had not given them enough stock, especially of premium motor spirit, PMS, also called petrol.

According to one of the depot managers, who spoke in confidence, “we do not have PMS stock; in the past, we normally load between 150 and 200 of PMS trucks daily, but today (yesterday), we did only 20. So where is the product? “ E v e n DPR (Department of Petroleum Resources) officials came to our depot today (yesterday) and some other depots, including Capital Oil, Folawiyo, MRS among others, to confirm if we had stock of PMS and they discovered we don’t.”

Confirming the development, a competent management source at DPR said: “It is true; some of the depots had little or no stock of PMS when we visited them,” adding that NNPC/PPMC needs to increase stock allocations to these depots to ease the scarcity situation.

However, there were no comments from either NNPC or PPMC on this development, although the Corporation and its marketing arm had said they were engaged in a one cargo per day programme, which will be distributed among the depots to ease the lingering fuel shortages.

Forex

The depots' outcry is coming on the heels of foreign exchange demand of about $250 million or N49.75 billion monthly, by the

Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, to enable them import refined petroleum products.

IPMAN’s National Operation Controller, Mr. Mike Osatuyi, in an interview with Vanguard, said it will enable marketers import about 32 cargoes monthly.

Osatuyi spoke in the light of Federal Government’s plan to engage the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to make FOREX available to marketers to import petrol.

He said: “That is what

we have been clamouring for, but government did not listen. Government cannot do it alone.

“Thank God, they have seen reasons. We have said it time without number that nobody has monopoly of wisdom. It is a right step in the right direction.

“Though it is not new, the government is only restoring what has been cancelled.”

Osatuyi said the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, should be commended for taking the bold step to let marketers have access to FOREX.

UBA grosses N60bn in profits, pays additional 40k dividend

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AGOS—UNITED Bank for Africa Plc, the pan African financial services Group with operations in 19 African countries has delivered another strong and impressive financial performance.

In its audited full year results for the year ended December 31, 2015, released to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, yesterday, the bank recorded a 10 percent growth in gross earnings, closing at N315 billion and a 25 percent growth in profit-after-tax to N60 billion; translating to a 20 percent return on average equity.

Similarly, UBA defied competition and macroeconomic pressures to grow operating income by 10 percent to a record N205 billion in December 2015; from N186 billion in December 2014.

The board is proposing a final dividend of 40

kobo per share.

This brings to 60 kobo the total dividend for the 2015 financial year. UBA had earlier paid an interim dividend of 20 kobo per share, following the audit of its 2015 half year results.

Commenting on the result, Mr. Phillips Oduoza, the GMD/CEO, UBA Plc, said: “Our 2015 profit is a new high, reflecting the hard work and discipline of our board, management and staff in creating value for all stakeholders.

“We remain committed to growing in a responsible manner that aligns with our vision of building an enduring institution.”

He said the bank’s resilient business model, g e o g r a p h i c diversification, proactive strategies and strong governance created an edge for it throughout the year.

Man to die by hanging for homicide

By Demola Akinyemi

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LORIN—AN Ilorin High Court, yesterday, sentenced one Ahmed Abdullahi to death by hanging after finding him guilty of a charge of culpable homicide.

Delivering his judgment, the state Chief Judge, Justice Suleiman Kawu, ordered that Abdullahi be hanged for causing the death of a nine-year-old, Hamidu

Sanda, by beheading him in a bush at Amberi Village, Iso Wara, near Ajase-Ipo in Irepodun Local Government Area of the state on April 1, 2009.

The court also sentenced the convict to five year imprisonment for being in possession of a fresh human head.

The court also sentenced Waheed Sanni and Saka Adisa to five years imprisonment each for unlawfully receiving fresh human head.

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12—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016

Rivers re-run polls: DIG warns against violence As APC vows to stamp out violence in Rivers

By Jimitota Onoyume & Davies Iheamnachor

who represented the National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, said it was pitiable that innocent people were slaughtered like animals.

Oni, who was accompanied by the National Women Leader, Mrs. Tijani Ramani, the National Youth Leader, Mr. Dasuki Ibrahim, the Deputy Secretary, Mr. Orji Ngofa, among others, described the killings in the state as strange.

Oni said that killing and beheading victims was reprehensible, adding that same would stop soon.

He vowed that the party will make a passionate appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in the situation.

Meanwhile, DIG Wakama, at the state office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Port Harcourt, said that the Police will effectively police the state before and after the elections, stressing that it would not hesitate to deal with anyone caught disrupting the electoral process.

Wakama, who was accompanied on the visit to the office of INEC by the AIG Zone 6, Calaba, Adisa Balante, appealed to politicians to play by the rule during the re-run elections, adding that no one

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ORT HARCOURT— DEPUTY Inspector General of Police, Zone 6, Calabar, Mr Sotonye Wakama, yesterday, warned trouble makers to steer clear of Rivers State during and after the re-run elections.

Wakama was redeployed to Rivers State by the Inspector General of Police for the re-run elections.

Meanwhile, the national leadership of All Progressives Congress, APC, has vowed to tame the incessant, yet, strange killings that have been ongoing in Rivers State.

Leaders of the party who visited relatives of the victims in Omoku town, described the killings in the state as genocide against APC members in state.

The party said that the killings which have disrupted the peace in the state would be brought to a halt before and after the National and state Assembly elections slated for this Saturday.

APC made the promise, when the National Working Committee of the party visited the state on a fact finding visit over the killings in the state.

The delegation, led by the National Vice Chairman of the APC, (South) Engr. Segun Oni,

will be spared the full wrath of the law if caught disrupting the peace.

“A lot has happened in the state that calls for concern to

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HE Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos has adjourned to hear whether a Federal High Court, Lagos, can assume jurisdiction in the suit by Britannia-U Nigeria Limited, praying the lower court to restrain Chevron Nigeria Limited from divesting its interests in Oil Mining Leases, OMLs 52, 53 and 55 to Seplat Petroleum Development Company Limited.

At the hearing in the matter, yesterday, the appellate court adjourned the appeal to November 22, 2016, for hearing of the substantive appeal, after it refused an application for stay of proceedings.

The court, however, granted Chevron Nigeria Limited and BNP Paribas Securities Corp., application to file their briefs out of time.

Parties are expected to file their respective briefs of arguments within the time prescribed by the rules of court before the next adjourned date.

Britannia-U Nigeria Limited had, through its lawyers, Mr. Ricky Tarfa, SAN and Abiodun Owonikoko, SAN, sued C M Y K

Chevron Nigeria in 2013 along with four other defendants, Chevron USA Inc, BNP Paribas Securities Corp., Mr. Hermant Petel and Seplat Petroleum Development Company Limited, before the Federal High Court seeking to restrain them from awarding the interests in OMLs 52, 53 and 55 to Seplat Petroleum.

Trial judge, Justice Yunusa Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Lagos, had adjourned the suit sine die following the avalanche of appeals filed by the defendants.

One of the appeals was decided by the Supreme Court on January 29, 2016, wherein the court agreed with Seplat Petroleum that the Federal High Court erred in extending the

lifespan of the ex-parte order of injunction granted upon an ex-parte application by Brittania-U Nigeria Limited.

However, Brittania-U Nigeria Limited’s motion for interlocutory injunction against the defendants is still pending at the Federal High Court, and till date, none of the defendants has filed a defence to the substantive action at the Federal High Court.

The plaintiff (Britannia-U Nigeria Limited) had approached the court seeking for a declaration that the final biding offer of $1,015,000,000.00 for acquisition of 40 percent participating interest of Chevron Nigeria in oil mining leases 52, 53 and 56 has been accepted by the first defendant.

Bankers’ Committee marks Global Money Week

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part of its commitment to promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria, and to commemorate the Global Money Week, 2016, the Bankers’ Committee, through its Financial Literacy and Public S

in this state, if we see anybody for any reason doing anything that is untoward, which will harm any individual or destroy any property, we will stretch the elasticity of the law in respect to that offence to fullest extent and deal with such person,” he said.

CONDOLENCE VISIT: From left: Mr Paul Ibru, son of late Olorogun Felix Ibru and Chief Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu, during a condolence visit to the Ibru family, at G.R.A., IKeja, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

Britannia-U Ltd vs Chevron: A-Court adjourns on jurisdiction

By Innocent Anaba

both the indigenes and residents in the state and beyond. It is for this reason that I have come to the state to address all stake holders involved in the election and to reassure INEC of safe polls and to warn that if anything happens

Enlightenment SubCommittee, has mapped out activities targeting primary and secondary school students.

Global Money Week takes place from March 14 to 20, while its Financial Literacy Day has been slated for March 17.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016—13

Ese Oruru: Prosecution seeks secret trial of suspect

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

ENAGOA—A Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa, Beyalsa State, was yesterday, urged to grant a secret trial in the charge of kidnap and sexual exploitation brought against one Yunusa Dahiru, alias Yellow, abductor of 14 years old Ese Oruru.

Yunusa was arraigned on March 8, on a five-count charge of abduction, illicit sex, sexual exploitation and unlawful canal knowledge of a minor.

At the resumed hearing yesterday, the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Kenneth Dika, pleaded with the court to take the evidence of the victim, Ese Oruru, who, since her return to Yenagoa, had been kept away

from the public in view of her status as a minor.

The prosecuting counsel also objected to the application for bail made by the defence team led by Mr. Kayode Olaosebekan, arguing that if the accused was granted bail, it will be difficult to get him back to face trial.

In a counter affidavit deposed to by Police Inspector, Debo Waheed, the prosecution averred that it took the police six months of rigorous search before Yunusa was apprehended.

He argued that if the accused was granted bail, he would not come back, more so as he was not resident within the judicial district of the court.

Earlier in the affidavit supporting the application for bail deposed to by Ayodeji Maxwel, the defence cited section 158 and 168 of Administration of Criminal Justice, and section 36 of the 1999 constitution as amended, and urged the court to grant the accused bail.

Olaosebekan also objected to the application for secret trial by the

prosecution.

He argued that the case was already in the public domain, and urged the court to dismiss the application.

Trial judge, Justice H.A. Nganjiwa adjourned ruling on both the application for bail and secret trial to March 21, 2016.

Royal father lauds Oshiomhole on devt

By Simon Ebegbulem

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ENIN—THE Usen Community in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State has given kudos to Governor Adams Oshiomhole for the landmark infrastructural development in their community.

Led by the Elawure of Usen, His Royal Highness Oba Oluogbe II, the community said that the construction of the six-lane Siluko Road linking the

three local government areas of Oredo, Egor and Ovia South-West has opened up the rural areas so that local farmers can now transport their farm produce with ease to the urban centres.

The Elawure said: “Mr. Governor, on behalf of the people of Usen in Ovia South-West, North-East and Egor LGAs, I want to thank you most sincerely for the wonderful work done on Upper Siluko Road which has established a link between Ovia South-West and North, whose people

had found it difficult over the years to transport their farm produce to Benin City.

Sir, with the construction of Siluko Road, the cost of transportation of goods and services has been reduced tremendously to the advantage of our people.

“We are highly delighted and honoured as a community to be your guests today, which will forever remain in the history of your administration in Edo State as we are gradually moving towards the end of your purposeful administration."

Orbih re-elected Edo PDP Chair

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By Gabriel Enogholase

ENIN—CHIEF Dan Orbih was, yesterday, re-elected as the Edo State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for another four years tenure in office.

His only opponent in the election supervised by the Chief Sergeant Awuse-led National Electoral Committee, Mr. Simon Akharamhe, stepped down for Chief Orbih thus paving the way for him to be returned unopposed.

Others elected were Mr. Emma Ogbomo, Deputy State chairman; Chief Felix Imoisili, State Secretary; Mr. Segun Sarki, ViceChairman, Edo North; Mr. Benjamin Ehilenbodiaye, Vice Chairman, Edo Central; Mr. Mike Ehima, Vice Chairman Edo South and Prof.

Edoba Omoregie, State Legal C M Y K

Adviser.

Also elected were Mr. Chris Nehikhare, State Publicity Secretary; Dr. Israel Aguele, Treasurer; Dr. Wilson Imoga, Auditor; Mr. Henry Tenebe, State Organising Secretary; Mrs. Tes Sorae, Woman Leader and Thaodeau Irabor who emerged Youth Leader, among others.

Rendering his stewardship earlier, as the state chairman of the party in the last four years, Chief Orbih appreciated the

cooperation of elders and leaders of the party for the confidence they reposed in his team as they were able to play the role of opposition creditably.

He said that in the last four years, his team was able to tell Edo people that the Adams Oshiomhole-led administration and the All Progressives Congress, APC, were rapacious in the governance of the state and mismanaged the finances and economy of the state.

VISIT: Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State (left), with Mr. Kester Ifeadi, President, Organisation for the Advancement of Anioma Culture, OFAAC, during a courtesy call on the governor by OFAAC, at Government House, Asaba, as a prelude to this year's Anioma cultural festival.

14 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15 , 2016

OLU OF WARRI'S THANK-YOU VISIT TO LAGOS YESTERDAY. Photos by Shola Oyelese, Bunmi Azeez & Lamidi Bamidele.

From left, (front row); Chief Ibikunle Bailey, Oluwo Jakande of Lagos, Chief Yaya Pessu, Chief Sasi Lamina, Sasi of Lagos, HRM, Godfrey Ikenwoli Emiko, Ogiame Ikenwoli 1, Olu of Warri; Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode; Chief Adesoji Ajayi Bembe, Obanikoro of Lagos and Chief Governor Akinwunmi Ambode (right) presenting a souvenir to the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli 1.

Rita Lori-Ogbebor, during the Olu of Warri's visit to Ambode at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja.

Oba Babatunde Rilwan Akiolu, Oba of Lagos (left) and Olu of Warri Ogiame Ikenwoli 1 at the Oba Akiolu's palace.

The two royal fathers with some Warri Chiefs at the Oba of Lagos' palace.

From left; Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole; Mr Sam Amuka, Publisher, Vanguard Newspapers; Aremo The Olu of Warri, arriving The Metropolitan Club, V/Island, Lagos, Olusegun Osoba, former Governor of Ogun State; Professor JP Clarke and Chief Phillip Asiodu. during a reception in his honour by the Itsekiri Community in Lagos.

L E F T: From left C h i e f ( M r s ) Ritalori Ogbebor; M r s Patricia Arawore and Chief Esisi Felix

Eriegwa Itsekiri Ladies Society at the Palace of Oba of Lagos.

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016—15

FACES @ OONI'S TRADITIONAL UNION THANKSGIVING SERVICE @ ILE IFE, OSUN STATE PHOTOS: DARE FASUBE

From left, Father of the Ooni, Prince Aderopo Ogunwusi, Mr. Abiodun Olanrewaju and Mr. Moshood Adefesobi.

Gen. Alani Akinrinade, retd (left), and Chief Alex Duduyemi at the event.

C M Y K

From left, Dr. Olatunde Ayeni, Chairman Skye Bank, Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim Imam, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye GM/Editor-in-Chief, Vanguard Newspapers and Mr Demola Adedoyin.

Sir Olanihun Ajayi (left) and Chief Ayo Adebanjo.

Members of the group on the occasion.

Bini

cultural

16—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15 , 2016

FG gives marching orders to Discos on meters EPILEPTIC POWER SUPPLY:

E

By Emeka Mamah

NUGU—THE Federal Government has given marching orders to Electricity Distribution Companies, DISCOs, in the country to supply pre-paid metres to electric consumers without further delay.

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, SAN, made this known at the end of his third monthly meeting with operators in the power sector at the Ugwuaji Transmission Station, Enugu, yesterday.

Fashola said that the meeting discussed the issue of availability of gas, volatility of the foreign exchange market, financial capability of Discos as well as difficulties of prising gas in dollars instead of the local currency among others, adding that Discos must live up to their responsibilities of meeting the demands of their customers to supply them with pre-paid meters to avoid estimated billings.

Earlier before the meeting, the Minister had asked the Discos to always engage their

customers by informing them promptly about any power outage and reasons for such problems.

According to Fashola, it was not the business of the government to explain to Nigerians why certain Discos were not meeting up with their responsibilities, having sold the various companies to them.

Fashola said government was playing the same role which the Nigerian

Communications Commission, NCC, was playing as regulator for the telecommunications companies adding that each of them must step out to play their roles effectively.

“If you are not getting power from the transmission company, you must tell your customers so.

The issue of review of tariff was arrived at after consultations. You (discos) did the consultations.

Why don’t you step out and explain the issue to your

customers. All of us must explain to our different customers where we operate,” he said.

The communique issued after the meeting read: “The Honourable Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, chaired the third monthly meeting of operators in the electricity industry in furtherance of identifying, discussing and finding practical solutions to issues facing the Nigerian electricity supply industry.

Senate accuses NDDC of conniving with contractor to defraud FG of N4bn

O

By Henry Umoru

WERRI—THE Senate was shocked, yesterday, when it discovered that the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, awarded a contract to a firm with no equipment on ground, and the job has been abandoned.

The firm, LCD Nigeria Limited was awarded a contract by the NDDC to construct a 28-kilometre Amaogoke-Ezeoke NsuNzerem Ikpem- Isiokwe Road,

Imo State in 2011 to the tune of N6 billion.

Speaking yesterday at the site, Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, PDP, Delta North noted that it was a situation of stealing the Federal Government’s money where the NDDC paid the construction company N4.1 billion representing 68 per cent of the total sum without serious work on group.

Senator Nwaoboshi who was

furious at the contractor, however accused NNDC staff of conniving with contractors to milk Nigeria, just as he vowed that the 8th Senate would come up with a report and bring everyone to book.

The Senator who noted that the Senate was highly disappointed and not happy over the development, stressed that it would no longer be business as usual with contractors collecting money and failing to deliver and the money would just disappear to the detriment of other Nigerians.

ANTI-CORRUPTION WAR: Cleric

warns against selective treatment

O

By Enyim Enyim

NITSHA—A clergy man and general overseer of the Bible -based church, Rev. Jeremiah Nwachukwu yesterday advised President Muhammed Buhari not to witch hunt the opposition in the course of his anticorruption ‘war’ .

While further advising him to give room for constructive criticism from opposition, he noted that it would enable Nigerians to enjoy the full blast of democracy under his regime.

“He should pick good policies from opposition. He has done well in anticorruption war, but he should go the whole log. He should start from the root. He should prosecute corrupt people from his party, All Progressives Congress, APC. There should be no sacred cow” said Rev Nwachukwu.

The cleric also asked the president to respond to the demands of members of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, instead of killing and incarcerating them.

Police secretly killed 20 of our members —MASSOB

BIAFRA:

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

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N E W I — MOVEMENT for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB and Biafra Independent Movement, BIM, yesterday accused the Anambra State police command of killing about 20 of its members secretly, challenging them to debunk the allegation.

The accusation was made in Onitsha by the Regional Administrator, Anambra West, Mr. Wilfred Aninze, who said that most of the members killed were those caught with Biafra insignia and motorcycle plate

numbers, wondering why such inhuman treatment would be meted to their members.

According to him, “the secret killing came to the limelight when one of our members, Okechukwu Joseph, was reported missing by his wife.

"Early this year, 10 of our members were declared missing and from the report we got, they were secretly arrested and killed by the Police without the knowledge of our members.

“We learnt that the police topshot in the country had a meeting

with all the State Commissioners of Police, and in the meeting, it was resolved that MASSOB/ BIM members would be secretly caught and killed.

“By the end of February, the number of those declared missing which we suspected to have secretly been killed stood at 20."

The Regional Administrator stated that “we will not continue to keep our hands akimbo and watch our members being killed without committing any offence.

“We are a non violent organization fighting for a sovereign state of Biafra."

APC chairman, Odigie-Oyegun resumes work

A

By Omeiza Ajayi

BUJA—THE National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief John OdigieOyegun has returned to work yesterday after a 10day leave, promising to put the appointment of a new party spokesman at the top of his agenda.

Odigie-Oyegun had on February 26 proceeded on C M Y K

a 10-day leave apparently on the advice of his doctors who had treated him for malaria and fatigue.

The leave which ran through 10 working days saw his deputy, Segun Oni acting in his stead.

The chairman’s decision to go on leave immediately stoked controversy with

insinuations that it was a way of quietly giving him a soft landing as he was eased out of prized job.

Odigie-Oyegun, 76, however, did not show any sign of illness when he addressed journalists at the party secretariat yesterday as he affirmed that all scheduled activities of the party would continue as planned.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15 15, 2016—17

Col. Gabriel Ajayi: Tortured to impotence

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IXTEEN years after General Sani Abacha's death, a Swiss delegation led by the country’s Federal Councillor and Head of its Foreign Affairs Department, Mr. Didier Burkhalter, and the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Eric Mayoruz were with VicePresident Yemi Osinbajo last Tuesday to sign a memorandum on the return of another $321m loot by the dark googled g eneral.

It was a paradox of some sort that the same Sani Abacha had the temerity to engage in anticorruption fight at some point in the sorry story of this funny country called Nigeria. He hounded a number of bank chiefs to jail under the Failed Banks Decree in what would now appear to be that Abacha in his era had monopoly over stealing and whoever stole apart from him committed a grievous offense a gainst him-not the state.

A day after the signing of the agreement that reminded us of the evil general's rapacity, I met with a gentleman whose ordeal in the hands of Abacha paints the grimmest picture of man's inhumanity to man and the excruciating pains of irreparable damage far beyond stolen funds that can be repatriated years after.

Hausa as lingua franca His name is Col. Gabriel Ajayi who was retired from the Nigerian Army he joined in 1971 under controversial circumstances.

Ajayi left Secondary school in 1969 under the tutelage of the late Chief Adebayo Adefarati burning with a lot of passion. He was offered a job at the Nigerian Tribune where he honed his journalistic zeal before he joined the army in 1971with a hope of re-enacting the warrior streak of his ancestry.

Three years into his career in the army in 1974, he encountered his first shock of innocence at the army barracks in Ibadan where the Hausa Language was "official" language of communications .Young Ajayi felt that was not right. He voiced out that this was supposed to be Nigerian Army barracks in Ibadan and there was no reason Hausa language should be lingua franca.

His gut to say that earned him 15 days in the guardroom in the hands of a fellow Yoruba commander who was loyal to the iniquitous arrangement. The C M Y K

said officer was to later apologise to him later in life after he was dealt a fatal blow by the very system he tried to protect.

Col. Gabriel Ajayi (rtd) continued his career with spartan discipline and rose to become Colonel Administration and Quartermaster General, Lagos Garrison Command. By his appointment at the Garrison Command, he was second-incommand to the then General Officer Commanding, GOC, Major Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi, whose hands infantry officer alleged were apparent in his travails over the alleged 1995 coup.

Ajayi along other officers was

accused of planning to overthrow General Sani Abacha. He was arrested after taking Holy communion in a church with Bamaiyi, tried and sentenced to death along side former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the late Major Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and Colonel Lawan Gwadabe, among others.

In the course of being tortured for an offense he insists till date he did not committed, Ajayi lost his manhood in the hands of deranged soldiers. He was sentenced to death on July 14, 1995 by the Brigadier General Patrick Aziza’s Special Military Tribunal (SMT) before it was commuted to 25 years jail term.

He spent four years in Minna prison before he was compulsorily retired in 1999 when co-convict Obasanjo became President.

Ajayi holds till date that his travail was over his insistence for justice and that he was roped into a coup because he objected to the annulment of June 12 elections and the murder of hundreds of protesters in Lagos on June 23rd 1993 when Abacha drove through protesters.

He recalls vividly how his boss, Bamaiyi,once boasted in an army conference that he had only pity for Yoruba women and children

Col. Ajayi carries eternal scars of the physical and emotional violence done to him and others by mindless fellows who went to Oputa panel to brag that they would repeat the evil they did if they had the chance again

whose husbands and fathers would be gone when the shooting would commence. The shootings indeed commenced and quite a number of Yoruba women became widows while a lot of children became either fatherless or motherless. I see Aliu and Kazeem Abiola every now and then with reminiscences of the unlimited ramifications of evil.

Col. Ajayi carries eternal scars of the physical and emotional violence done to him and others by mindless fellows who went to Oputa panel to brag that they would repeat the evil they did if they had the chance again.

He carries with him the library of iniquities perpetrated under that dark era. He reminded me of Prof. Agboluaje who left America in 1997 and was to have arrived at Murtala Muhammed international Airport in Lagos and has not been seen till date.

Anger wells in you when you see men like Ajayi who have been deeply hurt by Nigeria's machinery of injustice without any remorse.You are annoyed the more to see prominent men of that evil era occupying prime offices in our affairs today . And Nigeria thinks it can make progress in the midst of such injustice ? I doubt it!

••Much ado about university ranking

By Adeboye Oshinaga

I

S UI the best university in Nigeria, or is it UNN? Your answer will depend on whose ranking you use. Just two weeks after the release of Webometrics ranking that placed University of Nigeria,UNN, top and the Press went agog about this piece of news, the National University Commission, NUC, came out with its own list stating that the University of Ibadan was the best in Nigeria. The Press, again in usual fashion, went toting the news with the same fervour, confusing some and forcing others to choose what to believe. It's easy to be sentimental about which ranking standard to believe, but come to your own conclusions only after the facts have been stated.

Global relevance What is Webometrics ranking?

The Webometrics University Ranking is a ranking system developed by the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), a state-owned research institution in Spain which attempts to infer the global relevance or prestige of universities using the level of a university's presence on the web as an indicator.

In other words, CSIC uses data got from its web crawlers to measure a university's web mentions, domain traffic, number of sub-pages, scholarly articles, interlinks with other universities and so on to predict its global relevance. While universities have taken notice of this technology-driven type of ranking, it is generally agreed that it does not present a strong

evaluation of the scientific research or the academic performance of universities. Its usefulness is at best limited to measuring the amount of "web publications" made by the 18,000 universities it evaluates.

If what we are looking for is to be able to see where each university in Nigeria stands with respect to the pedigree of its lecturers and the brilliance of their scholarly works or the quality of the teaching and the academic environment, then the ado about Webometrics rankings which come out twice every year may well be misplaced.

Lack of genuine stories You could view the Press harping on this particular ranking as the underpinning of a larger problem: a lack of genuine stories coming out from universities.

Thankfully, this plague that causes the Press to focus on dud news to fuel public debate is not entirely Nigerian. In Namibia, the Press constantly pits state-funded tertiary institutions against themselves in a never ending competition citing Webometrics rankings. Using Webometrics ranking, journalist would argue over and over again about whether the most popular stateowned university, University of Namibia,Unam for short, is experiencing falling standards or not.

While National Universities Commission,NUC, would like us to view it as the definitive standard on matters like this, the opaqueness and narrowness of its methodology leaves much to be desired. According to a document of the NUC in 2005, 65 Nigerian

universities are ranked by "the number of scholarly research articles published in prestigious international academic journals, and the number of citations in scholarly indexes".

According to NUC, Obafemi Awolowo University was the best university in 2014, University of Lagos was the best university in 2015 and University of Ibadan is the best university in 2016.

Considering the yearly shuffle, a good question might be: in these years, what changed? Going by the quoted statement above, the answer would be that UI released more scholarly papers than its predecessors during the period of review, most likely in 2015.

This is not a clear answer however as it is difficult to drill down to a published scoring system (nothing is to be found on the NUC website about this). This is not a sufficient explanation either as scholarly citations alone do not make a great university.

More standardised global rankings have been used to gauge how Nigerian universities rank in comparison to other universities in the world. Two of the most reputable ranking systems have been Academic Ranking of World Universities, ARWU, provided by the Institute of Higher Education of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University in Shanghai, China and the Times Higher Education,THE, ranking by a British magazine with the same name.

Being the more widely observed one, THE sets a standard for a well documented and accessible scoring system, weighing in relevant factors such as teaching and learning environment, research influence and income as

well as international diversity.

Unfortunately, since its inception in 2004, Nigerian universities failed to get into the Top 1000 universities ranked by THE, leaving us with a depressing narrative that Nigerian universities do not have the quality to be in these rankings. This changed recently when University of Ibadan became the first and only university to join the Top 800 universities in the World ranking in 2016, securing the 601 position.

This is double honour for UI and can also be brandished by the NUC as a pointer to the accuracy of its methodology.

Learning environment But to match global standards, National University Commission needs to expand its criteria to include the quality of the teaching and learning environment. It also needs to publish its scoring system so it can be easily validated by any body or organisation. We need a ranking system that creates healthy competition among our universities down to their various departments and faculties, public and private institutions alike, and gives us a true picture of the gaps in our universities, which are many.

In conclusion, the Press needs to report rankings to the public in a way that helps them to differentiate the various kinds of rankings, the extent of their usefulness and their relevance.

When students writing JAMB make their choice of university for undergraduate studies, the teaching and learning conditions will matter more than the number.

18 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016 The Nigerian Armed Forces have for some time been carrying out sustained military campaigns to subdue the Islamist monster called Boko Haram. This extremist terrorist organisation has visited Nigeria’s North East states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa with a savagery that defies logic and understanding.

Obviously disturbed by this ugly development, the Federal Government unleashed the might of the Nigerian military on the Boko Haram insurgents.

But while the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government has empowered Nigerian troops in the current effort to wipe out the Boko Haram scourge, it has paid scant attention to the now frequent invasions of Nigerian farming communities by heavily armed herdsmen alleged to be of Fulani ethnic stock. In fact, no week passes without a report in the media of fresh attacks carried out by these herdsmen who have for years made the South-West, South-South,

Fulani Herdsmen: Presidency must act!

South-East and North-Central zones of the country the theatres of wanton killings and destruction.

Agatu community in Benue State which has been frequently targeted in the past was recently in the news again over another clash that claimed no fewer than 300 lives, while seven villages were razed and deserted. Few weeks before the Agatu bloodbath, herdsmen had reportedly invaded communities in Buruku Local Government Area of the state and left 12 persons dead and several buildings destroyed.

While the people of Benue are

counting their losses in human and material terms, so also are the people of Abbi community in Nsukka, Enugu State mourning their dead and the destruction of their farms after another Fulani herdsmen invasion.

In the same vein, six traditional rulers in Ijebu-Igbo, Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State were reported to have accused the herdsmen of destroying their farmlands and defiling women. The traditional rulers said activities of the herdsmen and their cattle pose serious threats to secu-

rity in the area.

Apart from the vague promise of the Minister of the Interior, General Abdulrahman Danbazzau, that his ministry would do more to tackle the menace, the Federal Government appears unperturbed over these brazen acts of aggression by these armed bandits, who the Police Inspector General, Solomon Arase, describes as aliens.

These attacks are well publicised.

The devil-may-care attitude of the Federal Government is unconscionable. With these bandits driving people out of their lands and occupying them with their cattle going unanswered, communities may be forced to take their destinies into their own hands and arm up to protect themselves and their communities. This may not bode well for the unity and stability of the nation.

We call on President Muhammadu Buhari to live up to his sworn oath and responsibility to protect Nigerians from external aggression and internal threats.

OPINION The future of PDP in Delta state(2) Continued from yesterday

By Paul Odili

T

O achieve this, the planners of oust Ibori from power did not bother if Delta PDP was destroyed. And to a large extent, the party was at the verge of a major spilt. There were all kinds of plots and sub-plots and it was said that part of the game-plan was for Ibori loyalists to move to another party should PDP national remained adamant in its posture against the PDP Delta state.

Had this happened, this would not have been entirely strange. Governor Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia state left PDP, founded/ funded PPA and contested the general election as presidential candidate against PDP and used his platform to get his successor Governor Theodore Orji to become governor.

In Delta state, the PDP was factionalised. Chief Mallam Obi led one faction recognised by Abuja secretariat, Chief Emma Ogidi led one recognised by Governor Ibori and the ruling group in Delta state. Eventually, the Mallam Obi faction lost out and Governor Ibori was able to take control of the party again.

Securing the party was one thing, getting top chieftains like Chief EK Clark to accept the candidacy of Governor Uduaghan and his governorship of the state was an entirely different matter. The bitterness and rancour poisoned the party for years to come. Uniting the party took great compromises. In 2008 ahead of the party congress, Governor Uduaghan conceded the party Chairmanship to EK Clark faction which produced Chief Peter C M Y K

Nwaoboshi, Governor Uduaghan produced Solomon Ogba as party Secretary and Governor Ibori endorsed Chief Ighoyota Amori as Deputy Chairman.

In many ways the characteristic dysfunctions of PDP as a party in constant conflict evidenced during the Governor Ibori era did not go away. Nothing changed. Indiscipline was rampant. Top chieftains disregarded the party, the government and its leadership. Chief Clark in his crusade and with support of many in the party did more than anyone else to undermine the party and government. Even after the 2008 reconstitution, Chief Clark was implacable.

Governor Uduaghan’s management of the situation did not also go down well with some of his loyalists. His policy of rapprochement was thought to be unhelpful. Especially, as he appeared to them unable to strike a balance in wooing his critics and opponents, many of whom were brutal and in managing the interest and expectations of those who see themselves as his loyal supporters. His peace at all cost was problematic to some of his loyalists and it is unclear if they did not think it a loophole, which they exploited along the way. The unease in the party remained until the rerun election in January 2011. It was a hard fought battle. The rerun exposed all the fragilities of the party. The PDP that had reputation of landslide defeated the DPP by mere 200,000 votes. The inroad the opposition made in many local governments thought to be safe was a

shock. Political reputations were burned.

And who were those working for DPP, a party with presence only in Delta state?

Former PDP members who left the party or members of PDP who openly worked against the party. The April 2011 general election was worse. PDP’s victory was even by narrower margin of 100,000 votes. The party it appeared at that time was heading for a meltdown.

It is certain that PDP would have selfdestructed if it lost the governorship election in 2011. Governor Uduaghan aware of this did not credit the DPP for its success, he thought that the contest was between PDP 1, which he led and PDP 11, which were members of the party that joined the opposition.

Today, it is unclear if the initial and ongoing problem of PDP has been addressed, despite several attempts at reconciliation. However, a PDP of the future is a party that must change course. It must allow its members to have a say in a democratic manner in the running of the party. A PDP that will be great in the future is a party that is broad in embracing and empowering members and not narrow focused. A PDP that can overcome future challenges is also a party that is fair and equitable in treatment of its members. PDP should be a party that espouses and implements justice and equity and is willing to promote discipline by obeying its rules and procedures and a party that ensures its members has a moral code of behaviour. PDP must ensure consultation and consensus building at all times. Time for hijack of party machine is over. Any hijack is a recipe for disaster. As a political party, the PDP must seek out and inject new blood and fresh ideas into

the party. The party must seek capable and talented people even outside of the party and give them responsibilities. This is one way of sustaining its success.

To be a PDP member means there is a certain manner of conduct. You simply cannot just behave however you like.

Times are hard. PDP cannot afford to behave in a contrary manner. It must reflect the reality of the times. It must reduce its flamboyance, both as a party and as a government. The PDP as a party and government has a vision and a programme, it must have the discipline and competence to execute the programmes it promised Deltans to the satisfaction of the people. As a governing party it must deliver democracy dividends. It must create new opportunities for Deltans.

The window of PDP future successes is becoming narrower. Why? After long years of being in power in Delta state, Deltans are going to have more than ever before the impetus to seek alternative.

To many Deltans, looking at PDP’s maneuvering is like watching an old movie and what happens to watching old movie—boredom sets in. And it should not be overlooked that political parties have been voted out of office by the people out of boredom, not necessarily all the time because of lack of performance. The people can replace the party in office to test whether another party can do better.

That is the beauty of democracy. So PDP must put an end to business as usual. It must repackage itself. This is the challenge before Delta PDP. Concluded

*Mr. Odili, is a chieftain of PDP in Delta state.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016—19

Must we import grass?

By Sunny Ikhioya

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HE news was first received with disbelief; “Grazing Reserve: FG imports grass from Brazil- Ogbeh”, Nigerian Times March 3, 2016. Even my big brother Franklin Okotie Vanguard Asaba- commented on my facebook page that we should stop the joke. But, reading through the body of the story, it was sure real. Audu Ogbeh was quoted as saying: “this is to curtail the frequent clashes between arm bearing Fulani cattle breeders and farmers”.

According to Ogbeh, “Muhammadu Buhari was setting up grazing areas in various states of the federation as a response to the clashes. We are producing massive hectares of grasslots for the consumption of cattle, we have received these grasses from Brazil and we are growing them in massive quantities”. The report went further: “We will grow grass in the south to feed the cattle in the north, just as Saudi Arabia did....if Saudi Arabia with the largest cattle ranch in the world can grow its grass for the cows in the United States of America, Nigeria should be able to do same”.

The issue was very well discussed again in the Ray Power radio programme ‘Political Platform’, 9.15 am to 9.45am of Wednesday 9th March 2016.

The discussants quoted Ogbeh to the effect that those criticising the government's decision are ignorant of the agricultural facts herein. According to them, Ogbeh claimed to be an expert in agriculture who knows what he is doing, that what they are bringing in are seedlings, of a higher breed that is to be planted in Nigeria.

Again, the discussants will not agree with the government’s decision, that if the challenge is in the area of improved seedlings, we have well established agricultural research institutions in the country with whom the government can collaborate to achieve the same result, such as the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA). Why go to Brazil and waste scarce foreign exchange that has become very difficult for genuine Nigerian businesses to obtain? And, I add my voice to ask also, must we go abroad to import grass, when we have them of various specie and sizes, spread across the length and breadth of Nigeria? Grasses that lie fallow, with no one in government thinking of how to

put them to profitable uses. How did we find ourselves importing from abroad what we have in abundance locally?

It is a well known fact that cows do not discriminate grasses, when they are hungry. Audu Ogbeh and his team must begin to brain storm on how to put into productive uses the grasses that are produced in our land, the focus should be in the areas of preservation/storage, processing and transportation. We do not want a situation where the cattle go into farmlands to graze and in the process destroying people’s property. These grasses could be properly cultivated, preserved to remain fresh and transported to

It is unacceptable for us to import grass into this country, our natural habitat favour its cultivation, even the famous Bahama grass has been cultivated here with a lot of success

Our Soyinka has gone wrong again

By Chuks Iloegbunam

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HE first time Wole Soyinka misdirected himself, it had to do with his “cautious endorsement” of Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential candidacy. He offered a platter of reasons for the stunning faux pas, of course. But, post-election, his out of sync reading of Nigerian politics has been patently exposed.

To recap, it happened that in the runup to the presidential ballot, Professor Soyinka, long time combatant on the side of the oppressed, announced that the best thing that could happen to Nigeria was a President Buhari. His rationalisation: “It is pointlessly, and dangerously provocative to present General Buhari as something that he probably was not. It is however just as purblind to insist that he has not demonstrably striven to become what he most glaringly was not, to insist that he has not been chastened by intervening experience and – most critically – by a vastly transformed environment – both the localised and the global.”

Aware that his about-face would set teeth on edge, Soyinka took the pains to further explain his Road-to-Damascus conversion. He had become a Buhari flagwaver, having “studied him from a distance, questioned those who have closely interacted with him, including his former running-mate, Pastor Bakare, and dissected his key utterances past and current.” He underpinned his implausible argument with his location in Buhari of “A plausible transformation that comes close to that of another ex-military dictator, Mathieu Kerekou of the Benin Republic.”

Some of those unconvinced at the time went public with their disagreement.

How vindicated they now are! President Kerekou had apologised in front of his people for the wantonness of his military dictatorship before they granted him a shot at democratic leadership. But, Buhari would have absolutely nothing to do with remorse and apologies, not even for C M Y K

heading a junta that executed its citizens on the strength of a retroactive decree, and not for other wild excesses of his despotic rule, for which Soyinka, in better days, had been indignant: “Of course, we know that human beings change. What the claims of personality change or transformation impose on us is a rigorous inspection of the evidence, not wishful speculation or behind-the-scenes assurances. Public offence, crimes against a polity, must be answered in the public space, not in caucuses of bargaining. In Buhari, we have been offered no evidence of the sheerest prospect of change. On the contrary, all evidence suggests that this is one individual who remains convinced that this is one ex-ruler that the nation cannot call to order.”

Well, Buhari’s presidency is not even a year old and already the chickens have come home to roost. During the 1970s, Soyinka criticised Uganda’s Field Marshal Idi Amin Dada for converting his country’s universities into toys. Only recently, Buhari, with a mere press statement by one of his subordinates, fired the Vice Chancellors of 14 Federal universities, an irrational move unsupported by any known Nigerian statute. Is Soyinka unaware of this?

In his Introduction to The movement of transition: a study of the plays of Wole Soyinka [Ibadan University Press, 1975], Professor Oyin Ogunba told the fascinating story of how, during an Ife Varsity conference, Soyinka had dramatically borrowed a piece of paper from someone, to pen an instant letter of

Another fundamental disability of his recommendation is that the man in charge of the economy believes that it is soaring

different grazing lands for cattle, the way it is done with other animal feeds.

The fact that Saudi Arabia is importing grasses from the United States does not mean that we must follow their example, especially when it is a known fact that that Saudi Arabia is at the heart of desert lands. Grass is so much all over Nigeria that with proper planning and integration, it could be cultivated with the specific purpose of feeding the cows in the north, through the same circle, the cows will end up at the various abattoirs in the south to feed the populace. So, it is a reciprocal thing, I mean giving and receiving and I believe that is what Audu Ogbeh and his team should look out for.

In those days, before the introduction of the synthetic foam mattress, we were using mattresses made from grasses cultivated in the streets, nooks and crannies. We can return to that era and help create job opportunities for our farmers.

It is doubtful if there is any specie of grass that cannot be found in Nigeria. One only needs to traverse the land by road and realise this wholesome truth.

Our officials have become very lazy, only looking for ready made and wasteful solutions. There is no attempt at creativity. Is this why is it so difficult for us to look inward? Why is it that it is only things foreign that we crave for?

Has Audu Ogbeh made enough

resignation because a high official of the institution had mouthed a new and arbitrary administrative policy he could not live down. How time wounds all heels.

While, in-between global junketing, Buhari has been busy on a firing spree, his field commanders have been firing at and killing peaceful pro-Biafra demonstrators. In fact, they seem minded to match, if not surpass, the unenviable record of massacres set by Olusegun Obasanjo in Odi and Zaki Biam, when they massacred nearly a thousand Shias in Zaria. Pray, in what way does this contemporary preying on human lives begin to equate the transformation that our Soyinka discovered in Kerekou?

While an undergraduate at Ife during the 1970s, and working on freelance basis for The Punch group of newspapers, I recall approaching Soyinka to issue a damning statement over the 20 or so suspects that suffocated inside a Police Black Maria, and he obliged! This kind of memory jerks the consciousness into conceiving of our man at the barricades with placard-bearing demonstrators insisting that an immediate stoppage must be put to President Buhari’s human rites.

Rather, our Soyinka of the “Justice is the first condition of humanity” fame, decided on appropriating a turf better left to the devices of by people with the éclat and élan for economics and public finance.

Soyinka wants an ‘emergency conference” to fix the country’s “dire” economy! As was the case with his “cautious endorsement,” he is fluent with reasons. “Recovery is going to take quite a while...the President should call an emergency economic conference, with experts to be invited. Consumers, producers, labour unions, university experts, professors, etc. I think we really need an emergency economic conference, a rescue operation bringing as many heads as possible together to plot the way forward.”

Soyinka’s difficulty in this new adventure is three-pronged. To start with, it is preposterous, unless our man will claim that between the superstructure and the substructure, he would place primacy on the latter? In which case the onus would be on him to list the numerous ways in which the inhabitants of graves benefit from buoyant economies. Of

consultations with relevant experts of agriculture in Nigeria before arriving at his decision?

We must begin to identify challenges facing this nation and task ourselves with home grown solutions. That is the only way we can make progress and set the nation on the right course.

It is unacceptable for us to import grass into this country, our natural habitat favour its cultivation, even the famous Bahama grass has been cultivated here with a lot of success. Audu Ogbeh should look for young men with fresh ideas to execute his programmes, his ideas as they are presently, appear too far fetched.

Grass is what everyone can feel and touch everywhere in this country. We do not need to go abroad to import it, it is like importing crude oil into the Niger Delta for processing, it is uncalled for.

The potentials in this country are enormous, the challenge is for the leadership to use this enormous manpower resources to achieve the requisite goal of the nation. We have them in Nigeria, we must continue to put them to work.

No talk of importing grass, please.

*Mr. Ikhioya, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Lagos.

course, the problem is also to do national amnesia. There was a national conference held recently in this country. Its report is presumably on the presidential shelf, gathering dust. It quite possibly has been binned. Now, if the report of a properly constituted national conference is unworthy of attention, where is the assurance that the outcome of Soyinka’s emergency conference will attract other than skeptical presidential smiles or guffaws?

Another fundamental disability of his recommendation is that the man in charge of the economy believes that it is soaring. As Soyinka was somewhere wailing about an economy going under, Buhari was elsewhere insisting that “Today, our country has the fastest growing economy in Africa and one of the fastest in the world.” So, who really requires a talk shop on an economy that is firing on all cylinders?

Soyinka’s third handicap is the most dangerous – to him! Through the past year, Buhari and all the newcomers have been hammering it into every thick skull that the country’s problem was and still is the PDP. Therefore, doesn’t it occur to the Nobel Laureate that his emergency conference is tied into the uncanny prospect of proffering the problem as solution? How could we have “consumers, producers, labour unions, university experts, professors, etc.,” in whose ranks are PDP cadres, looters, stalwarts and foot soldiers, salvaging the economy? Doesn’t Soyinka realise that his idea, liable to contaminate the antiseptic purity of Buhari’s APC with tainted victims of change, could get him wrapped up on a treasonous charge?

As an ardent and long-standing fan of Soyinka’s, I have advice for the “greyhaired lion”. Please leave President Buhari well alone. The man has experts in quantum, including those who would host a dinner for N82 million and others who would upgrade a personal website at N78 million, to confer with. Together, this amalgam can, in great speed, navigate the Nigerian economy to ether.

*Mr. Iloegbunam, wrote from Lagos.

an

author,

20—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016

OCTOGENARIAN TO LAGOS STATE GOVT:

No to pedestrian bridge in front of my residence •Says: I don’t deserve this at my age

By Charles Kumolu

A

RETIREMENT that had been a happy one since 1984 for 84-year-old retired top civil servant in Lagos State, Alhaji Tunde Agoro, is presently being threatened by the decision of the state Ministry of Works to site a pedestrian bridge in front of his residence.

Describing the siting of the pedestrian bridge right in front of his 8, Gbagada Expressway residence as inconsiderate on the part of the state government., the aggrieved retiree would want work on the project stopped forthwith.

Giving insight into how the present turn of event could violate the serenity of the high brow residence located close to Anthony Village, Agoro told Vanguard Metro that government had in 2015, made known its intention of constructing a pedestrian bridge at a different location.

The site, he said, was 60 metres away from his twin bungalow built on a plot of land, adding that he was shocked to discover the mobilisation of equipment by Julius Berger Construction Company in front of his residence in January.

“I have been all over Europe and America, I have never seen any pedestrian bridge in front of any body’s house. Charleyboy is there; it is a bus-stop. Once you put a pedestrian bridge it becomes a busstop. I have lived here for 31 years since I retired in 1984.

Defiance of a summon They brought street urchins and policemen on the day they commenced work. They started the project in defiance of a summon they received. They did not inform us they were locating it in front of my house. I want them to remove the equipment in front of my house, ‘’ he restated.

Irked by the insistence of the authorities to proceed with the construction, Agoro, whose property was built in 1978 on the plot which he bought from the state government in 1970, wrote a protest letter to the Ministry of Works expressing objection to the location of the proposed bridge.

The letter which was made available to VM, reads in part: ‘’I write to express my serious objection to the new position of the proposed pedestrian bridge.

Sometime last year, the Ministry decided to locate the bridge near the bus-stop and lay-by constructC M Y K

ed by the Ministry which I consider to be more appropriate. ‘’However, in the last few days one surveyor from Julius Berger started taking measurements and positioned one of the pillars of the proposed bridge in front of my house. I shall be grateful if the bridge is located as previously stated.”

In spite of the letter which was dated February 22, 2016, it was gathered that mobilisation of more equipment to the site continued until March 5 when physical construction commenced.

A visit to the property revealed that the entrance gates have been blocked as a result of big holes which have been dug preparatory to the erection of concrete pillars and concrete base.

Displeased by the Ministry’s action which he told VM was done without due consultations with the host community, Agoro through his Counsel, Mr. Lekan Awogbemila, approached the Ikeja Division of the High Court of Lagos State for an Order of Interlocutory Injunction restraining the Ministry from going ahead with the project.

The Motion on Notice had the Governor of Lagos State, Lagos State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Commissioner For Physical Planning and Urban Development and the Attorney General of Lagos State as defendants.

The claimant averred that the defendants have no right to enter into the setback of a road which is a Federal Highway by virtue of Section 24 of the Federal Highway

•Equipment mobilised to site by Julius Berger Construction Company in front of the residence another bus-stop and Lay-by less than 100 metres after the property.

When contacted the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Mr. Shina Thorpe, said there was a stakeholders meeting prior to the commencement of the project, saying the need to save lives necessitated the construction.

Buttressing his claims regarding the •Entrance of the No 8 Gbagada Expressway residence showing a portion stakeholders’ forum, where the construction has commenced he disclosed that a In addition, he expressed con- communiqué on what was agreed Act, 2004 and Federal Highway Regulation Order of 1982 to cern that miscreants, disorderly upon was issued. persons will turn the frontage of construct an impediment.

He also stated that the alternaHe further maintained that if the his residence to a place of abode tive sites suggested by the claimbridge is built in front of his house, thereby making his family vulner- ant, would not be appropriate to it will be very difficult for him and able to possible harassment and site the bridge, adding that govhis family to manoeuvre cars in and attack by marauders. ernment would do everything Continuing, the claimant noted within its powers to provide secuout of the compound, adding that human traffic will bring an unjus- that it would be more reasonable rity in the community. tifiable noise pollution which will to locate the infrastructure close to Thorpe, however, denied that the disturb the peace of the environ- Anthony Bus-stop less than 100 bridge is sited right in front of the ment. metres before his house or near residence.

Mile2/Badagry expressway of suffering: Residents, commuters cry out to FG, Lagos State govt

By Godfrey Bivbere

R In spite of the letter which was dated February 22, 2016, it was gathered that mobilisation of more equipment to the site continued until March 5 when physical construction commenced

ESIDENTS and commuters plying the Mile2 – Badagry Expressway have called on both the Federal and the Lagos State governments to find urgent solution to the bad state of the international route before the commencement of the rains season.

Some of them who spoke to Vanguard Metro on the issue said the deplorable condition of the road is presently making life unbearable and could become worse when the rains come in full force.

A bus driver, who gave his name as Monday, said that the situation is worrisome due to the many failed portions on the road, warning that the road could become impassable when the rainy season begins.

He explained that in the past drivers made between four and seven trips along the route before they close at about 10pm, adding that is no longer the case as any driver who makes four trips a day will consider himself lucky.

Commercial bus operators Monday also said that the poor state of the road coupled with the fuel scarcity compelled most commercial bus operators to charge more for a one-way trip, a situation which he said forces them to visit the mechanic more often.

He said a journey from Badagry to Mile 2 which should normally be about one hour or less now takes between three to five hours. He said the failed portions are more noticeable at

the Volks Bus-stop area, both sides of Iyanu-Oba bus-stop and both sides of the stretch after LASU to Alaba Arago Bus-stop.

He, however, noted that the worst of the failed portions are found at both sides of Mechanic Bus stop stretching to IyanaEra on the way to Badagry, as well as another portion between Federal Government College and the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, office when heading to Mile 2.

A commuter, Mrs Oyebola, expressed worry that both the state and Federal Government has abandoned them. She wondered how any responsible government could leave a road like Lagos/Badagry Expressway to deteriorate to the level of being punctuated by gullies which are more often than not responsible for most of the fatal accidents on the road.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016

— 21

France’s proposed palm oil tax threatens African small farmers

By Omoh Gabriel

I

NITIATIVE for Public Policy Analysis (IPPA) – the Nigeria-based public policy think tank, has condemned the French Government’s proposed tax on palm oil that will be of disadvantage to Africa, and undermine efforts to alleviate poverty across the continent.

The proposed taxes – a huge additional tax of 90EUR per tonne and a differential tax for palm oil produced according to rich Western standards – is purposefully discriminatory and would lead to devastating consequences for African farmers of palm oil, and throughout the rest of the developing world.

Agricultural interests Thompson Ayodele, Director of IPPA in a statement said “The French Government’s proposed tax on palm oil at the behest of rich agricultural interests in Paris is shameful and will undermine small farmers and efforts to alleviate poverty across the African continent.

The differential tax proposed by certain EU companies and Western elite Green groups is equally discriminatory. This is a neocolonial attempt by the French to dictate to Africa, and enrich large European companies at the expense of poor African small farmers.

“Small farmers produce 80 per cent of Nigeria’s palm oil,

and they rely on it to feed their families and improve their living conditions. The French tax on palm oil is not only unfair and unjustified, but also illegal under the WTO trade laws and undermines France’s commitment to the UN Millennium Development Goals.”

The French Government is supporting an anti-palm oil campaign by radical Green and Socialist politicians. This action will not only undermine poverty alleviation, but is also discriminatory towards African small farmers. Segolene Royal, French Environment Minister, is leading the campaign to discriminate against Africans and palm oil small farmers, who will be dramatically cut from supply chains if these proposals become law.

How the French Government now responds is a test of their honesty and integrity. The new French Foreign Minister, JeanMarc Ayrault, stated clearly that France would never impose taxes on palm oil. The French Development Agency – AFD – invests in palm oil in Africa because they know it is a lifeline

for escaping poverty. President Hollande himself has claimed on multiple occasions that he wants to strengthen France’s ties with Africa. This new palm oil tax, if left as it is, undermines all of those words and shows that the French government merely pays lip service about helping poverty reduction in Africa.

Continuing Ayodele said

“French President Hollande cannot claim to be helping African countries out of poverty while at the same time preventing market access for palm oil.

This is an act of protectionism and neo-colonialism towards the people and communities of Africa. These taxes are an open attack on African small farmers, and their families.

The Initiative for Public Policy Analysis (IPPA), the 2005 award winning organisation, is Nigeria’s public policy research institute/think tank. Its major concern is with the principles and institutions that enhance economic development and wealth creation, with particular focus on Africa and Nigeria.

GTBank declares N120.7bn profit, proposes N1.52 dividend

G

By Peter Egwuatu

uaranty Trust Bank, (GTBank )Plc has recorded N120. 7 billion Profit Before Tax, PBT and proposed dividend of N1.52 per share for the financial year ended December 2015.

A review of the bank’s $123.35 -1.05 2015 results shows positive performance across $2,994.00 -7.00 most financial indices, reaffirming its position as $15. 22 0.09 one of the most profitable banks, posting N120.7billion PBT , an increase of N4.3billion or $39. 68 -0.71 3.7% over the N116.4billion reported in $37. 67 -0.83 the preceeding year, 2014 and gross earnings of CURRENCY BUYING SELLING N301.9billion an increase US DOLLAR 196 196.5 197 of 8.4% from the 280. 3388 281.054 281. 7691 POUNDS N278.5billion recorded in 217. 8344 218. 3901 218. 9458 EURO 198. 8233 199. 3305 199. 8377 FRANC the same period of 2014.

1.7234 1.7278 1.7322 YEN In terms of value creation 0.3052 0.3152 0. 3252 CFA for its shareholders, the 271. 4416 272. 134 272. 8265 WAUA Bank recorded pre-tax 30. 1298 30. 2071 30.2844 RENMINBI Return on Assets and Eq52. 3916 52. 3916 52.5249 RIYAL 28.7761 28.8495 28.923 KRONA uity, ROAE of 31.0% and 272. 342 273. 0368 273. 7315 SDR Return on Average Assets, ROAA of 5.0% reCBN Exchange rate as at 14/03/2016 spectively.

C M Y K

WORKSHOP: From left, Administrator, National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Rosaline Bozimo; Principal Partner, Dikko and Mahmud, Mr Abubakar Balarabe Mahmud; DirectorGeneral, Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Mr Mounir Gwarzo and former Chairman, Investments and Securities Tribunal, Justice Nnenna Orji, during the closing ceremony of SEC 2016 workshop on Capital Market Laws, Ethics and Judicial Interpretations for Superior Court judges, in Abuja.

Furthermore, the Bank’s balance sheet remained strong with 7.2 per cent growth in Total Assets, from N2.36 trillion in 2014 to N2.52trillion in the year under review. Loans to customers grew by 7.5 per cent to close at N1.37trillion from N1.28 trillion in 2014.

Despite the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) by the Federal Govern-

The bank’s financial performance in 2015 is an indication that we have earned the loyalty of our customers

ment, customer deposits remained relatively stable with a marginal year-on-year decline of 0.49 per cent from N1.62 trillion in 2014 to N1.61trillion in 2015.

Prudent approach to loan growth The bank continued to maintain a disciplined and prudent approach to loan growth in line with its Risk Management framework. The bank’s non-performing loans (NPL) ratio remained low at 3.21 per cent; up sligtly from 3.15 per cent in the comparative period of 2014.

Against this back drop of strong financial showing, the bank has proposed N1.52 dividend, making a total-year dividend of N1.77 per share (inclusive of the 25 kobo interim dividend paid at half year 2015).

Commenting on the financial results, Segun Agbaje, the Managing Director/CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, said the bank’s financial performance in 2015 is an indication that we have earned the loyalty of our customers and an attestation of the hard

work and dedication of our staff, management and Board.

The group has delivered a respectable Profit Before Tax of N120.7 billion despite an extremely challenging business environment in 2015.

He further stated: “As a bank, we will continue to actively partner with our customers and grow our business in a sustainable manner that is not only driven by profit objective, but with an increased focus on empowering our customers with a view to growing Nigerian economy.”

Also, we remain committed to maximising shareholders’ value and delivering superior and sustainable returns whilst actively expanding our franchise in select, high growth African markets where we believe we have a competitive advantage.

The bank has continued to report the best financial ratios for a Financial Institution in the industry with a return on equity (ROE) of 31.0% and a cost to income ratio of 44.4% evidencing the efficient management of the banks’ assets. Overall, the Bank has enshrined its position as a clear leader in the industry.

22 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016

But foreign exchange risk remains a major issue in Nigeria’s environment where DANGCEM derives its predominant financial value

,

INVESTOR' INVESTOR'S

,

Dangote Cement: Investment thoughts today against tomorrow effective tax rate after the spike in 2014. Income tax crashed massively by 75.1% to N6.97 billion.

Historically two of the company’s major plants exited their tax-exempt pioneer status in 2013, hence the spike in effective tax rate in 2014 to 13.5%. In 2015, Nominal tax rate dropped from 13.5% to 3.4%.

Hence, taxes paid for financial year 2015 dropped by 72.3% to N6.97 billion against the N25.29 billion paid in the previous year. The drop in effective tax rate in 2015 is attributed to tax holidays attained on its newly acquired plants in Nigeria.

By Emeka Anaeto, Economy Editor

T

WO weeks ago Dangote Cement (DANGCEM) both excited and jolted the stock market from its solemn mood with impressive results for the full year ended December 31, 2015, one of the bests in recent months and most importantly the best due to the size, the most capitalize stock on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE. That singular development has had further chain reactions with the stock market back to steady upbeat even after DANGCEM appeared to be giving way to expectations of more good news from other companies.

But analysts and investors appear to be looking at other sides of the stock, the morning after.

The company’s full year sales grew by 25.6% year-on-year (yo-y) to N491.7 billion from N391.6 billion earned in the previous year.

The growth in sales volume is attributed to the new plants which commenced production during the year and bolstered sales volume by 35% from 14.0 million metric tones per annum (MMTPA) to 18.8 MMTPA .

Revenue growth increased The company had added new factories in Cameroon, Ethiopia, Senegal and Zambia during the year bringing the total capacity to 42.5 MMTPA (46% higher than the previous year’s total capacity of 29.2 MMTPA).

The 18% price cut which occurred in September 2015 also contributed to the rise in sales volume by way of increased demand.

Costs pressures escalating against bottom line: It appears the impressive sales was dulled by other business dynamics.

For instance profit before tax was dwarfed to a marginal 2.0% as a result of the increased finance cost during the year.

Finance cost increased hugely by 64.8% y-o-y to N54.3 billion from N33.0 billion.

Though the company recorded finance income increase of 13.9% there was an uptick in interest expense by 83.7%. The dynamics is unlikely to change as the drivers are expected to remain in the current financial year.

The company was also left C M Y K

Good to shareholders

•Dangote exposed to foreign exchange risks led by the devaluation of the domestic currency.

Particularly, foreign exchange loss grew 43.5% y-o-y to N20.8 billion from N14.5 billion in the previous year. However, this was taken care of by a 20% rise in foreign exchange gain of N33.1 billion from N27.4 billion, leading to a net foreign exchange gain of N12.2 billion due, primarily, to the translation of foreign currency denominated balance at yearend across the group.

But foreign exchange risk remains a major issue in Nigeria’s environment where DANGCEM derives its predominant financial value.

Of major concern in cost escalation is Cost of Sales (CoS) which grew by 41% to N201.8 billion from N143.1 billion due to the increased cost (Materials consumed, Salaries and plant maintenance increased by 67%, 42% and 55% respectively) arising from the plant expansions. Thus, gross margin reduced to 59% from the previous year’s 63%.

Yet of more concern is an uptick in operating expenses as administration expenses increased by 35% to N32.5 billion, while selling and distribution expenses increased by 30% to N53.5 billion. Hence, Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) margin fell by 6 basis points to 42% despite the 11% increase in EBIT itself to N207.82 billion.

These led to weak bottom line performance, as PBT and PAT

grew by 2.0% and 13.7% to N188.3 billion and N181.3 billion respectively.

Tax matters and bottomline : The tax system seems to be very favourable to DANGCEM. The most important figure to note on the company’s score card is the significant drop in its

On the back of this result, Dangote cement declared dividend of N8.00 per share, a 33% increase over the N6.00 per share it paid last year.

Earnings per share (EPS) also rose by 15.3% to N10.86 from N9.42 recorded in the previous year.

Consequently, analysts at Greenwich Trust Limited noted last week that the company’s shares are trading on a 2016

forward P/E multiple of 15.47x and a P/BV of 4.4x. ‘’In our valuation for the company, we applied a blend of absolute and relative valuation models. Based on these methodologies, our 12 month price target for the counter is N176.44 a 4.7% upside to its share price at N168.00. We are NEUTRAL on this counter ”, Greenwich stated.

Looking ahead: DANGCEM pulse Management of DANGCEM is quite bullish on sales volume in 2016 after seeing the rebound in Q4:2015 in Nigeria and a strong start to the year.

Indeed chairman of the company, Aliko Dangote, said last week that volume was up by about 50.0% in the first two months of this year.

Also there is positive expectations from the expansionary capital expenditure, CAPEX, by the federal government in Nigeria, while the expected beginning of sales in Tanzanian plant in Q1:2016, and scheduled opening of a 0.70 MMTPA Continues on page 27

Delta community raises alarm over missing octogenarian PAGE 24

VOL. 1: No. 85

Silt threatens Urhie Lake in Igbide Kingdom

PAGE 25

TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016

RIVERS… TREASURE BASE OF THE NATION

BY DAVIES IHEAMNACHOR

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GONI—MR. Ledee Meyakau, the husband of Mrs. Lesi, an eight month old pregnant woman killed last week during the gun-battle between the military and militants has called for justice over the killing of his wife.

Narrating his loss, Meyakau said: “The Nigerian Army came to our village and killed my wife and my eight month baby in her womb. I want the whole world to hear it because it is painful. I was not around when she was shut. I met my wife dead I came back.

“I don’t know what to do. They killed innocent people. Since my wife died I have not been myself. I have been living in the bush."

Also, Mr. Justus Tambari, who lost one of his brothers and two friends during the crossfire said he would have also been a victim.

“I would have also died because we were together when the army entered Bori with armoured vehicle so I ran into the gutter.

“I saw them when they killed about five people including my brother. They went to my shop looked inside they did not see anybody but I was looking at them from my hideout.

“After shooting these people they waited long before they left.

If they had left early after the shooting, we would have saved them. One of them is still in the hospital.

"In Bori, they shot Mr. Kenneth, Mr. Joel, Mr. Linus Nwafor and Kelechi Nwafor.”

Military invasion

About 12 lives were reportedly lost during the military operation that lasted two days.

According to reports, the soldiers were in search of an exmilitant leader, Mr. Solomon Ndigbara, popularly called Osama Bin Laden.

The soldiers, were said to have stormed the home of the exC M Y K

Mr Justus Tambari, whose wife and two friends were shot at Bori

Some of the persons who lost their relations during the crossfire between the army and militants

The Paramount ruler of Bua Yeghe, Chief Barinada Gbaranee.

ARMY INVASION OF OGONI:

‘How they murdered my pregnant wife' •Residents desert Yeghe, Bori •2 soldiers, 9 others feared killed •Royal fathers endorse military presence in Ogoni agitator based on intelligence reports that the ex-militant was in possession of ammunition.

It was gathered that when the soldiers arrived the community (Yeghe) some boys allegedly loyal to Ndigbara opened fire and killed two of the soldiers.

The army who were infuriated by the actions of the suspected militants, reinforced and tackle the assailants head on killing at least five persons in Yeghe.

Niger Delta Voice learnt that deafening gunshots from the crossfire between the army and the militants caused the natives to scamper for safety leaving the community deserted.

Army reacts

The Public Relations Officer of the 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt, Capt Lazarus Eli confirmed the development but stated clearly that no life was lost in the

I saw them when they killed about five people, including my brother.

After shooting these people they waited long before they left. incident.

Eli disclosed that the visit of the army was in line with the command's target to get the communities rid of dangerous weapons.

He said the military maintained high sense of responsibilityand

professionalism in its duties, adding that their visits to communities was peaceful.

But the residents of Yeghe community and Bori in Khana LGA insisted that over nine persons lost their lives during the raid.

Yeghe monarch condemns killing of army, others

Meanwhile, the Paramount Ruler of Bua Yeghe, His Royal Highness, Chief Barinada Gbaranee has condemned the alleged killing of two soldiers and other innocent Ogonis in Bori and Yeghe communities.

The monarch who spoke through his aide, Mr. Konfidence Ati expressed sadness over the destruction of properties belonging to sons of Ogoniland.

Gbaranee called on the Chief of Army Staff and the Rivers State Government to intervene

and stop further destruction of lives and property in the area.

He described Ogoni as a peaceful nation and should not be turned into a war zone.

Yeghe, Bori residents still live in fear

After the military raid, the people of Yeghe and Bori are still living in fear as many have fled their homes.

In an interview with Niger Delta Voice, HRH. Chief Barinada Gbaranee disclosed that there is heavy tension in the community over alleged plot by the military to again storm the area for mass arrest.

The monarch pleaded with the state and federal governments and other well-meaning individuals to intervene, adding that the community could be sacked if nothing was done.

Continues on page 25

24 —

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016

Delta community raises alarm over missing octogenarian •Women lament dehumanising ordeal in hands of soldiers •Lawmaker, rights activist, monarch threaten action •Unit Commander defends action of soldiers

•Eguriase Ogheneochuko

DELTA… FINGER OF GOD

E

BY PEREZ BRISIBE

KU—FOLLOWING the alleged brutalization of some octogenarians and other women from Ovre-Eku community by soldiers from 4th Brigade Benin City led by one Lt. Oworobo, Madam Alice Omadefe, (87) has been declared missing by the community.

The community women had last week trooped out on a peaceful protest to a site allegedly acquired by Presco Oil Company, which according to them, was in dispute between Edo and Delta States to get first-hand information from representatives of the firm, who sold the portion of land that is before the National Boundary Commission.

Rather than being addressed by representatives of the company, the women were manhandled and beaten by soldiers under the instruction of the Unit Commander, Lt. E.D Oworobo.

Soldiers on rampage

It was a pathetic sight as this reporter, who was monitoring the protest took to his heels alongside the protesters when soldiers chased the women most of whom are in their eighties into the adjoining bushes around the site, wiping them with tree stems while others kicked the women as they tried to run away from the scene.

In the ensuing confusion, some of the protesting women sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital while others fled into the bush.

Among those who fled to the bush to escape the fury of the

THE TEAM Emma Amaize, Editor Jimitota Onoyume Samuel Oyadongha Simon Ebegbulem Gabriel Enogholase Festus Ahon Egufe Yafugborhi Emmanuel Una Akpokona Omafuaire Godwin Oghre Tom Moses Chioma Onuegbu Ike Uche Davies Iheamnachor Emem Idio Brisibe Perez Theresa Ugbobu Ochuko Akuopha Barnabas Uzosike Nath Onajoke Chijioke Nwankpa C M Y K

• The protesting women a few meters from the military post before they were attacked.

•Mama Alice Omadefe soldiers was Madam Alice Omadefe, whose whereabouts are now a source concern for her family and the community.

According to one of the children of the missing woman, Ochuko, his mother accompanied other women on the protest march to the disputed site and had not been seen since then.

He said: “As soon as I heard what happened, I rushed to her house but was told she has not returned and she is not among those currently receiving medical attention at the hospital.”

Traumatised women recount experience

Recounting their torment at the hospital bed in the Eku Baptist Hospital, they accused the

soldiers of attacking them despite the fact that they were harmless and had only carried a coffin droped in red and black clothing during their protest to express their displeasure.

The trio of Eguriase Ogheneochuko, Roseline Sunday and Mabel Umukoro, noted with regret that a scar on the head and a sprained ankle with cane marks were the souvenirs they brought back home from the encounter with the soldiers.

Unit Commander defends soldiers action

When contacted on the action of the soldiers, the Unit Commander, Lt. Oworobo, fired back thus; “So because you are a journalist, you want me to report to you or what? You are an idiot, you are a madman.”

Lawmaker threatens action against Edo State

On his part, the member representing Ethiope East in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Evance Ivwurie has threatened to take action against the Edo State government and PRESCO Oil Company Plc if they continue using soldiers to attack innocent residents of the community.

Ivwurie during a fact finding visit to the community, condemned the actions of the soldiers, as according to him, “Delta State is prepared to take drastic actions to stem the illicit activities of the concerned troublemakers.

“The action of these individuals is as a result of the oil wells discovered in the community. The annexation approach coupled with the invasion, take over and conquest action of the soldiers attached to PRESCO is supported by the Edo State government.

“We are calling on President Muhammadu Buhari and the

Chief of Army Staff to as a matter of urgency, fish out the soldiers led by one Lt. E.D. Oworobo who invaded Ovre Eku, beat up, flogged and injured our harmless mothers and grandmothers.”

Rights Activist threatens legal action against Army

Reacting to the incident, human rights activist and Executive Director, Centre for the Vulnerable and Underprivileged, CENTREP, Mr. Oghenjabor Ikimi, promised to enforce the fundamental human rights of the women and their freedom to embark on peaceful protest.

Monarch warns of looming communal clash

Meanwhile, the Ovie of Agbon Kingdom, Ukori I, has vowed to pursue the matter to its logical conclusion with an appeal to the Federal Government and the National Boundary Commission,

Attat Ntang emerges paramount ruler-elect of Oruk Anam AKWA IBOM… LAND OF PROMISE

BY CHIOMA ONUEGBU KOT OBIO ADUAK—CHIEF Christopher Attat Ntang of Ikot Obio Aduak community has been elected the new paramount ruler of Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Niger Delta Voice gathered that Ntang had on February 24, 2016 in a keenly contested election four votes in Electoral College made of seven clan heads from Oruk Anam.

The 67-year-old paramount ruler-elect who spoke to Niger Delta Voice in his Ikot Obio Aduak palace last week described his emergence as the will of God and promised to use his new position to ensure sustained peace and security within his domain as well as support every government effort aimed at bringing development closer to his people.

He said: “On that Wednesday I

I

went to the Traditional Rulers Council in Uyo with a mind to vote another person for the position but it turned out that I was the one majority of my colleagues chose to become the paramount ruler of Oruk Anam Local Government Area.

“And for this honour done to me I will make sure that my leadership impact positively on the lives of my subjects. My leadership will ensure Paramount ruler-elect, Christopher Ntang. that all hands are on deck to better the lot of our ruler-elect because he has what people. I can only reciprocate the it takes to lead his people. non-meddlesomeness of the state “It is not the duty of politicians government in my election by to elect paramount rulers but that supporting government policies of the clan heads. The law and programmes so that this regarding our operations in Akwa administration succeeds.”

Ibom gives the clan heads power Also speaking, Obong Johnson to elect a paramount ruler while Obosi, the Clan Head of Inen, village heads elect clan heads in said majority of the clan heads their respective communities,” he queued behind the paramount said.

Obosi, commended the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for the assurance given before the election that the state government would respect the outcome of the exercise by issuing certificates to whoever emerged victorious.

A youth from the area, who identified himself simply as Nsikak lauded the process that led to election of the paramount ruler-elect of Oruk Anam describing it as free, fair and credible, devoid of any government interference.

“The election of the new paramount ruler was peaceful and even though it was witnessed by top government officials in Akwa Ibom State led by Victor Antai, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the process showed that there was no government interference and for me it is a welcome development,” he noted.

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016 — 25

Silt threatens Urhie Lake in Igbide Kingdom •Community solicits government intervention

BY OCHUKO AKUOPHA GBIDE—THE URHIE LAKE, which is a unifying force among the people of Igbide community in Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State, is in the throes of a silt scourge.

Interestingly, the serene Igbide community, comes alive annually as thousands of people thronged the Ovwodokpokpor quarter of the kingdom to celebrate the three day Urhie Fishing Festival, which is held at the UrhieIgbide Lake where the progenitor of the kingdom, (Eru) was said to have first landed.

The festival is celebrated to mark the beginning of the fishing season that normally starts in the first or second week of February when the water level is considerably low.

I

Lake threatened by silting

According to the President of the Igbide Union, Chief David Edegware, “the Urhie Lake is currently being threatened by sand deposit hindering free of flow of water.”

He added: “Before now the

lake was deep enough to harbour large fishes and other aquatic animals. For instance, sometime in 1962, a giant hippopotamus was caught and killed by fishermen at the Urhie-Igbide Lake.

“Today, because of sand washing from the environment into the lake, it has caused it to silt. There is also the presence of water hyacinth which is a major hindrance to subsistence farming.”

Community seeks government intervention

He called on the state government to “as a matter of necessity undertake the dredging of the Urhie-Igbide Lake as it will go a long way to assist in storing the excess water from the rain.”

The festival Niger Delta Voice gathered was relatively a local affair, which did not attract any attention, until some few years ago, precisely in 2002 when the Delta State Government’s webmaster visited and sought the permission of the Ovie of Igbide to upload the festival on the internet.

Fishing is our

pride as a people

The fishing festival, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Igbide people, according to him, “recorded its biggest catch in history in 2003, 2004 and 2005 with some fish caught weighing between 75 kg to 250 kg.”

Describing the festival as unique to his people, Edegware said: “As it stands, before the opening day of the festival, the lake is closed and nobody is allowed to come here to fish for a certain period to allow the fish to grow.”

Continuing he said: “Most of our big men are made from here, their fathers were fishermen and the little

Culturally, it is very important because this is the beginning of our fishing year. From now on people are free to fish; prior to this time they cannot fish throughout the year

‘How my pregnant wife was killed’ Continues from page 23 “We don’t know what their mission is again in this place.

We are afraid. If not that today is Sunday you wouldn’t have seen anybody around.

“I want to plead with the army authorities and the government to help us remove the army because we are not fighting war here,” he said

Ogoni women condemn killing of pregnant mother

A women's group has condemned the attacks and killings in Ogoni, especially that of the pregnant woman.

The women under the auspices of Dap Doo Women Association expressed concern that Ogoni was on the verge of experiencing 1994 again,

Bua Yeghe Town Hall.

where some sons of the area were murdered.

Secretary of the women, Ewonubari Damgbor said they would not fold their hands and watch another round of mischief makers create another evil history in Ogoniland.

Damgbor regretted that some people are happy over the current development because of their political ambition.

CENTREP to drag Army before UN Rapporteur

A Human Right Organisation in the Niger Delta region, Centre for the Vulnerable and the Underprivileged, CENTREP, said it would drag the Nigerian Military before the United Nations Rapporteur over the killing of an eight month pregnant woman and eight other persons in Bua Yeghe and Bori

•Members of the community by the Lake threatened by silting

communities in Ghokana and Khana Local Government Areas of Rivers State.

CENTREP in a statement released by its Executive Director, Mr. Oghenejabor Ikimi, condemned the act, adding that it was wrong for the military to overrun all the communities in search of one man.

Ikimi who described the invasion as collective punishment condemned the killing as extra judicial, adding that the organization would take up legal action against the army after its investigations.

Ogoni royal fathers endorse military presence

Meanwhile, the Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers has endorsed the presence of the military in the

Mr. Lede Meyakau whose eight-month pregnant wife was killed at Yeghe.

•Fishing is our pride as a people money made from here was used to train them, so we don’t play with it because it is an occupation on its own like I mentioned before if the people are predominantly fishing folks, then this place is very important to our people.”

On his part, when asked about the import of the festival, the Oloriega of the kingdom, Chief Godspower Okpohro, told Niger Delta Voice that the festival is held in the memory of Eru who “travelled through Mgbidi in Imo State, Erhowa in Isoko South and arrived through the river and settled down here first before moving down to Igbide main town.” area, stating that it was in the interest of the people of the oil rich region.

The monarchs unanimously disclosed their position on the military presence and invasion of some communities in Khana and Ghokana, Friday, when the Minister of Environment, Mrs. Amina Mohammed, in company of Ahmed Jubril, Minister of State for Environment and Sen. Magnus Abe visited the area in preparation for the commencementof implementation of the United Nations Environmental Assessment Programme report on Ogoni.

The President of Ogoni Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM, King Godwin Giniwa said that the presence of the military in the area was to tame crime, kidnapping, killings and fear in Ogoni Communities.

Giniwa said that the level of gun running in the area was heart rending and out of hands, adding that the military intervention was necessary and timely.

The Royal father stated that criminals almost took over the oil rich Ogoni nation, stressing that the military was there to mop up every arm illegally owned by hoodlums in the area.

The monarch said anyone not in support of the military presence in the area is an enemy of Ogoni.

He added: “firstly, in every November, the river is closed, and then every February it is opened for fishing till the next time that it is closed. So, today we are opening the river for fishing activities with the normal control that will be in place because there are some certain things that are not supposed to be used for fishing here.

“Culturally it is very important because this is the beginning our fishing year.

From now on people are free to fish; prior to this time they cannot fish throughout the year. The lake is of great economic advantage to the community."

Significance

The Urhie Lake, it further gathered, has been a source of income and fish supply for the Igbide people who are predominantly fishermen and the Isoko nation over the years.

The lake also links the community to Uzere, Umeh, Erhowa and Ivrogbor communities in Isoko South and Patani, in Patani Local Government Area of the State.

On the first day of the festival, cannons are fired at about 8 am to announce the commencement of the festival; and by 9 am, the atmosphere in the community is charged with people pulling their canoes into the river to start fishing activities.

Niger Delta Voice gathered that prior to the day, the ban on the lake aimed at preventing people from poaching on it to allow the fish to mature and ensure bountiful harvest is lifted. Thereafter fishing gear of various types are used for fishing activities by the natives and nonindigenes.

The festival also featured swimming and other recreational activities such as music and dancing at the bank of the river to entertainment dignitaries from far and near.

The harvest from the lake are sold to dignitaries and individuals, who graced the three day event. It was however gathered that at the expiration of the festival, angling continues throughout the fishing season.

C M Y K

26 — Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016

We are ready for enemies of amnesty programme — Ex-militant leader, Muturu Mr. Kinsgley Muturu is the Delta State chairman of ex-militants under Phase 2 of the Amnesty Programme. In this interview with Niger Delta, he spoke on the allegation of corruption raised against the Coordinator of the Amnesty Programme, Brig. Gen. Paul Boroh (rtd), recently, and other sundry issues. Excerpts:

BY FESTUS AHON RECENTLY it was announced that the expiring date of the amnesty programme is shifted to 2017: what is your reaction to this?

We thank President Muhammadu Buhari for listening the various calls and appeals made to him over the amnesty programme. We really appreciate him for this gesture; he has shown to Nigerians that he is a listening President. We also appreciate the efforts of BrigGen. Boroh. He has given us the confidence that the time Mr. President spent shopping for a credible person to head the amnesty office was not a waste.

We say thank you Mr. President, we also appreciate your efforts Brig-Gen Boroh.

But recently, the African AntiCorruption Network called for the immediate removal of the Coordinator of the Amnesty Programme, Gen Boroh, from office, over allegations of

corruption; where do you stand on this development?

My reaction to that allegation is that they have started again; the lobbyists and appointment seekers have sent their foot soldiers out for war again, and we are ready for them. I mean we exagitators are ready for them, whatever length they are ready to go. We really know that many people were disappointed, particularly politicians and blackmailers, when Mr. President appointed Boroh to head the amnesty office. All the lobbyists and hustlers failed woefully because Mr. President was looking for credibility. If this socalled network’s stock-in trade is to blackmail or carry out a smear campaign against Boroh in order to distract him from what he is doing, then we will come out for them because we are the beneficiaries of what Boroh is trying to put in place.

What are those things Boroh is trying to put in place?

Boroh has shown us through his

actions that he is painstakingly executing the amnesty programme to a successful end.

He has gone ahead with the plan to open offices in various Niger Delta States in order to bring his office closer to the people concerned; he has also made it clear before the whole world his plan to empower and disengage successfully trained ex-agitators, which is in accordance with the amnesty agreement. These and other activities bordering the programme have clearly shown his determination to take the programme to a successful end.

Also, I want Nigerians to ask, who does this anti-corruption Network want in replacement of Boroh in their campaign of calumny? What is the interest of these network personalities in the amnesty programme? We are now assured that President Buhari did not disappoint us with the appointment of Boroh to head the amnesty office, and the time spent shopping for a credible personality was not wasted. If Mr. President had appointed a

•Ex-militant Leader, Kingsley Muturu politician who would come and play politics with the affairs of the programme, by this time we would have been complaining but the reverse is the case now; we are happy that Boroh is moving the programme as expected.

So, you mean the allegations by the anti-corruption Network were politically motivated?

The interest of this anticorruption Network in the affairs of the amnesty programme will not succeed. I personally believe that people in that agency must be corrupt for daring to engage in slander against somebody

trying his best to bring the best out of the amnesty programme in order to take it to its permanent destination. Calling yourselves anti-corruption Network does not make you holier than others, and anybody trying to disturb the smooth running of the programme under Boroh should be prepared for us.

We know they have started again to distract the running of the programme as they did before, and we are ready for them. I, particularly, am readier than them because we will always resist their antics. I advised them to steer clear from the amnesty programme.

NIGER DELTA PHOTO PANORAMA THE COMMISSIONING/INAUGURATION & APPEAL FUND BY THE NIGERIA POLICE “B” DIVISION IN COLLABORATION WITH THE POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE, PCRC IN WARRI, DELTA STATE. From right: Delta State Secretary, Police Community Relations Committee, PCRC, Prince Okojie, Chief (Mrs.) Emo Odet, Delta State PCRC Chairman, Wing Commander MOD Ede, representing the Commander 61 Nigeria Airforce Detachment, Warri and President-General of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom, Chief Emmauel Okumagba

Hon. Denni Omovie performing ground breaking ceremony for one of the administrative buildings under construction.

C M Y K

Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba officially commissioning the completed Quarter Guard and Charge Room as well as administrative building which is still under construction at the Police “B” Division in Warri while Chief Emmanuel Okumagba (right) and CSP Anieteh Eyoh (left) gives supporting hands as others watch with keen interest.

Delta State Commissioner of Police , CP Alkali Baba Usman in warm hand shake with the PresidentGeneral of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom, Chief Emmaule Okumagba (left) while Wing Commander MOD Ede, representative of the Commander 61 Detachment of the Nigeria Air Force (middle) looks on.

The newly commissioned Quarter Guard.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016 — 27

,

'S S FORUM

We expect to see more profit warnings announced as companies finalize their 2015 financial year earnings. Investors should therefore thread with caution and look at the company’s most recent result for likely pointers or potential red flags

,

Diamond Bank issues profit warning to investors

By Peter Egwuatu

W

ITH Diamond Bank and Computer Warehouse Group, CWG, last week adding to the growing list of profit warnings from quoted companies, investors are advised to watch out for dribbles. Stock market analysts say more profit warnings are underway especially from bankers.

For all the companies that have so far declared profit warnings, the reasons range from poor state of the economy, foreign exchange crisis and the drop in price of oil in the international market.

But many market watchers are beginning to relate what is happening to a typical transactions on street markets in Oshodi, Lagos or Ariara market in Aba, or even Afor market in my village where sellers of pepper and all manner of local goods hiked there prices many times disproportionately on ground that dollar is scarce even when they have never seen a dollar note in their life.

Negative factors Yet it is difficult to see how a business would not be affected by these negative factors given above. So quoted companies are allowed to give excuses for poor performance, hide or even divert profits.

However, analysts at Nairametrics, a Lagos based financial media, had this to say “investors need to be more circumspect and learn to read between the lines.

While some of the companies may have a genuine case, others are likely to use this as an excuse to mask gross inefficiencies and financial recklessness.

“Economic headwinds or not some of these companies are indeed badly run and have for years failed to reward shareholders either with improved shareholder value or increase in dividends.

“We expect to see more profit warnings announced as companies finalize their 2015 financial year earnings.

Investors should therefore thread with caution and look at the company’s most recent result for likely pointers or potential red flags.”

Managing director of Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, Mr. Lanre Jaiyeola, on the heels of Dangote Cement’s full year results announcement which came with impressive dividend payout, in a chat with Vanguard Investor ’s Forum stated “the the man is honest”.

He was referring to the chairman of Dangote Cement, Aliko Dangote, in the context of raising dividend payout at a time other companies would rather claim there was nothing for the shareholders having lost everything to bad economy.

Specifically, Diamond Bank Plc last week issued a profit warning to investors, recognising higher-than expected impairment charges on loans made to the energy and commercial business sectors based on the continu-

ing deterioration in Nigeria’s macro-economic conditions.

Consequently, preliminary indications suggest that the bank’s earnings for the financial year ended December 31, 2015, are expected to be lower than earnings in 2014.

On a positive note, however, the company stated that it has made significant changes to its operating structure that will result in reductions in operating costs.

The bank remains determined to deliver on its stated strategy of creating Nigeria’s leading technology-led retail bank

According to the bank , “the continuing deterioration in Nigeria’s macro-economic conditions has resulted in Diamond Bank Plc recognising higher than expected impairment charges on loans made to the energy and commercial Business sectors.

“In light of these deteriorating conditions, and subsequent review of Diamond Bank Plc’s management accounts for the financial year ended December 31, 2015, preliminary indications are that earnings will be lower than in 2014. Detailed financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 are expected to be released on or before March 31, 2016.

“Diamond Bank wishes to reiterate that in recent years it has deployed considerable resources in building a dependable risk management framework, and the quality of its loan portfolio in general, remains high.

“The bank remains determined to deliver on its stated strategy of creating Nigeria’s

Dangote: investment thoughts today against tomorrow Continues from page 22 import & bagging facility in Sierra Leone in Q2:2016, and a 1.5 MMTPA integrated plant in Congo by H2:2016 were identified as positive drivers of sales in 2016.

Analysts at Afrinvest West Africa were conservative in their outlook on DANGCEM: “Although we expect volumes to grow in Nigeria on lower pricing of cement and government CAPEX, we are conservative in our forecast given the cyclical headwinds facing consumers and private investors, two segments that have traditionally driven sales.

“We forecast volumes to grow at 12.9% Y-o-Y to 15.0 MMTPA in 2016 but a more competitive pricing landscape will limit the upside from this, hence we estimate Nigeria sales to grow by a marginal 0.2% to N390.0

Dividend Timeline 2016 Updates

billion on a price per tonne assumption of N26,000.

“We expect higher capacity utilization across the other two regional segments to support group sales and raised our 2016 sales forecast to N549.2 billion from N519.4 billion.

“However, cost pressures are likely to continue in 2016 due to lower mark-up in Nigeria resulting from competitive pricing and a high probability risk of currency devaluation in Nigeria (60.0% - 70.0% of OPEX are FX based and 29.0% of debt are FX denominated) as well as volatile currency movements in other South and Southern African countries DANGCEM is exposed to.

“Thus, we expect margins to weaken further and trimmed our 2016 EPS forecast to N11.25 (from N12.04) and Earnings Before Interest, Taxes,

Depreciation and Amortization expenses (EBITDA) to N278.5 billion (from N282.0 billion)”.

Most investors continue to place a premium on DANGCEM based on its long term growth potential.

leading technology-led retail bank. Already, in 2016 the business has made significant changes to its operating structure that will result in reductions in operating costs. Further investment has been made to improve customer relationships and revenue in our core business segments.

These actions aim to deliver improved earnings and lower operating costs from 2016 onward.

Operating environment Overall, despite the headwinds and the fact that 2016 presents a tough operating environment for the industry, we remain optimistic on the fundamentals underpinning our long term retail-led business strategy.”

Reacting on the profit warning, Managing Director of Capital Bancorp Plc, Mr Aigboje Higo said “We have seen profit warnings from First Bank Nigeria Holding, and FCMB. It is fallout of the problems associated with Oil and Gas and economic slowdown as well as issues arising out of Government policies on exchange rate. My sense is that a lot of investors have priced in all this information and it is reflected in current prices. We will see more profit warnings from banking sector in the days ahead.

Stock Market Outlook (March 15- 21, 2016)

P

ERFORMANCE of the market in recent times remain largely driven by corporate financial results releases as well as bargain hunting in blue-chip stocks.

All Share Index traded within the range of 25,988.40 (week-high) and 25,755.01 (week-low) to settle at 25,988.40 above previous week’s high (25,820.10) by 168.30points.

This indicates sustained bargain tendency when compared with previous posture. The outlook reveals growing bargain tendency.

On likely trends in the coming periods, analysts at Proshare advise value and cautious investing approach due to weak macroeconomic fundamentals, which had negative impacts on quoted companies across board.

More corporate announcements are expected to come in and drive activities this week as more players in the banking and consumer goods sectors have concluded their results for full year 2015.

Against this backdrop, investors are advised to overweigh on stock with consistent dividend paying history.

COMPLAINTS & INVESTIGATIONS Send complaints or enquiries about any quoted company, issues, products and services of any capital market operator

C M Y K

28 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016

NNPC, oil firms earn N65bn from gas export

By Michael Eboh

O

IL and gas companies operating in Nigeria and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, earned about $323.55 million, or N64.71 billion from the export of gas in January, according to data obtained from the Corporation.

The NNPC, in its Monthly Financial and Operations Report for January 2016, put total gas export by the oil and gas companies at 107.85 billion standard cubic feet, BCF, in the month under review.

Using the average gas price of $3 per 1,000 Standard Cubic Feet, SCF, as stated by the Nigerian Gas Company, NGC, the export of 107.85 BCF of gas translates to$323.55 million, an equivalent of N64.71 billion using an average interest rate of N200 to a dollar.

Giving a breakdown of the January figures, the NNPC stated that 1.04 billion SCF gas was exported through the West African Gas Pipeline, WAG); and 7.55 billion SCF exported through the Escravos Gas to Liquid, EGTL project.

Similarly, 19.6 billion SCF and 79.66 billion SCF were exported through Natural Gas Liquid/Liquefied Petroleum Gas, NGL/LPG, and the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, respectively.

Out of the total amount, the NNPC received $135.89 million, about N27.178 billion, being proceeds from the export of gas through NLNG, EGTL, NGLs and N-Gas. In addition to gas export, 35.17 billion SCF gas was utilised locally, broken down into 22.74 billion SCF for domestic gas to power and 12.43 billion SCF sent to industries. Also, 72.36 billion SCF was re-injected, while 12.11 billion SCF was used for fuel gas.

About 22.32 billion SCF was flared. To this end, the amount of gas flared by the oil companies in January translated to loss of $66.96 million, about N13.39 billion.

In general, Joint Venture, JV, companies produced 173.76 billion SCF gas in January, while Production Sharing Contracts, PSCs, and the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, recorded 49.79 billion SCF and 24.37 billion SCF respectively, bringing total gas production in the month to 247.93 billion SCF. The report explained that, “A total of 247.93 billion standard cubic feet (BCF) of natural gas C M Y K

was produced in the month of January 2015 translating to an average daily production of 8.0 billion standard cubic feet per day (bscfd). For the period February 2015 to January 2016, a total of 2.879 trillion SCF of gas was produced representing an average daily production of 7.889 billion SCF per day.

“Production from Joint Ventures (JVs), Production Sharing Contracts (PSC) and

NPDC contributed about 69.83 per cent, 21.54 per cent and 8.62 per cent respectively to the total national gas production.”

“Similarly, for the period of February 2015 to January 2016 an average of 1.055 billion SCF per day of gas was supplied to the domestic market, comprising an average of 701.84 million SCF per day or 66.53 per cent as gas supply to the power plants and 353.06

million SCF per day or 33.47 per cent as gas supply to industries.”

The report also stated that about 734 million SCF/day was delivered to gas fired power plants in January, to generate an average power of about 3,237 megawatts, MW, compared with February 2015 to January 2016 average gas supply of 699 million SCF per day and power generation of 2,990 MW.

RETREAT: From left, Group Chief Operating Officer, Masters Energy Group, Mr. Ajay Pandey; President, Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah; Director, External Services/Legal Adviser, Mrs. Patience Dappa, and Vice Chairman/CEO, Sir Vincent Ajala, during the group’s management retreat, in Lagos.

Okoroafor elected PETAN chairman

M

R. Bank Anthony Okoroafor has emerged the new chairman at the justconcluded annual general meeting, AGM, of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria, PETAN, which held last week at its Headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Okoroafor succeeds Mr. Emeka Ene, who had steered the affairs of PETAN, the Nigerian oil industry’s oldest association over the past four years.

He was elected alongside other new board executives, including: Vice Chairman, Mr. Geoff O n u o h a ; S e c r e t a r y, M r.

Lawal Gbolahan; Assistant Secretary, M r.

Wole Ogunsanya; Publicity Secretary, Mr. Nik Odinuwe; Financial Secretary, M r.

Sheba Palama; Treasurer, Mrs. Edith Akwaeke;Conference Chairman, Mr. Ranti

O m o l e ; E x - o f f i c i o , M r.

Emmanuel Onyekwena and Ex-Officio, Mr. Chubby Ibe Chubby.

PETAN is reputed as the initiator of local content in Nigeria and has been championing the quest for increased local participation in the Nigerian oil and Gas industry, thereby culminating in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Act, 2010.

PETAN is an association of Nigerian indigenous technical oilfield service companies in the upstream and downstream sectors of the petroleum industry. The association was formed to bring together Nigerian Oil & Gas entrepreneurs to create a forum for the exchange of ideas with the major operators and policy makers.

PETAN has been promoting the development of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria through the organisation and

participation of Nigerian entrepreneurs in conferences, seminars, workshops, and creating opportunities for Nigerian companies to project themselves in the competitive industry.

PETAN companies and their contractors employ over 20000 Nigerians of which over 60% are graduates. This has a beneficial “domino” effect on economy through the use of local inputs, growth of local expertise and know-how.

Since 2005, PETAN has been solely responsible for organising the Nigerian Pavilion and the exhibition of Nigerian companies at the Offshore Technology Conference, OTC, which holds in Houston, Texas every year. It has also created opportunities for Nigerian companies to showcase themselves in other international conferences and exhibitions locally and internationally.

It’s cheaper to import petrol than refine locally — Kachikwu

By Michael Eboh

T

HE Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, has said that at the moment, importing Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol, is cheaper than producing the product in the country’s refineries.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, Kachikwu disclosed that until the upgrade and total refurbishment of the refineries are concluded, as well as ensuring that the pipelines are fixed, it would be uneconomic and very expensive to refine PMS locally.

He maintained that local refining of PMS would make much more economic sense if all the refineries undergo full set of repairs and Turn-Around Maintenance, TAM, and when new refineries are set up in the country through co-locative initiative.

He said: “Most modern refineries are configured in such a way that your stock of PMS outage is a lot higher, 70 to 80 per cent. So when we do import the product, we actually save money; we get it less expensive than when we do it here.

“But having said that, the reality is that until we have alternatives in terms of colocative refineries which we are looking at; until we finish the total refurbishment to improve and upgrade the refineries, it does not make sense to use it with some of the deficiencies.

“This is because distribution is key. If you have product in Kaduna for example, pumping into the north becomes easy as opposed to moving, as we do whenever we have a crisis trucks all the way from Lagos and Oghara, out to the north.”

Kachikwu further noted that even if the current set of refineries were working on a 100 per cent basis, they would only be able to account for 20 million litres of PMS per day, about 50 per cent of the country’s total consumption.

This means that the country would still resort to importation to meet up with the shortfall.

He said: “The way the refineries are configured right now, and until a full set of repairs and TAM are done, they are configured on the basis of 50 per cent of PMS and 50 per cent other products. So even if they were producing on a 100 per cent basis, which they are nowhere near producing right now, PMS output would be less than 20 million litres.

Our consumption is closer to 40 million. So we will still have, literarily, 50 per cent gap.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016 — 29

NLNG’s $12m education project bags Abuja Chamber award

By Grace Udofia

T

HE Nigeria LNG Limited, NLNG, has bagged the 2016 Excellence Award, from the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ACCI, for its $12 million panNigeria University Support Programme, USP. NLNG in a statement in Abuja, said the USP success and award will inspire other companies to emulate them and even do better than they have done.

The statement read in part: “The award reminds us of the need for companies to think broadly in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) terms for purposes of moderation and balance in the nation. Balance is what ensures durability.

ACCI said the Excellence Award is given to companies whose CSR projects impacts society without direct benefit to the company.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, Mr. Babs Omotowa, while receiving the award, said: “We are very pleased to receive the Excellence Award for CSR from the Abuja Chamber of Commerce,” adding that there are different dimensions to the award.

Omotowa, who was represented by the General Manager, External Relations, Mr. Kudo Eresia-Eke, said: “This is a testament to our core values which guides our work.

We stand on the values of integrity, teamwork, excellence and caring. It is great to see that these values have worked for us in our behaviour and interaction with our stakeholders, our operations, our CSR projects and in fulfilling our vision of helping to build a better Nigeria.”

He explained that the University Support Programme is a $12million project approved by the Board of NLNG to give structured support to the development of research and scholarship in the country.

“Through this project, NLNG is building and equipping engineering/technical laboratories with cutting-edge engineering equipment in six universities drawn from Nigeria’s geo-political zones, in support of teaching and research.

The six universities Ahmadu Bello University; University of Port Harcourt; University of Nigeria Nsukka; University of Ilorin; University of Ibadan and the University of Maiduguri, were selected following research which established their top rankings in the country. The research was backed by the National Universities Commission, NUC, NLNG added.

Oil finally coming out of a ‘long, dark tunnel’— IEA

By Sebastine Obasi

N

IGERIA’s hope of seeing the price of oil increase in the near future may not be too far, if the report of the International Energy Agency, IEA, is anything to go by.

The IEA in its latest report said the price of oil may finally have bottomed out in the global oil market. Oil prices have crashed from highs of more than $100 a barrel in mid-2014, to as low as $27 in January, wiping out more than 70 percent of the commodity’s value.

But prices have started to recover over the past month, this week passing above $40 a barrel for the first time in 2016.

The IEA said this slight recovery points to oil “bottoming out” and finally ending its run of long-term losses. “It is clear that the current direction of travel is the correct one, although with a long way to go,” the Oil Market Report said.

The report attributes the slight price recovery to several factors, including the output freeze agreed by OPEC members in February and Iran’s slower-than-expected re-entry into the global market

since international sanctions against the country were lifted in mid-January.

Before the lifting of sanctions, it was predicted that Iran could increase production by as much as 500,000 barrels per day, bpd, making the oil market more saturated than ever before. But that huge increase hasn’t materialised, with the country increasing production by just 220,000 bpd in February. The IEA said Iran’s return to the market will continue to be “gradual.”

The IEA said supply disruptions in Iraq, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates, steady demand for oil and

LAUNCH: From left, Mayen William, Head Teacher, Government Primary School, Idung

Iniang, Eket Local Government Area; Mike Attah, Joint Venture Operations Maintenance Manager, Mobil Producing Nigeria; His Majesty, Edidem Abia, Paramount Ruler of Eket Local Government Area and Udeme Udofia, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State on Education Monitoring, with pupils during the launch of ExxonMobil Academic Excellence Reward Programme for public primary schools in Akwa Ibom State.

recent weakness of the dollar were other reasons favouring expectations of a price upturn.

Also, there are signs that highcost producers, including of US shale oil, are lowering output as they can’t cover their costs because of oil price weakness.

Consequently, the IEA has lowered its output target for the US, Brazil and Colombia.

The amount of oil being produced worldwide also fell in February. “Global oil supplies eased by 180,000 barrels per day (180 kb/d) in February, to 96.5 million barrels per day (mb/d), on lower OPEC and non-OPEC output,” the report said. It also pointed out that production had increased by 1.8 million bpd year-overyear. The month-on-month fall, however, has been a big contributor to oil’s gains in recent weeks.

While the IEA struck a reasonably optimistic tone in the report, it wasn’t all smiles, and it urged caution on oil’s potential recovery, saying the recent recovery shouldn’t “be taken as a definitive sign that the worst is necessarily over” when it comes to oil.

The report also argued that there was still a long way to go before balance returns to the markets, but it said balance should return in 2017. “The foundations for global demand growth are sound, but not rocksolid,” it said.

The IEA’s guarded optimism flies in the face of the gloomy tone struck by many of the world’s big banks. In the past week, numerous financial institutions have come out to argue that the recent recovery in the price of oil will not last and that the commodity will stay weak in the long term.

Expert raises alarm over bitumen pollution in Ondo

By Gabriel Ewepu

A

BUJA- A mining expert has raised alarm over bitumen pollution in some communities in Ondo State, as the people grapple with the attendant degradation.

Solomon Jerry, said the communities are not finding it funny as their source of water has been affected and makes it difficult for them to access other sources of water.

He said: “Discovered in 1907

by German geologist, Bitumen literally flows in Ondo State.

But the mineral resource that should have been a blessing to the people is now a curse.

“Bitumen overflow in communities like Irele, Agbabu and Ilubirin in Ondo state pollute the lands, cover the waters and makes life difficult for the inhabitants, while Nigeria spend over N2.0 billion annually to import the same product into the country.

“The high cost of bitumen is

one of the reasons Nigerians roads are in deplorable state, yet the country sits on the world’s 6th largest Bitumen deposit.”

He also lamented the current economic mess as a result of the fall in global oil prices which the country groans under, and pointed out some vital solid minerals that would have diversified the economy.

“It has been established that there are over 45 economically viable mineral resources in Nigeria that are either not explored or underexplored. The easy money from oil and gas made Nigeria abandon the solid mineral sector just like other sectors of the economy and became a mono-economic country, spending billions of naira annually to import mineral resources and other products that could have been produced locally and create jobs in the process.

“Just like Nigeria, Ghana is

also blessed with crude oil but fewer mineral resources than Nigeria. But unlike Nigeria, Ghana in their wisdom developed other sectors of their economy along with their oil and gas. Today, mining is a major contributor to Ghana’s economy.

“Prior to 1975, Nigeria was a major exporter of tin and columbite with a peak annual production of 11,000 tonnes of tin concentrates and 14,000 tonnes of Columbite ore. Columbite, the ore for niobium, occurs in association with tin deposits on the Jos Plateau, Bauchi, Kano and Benue states. They are also found in pegmatites in Cross River, Oyo, Niger, Kwara and Kogi states.

“Gold was mined commercially in Nigeria during the colonial era. Ilesha gold mine remains very famous in Nigerian history.

Abandoned colonial gold mines

exist in Okolom-Isanlu, Kogi state, Sokoto, Kaduna and Calabar among many others.

About 384,000 ounces of gold were produced from Nigeria in 1913.

“Iron ores of diverse origin and quality are found in Nigeria with the purest and largest reserve found in Itakpe, Kogi State where proven Iron Ore reserves are in excess of 200 million tonnes, grading in ferrous (Fe) content from 25 - 50 per cent.

“The true reserve of the deposit is yet to be quantified.

In addition to Itakpe deposit, large reserves of sedimentary iron ore are exposed at Agbaja area in Kogi State, holding excess of 30.5 million tonnes of iron that assays 50 per cent Fe and economic percentage of phosphorous and alumina that can be processed as byproducts,” he maintained.

30—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016

L-R; Managing Director, Brash Brands Dubai, Mrs. Kiran Gill; Director, Grenadines Homes, Mr. Adeyinka Adesope; Senior Client Advisor, Brash Brands, Mrs. Prerna Shewakramani and General Manager, Sales & Marketing, Mrs. Francisca Dyegh during a stakeholder meeting held in Lagos.

Housing deficit exists among all market segments in Nigeria -Grenadines Homes boss Stories by Kingsley Adegboye

T

HE Executive Director, Grenadines Homes, a Lagos-based front line real estate development company,Mr. Adesope Adeyinka, has urged stakeholders in the nation’s real estate sector to see Nigeria’s housing need as cutting across various economic strata, adding that they should not be misguided by the belief in certain quarters that housing need is limited to the middle class.

Market segments Mr. Adeyinka who disclosed this while speaking recently about the country’s housing deficit and the several intervention initiatives by different stakeholders including his organization, Palton Morgan Holding Company, said “When we talk about housing deficit, people actually think it is limited to the lower class of the society.

It would not be fair to look at the housing deficit challenge in Nigeria from one side. The deficit actually exists in all the market segments. That is, the top, the middle and the lower class”.

Explaining concerted efforts aimed at managing the deficit by his firm,he revealed that his organisation is heavily involved in some initiatives that aim at strategically catering for the needs of specific segments of the real estate market, using modern innovative technologies.

According to him, “We have Grenadines Homes and Propertymart as companies under the Palton Morgan Holding Company. They provide for different segments of the market.

Propertymart caters for the lower income earners and the middle class of the market. It develops affordable property that civil servants and young executives can afford to buy while Grenadines Homes was specifically established to provide for the housing needs of the As and Bs in the social economic class. That is, the upper class of the society whose projects are usually in exclusive areas”.

He pointed further that, as part of measures to reduce the

housing deficit in the country, Grenadines Homes is currently undertaking a new housing project, the Atlantic Resort, which is expected to add 165 residential housing units to the upper end of the market upon completion.

Commenting on the project, Mr. Adeyinka, said it was conceived in response to the demand for mixed-use development driven by the rise of the Nigerian middle class and a thriving business environment in Lagos.

“The Atlantic Resort concept is basically around live, work and play in one beautiful environment. We are looking at a model that will achieve selfsufficiency in terms of necessary facilities that will make the residents to be productive in their respective endeavours. There will be recreational, educational, shopping and tourism facilities among others. In other words, you can control the world from the estate. It is already attracting foreign direct investments. The

phase one alone is going to cost 150 million dollars. It is a project we need at a time like this”, he said.

Adeyinka noted that it is projected that the real sector will add about 7.6 million households in the middle class by 2030, stressing that this is a fall out of the growing middle class and the need to cater for their housing needs, maintaining that these prospects have huge investment potentials, and consequently highlight the demand for commercial space in Lagos.

Speaking in the same vein, the marketing manager of Grenadines Homes, Ms. Francisca Dyegh, said Atlantic Resort is a well conceptualised project which is different from all other projects in its category.

“What other companies are doing is different from what we are doing, they are selling land to developers to develop, but what we are doing in Grenadines Homes is that we are directly responding to need of people within this vicinity. Atlantic Resort is about the only mixed used development that can give you the opportunity to live, work and play in one serene, beautiful environment.” she stated.

While speaking on the brand architecture of Atlantic Resort, the Managing Director, Brash Brands, Dubai, Kiran Gill, said her company is coming into this project to tell the story of Atlantic Resort to Nigeria in a compelling way that will attract potential investors both locally and internationally.

FHA appeals Festac land judgement, calls for calm

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HE Federal Housing Authority has urged its land allottees in Festac Phase II, Festival Town, Lagos, to maintain peace and refrain from joining issues with the Kuje-Amuwo community which recently secured a court judgement against the Authority over a disputed portion of the Area.

The indigenes, relying on a Federal High Court, Lagos judgement had embarked on harassment of allottees and demolition of property of residents of Festac Phase II in a bid to enforce the judgement delivered by Justice Okon Effreti Abang on February 29, 2016.

The FHA, in a statement signed by its Head, Corporate Communications, Mr. Tunde Ipinmisho, decried the resort to self-help by the plaintiffs in the case even as the copies of the judgement were yet to be obtained.

Noting that only court bailiffs, sheriffs and the police were empowered to enforce court judgements under the Sheriff and Civil Processes Act, the statement said the wanton destruction of property and the demolition of the ongoing FHA approved projects in Festac Phase II, including projects of the federal government concessionaire for the reclamation and sand filling of the area amounted to self help and a blatant

breach of the law.

It therefore appealed to the Kuje Amuwo community to give peace a chance by ensuring the sustenance of the rule of law in the process of ascertaining their rights on the disputed portion of land.

The FHA, which said it had proceeded to the Court of Appeal to challenge the decision of the Federal High Court in the case, warned the Kuje Amuwo community to desist from further harassment and intimidation of law abiding citizens and the willful destruction of property.

The Authority also said it has invited the law enforcement agencies to protect the lives and property of citizens in the Festac Phase II area.

Law enforcement agencies The Alamuwo of Kuje Amuwo, Oba Isaac Owolabi and three others had instituted a suit against the FHA claiming that about 4.017 hectares being a portion of land in the Phase II of Festival Town belong to the Amuwo community and was not properly acquired.

According to FHA, by the Federal Government Gazettes No 54 of November 6, 1975 and No 45 of September 9, 1976, the government acquired about 2,024.60

hectares of land along Badagry Expressway which lies between Amuwo Odofin Scheme, International Trade Fair Complex and the Military Cantonment and referred to as Festival Town in the Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State.

“The Lagos State government on May 11, 1988, granted an indenture covering the Federal Government Acquisition to the Federal Housing Authority. The tenor of the grant is in perpetuity for as long as the Federal Government or the Federal Housing Authority requires the land.

“The judgement against a federal land duly acquired after payment of compensation and partially developed since 1977 as Festac Phase 1, is perverse and an abuse of court process. FHA has therefore requested the relevant security agencies to preserve law and order in the area while the federal government in collaboration with the concessionaire/ developer duly contracted by the Federal Housing Authority is taking steps to vacate the judgement. The general public is therefore advised not to have any dealing with the Kuje Amuwo family and its agents on the land”, the statement noted.

Vanguard, TUESDAY , MARCH 15, 2016—31

Financial Discipline: Making every naira count *This is the second of three articles by Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, Minister of Finance, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

By Kemi Adeosun

E

CONOMISTS have long found Nigeria to be something of a conundrum. The macro picture has always appeared compelling - large population, oil reserves, mineral reserves, endless tracts of arable land, land and sea borders for regional domination. Indeed the absurdity of our underperformance is only surpassed by our ability to accurately quantify our losses and missed opportunities.

In the short period that I have been privileged to serve as Minister of Finance, I have observed that even the most basic systems and controls over the management of our resources are in dire need of strengthening.

While we are regaled with and shocked by details of amounts stolen, diverted or wasted, we must face the cold reality that such acts are facilitated by weaknesses in our systems. Even if we successfully prosecute and jail every looter, ghost worker and other economic saboteur, there is every risk that those caught will only be replaced by persons who are just as bad, or worse - unless we radically strengthen our systems and institutions.

Our President’s brave and

have pursued fiscal consolidation and maintained 2015 budget size, and then introduced severe public spending cuts to balance the books by laying off workers and cutting projects. Had we done so, we would by now be the darling of the IMF and other multi-laterals.

Conversely, we are undertaking an ambitious counter cyclical strategy to stimulate our sluggish economy and expanding government spending with a focus on infrastructure, the true catalyst for economic growth. This will have contractors returning to site and re-engaging workers, it will see new projects commencing, arrears released and economic activity reinvigorated across the nation.

We plan to take advantage of low global prices for commodities and contract prices. Existing contracts are being renegotiated downwards, with significant savings recorded and new projects priced to reflect current commercial realities.

Local capacity KEMI ADEOSUN committed fight against corruption and waste is as much an economic crusade as it is a moral one. The objective is not just to stem the corruption and loss but to execute an economic plan to channel those monies into much needed areas that will support and reposition the economy. In short, the fight against corruption is not about “retribution” and meting out punishment, it is about releasing funds for our economy. I am humbled to be part of the ongoing work on recovery and can report that the urgency in the work, especially our interface with nations where our money has been stashed, is propelled by our need for funds to invest into our economy.

Our economic plans are not about austerity and frugality; if that were the case then we would not be attempting an expansionary budget. We could

Our spending stimulus is private sector driven, supported by a robust procurement system that will see permanent local capacity built in a number of sectors including oil and gas, housing construction and agriculture. However, and this is the key differentiator, we plan to spend in a disciplined manner that will extract the maximum value for every naira spent.

The process of building the internal control framework to support this need for disciplined spending has begun in earnest.

Our Efficiency Unit has reviewed four years of detailed expenditure data to identify trends and is already negotiating volume discounts that appropriately reflect the buying power of government. Personnel remains our largest cost. In addition to the BVN driven cleaning of our payrolls that has so far removed 23,000 fraudulent entries, we have initiated significantly stronger controls over our payroll.

These efforts will exert a constant downward pressure on personnel costs until such a time as we have assurance that every payment is accurate and valid. A similar process is now commencing in Pensions. The N160 Billion spent monthly on personnel and pensions related costs demands this as an absolute minimum.

The revenue focus is non oil.

We are revisiting historical decisions that are no longer in the best interests of the national economy. The establishment of various boards and parastatals to undertake the operational and revenue generating business of government was a wellintentioned attempt to provide separation from policy makers.

However, as the economy has grown, so too has the revenue earned in these agencies and their financial autonomy has grown in a manner that no longer fully serves the public interest.

Port charges, maritime charges, airport landing fees, visa charges, passport charges, telecoms licence fees, among many others, must be tracked and accounted for.

While the Fiscal Responsibility Act was designed to provide control, actual compliance has been poor. The result has been leakage on a staggering scale, as findings from our ongoing audits suggest. This is a serious issue. The upside is a significant revenue opportunity which the TSA implementation has given us sight of, and which

There is a need for disciplined and effective system of managing our financial resources to ensure maximum value

we are supporting with a proactive drive for improved accountability.

At the same time, our traditional revenue sources are being supported to be more effective. In Customs, we are making the necessary investments in container scanners and other equipment required to improve collection efficiency. This is combined with the results of a compensation survey which will see the introduction of performance related pay, to reduce corruption and create an alignment of interest that will enhance revenue generation.

With FIRS there is a well-defined plan to enhance compliance by widening the tax net. Using data to drive t a x compliance, we will ensure that the tax regime is efficiently administered and that everyone pays their fair share.

There is a need for disciplined a n d effective system of managing o u r financial resources to ensure maximum value. We will no longer measure performance by the size of our budget or t h e amount disbursed; we must measure by the impact of t h a t expenditure on the lives of Nigerians.

T o measure a n d manage this we h a v e already m a d e some key changes in the way funds are released.

We have abandoned the old system of capital releases t h a t

Send your reactions to: news@vanguardngr.com

funnelled a proportional share of available funds released to each Ministry, Department and Agency. We have a robust system in place where funds are tied to specific outcomes as documented by each agency. This is being supported by follow up reviews to ensure implementation.

As Benjamin Disraeli once said, “We are not creatures of circumstance; we are creators of circumstance.” I am firmly convinced that Nigeria is on the right path. The path of discipline will confront some age old destructive habits. It will challenge some unwritten rules, and I personally will step on some highly placed toes on this journey.

All this I am fully prepared for, and so I do not expect nor do I particularly want to be popular.

However, I will act in the best interest of all Nigerians to ensure that we build the economy that we desire and richly deserve.

32— Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 AQUARIUS; If you take unusual ideas coming to your mind today more seriously, things’ll work favourably for you. The more financially ambitious you’re the better.

PISCES; The Moon in your Star sign favours aggressive approach in a favourable way. Here is a day Artist among you can create master piece. Be stead-fast.

ARIES You’ll have much to gain if you’re more co-operative and embrace creative ideas of your close associates. And it’s good to be friendly, loving and caring.

TAURUS ; Aggressive approach is not what you need at work now, but creative approach. You’ve got nothing to lose if you take good advice from your friends.

GEMINI ; Whatever anybody says about your ambition and desire success will crown your efforts today. The more creative you are the better for your cause. And lovers can make it an exciting and happy day. Show your sex appeal and be loving.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

L

IFE is all about relationship. It is all about how you relate well with the other man or woman. For ex-

About Relationship? ample, a successful father should be able to relate well with his children, a successful leader

TERROR MUDA

should be able to relate well with his followers.

Similarly, a good manager should have a good rap-

in “Scavenger Elite”

port with members of his workforce.How well you relate with people could determine how far you will go in life.Think about it.

By Lanre Kehinde

CANCER; Your ideas are brilliant and if you blend them creatively the sky’ll be the limit. Let people within your home base know that you truly care for them.

LEO; It does not matter who initiates creative idea that lead to success what is important is you should not be left in the cold all alone. The more co-operative you are the better for you. Don’t ignore your magnetic se-appeal.

VIRGO.; Good luck and happiness indicated for you today. But then, the scope of your success’ll depend on how co-operative and creative you are both with your loved one and at work. Prepare to take good advice especially from younger person(s).

LIBRA; Happenings within your working arena’ll give genuine cause to smile and with efforts on your part you’re in for a rewarding day. Take advantage of your sex-appeal to enhance your love life. Experiment with ideas creatively.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in “HEY’

By Andy Akman

SCORPIO; Creativity may take front in what’s happening within your base of operation and the best for you is to join them. Lovers are fairly favoured.

SAGITTARIUS; Tomorrow is your great day. Yet your being creative today can earn you un-expected good result at the end of the day. Be family minded now.

CAPRICORN; Needed solution to challenges along your career/business lines will come through your being creative. Prepare to take good advice on your finances.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat tr ological datee and place of bir th ttoo the As Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

Basic characteristics of Capricorn Because they rarely day dream, Capricorn natives are set of practical people. This is because Capricorn is ruled

by Saturn - the planet of career, sceptical and material things Although, the spirit of pessimism often times tempt the Capricorn born people, to succeed they will need to develop strong will that is indispensable to achievements of higher order because, series of challenges will come his/her way before he/she finally makes it to the top. Most natives of Capricorn are forced to shoulder many responsibilities early in life. Career building comes first in their priority lists which often leads to enviable career achievements that guarantee recognition. And another name for Capricorn is PATIENCE. Yet, he/she can appear mean in the business circle. And tell you that seriousness and business are synonymous. Above all, they are endowed with leadership capacity.

Capricorn ‘s quality is cardinal, element is the earth.

The cardinal aspect makes a natural leader with strong ability for hard work. Natives of cardinal signs crave for action and strongly desire prominence and often times make success of their love of action and desire for importance through relentless efforts.

The earthly connection with Capricorn further confirms innate ability for hard work and practicality . Saturn is the planet of hard task, delay, depression, frustration, frustration but reward after so much struggles. Being a difficult teacher, Saturn usually takes its natives through many different tasks, challenges and delay. All these are meant to teach them virtues of patience and hard work. However, Saturn usually brings its natives recognition and reward.

The cautious side of Saturn always manifest in all Capricorn born people thus, but it is necessary for them to watch that side of their characteristics as they often push their cautious side too far and most of the time it results to black mood.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016—33

Senate won't tolerate military brutalization of citizens —Omo-Agege

By Festus Ahon & Perez Brisibe

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SABA—THE senator representing Delta Central senatorial district in the National Assembly, Senator Ovie OmoAgege, has said that the Senate will not tolerate any form of military brutalisation of innocent citizens.

Omo-Agege, when he visited the people of Ovre r’Eku, Eku, in Ethiope East Local Government Area, Delta State, who were recently brutalized by soldiers attached to Presco Oil Plc, said he would not allow his constituents to be oppressed.

He said the military as an institution, was not licensed to brutalise citizens, adding: “It is bad enough for soldiers to brutalise our men and even worse for them to brutalise our women.”

Appealing to the victims of the attack and the community leaders to exercise restraint and remain calm, Omo-Agege said he would take up the matter with the Army authorities to ensure that the perpetrators were brought to book.

Sympathizing with the people for the losses they suffered as a result of the attack, the senator who also visited the President-General of Eku Development Union, Chief Joe Ukueku, said he will liaise with his colleagues from Edo State in the Senate with a view to resolving the issue amicably.

He said: “The Senate will certainly take very serious steps if we determine that military men were illegally deployed to brutalise

and possibly kill innocent civilians in a purely civil matter.

I can assure you that there will be clear consequences for any bad behaviour by soldiers against our old mothers.

“We have a duty to de-escalate the tension and then solve this problem. I just want to appeal for peace, as we find lasting solutions to this matter. I want you to remain calm. Don’t take

laws into your hands, ensure that the issue do not escalate further than it is now, we will make sure that the matter is resolved peacefully.”

Reminding the people of the historical ties between the people of both states, OmoAgege said, “Deltans and Edo people were brothers and sisters in the former Bendel State and as such we are one.

Therefore, we will not allow some people to promote bad blood, shedding of blood and hatred amongst our people.”

Earlier, spokesman of the community, Chief Momo, while narrating their ordeal in the hands of soldiers attached to Presco Oil Plc, alleged that the soldiers consistently harassed them without provocation over the boundary issue between their community and Edo State.

EXHIBITION: From left: Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu; Vice President, Prof. ‘Yemi Osinbajo; Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Development Company and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, at the exhibition stand of Shell Companies in Nigeria during the opening session of the 6th congress of the African Petroleum Producers Association in Abuja, yesterday.

Kokori, N-Delta APC leaders stoking my row with EFCC —Tompolo

By Egufe Yafugborhi

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ARRI—EMBAT TLED ex-militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, has accused leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the Niger Delta of stoking his problem with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to seek favour from President Muhammadu Buhari.

Tompolo, in a statement through his Media Adviser, Paul Bebenimibo, was reacting to a statement credited to former labour leader and APC chieftain, Chief Frank Kokori, in which the latter cautioned Tompolo to come out to face the EFCC. The statement alleged that Chief Kokori and other APC allies had a clandestine meeting on how to implicate Tompolo in a planned act of pipeline destruction in the Niger Delta.

“These APC leaders have inundated Buhari and security agencies with unfounded information that Tompolo is preparing to fight the Federal Government by destroying pipelines and other oil facilities,

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whereas they are the ones planning to carry out such acts in order to portray themselves as patriotic party members to get appointments and contracts from the government and its agencies. This is a disturbing

development in Nigerian politics today.

“Most of these so called party faithful are not even happy with the performance of the President Buhari administration, particularly the appointment of party members to political positions, but they

rather chose the issue of ‘Tompolo and EFCC’ to show faithfulness in the administration to get favour from the President.

“Using someone’s predicament to get favour is evil and wicked. There are many topical issues in Nigeria today that are worthy of discussion ."

Kachikwu lauded over NNPC's re-organisation

By Tare Youdeowei

N

IGER Delta Indigenous Movement for Radical Change, NDIMRC, has commended the Minister of State for Petroleum and Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr. Ibe Kachukwu, for the reorganisation of the corporation.

In a statement by its President, Nelly Emma, the group hailed the minister’s action.

It also urged senators and members of the House of Representatives to support the reorganisation and give the minister the necessary backing.

It said: “The action at the NNPC will go a long way in eliminating bureaucracy in the

operations of the corporation. As it is now, each of the constituent units in the restructuring will be profit driven.

“We are also in full support of the conversion of the Group Executive Directors, GEDs, by the Minister to Chief Executive Officers, CEOs and their redeployment to the various business components.

“The former GEDs never helped the corporation as they were behind the frequent fuel scarcity in the country and strikes by oil workers. Since the former GEDs have so much money, they used their money to frustrate all plans of the Federal Government to make NNPC a better place. Nigerians are going to reap the benefits of the unbundling of the NNPC

very soon.

“All moves made in the past to reposition NNPC for profitability were thwarted by former GEDs."

Nigerians urged to support govt's devt agenda

By Onozure Dania

N

IGERIANS have been charged to collaborate with government in its developmental agenda.

Chief Ejike Uwachukwu, (the Akajiugo of Awaland),who gave the charge in Benin City, Edo State, yesterday, when he led a team of journalists on inspection of four adjourning streets in Ogbewaise Community in Oredo LGA, which was landscaped by him at N5.5 million, noted that government alone cannot satisfy the yearnings of the people.

“There is, therefore, the need for good spirited individuals to see how best they can collaborate with government and make a difference in our society. This is one of the many ways we can give back to the society and others can see what they too can do to follow suit.”

On his philanthropy, he said: “This is not the first in the series of my good gesture to humanity. Earlier in January this year, I donated 100 bags of rice and wheelchairs to the physically challenged, telecom gadgets, a brand new Toyota Hiace 14-seater bus to the youths including the electrification of my host Awa Community in Oguta LGA in Imo State.

“This, of course, earned me recognition by the Awa Town Youth Union, ATYU and honour of an award of excellence was equally presented to me by the traditional palace of His Royal Highness, Eze Ihezie Ononujie (treaty king).

“Beside this present gesture, I am poised to do more and I will be very happy to earn the appropriate recognition from the government of the day for bringing the much needed development to Ogbewaise community here in Oredo LGA.”

Delta LG summons Chairman over statement of account

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HE legislative arm of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, has summoned the council chairman, Mr. Kenneth Ibru and the Head of Personnel Management, HPM, to appear before the House following their refusal to present a statement of income and expenditure of the council since they assumed office.

The House also called for the

indefinite suspension of two members, Stanley Arubi and Franklin Agbonifo, for alleged gross misconduct and disregard for constituted authority.

The House also moved for the transfer of the Clerk of the House, Mr. Oghenesivwohwo Austin and the Sergeant at Arm, respectively over allegation of disregard to the leadership of the House and improper conduct before members.

34—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15 , 2016

Mysterious fire reduces Anambra industry to rubbles •Goods worth over N10bn destroyed

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

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NITSHA—PROPERTY including machines, office equipment and raw materials worth over N10 billion was, yesterday, destroyed by a mysterious fire that gutted Vin Val Industries Limited, located at Harbour Industrial Estate Atani Road, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.

As at 4.30 pm, men of the Okpoko Ogbaru Local Government Area, LGA, and Nnewi Fire Service stations were still battling to prevent the fire from extending to other companies in the area.

Residents and youth in the area were not left out in efforts at putting out the fire.

Vin Val Industries has Dormat Trading Company and Portrico Oil Company, makers of New Star High Performance Engine Oil and New Star Gear Oil as some of its subsidiaries.

When Vanguard visited the company after a distress call from the Director, Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, ONCCIMA, Dom Ajibo,there was outrage at the scene of the company by youths who were helping to put out the fire. The fire service stations in

Onitsha and its environs were said to have been contacted without response. Okpoko Fire Service Station was also contacted but was hampered by insufficient water.

Eventually, Nnewi Fire Service men arrived. Onitsha Main Market Fire Service Station, Nkpor Fire Service Station and Government House Awka Fire Service Station were allegedly contacted

without response.

Asaba Fire Service station was also contacted, but the officials were quoted to have said that they could only come if the Delta State Governor directed them, because according to them, they had been attacked in Onitsha when they responded late to a similar incident sometime in the past.

Obiano, Obi, Soludo, Ngige, others for Anambra convention in Canada

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA—ANAMBRA State governor, Chief Willie Obiano, immediate past governor of the state, Mr. Peter Obi, Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige and

former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Professor Charles Soludo are among prominent Anambra indigenes expected to grace the Anambra Convention which will take place in Toronto, Canada in August this year.

Others expected at the event include the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, Obi Gibson Nwosu of Awka, Igwe Christopher Idigo of Aguleri, Igwe Emeka Ilouno of Ifitedunu, president of Otu Suwakwa Igbo and former Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Pita Ejiofor, Senator Andy Uba, Prince Arthur Eze, Dr.Ifeanyi Ubah, as well as members of national and state assemblies.

President of Anambra State of Canada, ASA Canada, Sir Charles-Mary Obiorah, who led a team of Anambra indigenes resident in Canada on a visit to the state as part of preparation for the convention, said in Awka that the event would also feature a fund – raising for the building of an Igbo Centre in Canada.

He also said that at the convention, Nigerian business men would hold a business summit with their Canadian counterparts for viable economic venture beneficial to the two countries.

He said: “ASA Canada is embarking on this ambitious project for the good of Igbo and other black people in Canada. We therefore want our people to be part of this success as it is designed to build a culture of giving back to our community and raise funds for the housing project that will comprise of lodging accommodation, office and business complex, banquet halls, recreation rooms, business and educational development center, Igbo museum,kitchenandothercommunity needs and services.”

New Telegraph Economic Summit holds March 17

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AGOS—THE maiden edition of New Telegraph Economic Summit will hold in Lagos on March 17, 2016, a statement by the organisers said yesterday.

The summit, organised by New Telegraph Newspapers, has as its theme: ‘Nigeria: Beyond the Oil Economy.’ The one-day event, which will hold at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Lagos, is to be attended by top political offic eholders, captains of industry and other major stakeholders.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016 — 35

Methodist Prelate accuses Buhari of plans to islamise Nigeria No such plan — PRESIDENCY

By Dapo Akinrefon & Boluwaji Obahopo

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OKOJA—PRELATE of Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr Samuel Uche, has alleged ‘grand plan’ by President Muhammadu Buhari to turn Nigeria into an Islamic state.

But in a swift reaction, the presidency dismissed the allegations saying there is no such plan in the offing.

Speaking with Vanguard, the president’s Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu said: “He is entitled to his opinion. There is no plan to Islamise Nigeria.”

However, the Prelate, who spoke on Sunday at Iffe in Ijumu Local Government area of Kogi State during the enthronement of Rt Rev Jacob Ibikunle as the Bishop of Okun diocese, insisted that such plan would be resisted

by Christians.

Dr Uche also took a swipe at the Buhari administration's perceived ‘cold silence’ on the Fulani herdsmen security threat, claiming that the President had refused to address the mass killing of people and burning of their property by the herdsmen.

According to him: “We are closely watching this government because we are aware there is a gameplan to Islamise Nigeria,

and they are using the Fulani herdsmen to initiate it before they fully launch it out. But I tell you there is going to be serious resistance from Christians. If they think they can use the Fulanis to exterminate us, then they have failed. Look at what is happening in Benue State and all over Nigeria, the herdsmen will just invade a community and wipe out every living creature there before they set the place ablaze. Infact,

the issue of Fulani herdsmen is now worse than Boko Haram.

“We cannot fold our arms and watch these herdsmen continue killing our people like this. The activities of Fulani herdsmen have never been so pronounced like under this government. ''The issue of insecurity is so alarming and growing worst every day, innocent people and even men of God are being kidnapped at will on daily basis

and ransom collected with little or no challenge from anywhere.”

Earlier, the new Bishop, Rev Jacob Ibikunle, narrated how he was abducted two weeks ago by 10 armed men along Okene Kabba Highway, a place he described as dens of kidnappers and called on Governor Yahaya Bello to urgently do something about insecurity in the state.

HANDOVER: From left; Captain, MT MAXIMUS ship, Captain Pillae Krishna; the Commanding Officer, NNS Beecroft, Commodore Abraham Adaji; MD, Super Maritime Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Rene Von-Loenen and NNS Beecroft Base Information Officer, Lieutenant SB Ibrahim at the handover of the rescued vessel to its owners, weekend, at Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Probing Suswam, my social responsibility to Benue people — ORTOM

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A K U R D I — GOVERNOR Samuel Ortom of Benue State, yesterday restated his determination to probe the administration of his predecessor, Mr Gabriel Suswam.

Ortom, who announced this in Makurdi while swearing in three new Special Advisers, said probing Suswan was one of his responsibilities to people of the state.

According to him, “People of Benue voted me into office because of my pledge during the electioneering that I will correct all the wrongs in Suswam’s administration.

Those who stole public funds must return it or risk going to jail.

Government has overwhelming evidence against those indicted in the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry setup by the state. ''Probing the past administration is part of my responsibility to Benue people; the people voted me because of my pledge to correct all the wrongs in the administration of Suswam.

“We must recover all stolen funds in Benue and develop the state with it. We have a lot of evidence against those indicted in the report of the judicial commission of inquiry. ''My actions in office will determine whether I will win a C M Y K

second tenure or not; 2019 will take care of itself.”

Ortom charged the new advisers to steer clear of public funds and not to convert funds meant for the execution of

projects, service delivery and the people’s welfare into private pockets.

“We must be conscious that by probing the previous administration today, ours shall

be probed tomorrow,” he stated.

The new advisers were Mr. Matthew Mnyam, Mr Benjamin Ashaver and Mr Richard Gbaden, bringing the total of advisers to the governor to 20.

BENUE ATTACKS: Muslim, Christian youths embrace govt's peace moves Muhammad and 11 others,

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

J

OS—FOLLOWING recent attacks in Benue State, some concerned Christian and Muslim youths from flash points of Plateau State have expressed their readiness to support peace initiatives by the state government.

They also pledged to not only secure their environments, but to give warning signals to security agencies before violence breaks out in their domain.

The youths from six local government areas of Jos North, Jos South, Jos East, Bassa, Riyom and Barkin Ladi at their resolutions in Jos, after a week’s training on “Peace in Jos: Arresting the cycle of violence” organized by the Institute of Governance and Social Research, IGSR. The communiqué issued at the end of the event and co-signed

by James Elisha, Hamza

indicated the youths’ commitment to respect and tolerate one another’s religious beliefs, norms and values to foster peaceful coexistence in the society.

According to them, “We will pursue the noble act of peace building to the grassroots through

seminars, peace talks, peace campaigns, peace concerts and advocacy through traditional and community leaders, not to be idle and to engage in productive ventures so as not to be available to be used or manipulated into political thuggery by ambitious politicians.''

Fidelity Bank, Koinonia workshop on exports holds tomorrow

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N line with its commitment to support the diversification of Nigeria’s monolithic economy, Fidelity Bank Plc in conjunction with Koinonia Ventures Limited is set to hold a one-day workshop/ training on exports tomorrow in Lagos.

According to the Deposit Money Bank (DMB), the workshop with the theme, “Export Readiness Workshop” could not have come at a better time especially in view of growing emphasis on export and import

substitution. With the prevailing economic condition precipitated by the free-fall in global oil prices, the lender said it was imperative for the country to expand and increase non-oil exports to foster sustainable and inclusive growth.

The workshop is expected to bring together experts, government agencies and private sector players in export business, to share knowledge and insights on the key trends and opportunities in the non-oil export sector.

Heritage Bank redeems N13.5m pledge to NYSC Hope Alive beneficiaries

By Caleb Ayansina

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AFIA—IN an effort to douse insinuations trailing the N23.5 milion monetary pledge to nine pioneer beneficiaries of NYSC-Hope Alive Programme, Heritage Bank, has fulfilled its pledge of N13.5 million for the beneficiaries.

The payment, the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, said has vindicated its leadership of allegation that the scheme defrauded the nine physically injured corps of N23.5 million.

The NYSC-Hope Alive initiative, a public/private sector partnership, PPP, is designed to bring succour to prospective and serving corps members, who suffer permanent disability during service year.

Recall that at the 2014 NYSC President’s Honour Award, the Ibeto Group and the then Governor Godswill Akpabio promised N5 million each, while the Heritage Bank pledged the beneficiaries N1.5 million each, bringing all the donations to N23.5 million.

POSSESSION OF FIREARMS: Court frees accused

By Bartholomew Madukwe

A

27-year old man, Sulaimon Omitogun, who spent three years at Krirkiri Medium Prison over a count charge of possession of firearms, has been discharged and acquitted by a Lagos High Court in Lagos. This followed the failure of the prosecution to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.

Omitogun was accused by the state of possessing firearms in a public place with intent to commit felony, especially armed robbery on September 25, 2012 at Governor Road, Ikotun area, an offence contrary to Section 296 (3) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

During trial, the defendant pleaded not guilty and his counsel, Worer Obuagbaka, submitted that the prosecution failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt, contending that in such circumstance his client should be discharged and acquitted.

The trial judge, Justice Kudirat Jose, resolved the doubt in favour of the defendant and upheld the submission of the defence counsel.

36—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15 , 2016—37

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38—VANGUARD, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016

By Theodore Opara

Tyre lifespan, Do's and Don'ts when you have tyre blow out

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Hyundai Creta arrives without rivals F

INALLY, the Hyundai Creta is in Nigeria, courtesy of Hyundai Nigeria Limited, a member of the Stallion Group. Launched into the international market last year, Hyundai has been unable to meet up with the demand for this sporty sports utility vehicle, SUV, which has ruled both the Indian and China auto market. The Creta is built to cater for teaming market segment of young couples, emerging business owners and upwardly mobile executives.

Built to deliver fun and excitement in everyday motoring, the Hyundai Creta has no rival in the Nigerian market at the moment, especially for customers who desire compact SUVs for the price of a small saloon. Hyundai had developed the Creta with sturdy suspensions to ride effortlessly on bad terrains and soak up bumps without sacrificing comfort and agility. Although the Creta is novel in concept, the car is powered by four-cylinder GAMMA 1.6litre engine with 159cc, delivering 121.3bhp at 6,400rpm and 151Nm of torque mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Prospective customers may have nothing to worry about as the new Creta which draws its name from the 5th largest island in the Mediterranean – Crete (creative), isn’t entirely outlandish, having shared basic platform with Hyundai i20. The Creta is currently sold in China as iX25.

Creta is elegant, sturdy and spacious with an inspiringly built cabin packed with equipment and proper SUV proposition. The rear seat for instance gets armrest, which has two cup holders.

Trappings of opulence A cursory look at the Creta casts an image of a diminutive Santa Fe, with all the trappings of opulence at the price of a family sedan – thanks to a design that is inspired by the larger Santa Fe. Also remarkably outstanding are Creta’s tremendously light steering, smooth changing gears and swift response to acceleration, which make driving in busy traffic a painless experience.

Surprisingly too, Creta doesn’t tremble in fear at the sight of

curves, rather it sticks to its ‘Live Brilliant’ attribute and steers perfectly well to get you where you desire to be.

Hyundai Motors Nigeria, Head of Sales and Marketing, Jatin Nadkarni, who said this much at the products presentation explained that Creta’s design proportions and good looks are in line with Hyundai Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language seen on the i20.

“These elements draw attention to its bold and imposing chromegrill imbued with LEDs that aren’t daytime running lights,” he said. The waistline and roof rails add to its strength of design and feeling of agility with an attractive rear chrome garnish above the number plate and an elegantly finished cabin.

The cabin not only offers comfortable seats and a good ride height, it adds a slew of gadgets to keep buyers delighted.

Available in two variants, Elegance and Evolution, Creta offers a retinue of equipment as standard including ESC (electronic stability control) that works in conjunction with a vehicle stability management programme; and ABS (anti-lock brake system).

OT many know that tyres have expiration date.

Even, among those that know, the present economic downturn had made them not to pay attention to this all important issue. The result of this, however, has been high rate of accidents on our highways resulting in loss of lives and of heavy investments in the purchase of vehicles.

Accidents are no respecter of persons as ministers, managing directors of multi-national institutions and well placed Nigerians have lost their lives to road traffic accidents.Thisisbecomingavery regular occurrence on our roads in the recent past.

No doubt, most of these accidents are avoidable if the necessary precautions are taken.

Speeding is one of the major causes of road traffic accidents and tyre blow out usually happens during speeding.

Brake pedals during tyre bursts It is always difficult to control the automobile when there is tyre burst in motion, so the best way to handle this is to prevent tyre burst from happening in the first place. Experts says tyres have lifespan of four years or 80,000 kilometres, depending which comes first.

It is difficult for one to know the action he would take within that split seconds that a tyre burst occurs. While it is safer not to step on the brake pedal, one could hardly say what he would do within that split second.

Sopreventionisbetterthancure as even the best drivers have to step on the brake pedals during tyre bursts. It is only those who survive it that would tell the story.

Here Dr. Kayode Olagunju of Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, gives us some tips on the

CIG Motors presents new SUVs to winners of AMVA

T

HE Chairman of CIG Motors Company Limited, co-sponsors of the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Award, AMVA, Ms Diana Chan, last Thursday presented two brand new GAC GS5 Sport Utility Vehicles, SUV, to winners of the Africa Magic Viewers Awards in the Trail Blazer Award and Best Overall Movie Award categories.

Mrs. Stephine Linus won the Best Overall Movie Award while Kemi Akindoju emerged the Trail Blazer award winners. Both were presented a white coloured 2.0 litre engine, GAC SUV. Presenting the cars to the winners at their office in Victoria Island, Lagos office, the CIG Chairman, explained that the

partnership with Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards was designed to recognise and reward outstanding achievements in Africa, using television and film as launchpad.

She pointed out that the brand would do more by constantly rewarding smart, innovative and highly intellectual Nigerians and Africans, adding that by so doing Africans would be helped to achieve their dreams. Diana also hinted that the GAC assembly line in Lagos will soon commence production of vehicles in Nigeria to create jobs for the teaming youths.

Speaking shortly after the presentation, Mrs. Stephaine commended the management of

CIG Motors for their support to the growth of movie industry in Nigeria and pledged continued relationship with the brand.

She described the GAC GS5 SUV as very trendy and fashionable for actors and actresses who want to stand out in the crowd.

In her remark, the excited, Trail Blazer Award winner, Kemi Akindoju, commended Diana for rewarding hardwork and urged her colleagues in the industry to work harder as no one could tell who was watching.

According to her, winning a car at the award came as a surprise.

“It shows that while you are working hard, just know that someone is watching you,” she tated. Also speaking at the

occasion, Mrs Khadijah Junaid, Executive Director, CIG Motors, added “GAC Motor is a trail blazer and that is the essence of the sponsorship of the award category”.

Kemi has proven to be a trail blazer, she has created a path in Nigeria and Africa movie industry and she deserves the elegance and luxury that GAC Motor offers. Our brand takes into cognizance that our customers are on a journey to their dream and GAC Motor is a supporter of those dreams."

"As Kemi Akindoju and Stephanie Linus drive home their new cars today, we hope the awards and the gift will spur them to do more and never rest on their oars."

life span of tyres and what to do when you have a tyre blow out.

Doyouknowthatyourtyrescan expire? That even if the tyres have not been fixed or used at all? That you can actually buy expired tyres as new? You can actually check your tyres expiration period from the information provided on the wall of the tyre.

There are four figures, e.g 1215.

It means that tyre was manufactured in the 12th week of the year 2015, as the first two figures represent the week and the last two figures dealing with the year of manufacture. 1215 means the 12th week, which is March in 2015.

Tyres have maximum four year life span. Better if you target three years. So, the tyre with 1215 will actually expire in march 2019.

Check the information before you buy a tyre. You can also check the tyres presently on your vehicle(s).

Please, do not use expired or worn out or Tokunbo or any bad tyre as you could have tyre blow out while in motion. In case you have a tyre blow out, you should

Tyre has lifespan of four years or 80,000 kilometres depending which comes first immediately remove your leg from the accelerator pedal, to reduce speed.

Hold the steering firmly with your two hands. Clutch down if the vehicle is not automatic. Put the vehicle in neutral gear. Concentrate fully. Be conscious of the surroundings, especially the vehicles around you. The ones behind, the one you are overtaking or who are overtaking you. Be mindful of the edge of the road as the vehicle could be driven off the road. Do not panic as you struggle to bring the vehicle to a halt. Gently navigate the vehicle safelyofftheroadwhenthespeed has been drastically reduced and parksafely.Alwaysensurethatyou and all passengers of the vehicle are on seat belts as those using seat belts stand better chances of survival when there is a summersaultorcollision.Thosethrownout of vehicles or who have suffered allsortsofcollisions duringatumble are not likely to survive or they maysufferverycriticalinjuries.The vehicle is also better controlled at low speed.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15 , 2016—39

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40—VANGUARD, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016

AMAECHI, WIKE, FRESH SHOWDOWN:

A contest marked with blood UP FOR GRABS •3 Senate seats •11 House of Reps Seats •22 House of Assembly seats

•Amaechi: Relocates to Rivers for the rerun

•Wike: Leading the PDP pack

By Our reporter

I

T will be a show of political might and test of their strength. Amaechi who came into the state weekend said he was on ground to mobilise his All Progressive Congress, APC members for the election.

On the streets of Port Harcourt, the perception has

been that the election will be a clash of “federal” and “local” might.

Amaechi in a monitored radio programme in Port Harcourt promised that the state will be flooded with heavy presence of soldiers to forestall rigging. Already soldiers have been conducting mop up operations in several

communities in the state ahead of the exercise.

Some of the security operations have been greeted with mixed reception. While the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has largely condemned the security operations, the APC in the state has welcomed it with much

enthusiasm.

In Buguma, the Council of chiefs in advertorials condemned the recent invasion of the community by heavilly armed security operatives, saying the invasion was orchestrated by a member of one of the political parties.

Ahead of the elections some communities in the state have recorded bizarre killings.

PDP is still committed to mischief — UCHENDU CHIEF Andrew Igbonule Uchendu is the APC candidate for Rivers East Senatorial district. In this interview, he said the APC was prepared to participate in Saturday’s re-run elections.

By Dapo Akinrefon

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N APC's preparedness As a party, we have done all we needed to do and we have fully complied with all the instructions of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. We are also cooperating with the security agencies; we are ready for the elections. The only regrettable incident is that a former EO, who is supposed to be on leave, strolled into the INEC office and created a scene this morning (yesterday). We C M Y K

believe they still have a PDP agenda to execute but our vigilant party faithful, were able to force him out with the assistance of the DPO. Optimism of a violence-free rerun We have been assured by the Nigeria Police that everything is being done to provide peace and order for a conducive voting environment. As a matter of fact, we have been assured that a new AIG will be coming to take control and three Commissioners

of Police will be deployed to the state for the election. We believe that with all these, if fully implemented, the environment will be conducive enough for voters to come and exercise their civic responsibility.

His prospects for the election My prospects are high. I represented my area, Emohua/ Ikwerre Constituency, for 12 years and I am happy that I gave an account of my stewardship which was why my party felt I deserved the ticket. When you put that with the performance of the current senator, that represented the area, I am convinced that I will carry the day.

In Buguma, the Council of chiefs in advertorials condemned the recent invasion of the community by heavilly armed security operatives, saying the invasion was orchestrated by a member of one of the political parties

Preliminary investigations by the Police said some of the killings were cult related but some persons think they could also be fall out of party differences in the communities.

In Buguma, headquaters of Asari Toru local government area two mindless murders were recorded within a space of 24 hours. The first was the murder of Ofinjite Amachree, a member of the All Progressive Congress, APC on Tuesday last week. His assailants after killing him allegedly set his corpse ablaze.

Governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Dr Dakuku Peterside and his party in separate statements condemned the brutal murder.

Brutal murder Surprisingly what looked like a reprisal killing occurred in the community the following day. In a similar manner, a youth, Godstime Ifuroiyala was shot dead and his remains set ablaze. His killers allegedly dumped the corpse in the river.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Muhammad said two persons were arrested separately for the two different murders.

In Omoku headquarters of Ogba Egbema Ndoni local government area there have also been killings. A former lawmaker in the fifth House of Assembly and member of the APC, Hon Monday Eleanya from the community was shot dead in Port Harcourt on February 11. This was followed by the murder of about 17 persons in Omoku the following day. With some of the heads of those killed beheaded. The Police said it

Continues on page 41

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016 —41

It is Abe vs Nwogu in Southeast the March, 2015 National Assembly. Nwogu was inaugurated as the senator for the district before the election was invalidated by the Court of Appeal on account of large scale irregularities. The two men are, however, not new to one another having been colleagues at one time in the PDP. While Abe served as commissioner and subsequently as secretary to the state government, Nwogu was a member of the House of Representatives.

THE candidates of the APC and the PDP in this weekend’s Senate election in Rivers Southeast are Senator Magnus Abe and Hon. Olaka Nwogu respectively.

Abe was the senator in the 7th Senate and was defeated by Nwogu in

By Davies Iheamnachor

Olaka Nwogu Senator Magnus Abe Strength: Popular because he is a ranking senator in the area which has given him the opportunity to build a network around the senatorial district.

The people of the area are so much interested in his return because of the role he played in the implementation of United Nations Environmental Programme report on Ogoni land.

There are also speculations that as a ranking senator from the South-South that he is in good position to become Senate President in the event of a vacancy and a rezoning of the leadership offices in the National Assembly.

Threat: Insinuations about his involvement in the flooding of the constitutency with soldiers recently.

Strength: •Three term member of the House of Representatives with good knowledge of the working of parliament.

•The fact that he served most recently as senator for the area before his removal gives him the most recent practical experience of the constituency.

Threat: The platform that helped him in the 2015 election, to wit, the •Nwogu: PDP

•Abe: APC

RIVERS RERUN POLL We’re counting on APC is a party of security agencies, INEC propaganda — OKAH — FINEBONE MR. Emma Okah is the Commissioner for Housing in Rivers State. He speaks on the PDP’s readiness for the rerun poll.

By Dapo Akinrefon

H

OW prepared is the PDP? The PDP has always been prepared, PDP is the owner of Rivers and Rivers owns PDP. There is no difference between PDP and Rivers State, any other thing you hear is mere propaganda.

We have said it time without number that the PDP is the party to beat in this state.

We did it before but they s a i d , according to the tribunal and Court of Appeal, that there was no election in the eye of the law. We will do it again even m o r e resoundingly than we did it before.

For us, there is nothing to fear and worry about.

Level of security For us, we have been a C M Y K

very peaceful party, we only urge the APC to allow peace to reign.

The former governor, Chibuike Amaechi has been running his mouth on radio and threatening how he would deploy soldiers to ensure that he has his way during the elections.

As far as I am concerned, all he wants to is to cause chaos and disorganise the arrangement we have, but we are very optimistic.

•Okah: PDP owns Rivers

campaigns which is on Thursday. We are galvanising N his part, the our supporters all over the spokesperson of the local governments and we APC in the state, Mr. Chris believe that we are doing Finebone, said the party is well. We have done relying on the promises of sensitisation very well and the security agencies and the results will manifest on Independent National Sunday.

It is our expectation that Electoral Commission, INEC, people will vote for us. And for a credible exercise.

He said:‘’The party is very we are also counting on the well prepared for the coming promises of the security rerun election. We have done agents that the needful will be the needful, we are going to done to provide adequate win and we will do a mega security before, during and rally on the last day of after the election. To that extent we are prepared. ‘’We have been reassured by the security agents and INEC that what happened during the 2015 general elections will not happen.

It is not only about the APC, we have been reassured that all of the parties will have a level playing field. So far we have no reason to doubt their assertions or their promises.

We believe that it will be a free and fair outing.”

•Finebone: It will turn out to be fine

By Charles Kumolu

O

A contest marked with blood Continues from page 40 could confirm death of 12 persons in the incident.

Assailants struck again in Omoku on March 5, this time they murdered the Ward 4 Chairman of APC, Mr Franline Obi, his wife and their 18 year old son.

While some like Governor Wike believe the killings in Omoku had little or nothing to do with politics as he blamed cultists for the attack, there are those who think they could also have elements of politics.

Elements of politics Ahoada East and Abua local government areas have also had their share of the killings.

On January 21 this year about 11 persons were murdered by unknown gunmen in Ula Upata community, Ahoada East local government area.

As the rerun elections come up on Saturday the prayer of many is that it should be peaceful.

While Wike largely needs victory for the PDP to get the stronghold in the House of Assembly his predecessor, Amaechi needs victory for his APC to prove that he is firmly on ground in the politics of the state and give his party visibility in the state and also prove that the victory of the PDP in the last election was largely a fluke.

42—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016

17,000 kidney failure cases diagnosed annually in Nigeria •Less than 2,000 have access to dialysis; Ratio of 1 Nephrologist to 1m persons

By Chioma Obinna

O

N this year’s World Kid ney Day, experts have raised alarm over rising incidences of kidney disease among Nigerians, saying, “each year, 17,000 new cases of kidney failure are diagnosed with only 2,000 having access to life saving dialysis.”

Speaking during a screening/ awareness exercise organised by St. Nicholas Hospital for schools in Lagos, erstwhile President of the Nigerian Association of Nephrology, NAN, Dr Ebun Bamgboye, said Nigeria has one of the largest burdens of kidney disease in the world.

He said factors that predispose people to the disorder are common in the country with hypertension and diabetes topping the list.

High incidence

“In Nigeria it is estimated that every year the incidence of kidney disease is 100 per 1,000,000 population. The number of new cases of kidney failure we see every year in the population of 170 million is 17,000.

If you put all the patients on dialysis across the nation, they are less than 2,000, if 2,000 people are only on dialysis and 17,000 need it and when you don’t get it you will die. You can imagine the number of people dying because

they don’t have access to dialysis.”

The Consultant Nephrologist,

If only 2,000 people are only on dialysis and 17,000 need to be on dialysis, when you don’t get dialysed, you will die

who is also the Clinical Director, St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos, lamented that despite the huge number of Nigerians with kidney disorders, the country is faced with dearth of kidney disease experts.

“In Nigeria, the ratio of Nephrologists to patients is 1 to 1, 000,000.”

He urged the Federal government to emulate the US government that spends about $30 billion dollars every year to look after patients with kidney failure,

while calling for prioritisation of treatment of kidney disorders by extending the period of dialysis under the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, from six sessions (two weeks) to 36 sessions (three months).

With the theme, “Act Early to Prevent It” Bamgboye said the focus on this year’s World Kidney Day is early detection in school children that also develop high blood pressure.

About 600 children are being screened for hypertension, diabetes, protein in urine, height and weight as well as genotype as studies show that Sickle Cell Disorder can lead to kidney problems.

Bamgboye called on all stakeholders to act collaboratively to address the challenges for patients living with kidney disease in the country.

Schools that benefited from the free screening include Holy Cross Cathedral Primary School, Kings College, Lagos and Holyfield Junior Secondary, Maryland.

Also speaking, a Consultant Internist, at St. Nicholas Hospital, Dr. Biodun Osibamowo said a total of 10 cases are seen every week in the hospital.

Urging the establishment of affordable treatment centres, he described the national incidence of kidney failure of about 67 percent in Nigeria as a medical emergency.

“Parents should take their children to hospital immediately any abnormality is noticed, rather than buying local herbs or taking them to native doctors. It has been discovered that local herbs are a major cause of kidney disease in Nigeria,” he warned.

Boy, 4, seeks N2.5m for corrective heart surgery

F

OUR-YEAR-OLD Michael Owolabi’s life is hanging in the balance. Born with a congenital heart defect, he is not as physically active as children of his own age.

He just sits quietly, breathless, inactive and requiring constant attention.

His father , Temitope Owolabi, who spoke of the family’s predicament as a result of the malady said a sum of N2.5 million is required to enable Michael seek corrective heart surgery in India.

“We don’t know where this problem came from as it did not manifest when he was born. I have run from pillar to post and spent my life savings in the effort to tackle this problem,” he lamented.

A medical report from the Department of Pediatrics & Child Health, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, revealed that a preliminary diagnosis of ventricular septal defect was made.

The report, signed by Dr. B.A.

Spiritual wellbeing essential for sound medical health — Dr. Richard Adebayo, Ag MD, Yaba Psychiatric Hospital

By Sola Ogundipe

A

HEALTHY spiritual wellbeing and faith in God has been described as an essential ingredient for sound mental health.

An experienced psychiatrist, Dr. Richard Adebayo, told Good Health Weekly that spiritual wellbeing is part of the standard definition of health that is recognised all over the world.

Adebayo, who is the Acting Medical Director, Yaba Psychiatric Hospital, however said being spiritual is not the same thing as being religious.

“Many Nigerians are religious, but it is being spiritual that is important. Spirituality is part of overall health.

“When you look at the World Health Organisation’s definition of health, it is not just the absence of disease but the total wellbeing of an individual, that is, the physical, mental, psychological and spiritual.

Belief in God

PRESENTATION: A delegation from the RCCG, Victoria Chapel LP21, Akin Oluwa St, Magodo Phase II, presenting welfare materials to the Acting Medical Director, Yaba Psychiatric Hospital, Dr. Richard Adebayo (3rd from right), at the hospital premises last week.

“For people that have belief in God, it is a positive reinforcement to their mental wellbeing.

For individuals that have lost hope and do not have faith in God, the risk of suicide is more common, and studies have shown that people who have strong faith based mindset tend to navigate better psychologically than those that do not

have any hope,” Adebayo explained.

Commending faith based organisations for their contributions and assistance towards the care and support of patients of the Yaba Psychiatric Hospital, Adebayo described the role of Christian and Muslim organisations as essential to the overall treatment and rehabilitation of psychiatric patients.

Speaking while receiving welfare items presented by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Victoria Chapel LP21, Akin Oluwa St, Magodo Phase II, he said such humanitarian gesture displayed by the Church is crucial towards enabling the hospital fulfil some of its needs.

The donated items including 20 mattresses, pillows, 25 ceiling and wall fans , a deep freezer and a set of lawn mowers were presented by a delContinued on Page 38

Michael Owolabi Animasahun, a Consultant Paediatrics Cardiologist, said Michael was seen at the cardiology unit on July 6, 2015, with recurrent cough of two years duration.

Animasahun reported that a clinical examination revealed a cyanosed child with oxygen saturation of 99 percent in room air.

“Significant findings on cardiovascular examination was normal heart sounds with grade3 pansystolic murmur loudest at the lower left sterna border.”

She said although Michael was commenced on antifailure medications, he requires urgent surgery.

If you are moved to assist, kindly send donation to this Bank Account: Owolabi Michael Darasimi, GT Bank, 0213616741 or call 08033221067.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016—43

ORAL HEALTH: Unilever targets 1m children

By Chioma Obinna

A

S part of efforts to celebrate this year ’s World Oral Health Day, Unilever Nigeria Plc is targetting one million children for this year ’s oral health campaign even as it renewed commitment towards ensuring a cavity free Nigeria.

To this end, one of its brands, Pepsodent in partnership with the Nigerian Dental Association, NDA, is promoting the culture of brushing day and night among Nigerians which is global best practice to healthy oral-care.

At a press briefing in Lagos to kick off the campaign, the Vice President, Brand Building, Unilever Nigeria plc, RobbertdeVreede said Unilever is committed to

doing business in a sustainable way and that is why they have partnered with Nigerian Dental Association, Federal Ministry of Health and other stakeholders towards getting better awareness for oral health.

DeVreede said 90 percent of the world’s population suffers from oral diseases. According to him, when children are affected by such diseases they may not be able to bear the pain and as such affect them in school or cause them to drop out of school for a period of time’ ‘’In 2014 we initiated the oral health school programme which has so far educated directly 1.8 million Nigerian children on how to imbibe the culture of brushing twice a day. This year we are educating one million children directly

BRIEFING: From left; Perm. Sec. Ministry of Health, Oyo State, Dr. Iyiola Oluwayemisi; Executive Sec., MTN Foundation, (MTNF) Ms. Nonny Ugboma;MTNF, Elder Dennis Okoro;Director, MTNF, Hon. Reginald Okeya; and CEO, JNC International Nigeria Ltd. Ms. Clare Omatseye during the media briefing/MoU signing ceremony of the MTNF Maternal Ward Support Project in Lagos recently.

on how to take care of their teeth by brushing day and night using fluoride toothpaste such as Pepsodent. ‘’The 21 days behavioural change programme is part of Unilever’s global oral care social missions to reach one hundred million children by 2020, he said.

In his speech, the President, Nigerian Dental Association, Dr. Bode Ijarogbe explained that the World Oral Health Day celebration was aimed at increasing awareness for oral health as well as the impact of oral diseases on general health, well-being and national economies.

“The theme for this year’s celebrations “Brush Day and Night…Healthy Mouth, Healthy body” reflects the major contributions oral health makes to our lives and focuses on us as Nigerians with a view to changing our attitudes with respect to our oral health needs.

“This year’s theme particularly reminds us that the mouth is an integral part of the body as such systemic problems will not only manifest in the mouth but that poor oral health can also predispose to systemic problems’’.

He further stated that activities to mark this year’s celebration will include, Brush Day & Night Campaign, health awareness walk from LUTH, Idi-Araba to Jibowu bus stop, Lagos, dental outreaches with minor interventions to rural communities.

Speaking, Category Manager, Oral Care, Unilever Nigeria, Bunmi Adeniba said Unilever is committed to improving the oral health of 10 million children in the country by 2020 through Pepsodent Brush Day & Night schools programme, and one million children this year.

Spiritual wellbeing Continued from Page 36 egation led by Pastor Bisi Olowoyo.

Adebayo said the Church is playing a very significant role in partnering with the hospital to help psychiatric patients as part of their Christian Social Responsibility “Some of these churches have been our friends for a very long time. For instance, during the Christmas period, a group from the Catheral Church of Christ, called the Ladies’ Helpers Society, visits our patients.

“This is at a time that people would naturally wish to be with their loved ones, but this group has made it a duty, for so many years, to spend Christmas with our patients.

“To me, that is very significant because the Yuletide is a time to associate with people, and choosing a time that ordinarily you should be with your immediate family members, and savour the joy of the season. But leaving your family, or carrying your family along and spending the period with the psychiatric patients, to me is a great sacrifice.

“Some groups come around regularly to offer spiritual assistance with the patients.

A group from the Anglican Church comes around on Sundays and we have a place dedicated for religious activities for those willing to partake. These services are provided without any coercion.”

Adebayo however pointed out that only normal religious activities such as worship, praise singing and prayers are allowed.

“We do not tolerate acts of exorcism or deliverance. Our patients are our responsibility and we protect them. They are human beings and citizens of this country. “ We do not allow anyone to take advantage of them. So it is not that somebody would come around and be putting anointing oil on their heads or anything like that.

We do not allow that,” he noted.

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I

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44 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15 , 2016

Felix Ibru: UPU declares 3 days mourning, ILOT; Atiku, others mourn

By Gbenga Olarinoye

By Festus Ahon, Perez Brisibe & Ochuko Akuopha

O

U

GHELLI – THE interim executive of the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, has declared a three-day mourning in honour of former president general of the union, Olorogun Felix Ibru, the first democratic governor of Delta State, who passed on weekend.

President General, Chief Gabriel Ofotokun in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Chief Josiah Ntekume, directed that the UPU flag be flown at half mast at home and in the Diaspora.

Chief Ofotokun also commiserated with the Urhobo Nation, the Ibru family and Deltans in general on the demise.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, ILOT, Mr Joseph Ayomike, has poured encomiums on the late Ibru. In his tribute to Ibru, who he described as a quintessential statesman, Ayomike recalled several encounters the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought and himself had with Senator Ibru, who according to them, exhibited a posture of maturity, great leadership, responsibility and a gentle mien.

Ayomike described Senator Ibru as a man with many parts which contributed in no small measure to make him excel in the responsibilities he took on in life both in the private and public sectors, noting that as the first civilian governor of a new state, he laboured and persevered to lay the foundation of a dream Delta State, which subsequent governors have built and are still building on.

He said, "Ibru was indeed a reservoir of knowledge which our leaders and administrators drew from. Senator Ibru was above board in his dealings in governance. His short stint as governor of the state is still a beacon light which guides other Governors that have come after

From left, Chief Great Ogboru, Mrs Onojoma Oniwinde, daughter of late Felix Ibru, and Dr Paul Ibru, son of the deceased, during the condolence visit to late Olorogun Felix Ibru House, at G.R.A Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday.

Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi him. That indeed is why Delta State is unique today."

Also, former Vice President and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Atiku Abubakar

expresses sadness and profound shock at the death of Chief Ibru.

Atiku Abubakar described the former governor and senator as a gentleman of high standing

A

FEDERAL High Court, Lagos, yesterday, reserved its judgment in the trial of Raymond Omatseye, a former Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA. Omatseye is facing trial over alleged bid rigging and N1.5billion contract scam filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in 2010.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the 27-count charge and had been granted bail on self recognition.

Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia reserved judgment in the trial

and a democracy icon who risked his life, property and personal comfort to fight for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria by standing up to military dictatorship.

How Fani-Kayode, Falae, Udenwa, others shared N3.15 billion ahead of 2015 poll

By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor

I

NVESTIGATORS at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have stumbled on evidence that showed how prominent politicians, mostly from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, allegedly shared N3.145billion in the build up to the last presidential elections.

Among the beneficiaries of the bazaar are a former Aviation Minister and Director of Media for the Goodluck Jonathan Campaign organization, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode; former

Secretary to the Government of the Federation and leader of the Social Democratic Party, Chief Olu Falae; a former Finance Minister, Nenadi Usman; former Imo State governor, Achike Udenwa; former minister of state for foreign affairs, Viola Onwuliri and Okey Ezenwa.

A source at the anti-graft agency who pleaded not to be named because he is not authorized to speak, told Vanguard that the money was paid by the Central Bank of Nigeria into the account of the Ministry of External Affairs Library, from where it was moved into the account of Joint Trust

Court reserves judgment in trial of ex-NIMASA boss

By Innocent Anaba

Protest in Ile-Ife over appointment of new Obalufe

after lawyers to the prosecution, Chief Godwin Obla (SAN) and the defence, Mr Edoka Onyeke, adopted their final addresses.

The judge said that the date for judgment would be communicated to parties.

Why we docked Rickey Tarfa —EFCC

By Onozure Dania

T

HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday, said it docked the embattled lawyer, Rickey Tarfa, SAN, for alleged attempt to pervert the course of justice.

EFCC made this revelation in their counter affidavit in response to the application filed by Rickey Tarfa urging Justice Aishat Opesanwo of the Lagos State

High Court, Igbosere, to quash the charge against him before the court. Tarfa was arraigned before the court on February 16, on a two count charge bordering on alleged wilful obstruction of an officer of the agency to carry out his duty.

The second count alleged that Tarfa attempted to pervert the course of justice, but the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Dimension Nigeria Limited. The source added, “It was from the Joint Dimension’s account with Zenith Bank that the money was shared to various individuals and organizations for purposes that are not stated.”

Documents cited by this newspaper revealed that FaniKayode was the chief beneficiary of the disbursement as he allegedly received N840million, paid in three tranches into his Zenith Bank, Maitama branch account with No.1004735721.

The first tranche of payment involving N350 million hit the account on February 19, 2015.

Another N250 milion was also paid into the account on February19, 2015 while N240million was similarly credited to the account a month later; precisely, March 19, 2015.

The source disclosed that the balance on this account as at December 31, 2015 was N189, 402.72 Next to Fani-Kayode in the order of beneficiaries of the heist, is Goodluck Support Group which allegedly received N320million. Similarly, Chief Falae allegedly received N100m through Marreco Limited, a company where he is Chairman.

The fund was credited into the company’s United Bank for Africa Plc account No. 1000627022 on March 25, 2014.

Both Achike Udenwa and Viola Onwuliri got N350million in two tranches.

SOGBO – For the second day, members of the Aga Orunto Ruling Family, yesterday, staged a peaceful protest march to Ooni of Ife’s palace over the appointment of new Obalufe, Comrade Idowu Olaniyi Adediwura.

Protesters had last Thursday besieged the palace few hours before the official pronouncement of the new Obalufe, who is the second in command to Ooni, to register their displeasure at the choice.

Those who staged yesterday’s protest along the major streets of Ile-Ife before terminating at the palace alleged imposition of the candidate and demanded reversal of the appointment.

According to them, the Ooni made a wrong decision not to have appointed someone from Aga Orunto family as the new Obalufe to replace Oba Folorunsho Omisakin, who hailed from Ado, listing ordering for the appointment of Obalufe as - Ajagbusi, Ado Gbodo, Aga and Jaojo.

Among others, the protesters demanded that the candidate that was picked after the screening conducted for candidates for the position from the Aga Orunto family be announced.

One of the protesters, Prince Oluwasegun Olayade from Aga family, in a chat with newsmen, said: “We are protesting today because my family has been deprived of the Obalufe position that we are entitled to based on the order of the gazette. Four ruling houses are entitled to Obalufe position based on that existing arrangement and there was no disorder until it is our turn now."

Deaconess Nunu dies DEACONESS Gladys Eduwuirofo Onoghomoren Adetoun Nunu, a former staff of Union Bank of Nigeria plc, is dead, aged 76.

The late Deaconess Nunu, a.k.a. Ogbodun, hailed from the Nunu family of Ugbege, Warri North LGA of Delta State and the families of Francis Ugiagbe Amayo of Ikhueniro of Uhunmwode LGA of Edo state and Johnson Nanna family of Koko, Warri North LGA.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15 , 2016—45

C M Y K

46 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016

Dstv Basketball: NBBF bans Warriors, Islanders, Union Bank T

HE 2016 Dstv Bas ketball Premier League dunks off on Friday March 18, 2016 with only five teams in the Atlantic Conference as against the eight featuring in the Savannah Conference participating, the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF has said.

Chairman of the technical committee Agboola Pinheiro who released the revised fixtures for the commencement of the league which was delayed by one week said this followed the suspension of three teams namely Lagos Islanders, Union Bank and Dodan Warriors who opted to play in the illegal African Basketball League, ABL. “The league can go on without the three teams in the Atlantic Conference. With with only five teams playing every week, one team will be on standby,” he said, adding that the Savannah Conference will go on with the usual eight teams registered for the season.

As a result, each team in the Atlantic Conference will play two games each every week with Nigeria Customs host-

Oliseh Continued from B/P

der soccer fans into another period of agony and gnashing of teeth.

Former Secretary General of the NFA, Sani Ahmed Toro who at one point was a member of the House of Representatives said that there was no arguing the fact that the House of Reps have the right to know and summon any Nigerian but appealed that the timing was wrong.

"Indeed, they have the oversight functions to summon anyone to know what transpired, but I think the time is wrong.

I’ll appeal they defer it till after the qualifiers’’, Toro appealed. He, however, wondered what the Committee would do with a man who willingly resigned his appointment. But President of Africa Sports Journalists, ASJU, Mitchel Obi laughed over the invitation yesterday and described it ‘’as another joke’’. ‘’What is the whole idea?’’, Obi asked and laughed again. ‘’Don’t they have job to do? Why are these people making progress in reverse? The statutes of football has not been resolved by them and they

C M Y K

D

IEGO Costa has been charged in relation to Chelsea’s FA Cup sixth round fixture against Everton on Saturday 12 March 2016.

It is alleged his behaviour, after being shown a second yellow card in the game, amounted to improper conduct.

He has until 6pm on

FA charges Costa with misconduct Thursday 17 March 2016 to respond to the charge.

Meanwhile, the Chelsea striker has until Wednesday [16 March

2016] to provide his observations to The FA in relation to an alleged gesture he made towards Everton supporters while leaving the pitch at half-time.

NOC/Olympic Solidarity organise Strategic Management seminar for tions to deliver expectfederation secretaries ed goals.

T

HE Nigeria Olym pic Committee will this week organise a Strategic Management

*Action during a DSTV Basketball Lague match involving Oluyole Warriors of Ibadan and Kano Pillars last season. ing newly promoted Royal Hoopers first on Friday and another game on Sunday while Oluyole Warriors host Kwara Falcons in Ibadan first on Friday and then again on Sunday.

Meanwhile officials of the three excluded clubs in the Atlantic Conference, it was gathered, are making frantic efforts to get reinstated into the Dstv league.

Ighalo

are trying to elevate non issue. Why didn’t the House Committee invite Oliseh and NFF during his employment? That was even more controversial than his resignation. They breached everything when he was employed and Nigerians gave him all the backing and the House Committee kept mute.

This invitation is uncalled for. It is a redundant invitation. Did they invite Keshi who won many matches and the Nations Cup when he was the coach? Keshi coached this country even with the wife’s illhealth. Yet, he won matches and was not paid. The House Committee on Sports should be talking about infrastructure and the Olympics. They should talk about our preparation and welfare of athletes and how to win medals in Rio. Let us not go to Rio and come back empty handed like we did at the London 2012 Olympics. We don’t need this distraction’’, Obi said.

CAF General Co-ordinator and instructor, Paul Bassey who agreed that the House Committee on Sports have the oversight functions called for caution as he also agreed that the time

was not good for the invitation. ‘’We’ve to be careful. The NFF has the powers to hire and fire.

I think they should rely on NFF on whatever they want to know. A situation where they invite a staff to rub shoulders with his boss will not augur well for Nigerian football. I’m afraid that this invitation could lead to distraction’’, Bassey, a veteran Sports Journalist and a member of the NFF Technical and Development Committee, said..

Also, former Gombe FA Chairman and chairman of Gombe United, Alhaji Shuaibu Ahmed Gara Gombe lashed out at the House Committee saying that they ‘’are going the wrong way. They want to set a bad precedent and that is hypocritical. Those who employed him sacked him.

Why dissipate energy on a non issue? Is Oliseh the only employee of NFF who resigned?

Didn’t they sack Keshi?

We’re in an Olympic year and they have more than enough questions and invitations to ensure that Nigeria wins a medal in Rio. This one on Oliseh is unnecessary, diversionary and counter-productive’’, Gombe said.

Continued from B/P

suffered a minor knock and he will be fit when Stoke City visit Vicarage Road on Saturday.

“I just need two days to rest and some massage and I will be ready for this weekend’s game,” said Ighalo, whose opening goal propelled Watford to reach the FA Cup semi-final at the expense of holders Arsenal.

Seminar for all the General Secretaries of National Sport Federations. The seminar which will be the first of its kind in the country is being held in conjunction with Olympic Solidarity. The programme which is expected to hold at the National Institute for Sports, Abuja from Wednesday, 16th through Thursday, 17th March, will expose participants to the use of Strategic Management in their various federa-

A sport management expert, Robert Mutsauki from Zimbabwe has been appointed by Olympic Solidarity to conduct the seminar.

According to the Secretary General of the NOC, Tunde Popoola “the seminar on strategic management will enable the NOC and National Sports Federations to identify their goals, implement their vision, mission and values to achieve optimum goals.”

Keshi

former coach Adegboyega Onigbinde, through Christian Chukwu, Shuaibu Amodu and Austin Eguavoen, all should be called to account for their stay in the national team while it lasted.

“I might be mourning the exit of my life partner but the fact remains that Nigerian football is being unduly distracted and the only way to get it back on track is to ask the real stake-holders to come together and talk Whether they are coaches, ex-internationals or sports politicians, its about time to talk and talk seriously”.

Continued from B/P

*Popoola

Cuper Continued from B/P

ca Cup of Nations qualifiers before playing the follow-up match four days later in Borg ElArab Stadium in Alexandria.

“Egypt’s national team will start a closed camp on 20 March, three days before traveling to Nigeria,” Egyptian Football Association member Ihab Liheta said on Monday.

Argentinean coach Cuper, 59, has called up Roma rising Egyptian star Mohamed Salah, who was acknowledged for his performance against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League last week.

Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny, who began to book a regular place in the Gunners’ starting lineups, has been called up by Cuper to take part in the game against the Eagles.

Egyptian winger Mahmoud Trezeguet’ Hassan who is on loan from Anderlecht will replace injured winger Mohamed Abdel-Shafi, who plays for Saudi side Ahly Jeddah, in the Pharaohs squad.

The Pharaohs full squad including local based players will be released on Tuesday.

Egypt are leading group G with six points, two ahead of secondplaced Nigeria as only the group winners guaranteed automatic qualification for the 2017 Cup of Nations.

Manager, Emmanuel Addo, Keshi said it will be unfair to all the former managers of the national team, who have been sacked to be called and asked why they were asked out. Most of the coaches in the past, he reasoned were sacked but Oliseh chose to resign, so why the special interest on him”, Keshi reasoned.

Keshi said he would like to be called for a meeting on why he was asked out of the national team, and from his

Afcon qualifier Continued from B/P

Speaking in Lagos at the weekend, Kanu said unless there was unity of purpose, hunger in the players and focus from both the players and the coaches, victory over the Pharaohs would be hard to come by.

“I don’t know why people always panic each time they talk about the Egypt match,” he started. “Remember it’s Nigeria. I know things are not as good as you want them to be right now, I don’t feel any different because Nigeria remains Nigeria; anyway one looks at it.”

He believes Nigeria has the quality to beat Egypt and charged the Super Eagles players to respond accordingly by raising their game. “As a player, it is always good whenever you are playing a big team you respond. They must not allow changes in the coaching crew get into their minds. They have

to remain focused and get the result for us. As a player, wearing the green-white colour of Nigeria alone is bigger than any issue.”

For Siasia and his technical crew, Papilo, as Kanu is fondly called said, “they should remain calm and find a way to work together and manage the players well.”

Continuing Kanu said, “Siasia should know that it is important to manage the players well for results. He must avoid issues that can create problems between him and the players. Let the spirit in camp be high and above all, they have to be positive.”

The Super Eagles began camping last week with the home-based pros ahead of the March 25 match in Kaduna.

The Eagles who are second in the group behind the Pharaohs will travel to Alexendria where they are to clash with the Egyptians four days after the first leg.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15 , 2016—47

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016

I’m fit, Ighalo declares UPER Eagles strik- even after he limped out er Odion Ighalo of the Cup tie against S has assured he will be fit Arsenal at the weekend. for Watford’s Premier League game against Stoke City on Saturday

Oliseh: Stakeholders kick against House of Reps

By Tony Ubani

S

TAKEHOLDERS in sports have risen against the recent invitation of former Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh and the Nigeria Football Federation by the House of Representatives Sports Committee on Thursday to ascertain why the former skipper

F

ORMER Super Ea gles Manager, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi has said calling another former coach Sunday to a hearing by the National Assembly through the House of Representatives Committee on Sports will not help the growth of Nigerian football and sports.

Speaking through his

Continues on Page 46

Cuper calls up Salah, Elneny for Eagles GYPT’s coach Hec E tor Cuper has called up five foreign-based

*Salah

Continues on Page 46

Continues on Page 46

Keshi: Why call only Oliseh?

of the Eagles quit his post.

The Stakeholders called for caution to avoid turning back the hands of the clock while many said that it was an unnecessary distraction that could derail the country’s campaign for a ticket to the 2017 Nations Cup in Gabon and plun

players, including Roma winger Mohamed Salah, for the Pharaohs’ crucial game against Nigeria in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on 25 March.

The winners of three successive Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2006, 2008 and 2010, will face Nigeria on 25 March in the 2017 Afri

Ighalo limped out before the end of the FA Cup quarterfinal win over Arsenal at The Emirates on Sunday.

The injury must have raised the blood pressure of both Watford and Nigeria fans ahead of crucial games this month.

However, the striker has now said he only

Continues on Page 46

*NFF boss, Pinnick (L) and Oliseh at the latter’s unveiling.

Afcon qualifier: Kanu gives Siasia tips to beat Egypt national team coach, Samson Siasia

By Jacob Ajom

A

HEAD of the crucial AFCON 2017 double header between the Super Eagles and Pharaohs of Egypt, Nigerian soccer legend, Nwankwo Kanu has given interim

some tips on how to overcome the Egyptians in Kaduna.

Continues on Page 46

Today’s Champion League matches Athletic Madrid v PSV 8.45pm Man City v Dynamo Kiev 8.45pm

*Keshi

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S PUZZLE

FRIDAY'S ANSWERS

ACROSS 5 Major performer in a variety show (4.4) 6 Legend (4) 7 Part of the ear (4) 8 Chew and swallow (3) 9 Improvised jazz singing (4) 11 Source of light (4) 13 Diametrically different (8) DOWN 1 Sojourn as a guest (4) 2 Perfect representative specimen (9) 3 Innocent (9) 4 Cold shoulder ignore (4) 10 Person who prepares meals (4) 12 Chum (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 5, Tout 6, Pupa 8, Milktooth 9, Vinegar 13, Footprint 15 Evil 16, skid

DOWN: 1, Stump 2, Pull 3, Aurora 4, Paths 7, Attempt 10, Ironic 11, After 12, Study 14, Irks.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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