Chibok Girls: Police deny #BBOG access to Villa

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 63007

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

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FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

Nigeria had no political will to save under Jonathan — Okonjo-Iweala >>11

Chibok Girls: Police deny #BBOG access to Villa •I share your pains, Buhari comforts missing Chibok girls’ parents •Reps order Ministry of Interior to pay parents of Chibok girls compensation •UN, African Human Rights Groups appeal to Boko Haram to release girls •US calls for immediate release; to deliver $240m assistance •Three ministers lead FG's delegation to Chibok •We'll not rest until Chibok girls are rescued, says Saraki

P-Harcourt refinery starts production, as NNPC deploys 200 trucks

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BUJA—PARENTS of abducted Chibok girls and members of the #BringBackOurGirls, BBOG, advocacy group left the Presidential Villa, Abuja, disappointed, yesterday, after policemen prevented them from accessing the place to seek assurances of top officials of the federal government on release of the girls abducted by Boko Haram sect in 2014.

They had embarked on a peaceful protest to the

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Oil crash: Angola overtakes Nigeria in crude oil production

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Senators endorse review of CCT, CCB Act

By Henry Umoru, Joseph Erunke, Emman Ovuakporie, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Ndahi Marama, Victoria Ojeme & Omeiza Ajayi

>>9

Mr & Mrs Former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (right) receiving his Vanguard Personality of the Year 2015 Award from Mr Dayo Adeyeye, immediate past Minister of State, Works, who represented him at the ceremony held at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

COLUMNISTS: Finally, the Akinrogun returns home to APC See inside The struggle

for Brazil

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An alarming situation •P.17

Violence: Enough is enough, FG warns herdsmen, >>8 farmers

2—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

Strong quakes hit Japan, nuclear plants safe, dozens injured

Obama warns of ISIS surge in Libya

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SLAMIC State (IS) recruits are increasingly heading to Libya following the setbacks the militant group has suffered in Iraq and Syria, US President Barack Obama has said.

The US will continue efforts to beat it back in Libya, he added.

Last week, Mr Obama said the “worst mistake” of his presidency was his failure to plan for the aftermath of the ousting of Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

Libya has been in chaos since then.

A new UN-backed governmentarrivedinLibya’s capital, Tripoli, earlier this month in the hope of restoring order in a country controlled by rival militias, governments and parliaments.

IS has exploited the chaos to gain a foothold in the North African state.

Last year, the group appealed to its sympathisers in Africa to go to Libya, which

it sees as a gateway for attacks on Europe.

Refugees and migrants are also increasingly using Libya to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe.

Speaking after a meeting with security officials at CIA headquarters, Mr Obama said the number of IS fighters was at its lowest in two years because of the offensive against it by a 66-member coalition.

Zimbabwe holds largest anti-Mugabe protest in years •Demands end to his 36-year rule Evacuees gather in front of the town office building after an earthquake in Mashiki town, Kumamoto prefecture.

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N earthquake of magnitude 6 hit southwestern Japan on Thursday, bringing down some buildings and injuring dozens of people, local media reported, but the nuclear regulator reported no problems at power plants No tsunami warning was issued after the magnitude 6.4 quake.

It struck at 21:26 (12:26 GMT) east of Kumamoto city, on the island of Kyushu, the Japan Meteorological Agency says.

The two Sendai nuclear reactors on Kyushu are reported to be operating as normal.

The three Genkai nuclear reactors still in operation on the island were already closed for routine inspection.

The quake struck at a depth of 10km (6.2 miles) and was followed by

aftershocks measuring 5.7 about 40 minutes later and 6.4 just after midnight local time.

But Japan’s seismology office recorded the shaking at some places to be as intense as the huge magnitude 9 earthquake that hit the country in 2011.

That triggered a tsunami

in a double disaster that left more than 18,000 people dead or missing and led to meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

“The shaking was so violent I couldn’t stand still,” Hironobu Kosaki, a local police official, told AP news agency.

Putin describes Panama Papers as provocative repercussions in many

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EDIA reports about offshore accounts in Panama are a “provocation”, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday, blaming U.S. officials and U.S. bank Goldman Sachs for attempts to influence Russian elections.

The leak of confidential documents from a Panamanian law firm earlier this month has had political

countries, after shining a spotlight on the offshore wealth of politicians and public figures worldwide.

The files, which contained the details of clients around the world, prompted Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson, the prime minister of Iceland, to quit, put British Prime Minister David Cameron under pressure over his family’s financial affairs.

US officials confirm Zika causes severe birth defects

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S health officials have confirmed that the Zika virus causes babies to be born with abnormally small heads and severe brain defects, confirming the worst fears of many pregnant women in the US and Latin America.

Doctors in Brazil have been linking Zika infections in pregnant women to a rise in newborns with microcephaly - an unusually small skull - since last year.

Most outside experts

were cautious about drawing such a connection but the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it has enough evidence to confirm that.

“There is no longer any doubt that Zika causes

Leading US banks fail credibility test

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IVE major US banks have failed to live up to regulatory requirements laid out by Congress after the 2008 financial crisis.

The regulations are meant to protect the wider

Police raid mega brothel in Germany

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INE hundred police officers have taken part in a raid on one of Germany’s biggest brothels in Berlin, making six arrests over alleged human trafficking and tax fraud.

The operation follows months of investigation into the Artemis brothel.

Brothel managers are C M Y K

microcephaly,” Tom Frieden, CDC director, said on Wednesday.

The CDC said it also is clear that Zika causes other serious defects, including damaging calcium build-ups in the developing brain.

accused of evading some E17.5m (£14m; $19.7m) in social security payments since 2006.

Prosecutors allege that staff at Artemis were forced to pretend to be self-employed to avoid the payments.

Police say the raid was conducted in cooperation with customs officials and tax fraud investigators.

economy should one or more of them fail.

After giving the banks failing grades for the strategies they would deploy if they plunged into bankruptcy, regulators on Wednesday gave the banks six months to get their disaster plans in shape.

JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Bank of New York Mellon and State Street Bank were cited by the Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for “living wills” that are “not credible” or are insufficient for an orderly restructuring if needed.

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EMONSTRATORS in Zimbabwe held the largest protest against President Robert Mugabe in nearly a decade on Thursday, marching through central Harare demanding that the 92-year-old leader make a “dignified exit.”

Under the watchful eye of riot police, more than 2,000 supporters of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) carried antiMugabe placards and sang party songs before their leader Morgan Tsvangirai gave a speech attacking Mugabe’s rule.

Anti-government protests have often been brutally broken up by police under the authoritarian regime of the president, who has been in power since independence in 1980.

Mugabe remains active

but his increasingly fragile health has sparked intense speculation over his successor and the fate of the country when his rule comes to an end.

Zimbabwe has suffered years of economic collapse and mass emigration during an era marked by intolerance

of dissent, vote rigging and accusations of human rights abuses.

“Mugabe has no solution to the crisis,” Tsvangirai said in a brief speech to supporters gathered in Africa Unity Square wearing Tshirts in the party’s red colours.

Supporters of Zimbabwe’s opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party protest against President Mugabe in Harare on April 14, 2016. Photo: AFP

Mali’s president operated on in France for tumour

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A L I ’ S President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita underwent an operation at a hospital in Paris this week as part of treatment for a benign tumour on his neck, the presidency said in a statement late on Wednesday.

Keita, 71, who has served as president of the West African nation since 2013, was operated on for a parathyroid adenoma in a procedure

•President Keita

on Tuesday described by the presidency as routine.

“The after effects are generally simple ... The recovery is progressing normally,” the statement said.

West and Central African nations, home to a number of long-serving leaders, often lack transparency with regards to the health of heads of state, a fact that regularly fuels rumours of serious illness.

Malawi declares national disaster as food shortage looms

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ALAWI’S President Peter Mutharika declared a national disaster after a severe drought ravaged the southern African nation and appealed for 1.2 million tonnes of maize to plug a looming deficit of the staple.

Mutharika said Malawi faces a maize deficit of 1.072 million metric tonnes in the 2015/16 (December-March) growing season, representing a decline of over 12 percent compared to prior season.

A drought in the region, exacerbated by an El Nino weather pattern, has

scorched maize fields and placed about 16 million people at risk of hunger, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) said in March. [nL8N16C24B] Agriculture is Malawi’s mainstay, accounting for a third of the economy and providing livelihoods for 80 percent of the population of about 15 million people.

Estimates of maize production taken between mid-February and March pegged the output at 2.431 million tonnes from 2.776 million tonnes in the previous season, the president said late on Tuesday.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2015 — 3

C M Y K

4—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15 , 2016

POCKET CARTOON

FOR CHIBOK GIRLS —A walk to commemorate the two years of the abduction of the Chibok Girls between the Unity Fountain and the Aso Rock Villa Gate, Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

Chibok Girls: Police deny #BBOG access to Villa Continues from Page 1 villa to secure the assurance of the government on the release of the girls.

This came as President Muhammadu Buhari in far away China, where he is currently on a state visit, sent soothing words to parents of the girls, saying he shared in their pains and assurred that his administration would do everything possible to secure their release.

The House of Representatives also, yesterday, ordered the Ministry of Interior to compensate the girls’ parents, even as the United Nations and United States government called for the unconditional release of the girls.

This is even as Boko

Haram leaders have expressed anger over the leak of the video of 15 Chibok girls to the media, which was shown to parents of the abducted girls in Maiduguri a few days ago.

The parents and #BBOG members had, as part of its Global Week of Action to commemorate the second year anniversary of kidnap of the school girls, sought to access the Presidency to rub minds with state officials on the way forward, especially as the President is on a state visit to China.

However, the police built a human shield just metres away from the gate of the villa to deny the peaceful protesters entry.

A Divisional Police Office, DPO, Grace Lunge, who led the

IT'S UP TO YOU

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BY AYO ADIO

HE true test of a vision is when it meets with stiff opposition and yet finds a way to thrive even against the odds. It's up to you.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Destiny is not a matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited, it is a thing to be achieved —William J Byran

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HAT is your life purpose, maybe you know it and are living your best possible life. But really to live a fullfilling life comprise mastering your gifts, talents, desires and challenges. Your destiny is what you do best, combined with what you want and what challenges you most. The process is the means to an end...as you overcome challenges and develop character strengths. You’re unfolding into greater opportunities in mastering your destiny.

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE

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F they tell a man a proverb and he demands an explanation, it means that the dowry paid on his mother's head is a waste.

operation, said the group was prevented from heading to the Villa due to security concerns, insisting that the area which the group was stopped fell within the precincts of the presidential villa.

However, former Minister of Education and one of the key leaders of the group, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, said the barricading of the area was inappropriate as the group was a civil organisation which wanted to get close to the seat of power to read its statement.

She regretted that the police acted as though the nation was still under a military junta.

Chairperson of the strategic team of the group, Aisha Yesufu, said that with the strong promises made by President Muhammedu Buhari on the rescue of the girls, the group had thought that by now, there would have been a positive outcome regarding their rescue.

“It is for this reason that parents of Chibok girls, their community and our movement were devastated by the feedback received from the President, seven months into this administration.

"We are puzzled at the fact that the President in our meeting of January 14, 2016, inferred that our Chibok girls were not yet rescued because the government lacked credible intelligence on the whereabouts of the girls,” she said.

Yesufu, who stated that Nigeria and the world had failed the 219 Chibok schoolgirls by not rescuing them from the clutches of the Boko

Haram sect, even after two years in captivity, however, said the group’s hope and that of the parents of the abducted girls was renewed following the recent release of “proof of life video” of some of the abducted girls who were identified by their parents.

According to her, this, for the group, is a good lead in getting the location of the girls.

“It is for these reasons that our movement will not stop reminding our President and the federal government of their constitutional mandate and his personal pledge to rescue our Chibok girls.

For 716 days, we have advocated relentlessly and shall continue until our girls are rescued,” she said.

I share your pains — Buhari But reacting from China where he is on a state visit, President Buhari said he was moved by the trauma parents of the abducted girls had passed through in the last two years, saying he shared in their pains.

Media aide to the President, Mallam Garba Shehu, in a statement to mark the second year anniversary of the girls’ abduction, quoted the President as saying that his government and the Armed Forces would intensify efforts to rescue them.

The statement read in part: “On the second year anniversary of the kidnap of the girls, President Buhari affirms that, as a parent and leader of the country, he understands the torment, frustration and anxiety of the parents and will not spare any effort to ensure the safe return of the girls.

“The President continues to believe that with the total commitment of the Federal Government, Nigerian

Armed Forces, other security agencies, and the support of the international community, the girls will be eventually rescued.

“President Buhari notes that thousands of persons, mostly women and children, who were kidnapped by Boko Haram, have already been rescued and reunited with their families. He shares the hope of the parents that the Chibok girls will ultimately be rescued and reunited with their families as well.

“The President assures the parents that the Federal Government and security agencies will continue to explore all possible options for the safe return of the girls.

“President Buhari urges the parents to continue to exercise patience and understanding as the government works diligently to ensure that the girls return home unharmed.

“The President thanks all Nigerians, religious, civil organizations and the international community for their continued sympathy, support and prayers for the return of the Chibok girls.”

Three ministers lead FG delegation to Chibok Three ministers led the Federal Government delegation to Chibok town, yesterday, in commemoration of the two years abduction of 219 schoolgirls.

Minister of Environment, Mrs Amina Mohammed; Minister of State for National Planning, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed; her Works, Power and Housing counterpart, Mustapha Baba Shehuri; Sen Ali Ndume (Borno Central) and Sen Binta Garba (Adamawa North) joined Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State at Government Secondary School where the girls were kidnapped, to offer prayers for the return of the teenagers kidnapped on April 14, 2014 by Boko Haram.

Angry parents and relations of the abducted girls maintained that only the release of their daughters could relieve their pains. Leader of the abducted Chibok girls' parents, Mr Yakubu Nkeki, in a speech, said the grief and sorrow of their missing daughters were boldly written on their faces.

“We cannot fathom your definite location and the condition you are in right now. Are you alive or dead? Are you pregnant, put to bed or empty? Have you eaten the food of your choice or forced to eat something against your will? Have you taken your bath today? How do you take care of yourself during your menstrual flow?” he queried.

He said nobody could answer some of the posers except the abductors of their daughters, urging the government to step up efforts at freeing the girls.

Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima, said former President Goodluck Jonathan should be blamed for the woes of the Chibok parents.

He said the schoolgirls would have been freed a few days after the abduction had the president acted.

“The president didn’t even believe the abduction took place.

Perhaps that was why he and his wife never visited Chibok even for once.

One noisy governor even recently said the abduction of our daughters was false.

We'll not rest until they return — Saraki Senate President,Bukola Saraki, yesterday, reiterated the commitment of the Senate to the safe return of the Chibok girls, adding that members of the legislature would not rest until the girls were rescued and reunited with their families.

Saraki spoke when the Women Arise for Change Initiative led by its President, Dr. Joe Okei-

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15 , 2016—5

ENUGU SUMMIT—From Left: Minister of Labour, Dr Chris Ngige; Chairman, Airpeace, Mr Allen Onyema; Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; Director-General, Oganiru Enugu State Investment Summit, Mr Ike Chioke and Chairman, Peace Mass Transit, Mr Sam Onyishi, during the closing ceremony of the summit in Enugu, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

CHIBOK GIRLS: Police deny #BBOG access to Villa Continues from Page 4 Odumakin visited him in Abuja as part of activities to mark the second year anniversary of the kidnap of the Chibok girls and also to present a Guideline on Gender Based Violence (GBV) and young persons in Nigeria to him.

The Senate President also expressed optimism that the efforts at rescuing the Chibok girls were moving towards a positive conclusion.

“I want to assure that the 8th Senate is in total support of your activities and you can take us as partners in this process of reducing Gender Based Violence. The caliber of Senators present at this courtesy call demonstrates our commitment to work with you.

“Today also symbolizes two years in which we had this horrific event of the kidnap of the Chibok girls.

So far, as we all recognize, I believe that we are getting closer to seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

"Similarly, the House of Representatives, yesterday, ordered the Ministry of Interior to compensate parents of the abducted Chibok girls and condemned their continued captivity.

The legislators also in plenary, described the abduction of the girls as a ‘national shame’ to Nigeria.

The House equally resolved to summon the leadership of Nigerian Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC,

to explain to it efforts made so far to locate and rescure the abducted school girls.

The House position was sequel to a motion on matters of urgent public importance promoted by Asabe Vilitas Bashir, represnting Chibok Federal Constituency of Borno State, wherein she called attention to the plight of the missing girls and their parents.

While moving the motion, she stated that “the need to intensify search and rescue effort of the Chibok girls on the occasion of the two years anniversary of their abduction."

Vilitas commended the effort of the present administration and security agencies in the fight against Boko Haram and urged more spirited efforts at expediting action on establishing the girls’ location and rescue.

She further explained that most of the parents whose daughters were abducted, had been confronted with various kinds of health challenges due to the trauma and shock from the unfortunate incident.

The speaker, Yakubu Dogara, who led the pack of lawmakers, said: “As we lament the length of time taken to rescue these girls, we must, however, commend the Bring Back Our Girls Campaign Group and security agencies in their effort of awareness.

"This is a despicable crime against humanity.

We must not lose our sense of urgency over the abduction which

amounted to a state of national shame.”

Dogara urged the parents not to lose hope but believe that “though, mourning is long, joy would come at the end.”

In her contribution, Nnena Elendu-Ukeje, PDP, Abia, said: “Today marks 730 days that we lost 219 school girls from Chibok Secondary School in Borno State. Opinions are divided. Some people have the mindset that the girls may not be found, many others are optimistic that they will be found and rescued.

“But, of course, you will agree with me that the incident today represents the sorrow and horror that the people of the North East have faced in the hands of insurgents.

“Government must not indulge in complacency and must continue to strengthen the Nigerian armed forces to continue to comb the forests in an effort to recover, rescue and return these girls.

"Whatever it is that gave them (Boko Haram) the heart to do this evil act was due to a moral justification that they represent what’s right and good according to their mindset.

“Let me say that while we want them to bring back our girls, we must give the necessary facelift to the Nigerian Army; let’s commend their effort in the ongoing war on terror and spur them to make the necessary sacrifice towards locating and rescuing these girls.”

Abiodun Yakubu Balogun, APC, Lagos, while lamenting the situation, said: “It’s a

shame for the country that despite the treaties Nigeria entered into with foreign counterparts in the course of rescuing the girls, till date, they have not been rescued.”

Aminu Sulaiman, APC, Kano said: “As a nation, we have done our best in the cause of trying to rescue these girls, but our best appears not to be good enough.

“If negotiation with this bad group (Boko Haram) will bring these girls back, I think the country should do so”.

Oghene Egoh, PDP, Lagos, moved for an amendment to the motion, saying the Ministry of Interior should compensate the family of victims.

He also suggested that the Inspector General of Police and the NSCDC boss be invited to the House to brief it on efforts made so far to rescue the girls.

At this point, the House resolved to send a high powered delegation to meet the parents of the abducted girls.

The motion was put to voice vote and was unanimously passed and referred to the House Committee on Interior for further legislative action.

US urges their immediate release

In the same vein, the United Nations and African Human Rights Groups, AHRG, have appealed to the Islamist sect to reveal the location of the abducted girls, even as the United States called for their immediate release without preconditions.

U.S. also said it was delivering over $240m in development and humanitarian assistance across the Lake Chad Basin to provide conflictaffected populations and refugees with transitional assistance, psycho-social services, health programmes, and emergency education for children displaced by violence.

The appeal by UN and AHRG was contained in a statement issued in New York, ahead of yesterday’s second anniversary of the schoolgirls’ abduction.

It also charged the federal government to step up its efforts to rescue all civilians kidnapped by Boko Haram.

The statement read: “In the last two years, in spite of re-assurances from those at the highest level of the Nigerian government, the parents have not seen any concrete progress in locating and liberating their daughters.

“The lack of access to information increases the suffering of the abductees’ families through false hopes and frustrations.

“The grievances of the families and their most basic right to be kept informed about the plight of their loved ones has largely been ignored” the statement read.

It added that: “We are nonetheless seriously concerned by the absence of follow-up in the provision of care, recovery and reintegration measures for victims of sexual violence.

“The reintegration and rehabilitation of women and children are essential in the path towards lasting peace.

“Both the Nigerian authorities and the international community should make it clear that all alleged crimes perpetrated by Boko Haram will be promptly, thoroughly and independently investigated.

“Those responsible, directly or as commanders or superiors, should be brought to justice.

“The declaration by the African Union making this year the African Year of Human Rights with a specific focus on women’s rights should be an additional call to action for African States and the international community.

“They should actively support Nigeria in its fight against Boko Haram, and also in addressing deep-rooted human rights violations such as gender-based violence and discrimination.”

Also in a statement by the Deputy Spokesperson, United States Department of State, Washington, D.C, Mark Toner, the United States again called

for the immediate release, without preconditions, of all hostages held by Boko Haram.

It noted that the kidnapping of the young women and other countless others by Boko Haram, epitomised the terrorist group’s depravity.

The U.S. said it would continue to assist the federal government with intelligence and advisory support in its efforts to locate and bring home all those who had been kidnapped by Boko Haram.

Meanwhile, Boko Haram leaders are angry over the leak of the video of 15 Chibok girls to the media.

CNN had obtained the video which it reported, had been seen by negotiators and government officials.

The American news network showed the clip to some of the Chibok parents ahead of the second anniversary of the kidnappings yesterday.

In the video, apparently recorded in December 2015, the girls, who said they were speaking on behalf of their colleagues, expressed the desire to be reunited with their families.

However, security sources said Boko Haram leaders were “livid” over the media leak which they considered treacherous since “it was never intended for broadcast”.

They are reportedly accusing the government of “cheating” because the video was only recorded as “proof of life” for the negotiators.

The sources said the insurgents have warned of “dire consequences” over the leak – without going into specifics.

“They think the government and the media are not genuinely interested in the girls’ freedom,” one of the security sources said.

There are strong suspicions in intelligence circles that the girls have been divided into different groups among different Boko Haram “divisions” and that the latest video was proof that they were probably in batches of 15 or less.

It is thought that with the latest video, one group is only trying to negotiate using the girls in its care.

Federal government officials are sceptical about negotiating with unknown elements to avoid the billion-naira industry created around it under the past administration.

Pictures of five of the girls were reportedly shown to government officials by negotiators in January 2016 by another group of negotiators.

6 — Vanguard, FRIDAY APRIL 15 , 2016

Crisis looms in Oshodi community over land tussle

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HE Lagos State government has been called upon to intervene in the ongoing land dispute in Ilamoshe Community in Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area to prevent a looming bloodbath in the area.

Making this appeal in a communique, leaders of the community, at the end of a recent meeting, noted that the unlawful activities of the judgement creditor, Alhaji Hakeem Osuolale, on behalf of the Abiodun O. Ojo Family, if not promptly checked, could lead to a breakdown of law and order, and destruction of lives and property.

The community leaders stressed that the judgement creditor ’s continued disobedience of court orders was contemptuous of the Nigerian courts and called on the Chief Judge of Lagos State to look into the matter.

The communique stated that the Court of Appeal judgement in Suit No. CA/L/669/2007, in a case between Alhaji Imam Ayinde Akinyemi Vs Abiodun O. Ojo, delivered on November 25, 2011, which ended in favour of Abiodun O. Ojo, and being executed by one Akeem Osuolale, affected only some areas of the community named in the judgment as specified in the affected area verged red in survey plan No. LA/1425/D/001/ 2011 dated August 22, 2011.

It therefore called on the judgement creditor and all those involved in the execution of the judgment to desist from levying further execution on areas not affected by the judgement, and enjoined the Surveyor-General of Lagos State to intervene by carefully marking out the boundaries covered by the areas verged red in the aforesaid judgement creditor’s Survey Plan.

AMBODE’S STEWARDSHIP Roads, power, empowerment top Lagosians' request

By Leke Adeseri, South West Regional Editor, Olasunkanmi Akoni & Monsur Olowoopejo

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AGOS—GOVERNOR Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State was in his elements yesterday as he reeled out the performance of his 11-month-old governance of the state of excellence.

Coincidentally, he was at his own Senatorial District of Lagos East and obviously won the admiration of his audience as he granted virtually all the requests of the people which centred mainly on roads rehabilitation, power supply and empowerment.

It got to a peak when a welder notified him of his inability to send his children to school because his Igbo-Olomu community of more than a million residents had never enjoyed public power supply.

Ambode, apart from directing the relevant government agencies to give the people electricity, promised to personally buy a generator for the welder.

To sign MoU on 4th Mainland Bridge before May 29

Meantime, Ambode also at the Town Hall Meeting said the State Government will formally sign a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with investors for the construction of the proposed 4th Mainland Bridge before the end of May 2016.

Yesterday’s event was the First Quarter 2016 Town Hall Meeting, the third in the series, held at the Ikorodu Town Hall, Ikorodu.

According to the governor, once the MoU is signed, work would begin on the 4th Mainland Bridge, which according to him, would go a long way to boost the economy of Lagos East Senatorial District.

He said, “Many investors have shown interest in the actualization of our dream for the

TOWNHALL MEETING: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, exchanging pleasantries with Senator Ganiyu Solomon and Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello during the 2016 First Quarter Town Hall meeting, at the Ikorodu Town Hall, Ikorodu, Lagos, yesterday.

4th Mainland Bridge which will run from Ajah to Ikorodu to Isawo and berth at Ojodu, Ikeja back to the Ibadan expressway.

By the grace of God, we will sign an MoU and start action before May 29.”

Governor Ambode said the intention of his administration is to ensure that no part of the state is left undeveloped, expressing optimism that the Lagos East Senatorial District which used to be the economic hub of the state in the then Western Region will regain its position.

Orders enforcement of Okada restriction on Mile 12-Ikorodu road

Responding to complaints on the menace of motorcycles, otherwise known as Okada in the State, Governor Ambode asked the people whether they would support a total ban on such mode of transportation in this age and time and in a city like Lagos, a question which was answered in the affirmative by majority of the stakeholders in the hall who raised their hands in support.

The Governor said: “I’m encouraged by this very

We prefer devt, not relocation, say Mile 12 Market traders

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

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AGOS—THE Mile 12 Traders Association, Lagos, has urged the Lagos State Government to upgrade the market instead of relocating it to Imota area of the state.

The traders made the plea at a news briefing in Lagos yesterday.

The Secretary, Shukurah Yam Market, Mr Collins Obichukwu and the Chairman, Provision and Electronics Section, Chief Sunday Ossai, said the traders were not consulted before making the decision to relocate.

Obichukwu suggested that the government should develop the market into a modern one with

functional facilities like it did at Sura, Apongbon and Tejuosho markets with minimum hardship to the traders.

The trader said that the proposed relocation of the market would be at variance with their position during the meeting held with the government when the market was shut.

He said that the traders had earlier agreed with the government that issues bordering on relocation would be subjected to extensive consultation with the stakeholders of the market.

“The government did not dialogue with us before making declaration of relocating the market within six months.

“How will a government make unilateral declaration on a matter that affects our livelihood and the masses without due consultation with the people that will be directly affected particularly in a democratic dispensation.

“Instead of relocating us, government should modernise our market; after all we also pay tax,” he said.

Ossai said that the report, which claimed that the traders had agreed to the relocation was false.

He alleged that the traders were coerced by the state government to agree to relocation as a condition before the market could be reopened after the bloody clash in the area.

transparent, credible, free and fair affirmation which I just got from the people. From the response, many of the people in this hall are in support of a total ban on Okada and since this is a government of the people, all the security agencies in Lagos including the Police, Task Force, LASTMA and others, to start with, are hereby directed to fully enforce the ban on Okada between Mile 12 and Ikorodu.

Speaking on the need for the youths in the state to key into the programmes lined up for them by his administration, Governor Ambode urged street urchins and youths involved in social vices such as cultism to lay down their arms assuring that they would be empowered to be gainfully and productively engaged.

Highlights of the administration’s recent achievements

Highlighting some of his administration’s strides in the last quarter, Governor Ambode said the State achieved major breakthrough in security, saying that since the launch of the N4.78 billion equipment, the state had won several battles against crime.

He said the quick response in the rescue of the kidnapped girls in Ikorodu and the quelling of the Mile 12 riot were testimonies of the effectiveness of the security system in Lagos.

The Governor added that many criminals had so far been arrested since the launch of the security equipment, saying that he was ready to pay for information given that would lead to the arrest of hardened criminals.

Labour moves against ex-govs, others earning dual salaries

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

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RGANISED Labour yesterday described as the height of corruption recent revelations that not less than 21 governors, deputy governors and Senators or Ministers were drawing billions of Naira in pension payment and salaries simultaneously while millions of workers went without salaries every month end.

Speaking through the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, labour equally demanded that offensive state laws prompted the corrupt practices be repealed immediately and the ex-governors and their ex-deputies be made to refund what they had taken .

In a statement by Mr. Ayuba Wabba, Labour contended that it was illegal and immoral to collect double pay from the same public coffers.

According to the statement: “We are saddened by the recent revelations that not less than 21 governors and deputy governors are Senators or Ministers and

drawing billions of Naira in pension payment and salaries (at the same time) while millions of wage earners go without salaries for months on end.''

Lagos Assembly condemns children’s involvement in hawking

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HE Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday called on Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to direct the necessary agencies to stop under-age children from hawking across the state.

The call followed a motion moved by Mr Sola Giwa (APCLagos Island I) under matters of urgent public importance.

Giwa said that hawking was rampant in the state and had not only brought physical harm to children involved, but also led to psychological trauma.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016 — 7

Fayose writes Chinese govt to stop FG's $2bn loan request

By Rotimi Ojomoyela

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DO-EKITI—THE Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has called on Chinese Government not to accede to the request of the $2 billion loan being sought by the Federal Government of Nigeria This was contained in a letter written to the Chinese Government by Governor Fayose on Thursday.

Fayose said in the letter which was addrssed to President Xi Jinping of China, “The government of China should be mindful of the fact that Nigerians, irrespective of their political and religious affiliations are totally opposed to increment of the country’s debt burden, which is already being serviced with 25 per cent of the Federal Government annual budget.”

President Buhari’s visit to China this week was to discuss the development of the country’s infrastructure, including a $2 billion loan for railway projects.

In the letter dated April 12, 2016, with reference number: EK/ GOV/28/10, delivered by Fayose’s Chief of Staff, Barrister Dipo Anisulowo, in Abuja on Thursday, through the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Gu Xiaojie, the Governor said some of the projects for which the loan was being sought were not captured in the controversial 2016 budget, which has been sent to President Buhari by the National Assembly for his assent.

Anisulowo, who was with Deputy Speaker of the State Assembly, Segun Adewumi; Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Gboyega Aribisogan; Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Samuel Omotosho; and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said Governor Fayose, who is in China, will deliver a copy of the letter directly to the Chinese President.

The letter reads in part, “I write as one of the major stakeholders in the project Nigeria, and a governor of one of the federating

units making up Nigeria, to draw your attention to report that the Federal Government of Nigeria is on the verge of obtaining a $2 billion loan from the Export-Import Bank of China.

“This $2 billion loan is part of the N1.84 trillion the Federal Government of Nigeria has proposed to borrow to finance the 2016 budget, which is yet to be signed by the President, Muhammadu Buhari owing to unending controversies between the Executive and Legislative

arms of government.

“According to reports, Nigeria desires to raise about $5 billion abroad to cover part of its 2016 budget deficit. This is projected to hit N3 trillion ($15 billion) due to heavy infrastructure spending at a time when the slump in global oil prices has slashed the country’s export revenues.

“Most importantly, Nigeria is presently servicing debt with about 25 per cent of its annual budget and what will happen to the economy in 2017, when the country will begin to service the additional debt to be incurred

this year is better imagined than experienced.

“The Chinese government must also be aware that some western nations approached by the Federal Government for loan diplomatically declined.

“This must have been informed by the suspicion in the present government’s capacity to salvage the nation’s economy as well as the sincerity in the fight against corruption. More so that Nigeria’s Foreign Reserve, which is the only guarantee for foreign loan has declined to a very uncomfortable level.''

How N1.5bn was transferred from NIMASA to private accounts – WITNESS forgery, preferred against them

By Onozure Dania

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AGOS—A prosecution witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC Teslim Ajuwon told a Lagos state High Court sitting at Igbosere of how the sum of N1.5billion was transferred from Nigerian Maritime Administration Safety Agency NIMASA into various companies account.

Akpobolokemi was arraigned alongside Captain Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Amechee Juan, Vincent

Udoye, Captain Adegboyega Sahib Olopoenia and a company, Gama Marine Nigeria Limited.

The 1st to 5th defendants (Akpobolokemi, Captain Agaba, Nwakuche, Juan, Udoye) were alleged to have between October 30, 2014 and May 6, 2015 converted to their personal use N346,844,680.00 property of NIMASA released to them for the implementation of Voluntary International Maritime Organisation Member State Audit Scheme (VIMSAS).

They are standing trial on a 13counts bordering on stealing and

by EFCC. The witness who was testifying before Justice Raliat Adebiyi said that the money was transferred into various accounts.

Ajuwon who is a compliance officer of a new generation bank, told the court that on 29 of August 2014, there was a transfer of the sum of N498.2 million into the account of committee of VIMSAS account.

He further stated that on May 20, 2015, N318 million was also transferred from NIMASA into the account of VIMSAS.

LEKKI GARDENS: Lagos Judiciary defends redeployment of Magistrate

By Abdulwahab Abdulah

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HE Lagos State judiciary yesterday clarified that the redeployment of Magistrate Afolashade Botoku presiding over the collapsed Lekki Garden’s case from the Ebute-Meta Magistrate’s Court to another court was nothing but a usual re-deployment by the state judiciary.

It therefore described the exercise as ‘’an internal issue and exercise by the state judiciary.”

This was disclosed by the Lagos State High Court Chief Registrar, Mr Emmanuel Ogundare, in a telephone chat with Vanguard.

Ogundare who wondered why people were apprehensive of the redeployment

of the Magistrate, said that the State Chief Judge reserves the statutory right to deploy any officer of the court to any jurisdiction within the state.

When reminded that the affected Magistrate was redeployed to a lower court, he insisted that ; “There was nothing unusual about that.”

The authorities was reported to have transferred Chief Magistrate Afolashade Botoku from the EbuteMeta Magistrate’s Court for granting bail to the Managing Director of Lekki Gardens, Mr. Richard Nyong, on self recognition and admitting a contractor, Odofin Taiwo, to bail in the sum of N10 million before the expiration of a remand order she had earlier granted.

FULANI HERDSMEN ATTACKS: Afenifere

OBHS 81/82 rejects grazing commission bill set holds maiden

By Dayo Johnson and award to another set of citizen. re-union tomorrow “We stand with the decision of the

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HE Ondo Boys High School, 81/82 SET holds its first ever re-union tomorrow at Afinju Resorts, Asoloeso Avenue, Arigbabola, Ondo.

A statement by the facilitator, Barr Remigious Akinbinu said the meeting is to re-unite and rekindle fond memories and discuss issues that would move the school to a more enviable height than what it is currently.

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KURE—THE Pan-Yoruba sociopolitical group, Afenifere yesterday rejected the grazing commission bill presently being debated at the National Assembly, describing it as offensive.

It therefore called on the National Assembly to “throw out the bill which is bound to generate unnecessary crises across the country.''

The National Chairman of the group Chief Reuben Fasoranti in a statement issued in Akure, said that the bill would rob a set of citizens of their possessions

2014 national conference which recommended the scrapping of grazing route for the establishment of ranches.

“Our attention has been drawn to a vexatious, obnoxious and provocative bill entitled “An act provided for the establishment and development commission for the preservation and control of national grazing reserves and stock routes and other matter connected therein.''

The bill was sponsored by Senator Zainab Kure from Niger State.

Glo upgrades Ghana network data capacity to 20m customers

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LO Mobile Ghana network has the capacity to adequately accommodate 20 million data subscribers, the new Head of Business of the company, Mr Augustine Mamuro, has disclosed.

He added that the newly upgraded network has been made possible because Glo had undertaken numerous network improvement projects designed to significantly improve the network experience of its subscribers.

Mamuro disclosed that subscribers on the network using data would enjoy an unmatched experience in terms of speed of download as Glo Mobile High Speed Packet Access Plus (HSPA+) network had been upgraded to make download speed much better than what it used to be.

“We have in recent time been able to achieve a lot of improvement and built up capacity to accommodate over 20 million data subscribers on our network. Data is the future of telecoms and any focus in this regard will always serve the best interest of our subscribers,” he further explained.

8—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

Human rights abuses: ICC probes Nigerian Army, Boko Haram

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BUJA — THE International Criminal Court, ICC, has started the process of investigating human rights abuses by the Nigerian military.

The Netherlands-based court will also investigate abuses by Boko Haram, the terror group whose activities have caused the death of about 20,000 people in Nigeria since 2009.

The military has been accused of illegal killings and incarceration by local and international groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

However, on Wednesday, the Federal Government expressed commitment to uphold the highest standards of human rights in the conduct of all international affairs, including counter-insurgency operations in the country.

Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, made the pledge when he received a delegation from the office of Madame Fatou Bensouda, the ICC Prosecutor.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Salihu Isah, the minister assured the delegation that Nigeria had high value for its relationship with the ICC. Malami said the Nigerian Army had conducted its operations in the North East of the country in a highly professional manner, imbibing best practices in the areas of international human rights.

He also said he was aware of the eight case files opened against Nigeria by the ICC, which the prosecutor intended to investigate in her next stage of assessment of the Nigerian situation.

According to him, six of the alleged cases were committed by the Boko Haram sect, while the remaining two are by the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The minister insisted that Nigeria had the rights to handle alleged crimes referred to in the prosecutor’s 2015 report of activities in the country.

Responding, leader of delegation, Phakiso Choko, said the prosecutor did not intend to compromise the sovereign rights of Nigeria in investigating crimes and meting out punishment.

He said most cases referred to the ICC were the ones host nations were unable to resolve through internal mechanism.

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Violence: Enough is enough, FG warns herdsmen, farmers Blames

social media for fuelling crisis

By Omeiza Ajayi

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BUJA — IRKED by the wave of deadly clashes between herdsmen and farmers in some parts of the country, the Federal Government, yesterday, in Abuja put its foot down, declaring that enough was enough, vowing to deal with perpetrators.

Minister of Interior, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd) and Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Bassey Okon Akpanyung, gave the warning at a one-day stakeholders’ meeting on Pa s t o r a l i s t s - S e d e n t a r y Farmers’ conflict in Nigeria.

The warning came, even as the government blamed the social media for its unsavoury role in fuelling much of the crisis, especially as it related to reprisals.

According to Dambazau, “the rise of the social media and the internet has given scope to non-traditional media outlets which has seen interest groups frame stories surrounding the conflict in ways that have tended to undermine the corporate existence of Nigeria.”

While he noted that clashes between herdsmen and farmers had grave implications for Nigeria’s internal security architecture,

the minister said the parley was to arrive at a common understanding of the problems underlying the conflict and to harness institutional memory of past policy interventions from the various stakeholders.

He said: “There have been a number of committees and think-thank type investigations into the conflict in the past and it is the intention of the Ministry of Interior to gather these together and note which have been implemented, highlighting the effects and failures of each in order to arrive at narrative and doctrinal certainties.

He said a subsequent and expanded meeting would be held soon to develop a sustainable and enduring solution to the conflict but warned that such engagements must be devoid of ethnic, religious or partisan agenda which often led to rancour and sentimental difficulties.

The permanent secretary, on his part, regretted that such conflicts had led to the untimely deaths of not just the actors but many innocent Nigerians.

He said: “We have, as a nation, already lost many lives and we must find a solution to this conflict.

It is of a needless nature and we think enough is enough.”

The parley drew participants from security agencies, National Boundary Commission, National Human Rights Commission, relevant ministries, among others.

Power: Total commits 300mscf gas daily to domestic market

By Clara Nwachukwu

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AGOS — POWER supply n the country is set to get a boost as Total Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, TEPNG, has committed to devote about 300 million standard cubic feet, mscf, of gas daily to the domestic market.

Total said the dedicated gas was in fulfillment of its domestic gas obligation, DGO, as required by the Federal Government under the Gas Master Plan, GMP. Gas supply has been a major challenge for sustainable electricity supply in Nigeria, as the generating plants are starved of the needed feedstock to power the plants, a development that has kept generation output at its lowest ebb in the recent times, with dire economic consequences.

Recall that gas producers, particularly, the international oil companies, IOCs, are often accused of reneging on the DGO and preferred to channel their gas for liquefied natural gas, LNG, export for higher profit than government’s gasto-power programme About 100MSCF of the 300MSCF gas will be used to feed the Alaoji Power Plant, a 1,131 megawatt, MW, capacity plant located near Aba, Abia State, while the balance of 200MSCF/d will be used for petrochemicals industry development Leading journalists, Wednesday, on a tour of Owaza Gas Plant, Ukwa West area of Abia State, from where the gas will be transported to Alaoji plant, Managing Director/ Chief Executive, TEPNG, Mr. Nicolas Terraz, disclosed that the plant would be ready for commissioning in July this year. i

Invests $5.7bn in OML 58 upgrade Deploys $900m in NOPL gas pipeline network

BRIEFING: From left, Executive Legal and Enforcement, Saindatu Bello; Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mounir Gwarzo and Executive Commissioner, SEC, Zakawanu Garuba, at the SEC first quarter Capital Market Committee meeting news conference, in Lagos yesterday. Photo: NAN Terraz, who led a management team of Total E&P on the tour, further said the project was “to help Nigeria achieve its gas aspiration and meet the Nigerian government gas flare out policy.”

According to him, no flaring will occur at the Owaza plant except for emergency purposes.

He said: “The project is being completed safely, with no major accident or injury. The project is designed to protect the environment, both in terms of operations and waste disposal."

Earlier, Total’s Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Ahmadu-Kida Musa, disclosed that TEPNG was resolute in helping Nigeria overcome its power challenges, as the company was also investing in alternative power solutions, through its subsidiary company, Sun Power.

“We are speaking with some state governments on alternative power solutions and we are in the process of finalising agreements with some of them," he said.

He said solutions were being structured along the lines of available resources around the geopolitical zones, such as solar for the North, hydro for the Middle Belt and gas for the Niger Delta.

He added that “if Nigeria is able to harness its gas potentialities, it will be selfsufficient in power.”

Total’s Executive Director, Oil & Gas Commercial, Mr. Patrick Olinma, had also noted that the siting of the National Integrated Power Plants, NIPPs, were based more on political considerations than economic and technical issues, particularly feedstock, to power

the plants.

The Owaza plant is part of Total’s $5.7billion Oil Mining Lease, OML 58 upgrade, embarked upon by the Nigerian unit of the French oil giant since 2008.

Total’s Project General Manager, OML 58 Upgrade Projects, Mr. Kayode Akiode, said the Gas Plant “was essentially designed to boost gas supply for both industrial and domestic use, and increase deliveries to the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, in Bonny, Rivers State, while meeting the Federal Government’s gas flare out policy.”

The plant also accommodates the $900 million, Northern Option Pipeline, NOPL, which he said “will also impact industries in Aba and environs which will receive gas delivery through the Nigerian Gas Company, NGC.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016—9

Senators endorse review of CCT, CCB Act To whittle down powers of CCT Amendment has nothing to do with Saraki’s trial —Ekweremadu

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By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

BUJA — THE Senate has unanimously endorsed the amendment of the Code of Conduct Act to remove the Code of Conduct Tribunal from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, and the Presidency.

With the Senate approval and for legislative processing, arrangements to amend the Code of Conduct Act to ensure fair hearing for accused persons as well as remove the powers of the Code of Conduct Tribunal from adjudicating on criminal matters, have begun.

Meanwhile, Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, was absent at yesterday’s plenary for undisclosed reasons as Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, presided.

Saraki is currently facing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, following a 13- count charge levelled against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, bordering on alleged corruption and false declaration of assets.

With the fresh initiative and when passed into law, the bill would whittle down the powers of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), and Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

The Code of Conduct Act CAP C15 LFN 2004 bill, which was sponsored by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Peter Nwaboshi, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Delta North, was first read, Tuesday, and had passed first reading.

It also scaled second reading and was referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions as well as Committee on Judicairy, Human Rights and Legal Matters, which are expected to report back to the Senate in the next two weeks.

Amendment has nothing to do with Saraki’s trial — Ekweremadu

Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over the session, however, explained that the amendment was not intended to influence the trial of Saraki for allegedly making false asset declaration.

Ekweremadu said: “Let me just say that this bill absolutely has nothing to do with the proceedings going on at the Code of Conduct Tribunal in which the Senate President is involved because his trial has commenced, as you are aware, and if you look at the commencement of the bill, last paragraph says ‘this bill maybe sighted as a Code of Conduct Bureau Tribunal Act amendment bill, 2016.'

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“That means the bill is not being made retroactive as to affect the proceedings at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

Certainly, it has nothing to do with it. We are only doing our work as parliamentarians and it is our responsibility to ensure that there is justice for all at all time and we must not be afraid or scared to do the job which the constitution has given us.

"I believe it is in the course of our duty that this amendment is being proposed because the

Code of Conduct Tribunal has come to stay and with all intent and purposes, we support the tribunal, we support the bureau but we would also make sure that in doing their work, there is also fairness, equity and all the principles enunciated in chapter four of our constitution dealing with human rights."

Senators hail proposal

Earlier in his lead debate on the general principle of the bill,

Senator Peter Nwaoboshi said: “The amendment of Section three of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act is to give every public officer appearing before the bureau fair hearing as provided for under Section 36 (2)(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.’’

Senators, in their contributions, hailed the proposal and urged the Senate to speedily pass the bill in order to restructure the CCB and CCT for effective and efficient performance.

INAUGURATION: From left, representative of FCT Minister, Mr. Salisu Abubakar; Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Ona of Abaji, Alhaji Adamu Babayunusa; Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, Nestle Waters, Mr. Marco Settembri; and Managing Director, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Mr. Dharmesh Gordhon, during the inauguration of Nestle waters factory at Abaji, in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Recapitalisation: SEC gives CMOs fresh December deadline

By Peter Egwuatu & Nkiruka Nnorom

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AGOS — THE Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, has given the 12 capital market operators, CMOs, that failed to meet up with its recapitalisation deadline last year, up till December 31 to recapitalise.

Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Mounir Gwarzo, stated this at the postCapital Market Committee, CMC, press briefing in Lagos ,yesterday.

He explained that operators who were disqualified for noncompliance or inability to substantiate claims of compliance by the audit firms would be allowed to come back to the market once they showed evidence of compliance within the stipulated period.

He, however, stressed that the commission would not extend another grace period to any operator who failed to meet the new date, saying their licenses would be withdrawn at the expiration of the deadline.

He said: “We have given a

grace of about 15 months from the initial deadline of September 30, 2015 to December 31, 2016.

Operators who did not meet the requirement within this period will have their operating license cancelled.”

He further stated that the commission also extended the deadline for free e-dividend registration by 150 days and would bear the cost of registration on behalf of investors who registered within the 150 days grace period.

He said subsequent registration at the end of the deadline would attract a fee of N100.

He noted that the e-dividend management system, which was launched last year by the commission in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) to enable investors have direct access to their dividends, had enjoyed high level of compliance from the investing public.

Budget 2016: Workers threaten to storm NASS over cut in allocation for welfare

By Victor AhiumaYoung

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BUJA —FEDERAL civil servants, yesterday, threatened to storm and occupy the National Assembly over the cut in the budgetary allocation meant for their welfare, as controversy surrounding 2016 federal budget remains unabated.

The workers on the platform of Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, rejected the cut in allocation in the Service Wide Vote where promotion arrears, salary increase and pension were captured.

In a statement by its Secretary General, Mr. Alade Bashir Lawal, ASCSN said it had concluded plans to mobilise workers all over the federation to occupy the National Assembly over the cut, expressing dismay over the high level of insensitivity of members of the National Assembly for putting their personal interest over and above that of majority of Nigerians.

“It is inconceivable that the federal lawmakers have decided to reduce by N28.5 billion the N465 billion voted by the executive arm of government to settle some arrears of allowances owed thousands of civil servants, some of which have been outstanding since 2007,” the union said.

ASCSN recalled that when President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office, the union wrote series of letters drawing his attention to these outstanding allowances that had continued to generate restiveness in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, for years.

Oil crash: Angola overtakes Nigeria in crude oil production As Nigeria’s production falls by 67,000bpd

By Ediri Ejoh, with agency reports

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AGOS — AS the crash in crude continues to hit hard on the country ’s economy, Angola is now the number one oil producing nation in Africa, taking over the position of Nigeria.

In its latest monthly report, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, said Nigeria’s oil production fell by 67,000 barrels per day (bpd)

in March.

The report said Nigeria produced 1.677 million bpd in March, down from 1.744 million barrels in February, while Angola oil output rose from 1.767 million bpd to 1.782 million.

This is the second time in four months that Angola would overtake Nigeria in crude oil production.

In November, OPEC’s statistics showed that Nigeria’s production fell by 250,000,

making it produced 1.607 million bpd, down from 1.812 million bpd in October.

While Angola produced 1.722 million bpd, compared to 1.607 million bpd the previous month.

Pipeline vandalism has been the major challenge in Nigeria’s oil production.

Meanwhile, the prices of crude at the international market dropped to $41.87 per barrel, with Brent crude gaining strength at $44.32 per barrel.

10—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

NSCDC loses officer in clash with Police

By Emma Una

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ALABAR—A confrontation between policemen and men of the Nigeria Security and Civil and Defence Corps, NSCDC, at a check point in Calabar, Wednesday night, led to the death of an NSCDC personnel after he was allegedly shot by one of the policeman.

Trouble , according to a source at the NSCDC’s office, started after the policemen mounted a check point close to the gate of NSCDC located at New Airport Road.

The NSCDC personnel who were returning from a duty at about 7 .45p.m. met the policemen, and it was alleged that the policemen ordered the NSCDC officers not to come out of their operational van. But one them allegedly came down from the van to explain to the policemen that they were NSCDC personnel. But he was allegedly shot dead on the spot before he could explain anything.

Mr. Eremi Solomon, the NSCDC Public Relations Officer for Cross River State Command, confirmed the incident and said investigations had begun to ascertain what happened between the policemen and the NSCDC personnel that led to the killing.

He said the Inspector General of Police and the Cross River State Commissioner had been informed of the incident “The New Airport Road where our office is located is a long stretch and we have been appealing to them to move the check- point at the gate of a sister security agency to a convenient point, but they seem to be unwilling to do so. We have written series of letters to the police authorities to appeal for the check point to be taken to another place on the road.”

The Cross River State Police Command spokesman, John Eluu said the police were unaware of the incident but would carry out investigation to ascertain what really took place

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Pipeline vandalism, illegal refinery: Navy arrests 6 in PH

By Kingsley Omonobi

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BUJA—BARELY 24 hours after President Muhammadu Buhari warned pipeline vandals that they would be treated like Boko Haram insurgents if they did not desist from the unpatriotic act, a Nigerian Navy patrol team deployed from NNS PATHFINDER arrested six persons for alleged illegal refinery of petroleum products and pipeline vandalism.

The suspects, now undergoing investigation, were

picked up from a large warehouse located at Ogbogoro Uzoba waterside around Choba in Port Harcourt Rivers State.

A statement by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Christian Ezekobe, said: “The raid is in continuation of the Chief of the Naval Staff’s strong resolve to stamp out all forms of crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, illegal refineries and other unwholesome activities that have impacted negatively on the security and economic development of Nigeria. The warehouse is suspected to serve as a storage facility for

illegally refined products.

“Also discovered in the facility include three wooden boats containing about 20,000 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO, 350 drums, several GP and metal tanks ranging from 1,000, 5,000 and 10,000 litres storage capacity as well as seven pumping machines. In addition, another Navy patrol team deployed from NNS DELTA discovered and destroyed two illegal refineries in Jones creek in Warri South West local Government Area of Delta State.

“The items also destroyed in

SERVICE OF SONGS: From left, Pastor Ayodele Joseph Oritsejafor, Rev. Fr. Anthony Anenene, Rev. Fr. Ambrose Abaka, and Catechist Alexander Odafiovor, during Service of Songs in honour of the late Ariyo of Warri Kingdom, Chief Willy Edema-Ofoni, a.k.a, Tolusan, in Warri, yesterday.

the site include a Cotonou boat laden with about 66,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, 4 GP storage tanks measuring 500 litres each. The GP tanks contain 2,000 metric tons of products suspected to be illegally refined AGO. Other items discovered at the site are 50 Jerry cans measuring 50 litres each containing 2.5 MT of products suspected to be illegally refined AGO, pumping machine, large metal tanks and a Cotonou boat.”

Continuing Ezekobe said: “In a related development, the Naval Patrol team deployed from NNS BEECROFT has intercepted a notorious gang which specialized in vandalizing and siphoning petroleum products from NNPC pipelines in the Atlas cove area. This time, the group ran out of luck as the naval team which was on routine surveillance patrol of the area discovered they were loading PMS from the NNPC Single point mooring at Atlas cove.

“On sighting the naval team, the suspects jumped into the water to evade arrest. In view of this, the patrol team confiscated the equipment they use for the illicit act including a wooden Cotonou boat laden with 245 empty drums measuring 250 litres each, 91 empty Jerry cans measuring 25 litres each, and 21 drums of 250 litres each loaded with stolen Premium Motor Spirit."

2-yr-old baby escapes death as landlady allegedly sets couple’s apartment ablaze

By Evelyn Usman

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TWO-YEAROLD child narrowly escaped being burnt to death, Tuesday, after his parents' apartment in Ijegun area of Lagos was allegedly set ablaze by their landlady, in a bid to forcefully eject them.

However, the Mr. & Mrs. Shakiru, owners of Burnt part of the building couple’s property the burnt appartment were destroyed in the fire. building, Shakiru was sighted what audacity I had to challenge The incident, which occurred at explaining what transpired to her husband’s authority. That was 8, Brothers' Street, Ijegun, sent some curious sympathisers, who the genesis of the problem residents scampering, but thronged the scene. between us and the landlady. managed to prevent the fire from He said: “I rented this room and “At a point, she pulled off our spreading to other apartments. parlour apartment two years ago doors and windows without any Vanguard gathered that trouble and have been using my small cause. The matter was reported started for the couple, Mr. and power generating set like every at Isheri division, but was later Mrs. Adeleke Shakiru after their other other tenant. The withdrawn after some persons in landlord, Mr. Jamiu Azeez generating set is kept outside the the area intervened. ordered him to stop using his building. When my landlord "The unexpected happened on power generating set, popularly asked me to stop using it, I asked Tuesday. I was at work, when my known as ‘I better pass my why, because I was not the only wife called at about 9a.m., to neighbour.’ But the couple one using generating set in the inform me that the landlady had reportedly ignored the order. building. set our apartment ablaze. I When Vanguard arrived the His wife interrupted and asked quickly rushed home, only to

discover that all our property were destroyed in the fire.”

His wife took over from him at this point, explaining that she was outside when a neighbour raised the alarm that their landlady had allegedly set the house ablaze.

She said: “A neighbour, who saw her, said she sprayed petrol through our window and immediately struck a match.

Before then, she was seen dragging one of my children to the well, threatening to throw him inside. But the move was prevented by a neigbour, who released my son from her grips.

“While the apartment was on fire, one of my neigbours rescued my two-year-old son, who was inside,” she said.

However, this reporter could not reach either the landlord or his wife as they were said to have taken to their heels immediately the apartment went up in flames.

Meanwhile, policemen at Isheri Osun, have reportedly been informed of the incident. Some of them, who visited the scene, were said to have taken shots of the building before leaving.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016—11

BOKO HARAM ABDUCTIONS: Freed 'bride' laments stigma ordeal A

17-YEAR-OLD Zara, rescued from Boko Haram captivity by the Nigerian Army, is finding it difficult to live with the stigma of being a former Boko Haram 'bride.'

According to her, she finds herself sometimes wishing she was back in the forest rather

than suffering the stigma of life as a Boko Haram 'bride.'

She was not one of the missing Chibok schoolgirls, and until now didn’t have her own social media hashtag, but like thousands of others - free or still captive - is deeply traumatised.

In telling #ZarasStory it’s

Perm Sec escapes lynching over unpaid salaries

By Salisu Maradun

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USAU—THE Permanent Secretary, Zamfara State Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Abubakar Bello, yesterday, narrowly escaped being lynched by aggrieved council workers over unpaid salaries..

It was gathered that the quick intervention of men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSDC, attached to the ministry, who whisked him away, saved the situation.

The incident took place when hundreds of workers stormed the ministry demanding payment of their March, 2016

salaries accusing the Permanent Secretary of diverting the money meant for the payment of their salaries into personal use.

One of the aggrieved workers, Tasiu Yusuf claimed the Permanent Secretary deliberately refused to give approval for the payment of the salaries, saying “we came here to ask why the delay in paying us our salaries. Are we not workers?”

The workers drawn from various local governments across the state also vowed not to leave the premises until cogent reason was given to them why their salaries was being delayed.

the first time she has spoken to outsiders about her terrible experience a year on, and the pain she still suffers to this day.

“They gave us a choice - to be married, or to be a slave. I decided to marry,” she said.

There is little difference, but for the child she was soon bearing.

Life was tough and dangerous. The air force jets bombarded the vast Sambisa Forest where the militants have their camps and from where soldiers rescued her and eventually returned her to her relatives.

“The women in our family realised she was three months pregnant,” said her uncle Mohamed Umaru, who told us more of her story.

“In our family it happens that some of us are Christians and some are Muslims. She was a Christian before she was kidnapped, but the Boko Haram, who married her

turned her into a Muslim."

There was a split in the family over what to do and they took a vote as to whether she should abort or keep the child.

The majority prevailed and she gave birth to a boy.

“She said her husband’s father is called Usman, so that is how she named the child,” Mohammed said.

And then the insults began.

“People call me a Boko Haram wife and called me a criminal. They didn’t want me near. They didn’t like me,” Zara said as a tear slowly slipped down her cheek.

She now sits inside the small walled compound around her house, afraid to go outside because of the cruel insults of the neighbourhood children messages of hate learned from their parents.

“They didn’t like my child.

When he fell sick nobody would look after him,” she

Nigeria had no political will to save under Jonathan —Okonjo-Iweala

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

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RSTWHILE MINISTER of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, has blamed the country ’s present economic situation on the zero political will of the immediate past government to save for the rainy day.

Speaking, yesterday, at the George Washington University, Washington D.C. Okonjo-Iweala said the Goodluck Jonathan administration differed seriously from the Olusegun Obasanjo administration under whose administration the Nigeria government saved $22 billion, which she said, helped to cushion the dryness that came the way of the country at the end of the last decade.

Okonjo-Iweala served as finance minister under President Obasanjo between 2003 and 2006 and again under President Jonathan between 2011 and 2015.

The former finance minister and World Bank president, who spoke on “inequality, growth and resilience,” with Chile as an example of a country with a saving culture, was quoted by The Cable, an online news medium, to have said: “We tried it in Nigeria, we put in an oil price based fiscal rule in 2004 and it worked very well.

“We saved $22 billion because the political will to do it was there. And when the 2008 /2009 crisis came, we were able to draw on those savings precisely to issue about a five per cent of GDP fiscal stimulus to the economy, and we never had to come to the Bank or the Fund.

“This time around and this is the key now, you need not only to have the instrument, but you also need the political will. In my second time as a C M Y K

Zara, stigmatised as Boko Haram bride said.

Last weekend, as Zara slept outside with Usman because of the heat, a snake got into their compound and the boy was killed. He was just nine months old.

Half the family celebrated what they called God’s will.

“Some were happy that he died,” Zara said. “They were happy the blood of Boko Haram had gone from the family.”

finance minister, from 2011 to 2015, we had the instrument, we had the means, we had done it before, but zero political will.

“So we were not able to save when we should have. That is why you find that Nigeria is now in the situation it is in. Along with so many other countries.

“That is the question that I ask, what do we need to do to these countries to save over a period of long accelerated growth.

“We need to devise mechanisms not just that are good technically but find a way to either embed them in the constitution or find a way to separate them from the political manipulation so that these countries can survive over time.

“To build resilience, African countries need tools, mechanisms and it is doable and we need to interrogate ourselves why we have not done it.”

The Cable further quoted her as saying that manufacturing was also critical to growth in Nigeria and the rest of Africa as she was reported to have said that manufacturing represented just 11 per cent of GDP in Africa.

“I do not believe that we can be resilient, except if we can encourage manufacturing even on the goods we consume, services, entertainment industry, agriculture.

“I think these are the kinds of questions that policy makers struggle with on a daily basis and that is what we are going to answer to get resilience.

“If we don’t get these mechanisms, we politicise them, find ways to transform the base of the economy and create jobs including in manufacturing, I believe we are going to go into this looming deceleration that is being talked about.”

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

Court reinstates Edo LG boss ...declares sack as illegal, null and void

By Gabriel Enogholase

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ENIN—AN Edo State High Court sitting in Benin, yesterday, reinstated Mr. Osaro Obazee, Chairman of Oredo Local Government Area of the state, who was recently sacked by the state governor.

The court declared his suspension and subsequent sack from office by Governor Adams Oshiomhole as illegal, null and void.

In her judgment in the suit

by Obazee challenging his suspension and later sack from office by the governor, Justice Esohe Ikponmwen held that the relevant sections of the constitution and the Edo State Local Government Law were not adhered to by the governor.

The court also cleared the council chairman of the allegation of financial recklessness levelled against him by the state government, just as it warned agents of the state government from disturbing the reinstated chairman as he goes about his lawful duties.

It will be recalled that Obazee, in the suit by his counsel, Mr. Kingsley Obamogie, had prayed the court to declare that as the constitutionally elected chairman of Oredo council, he

cannot be suspended on the whims and caprices of the state governor without regard to the due process of law, especially Sections 7(1) and 36(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.

He had also prayed the court to declare that the state

governor cannot competently set up a panel of inquiry to investigate allegetions of diversion and misappropriation of public funds in Oredo council and employment of new staff without the approval of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission and also

without giving him a fair hearing having already reached a firm conclusion on both issues.

Reacting to the judgment, Obazee expressed the hope that the court’s verdict would further strengthen democracy in the country.

The judgement is coming less than two weeks to the expiration of the tenure of democratically elected council chairmen in Edo State.

BRIEFING: From left: Pastor Nduka Chuks, CEO, Breach Repairers, NGO; Elizabeth Moses, musician; Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Chairman of Breach Repairers, and Mrs. Rita Amuka, volunteer, during a press briefing by the Breach Repairers on their forthcoming National Parenting Conference, tagged Critical Rescue, at SIAO, Alfred Rewane Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

Oshiomhole, Messiah of Edo —Ediaken N’Uselu

By Simon Ebegbulem

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ENIN—THE Edaiken N’Uselu, Crown Prince Ehenede Erediauwa, yesterday, described Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State as the Messiah that God gave the people of the state, saying that those angry that the governor enjoys close relationship with the Benin royal family should have a rethink.

The Ediaken, who said that the Benin traditional institution

“shall not fall, cannot fall, we can only go further,” told the governor when he paid him a thank you visit at Government House, Benin City, that his close affinity and respect for Benin traditional institution led to the unity and progress being witnessed in the state and prayed that the ancestors will continue to protect him as he looks towards his exit from office.

The Crown Prince also expressed gratitude to

President Muhammadu Buhari for receiving him recently when he went to inform the president of his movement to Uselu as Ediaken, just as he thanked Oshiomhole for facilitating the visit which he described as very successful.

Addressing members of the State Executive Council and top palace chiefs in the kingdom, the Crown Prince said, “Oshiomhole started very well and my prayer is that God and our ancestors

Oshiomhole’s aide docked for criticizing boss

By Gabriel Enogholase

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ENIN—SENIOR Special Assistant to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State on Media and Publicity, Mr. Curtis Ugbo, has been arraigned before an Oredo Magistrate court in the state for criticizing the governor on the internet and unlawful possession of a double barrelled gun.

Ugbo, 47, was arraigned on a three-count charge of publishing an article against the governor in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace and thereby committed an offence C M Y K

punishable under section 249(d) of the criminal code, Cap. 48, Vol. II, laws of the Defunct Bendel State of Nigeria 1976 as applicable in Edo State.

Police prosecutor, Inspector S. Iredia, told the court that the governor’s aide committed the offence on April 12, 2016 at Ugbor Road, with the caption: What’s wrong with my boss?

Part of the post reads: “The ground breaking of Edo State owned cement industry in partnership with a private company under Public Private Partnership and stakeholders,

no state House members or Speaker and National Assembly member's presence was noticed. Is Edo State now a personal business of Oshiomhole?”

The police in the charge sheet with No: Mor/2314/2016, also accused the governor’s aide of unlawful possession of a double barrelled gun without a duly acquired valid license After listening to the charges, the trial magistrate, C. Nwoha granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 and a surety who must own a property with Certificate of Occupancy.

will bring his tenure to an unblemished end in Edo State.

He is the messiah of everything in Edo State. I have not seen anything to change my mind up till now. I asked anybody with a contrary opinion to contradict what I said but I have not seen anybody to contradict me up till now.

“I just want to say that this visit here today is basically a thank you visit for many reasons. I want to thank our governor for the many things he has done in the state. He has laid a very strong foundation for democratic process, democratic development, he brought the one-man one-vote to the fore.”

Association assures on Nigerian fitters' competence

By Tare Youdeowei

P

RESIDENT of Fitters Senior Staff Association of Nigeria FISAN, Ambaiowei Ambaiowei, has said that Nigerian fitters were competent and more qualified compared to most expatriate fitters deployed to Nigeria by multinational companies.

Ambaiowei, yesterday, in Warri, Delta State, announced the certification of FISAN by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, saying that the body will create the enabling environment for its members to be gainfully engaged by multinationals.

According to him, FISAN was providing a platform on which oil firms and Nigerian fitters could work and relate efficiently, noting that FISAN has been dully registered to ensure that Nigerian fitters were no longer shortchanged in the industry.

Also, the general secretary of the association, Morrister Idibra and chairperson, Delta chapter, Wilson Kakaede, both expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity for certifying FISAN as a trade union and called on Nigerian government to prevail on multinationals to respect the local content Act.

St. Enda’s Old Students meet

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HE monthly general meeting of St. Enda’s College, Agbarho in Ughelli North Local Government area of Delta State, formerly Agbarho Grammar School, Agbarho, holds tomorrow at 12B, Abuja Close, Agbara Estate, Ogun State at 3 p.m, prompt.

A statement by the General Secretary, Mr. Sunday Orode, urged members to be punctual as crucial issues have been lined up for deliberation.

NLC declares Ayade Nigeria’s most labour-friendly gov

T

HE organised labour in Cross River State, yesterday, declared the state governor, Professor Ben Ayade, the most labour-friendly governor in Nigeria.

To this end, it has concluded arrangements to honour the governor with an award in May. Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in the state, Mr. John Ushie, disclosed this when he led executive members of the NLC, Trade Union Congress, TUC, and the Public Service

Negotiating Council in the state on a courtesy visit to the governor at the Executive Council Chambers in Calabar.

Ushie said: “The organised labour has resolved to single you out in the whole of Nigeria and West Africa as the digital and most labourfriendly governor. We have resolved that on May Day, we shall formally honour you with an award.“

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016—13

Security threat in Bayelsa: Police write Dickson

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

E N AG OA — B AY E L S A State Police command has alerted the state governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, on the possible breach of security in the state following the continued refusal of the state House of Assembly to swear in three elected members three months after a court ruling in their favour.

In a letter addressed to the governor with reference number, AB:0900/BYS/Vol.4/ 43, by the state Commissioner of Police, Peter Ogunyanwo, the command warned of the consequences of the continued refusal of the House of Assembly to swear in the three Assembly members-elect.

According to the letter, the warning was coming on the heels of the request by the three aggrieved state Assembly members-elect and their constituents to the police for permission to stage a “Mega Rally” to the Assembly over the refusal to be sworn in as directed by the court.

The members-elect, Alfred Belemote (APGA, Brass II), Gabriel Ogbara (ADC, Ogbia III) and Gibson Munalayefa (Labour Party, Ogbia II), according to the letter, had stated that they were successful candidates in the state House of Assembly election held June

6, 2015 but the leadership of the state House of Assembly had refused to swear them into office for legislative duties.

The letter added: “The trio also alleged that one Benson Kombowei of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, whose

election was just conducted on March 11, 2016, was sworn into office immediately after winning the election, whereas the same House has continuously denied them this right since 2015.

“In view of the aforesaid

development, the Bayelsa Police Command is appealing to your Excellency to prevail on the Speaker and entire leadership of the state House of Assembly to swear into office, the three members in the interest of peace and justice.”

INSPECTION: Cross River State governor, Prof. Ben Ayade (left) showing the Group President, Skipper T&D, a division of SkipperSeil Group, Mr. Jitender Sachdeva, a possible site for a solar farm in Calabar.

Youths attack Bomadi Catholic Vicariate ...Bishop's followers brutalised

B

By Innocent Onoja

OMADI—SOME youths in Amatebe area of Bomadi town, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, have attacked and wounded some members of the Bomadi Vicariate of the Catholic Church, over the decision of the head of the Vicariate, Bishop Hyacinth Egbebo, to convert the waiting hall of the landing jetty at the waterfront of the church’s Cathedral, to a cafeteria.

The jetty, which is also named after the bishop of the cathedral, Hyacinth Egbebo, was built by government at the Cathedral’s waterfront to ease visitors of the stress of ascending the coast of the Forcados River to the mainland.

According to one of the victims, trouble started when Bishop Egbebo told the youths who had turned the waiting hall to a gambling and smoking joint, his plans to convert the hall to a cafeteria in order for it to be more useful to the people of the community, rather than being a haven for gamblers and smokers, as it is located in front of the cathedral, which is headquarters of the Vicariate.

C M Y K

Angered by the bishop’s decision, the youths allegedly descended on the church members who accompanied the bishop while they were trying to put the place in order, beating them up with clubs.

He said that as a result of the injuries they sustained,

they were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. He also alleged that the youths threatened to burn down the hall as hoodlums did to the Catholic Coventry at Patani in the state.

Responding to this reporter, Bishop Egbebo said it was the prompt response

of the Joint Task Force, JTF, to the distress call to them, that the situation was arrested. He noted that his decision to convert the hall to a cafeteria, which will accommodate a computer training centre for youths, was also confided in some leaders of the community who applauded the plan.

We have confidence in you, Olu of Warri tells Semenitari He stressed the need for the

By Egufe Yafugborhi

W

ARRI—THE Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli, has expressed confidence in the current management of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, to make a difference in the agency’s task of developing the Niger Delta region.

The Olu passed the vote of confidence in the management, yesterday, when Mrs Ibim Semenitari, NDDC’s acting Managing Director, led the commission's management to pay homage to the Warri monarch at his palace in continuation of her working visit to Delta State.

The Olu told Semenitari,

“From what I know and have seen, you are articulate and focused. The NDDC has not fared very well in the task of developing the oil producing states. We have confidence in you and believe you will make a difference. We need infrastructures in Itsekiri land.

“We produce more oil than any other community in this state. The facts are there, but then most Itsekiri communities are riverine. I want to be able to enter my vehicle and drive to any part of Itsekiri community. Any government that brings roads to our communities will, therefore, be doing a lot of good to us and God will bless that person.”

commission to resume work and complete the seemingly abandoned Koko-Ogheye and Omadino-Escravos roads, two projects, he noted, that were key to transformation of his kingdom.

Earlier, Semenitari informed the Warri monarch that construction work on the Koko-Ogheye and Omadino Escravos roads resumed recently after a long delay.

“NDDC has in its budget, the Aladja/Ode-Itsekiri Road and Ugbodede-InorinAjugba-Uselu Roads, which are ongoing and in Ugboroso, shoreline protection and concrete roads which are peculiar to the Itsekiri people,” Semenitari added.

IG warns cops against violation of people's rights

By Simon Ebegbulem & Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN—INSPECTORGeneral of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, has warned men and officers of the Nigeria Police against violation of the fundamental human rights of Nigerians in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

He gave the warning, yesterday, in Benin, Edo State, when he visited the state Command of the Nigeria Police as part of his tour of all police formations in the country.

The IG, who charged officers of the force to employ the best professional practices in the discharge of their duties and avoid things capable of bringing the Police into disrepute, said that policing must have human face and urged them to draw a line between civil and criminal offences.

Arase also said that for effective policing, the Police should re-enact the traditional systems of policing and bring them in tandem with modern ways of policing.

“When I came on board as the IG, I made my mission and vision known as regards the modern system of policing and it is in this regard that I embarked on a tour of all police formations across the country to sell this vision."

Chief Comfort Ogbe for burial

C

HIEF Comfort Ogbe of Ugbuwangue, Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State, is dead, aged 83.

Service of songs took place yesterday at her residence on New Stadium Road, Warri.

She will buried today at her home town, Ugbuwangue, Warri South LGA. She is survived by six children, 20 grand children, two great-grand children, brothers, sisters and nephews, including Lt. Cdr. Felix Ejoor (rtd).

Late Chief Comfort Ogbe

14—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

IMF advocates 3-prong approach to economic recovery

By Omoh Gabriel

M

ANAGING Director of International Monetary Fund, IMF, Ms Christine Lagarde, yesterday, said that a three-pronged approach with monetary, fiscal and structural actions, taken in concert by the membership, could work as a virtuous trinity, mutually reinforcing economic activity and reducing stability risks.

She said that decisive action and durable growth were equally needed for the global economy to stabilise.

In her opening speech at the ongoing IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings, Lagarde said: “Each country should commit to a set of policy actions—as determined by available policy space—that contributes to a global package of reforms to lift both national and global growth.

“A three-pronged approach with monetary, fiscal and structural actions, taken in concert by the membership, can work as a virtuous trinity, mutually reinforcing economic activity and reducing stability risks. Global cooperation is also needed.

“Examples include enhancing mechanisms for adjustment and liquidity provision, shoring up global trade, tackling corruption and furthering the regulatory reform agenda.”

Giving insight into the state of the global economy, she said: “The global economy is expanding moderately, but the outlook has weakened further since October, and risks have increased.

“The global economy has been impaired from growth that has been too slow for too long, and at this rate a sustained recovery—with the expected higher living standards, lower unemployment and declining debt levels—may not be delivered.

“However, some recent improvement in data releases, somewhat firmer oil prices, reduced pressures on outflows from China, and actions by major central banks have all contributed to improving sentiment.”

P-Harcourt refinery producing 5m litres daily; NNPC deploys 200 trucks

By Clara Nwachukwu & Michael Eboh

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ORT Harcourt Refining Company, PHRC, Nigeria’s biggest refinery, has been re-streamed and now producing between three and five million litres daily, according to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. The re-streaming of the refinery, which had been down

for months due to poor maintenance and shortage of crude feedstock, the management said, was aimed at optimising available capacity at the plant to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians in accessing petroleum products, particular premium motor spirit (petrol).

NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Garba Muhammad, who confirmed

this in a telephone interview with Vanguard yesterday, also said Warri and Kaduna refineries were gearing up for production over the next couple of weeks as, according to him, “we have begun to supply crude to the refineries, but we are waiting to build up crude reserves before we fire them up in the next two weeks or so.”

Meanwhile, the Managing Director, PHRC, Dr Bafred

Audu Enjugu, was quoted in a report as saying that the Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit, FCCU, had been running, while some products from the primary processing units have been blended to generate significant volumes of PMS. He said the premier refinery would sustain its production and contribute to the nation’s petroleum products pool, which he hopes will reduce the pressure on the nation’s foreign exchange.

In another development, NNPC has urged motorists to desist from panic buying of fuel, saying it had deployed over 200 truckloads of petrol to Abuja and its environs.

The NNPC in a statement by Muhammad, assured that the current petrol shortage would soon be over, noting that the problem had been largely resolved in Lagos, while the queues in Abuja were reducing by the day.

... seals filling stations

PENCOM/FMDQ: From left— Senior Vice President, Market Operations and Technology FMDQ, Dipo Odeyemi; Head, Investments Supervision Department, Pencom, Ehimeme Ohioma; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, FMDQ, Bola Koko; Director General, National Pension Commission, Chinelo Anohu-Amazu; Chairman, Board Regulation and Risk Management Committee, FMDQ, Daisy Ekineh, and Secretary /Legal Adviser Pencom, Muhammad Sani, during the signing ceremony of the Regulatory Supervision Collaboration Agreement between PENCOM and FMDQ OTC in Abuja.

Kogi Assembly crisis: Court hears impeached Speaker’s suit Monday

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

A

BUJA—THE Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has fixed Monday to hear the suit challenging the purported impeachment of the Kogi State House of Assembly Speaker, Mr. Momoh Lawal.

Justice Nnamdi Dimgba okayed hearing on the matter after he granted leave for substituted service of the relevant court processes on the five lawmakers that perfected the impeachment plot.

The five lawmakers, Umar Imam, Friday Sani, Lawi Ahmed, Bello Abdullahi and John Abah, were cited as the first to fifth defendants in the suit, which was filed by the embattled Speaker and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Other defendants in the matter are the Attorney General of the Federation, Inspector General of Police, Director General of DSS and Commandant of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Justice Dimgba gave the plaintiffs the nod to serve the defendants through substituted means, to wit, through newspaper

publications.

The court permitted substituted service of the processes on the defendants after it declined prayer by counsel to the plaintiffs, Mr. Emeka Etiaba (SAN), to effect the service through courier.

More so, Justice Dimgba abridged the time for appearance and filing of defence by the defendants to seven days.

While moving two ex-parte motions, Etiaba told the court that the five lawmakers had been evading service.

It will be recalled that Lawal was purportedly impeached on February 16 along with other principal members of Kogi State House Assembly by the five lawmakers under alleged protection of law enforcement agents.

It was alleged that the five lawmakers had since carried on with the business of the House.

The National Assembly had declared that it would assume control over the Kogi State Assembly.

Also, the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, has vowed to clampdown on petrol stations found hoarding the product and engaging in other sharp practices.

Speaking during a tour of petrol stations in Abuja, DPR’s Director, Petroleum Resources, Mr. Mordecai Ladan, said DPR was stepping up its monitoring activities and would mete out severe sanctions to petrol stations found wanting.

He called on marketers to shun sharp practices and support the efforts of the Federal Government as well as other stakeholders in bringing an end to the fuel crisis.

During the tour, two filling stations were sealed, while the product of another filling station, an NNPC affiliate station, Tempo, was dispensed to motorists for free.

The two stations that were sealed are Zen-Hajad and Kubewas Oil Service, all in Gauraka, Kaduna Road.

Ladan said ZHL was sealed for hoarding and diversion, while Kubewas for abandoning their station on sighting the DPR monitoring team.

NCC pegs 2.6GHz auction price at $16m

By Emeka Aginam

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HE Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has released the time table and pre-qualification criteria for the auctioning process for 2.6GHz spectrum just as it pegged the auction price for 2.6GHz at $16 million per slot.

The NCC Director, Spectrum Administration, Engr.

Nwaulume Augustine, told newsmen in Lagos, yesterday, that a total of 14 slots were opened for interested operators.

He said spectrum was offered by NCC on a technology neutral basis, adding that it could be used to provide any telecommunications services, thereby boosting broadband penetration.

For roll out of services, NCC, he said, intended to follow the international telecommunication Union, ITU, recommendation setting aside spectrum in the 2.6GHz band for the provision of advanced wireless broadband services.

The spectrum lots won by

each bidder, he said, would be assigned on a nationwide basis, covering all the states of the federation and Abuja.

Warning that operators would be sanctioned for not rolling out services with the spectrum, Augustine said for the purpose of enforcing the “use it or lose it” clause, a license would be issued for each states of the federation and Abuja to winning bidders.

He said: “Each winner, who does not currently hold a Unified Access Service License, UASL, which is the operational license, will be issued one at an additional fee of N374,600,000.00.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016—15

Anambra Dep Gov loses father

By Vincent Ujumadu

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AGM: From left— Director, Emmanuel Nnorom; Group Executive Director, Oluwatoyin Sanni; Chairman, Chika Mordi, and Company Secretary, Leo Okafor, all of United Capital Plc, at the 2015 annual general meeting of the company in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: Akeem Salau.

‘Grazing Bill’ll create violence’

By Charles Kumolu

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AN-Igbo socio political group, Igboekulie, has cautioned the National Assembly against passing the National Grazing Reserves Bill, noting that if passed, it would create the conditions for tension and ethnic violence across the country.

It particularly noted that should the bill become law, the country’s unity would be threatened, given what it described as the inherent flaws of the proposed law and attitude of Fulani herdsmen.

Briefing newsmen in Lagos, the group said land is not abundant in the South, especially the South-East geo-political zone, adding that the Federal Government has no business planting and maintaining grass for herdsmen.

His words: “Though the bill had been proposed in the past and was thrown out for good reasons, there is an attempt to resurrect the bill and rush it through the legislative process.

“There is an element of compulsory acquisition power granted to the commission once ‘it appears’ to it that the land is good for grazing for the use of the herdsmen for whose benefit the grazing reserves are to be created.

This is unacceptable.

Otherwise, we should expect violent resistance across Nigeria.”

Anambra seeks Afreximbank’s support for economic devt A

NAMBRA State has entered into discussions with African Export-Import Bank, Afreximbank, to seek the support of the trade finance institution for its effort to speed up the industrialisation and development of trade in the state.

A three-member delegation from the state, led by Ifeatu Onejeme, Commissioner for Finance, Industry, Innovations and Development Finance Institutions, which visited the Afreximbank headquarters in Cairo, yesterday, to start off the discussions, said Anambra

was seeking the bank’s support to achieve enhanced economic development and industrialisation.

Mr. Onejeme told Afreximbank President, Dr. Benedict Oramah, that the state was pursuing key industrialisation programmes for which it needed the expertise and support of the bank for successful execution.

He listed the programmes to include establishment of a Diaspora crowd-funded bond, the development of industrial parks, the development of the state’s hospitality sector, in

particular the Agulu Lake Resort, and public water works and reticulation.

Responding, President Oramah said the bank stood ready to support the economic development efforts of its member-states, including the constituent states, such as Anambra State.

He noted that with the large number of Anambra citizens in the Diaspora, the state should have no difficulty in attracting substantial remittances to support a Diaspora crowd-funded bond.

Gunmen attack Gov Ikpeazu’s convoy in Aba

By Ugochukwu Alaribe

A

BA—THE increasing state of insecurity in Aba, Abia State, took a new dimension on Wednesday night when Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s convoy was attacked in an encounter with armed robbers, who were robbing commuters along Aba-Owerri Road.

This is even as a yet-to-be identified victim was kidnapped at Immaculate Junction, while another is being feared dead after he was hit by stray bullet.

Vanguard gathered that the incident took place near Immaculate Junction along the ever busy Aba-Owerri Road, while the governor was coming back to Aba from Umuahia at 8p.m.

Though no life was lost, sources said that the security details attached to the governor fired sporadic shots, which scared the robbers away.

Sources told Vanguard that the gunmen were robbing a suspected Lagos bound bus, when a pilot security van without siren and amber light

approached the area. On sighting the security vehicle, the gunmen were said to have opened fire without knowing that it was the governor ’s convoy.

According to a security operative in the city, who pleaded anonymity, “the robbers did not know that it was the governor. They thought that it could be the Army or police, but when they discovered it was the governor’s convoy with its full complement of security details, they took to their heels.

“I do not think it was the

governor that the hoodlums wanted to attack. It is just that the governor’s convoy that was returning from work without the usual siren and the revolving amber light, ran into them.”

Contacted, spokesman of Abia State Police Command, DSP Ezekiel Onyeke, confirmed the incident, but debunked reports that the gunmen attacked the governor’s convoy.

Onyeke added that he was yet to be fully briefed by the Chief Security Officer to the governor over the incident.

Court orders police to pay N10m over extra-judicial killing in Anambra

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

O

NITSHA—AN Ihiala High Court in Anambra State, presided over by Justice Joseph Ifeanyi Nweze has ordered the Inspector-General of Police to pay N10 million to one Mrs. Amaka Ugochukwu as compensation for the trauma she suffered over the killing of her brother, Christian, by men

of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, Awkuzu.

In his judgment yesterday in a rights enforcement application filed by a lawyer, Francis Moneke, counsel to the applicant, Justice Nweze also ordered the police boss to instruct his men to release the body of the deceased Christian to the bereaved family with immediate effect, for a befitting burial.

WKA—CHIEF Richard Okeke, the father of Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Nkem Okeke, has passed on. Okeke, an engineer, was 89 years.

Being a first class title holder in his community, Enugwu Ukwu in Njikoka Local Government Area, the traditional ruler of the town, Igwe Ralph Ekpe, officially announced Okeke’s demise as custom demanded.

One of his sons, Emeka, said their parents would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary later this month.

The traditional ruler said the family and the Igwe’s palace will later announce details of the funeral ceremony, adding that his community would greatly miss Okeke in view of his contributions to the development of the area.

Akanu Ibiam Airport cleared for flights to USA, China, others

By Francis Igata

E

NUGU—THE Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Emene, Enugu State, has been approved for international flight operations to and from Atlanta, United States of America; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Johannesburg, South Africa; Mubia, India and Gwuanzuo, China.

This revelation was made yesterday at the closing ceremony of Enugu State maiden investment summit by the Chairman, Air Peace, Allen Onyema, who equally announced that Air Peace had been approved as national carrier into the five countries by the Federal Government.

Also, delegates at the investment summit stood still when Chairman, Peace Mass Transit, Dr. Samuel Onyishi, announced plans to build a mega medical city in Enugu State in collaboration with foreign partners to put the state on the map of medical tourism in Africa.

16 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2015

COMMEMORATION OF 2ND YEAR OF CHIBOK GIRLS' KIDNAPPING IN ABUJA, YESTERDAY.

Dr Oby Ezekwesili (with mic) with members of #BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) advocacy group on a solidarity protest in commemoration of the two-year abduction of the Chibok Girls in Abuja yesterday. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.

Speaker House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara and his Deputy, Hon. Lasun Yusuf (adorned with red-face caps) in a solidarity march with the Chibok Girls at the National Assembly. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.

A member of the #BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) Advocacy group in tears as she delivers her address.

Activists and children march from the Unity Fountain to the Aso Rock Villa Gate, Presidential Villa, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida.

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VANGUARD, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016 —17

An alarming situation

N

IGERIA has been a failing state for decades. And we’ve become accustomed to philosophically coping with its myriad problems and disappointing leaders. But things are particularly bad at the moment and Nigerians are extremely angry.

I’ve been in London for the past few weeks and several people have contacted me from home to say that there is almost no fuel or electricity…and that it’s VERY hard to move around, partly because of the struggle to get petrol for their vehicles and partly because long queues at filling stations are clogging up the roads.

I have just spoken to an uncle who is in his 80s and has therefore lived through many phases in Nigeria’s chequered history.

Current fuel crisis When he complained about the current fuel crisis, which he blames on this government, I commiserated with him but pointed out that we were having fuel crises at intervals long before Buhari took over. And he assured me that this is the worst shortage he has ever witnessed.

Meanwhile, according to a report in the Punch newspaper, two power generating plants in Shiroro (Niger State) and Sapele (Delta State) were shut down earlier this week, bringing the total number of nonoperational power plants in the country to 10.

Total national power generation stood at 2,774.2MW last Tuesday, down from 3,657.5MW on March 31. As for Egbin (Lagos), the biggest of our power stations, generation was limited to 415MW and down from 1,085MW on March 15.

Various reasons have been given for these deteriorations – gas supply constraints, maintenance issues and so C M Y K

on. But the details are of no interest to folks who are not technical experts. All that Nigerians care about is the Bottom Line, being the fact that they are going through hell because of constant extended blackouts.

Against this backdrop of feverish tension, the Nigerian Security Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC and police have been mandated to “restore sanity” in the many places where fuel queues have created chaos; and a trigger-happy female NSCDC official shot and killed a boy in the Festac district of Lagos on Wednesday…and then ran away with her Commandant, who had ordered her to gun the kid down.

Rumour has it that he was only about l8 years old and was accosted because he was carrying a jerry can and suspected of being a black marketer. I hope the authorities apprehend his NSCDC assassins, lock them in a prison cell, throw away the key and let them fester there until they eventually die like their victim.

And, by the way, even if he was indeed a black marketer and even if they had reprimanded rather than murdered him, I would still have protested because I don’t see why small-fry black marketers should be harassed in the first place!

Chronic poverty is rampant in Nigeria. Millions are hungry and desperate and feel that there is no hope on the horizon; and I for one do not blame any impecunious individual who tries to make a few paltry nairas here and there by exploiting dysfunctional scenarios that have been caused by the elite, not by the poor.

President Buhari was swept

Democracy is about listening to The People; and I pray that Mr President will soon knuckle down to becoming the effective, hands-on Oga At The Top we want

*Chaotic queues at filling stations due to lingering fuel scarcity

•President Buhari into office on a massive tide of goodwill by voters who were tired of his predecessor and yearned for Change.

Obviously, it wouldn’t be fair to expect him to banish every headache overnight. But he promised to transform our existences and should be making more progress at this stage.

Ifeka Okonkwo (ifekaokonkwo@yahoo.com) is an Anambra-based Vanguard reader. I have never met him but he writes to me often; and I publish his opinions so often that he has almost become a co-owner of this Sweet And Sour page!

Mr Okonkwo used to be one of Buhari’s fans, but has just sent me this email:“Dear Donu, Buhari has become a curse to our country.

Our currency has depreciated against the dollar as never before, resulting in skyrocketing prices of basic goods and services, scarcity of petrol and excruciating power outages.

The most annoying aspect of his rule is that he is always jetting off on overseas trips, instead of staying in Aso Rock

to face his most important responsibilities and solve our economic problems and alleviate the sufferings of the masses. He seems bereft of ideas and does not appear to know what governance is all about.”

Sadly, Mr Okonkwo’s disillusionment-driven volte face is not unusual. I’ve recently been taken aback by the fact that many citizens – including Northern Muslims (Mr President’s core constituents) – who voted for Buhari last year are now bitterly telling me that if there’s another election today, they won’t repeat this “mistake”.

The beef I hear most often from those who are furious with Buhari is an objection to his excessive global gallivantings.

Collective welfare The widespread belief is that his frequent absences imply a lack of concern for our collective welfare and deprive us of strong leadership. Some critics even accuse him of escapism…and of minimizing the time he spends in Nigeria because he is afraid of confronting inconvenient realities.

“He has realised that he lacks capacity and has bitten off more than he can chew!” was the scornful verdict of a Sokoto entrepreneur I bumped into the other day.

“Enjoying yourself abroad is easier than facing wahala at home!” said another critic who tirelessly worked on Buhari’s presidential campaign and now regrets doing so.

But I do not, on reflection, share all of these opinions.

Buhari is a tough military man and dedicated patriot at heart, not a pusillaminous half-wit who chickens out of tough challenges because he can’t handle them…or a selfish lightweight who flits around for frivolous or mundane reasons; and I imagine that he travels incessantly because he thinks that Nigeria will gain more, long-term, if he regularly interacts with foreign counterparts who can provide various forms of foreign assistance.

But while some of his expeditions to external destinations are undoubtedly necessary, some are clearly not. And I’m convinced that he will regain most of the support he has lost in the past few months if he delegates the less crucial trips to his articulate Minister of Foreign Affairs…and concentrates on sorting out the monumental messes with which Kachikwu (his Minister of State for Petroleum) and Fashola (his Minister of Power, Works & Housing) are unsuccessfully grappling.

Democracy is about listening to The People. And I pray that Mr President will soon knuckle down to becoming the effective, hands-on Oga At The Top we want.

Responses to: donzol2002@yahoo.co.uk or to 0802 747 6458 OR 0811 675 9752 (texts only).

PLEASE KINDLY NOTE THAT UNLESS YOU REQUEST ANONYMITY, YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE PUBLISHED, WITH YOUR NAMES AND CONTACT DETAILS ATTACHED.

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016 THE statement issued by the Directorate of State Services (DSS) on Saturday, April 9, 2016 accusing the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) of murdering five men who, according to the Service, belonged to the Hausa-Fulani ethnic stock, came as a rude shock. The bodies were discovered in shallow graves in the Umuanyi forest, Isuikwuato LGA, Abia State.

The DSS in the statement said the five “Hausa-Fulani” men were among 50 other unidentified persons who were found buried in shallow graves in the forest. The statement did not indicate the forensic evidence that led it to isolate the five men as members of a specific ethnic group, neither did it disclose the ethnic identities of the other dozens of victims.

It is dangerous to jump to conclusion the way the Service did without credible evidence that the proc-

DSS statement on IPOB was reckless ess of identification was scientifically and professionally carried out by qualified forensic pathologists. The danger of such impulsive profiling and selective dissemination of the ethnic identities of five out of more than fifty victims is that it could spark off ethnic conflicts that may be difficult to control. It also gives the impression that the other victims do not matter.

The DSS has also not provided enough evidence that the IPOB members were behind the killings.

Before going public with such a grave allegation, there must be

cast-iron evidence linking any group with such a heinous crime in order to convince the public of their culpability. After doing so, the culprits must subsequently be prosecuted.

We call on the Federal Government to wade into the discovery of these and other mass graves, ascertain those behind the dastardly acts and bring them to justice. But the process must be carried out professionally and in accordance to due process to fish out the killers, no matter who they are. Only a thorough and professionally-con-

ducted investigation will reveal the real criminals and their evil intentions, and this will guide us to prevent such ugly incidents from happening again.

The DSS and other security agencies must also wake up to the series of attacks by armed militias who are glibly referred to as “Fulani herdsmen”. The Service is yet to inform Nigerians who these people really are, what their true mission is and plans being made to stop them from killing, maiming and displacing innocent Nigerians from their communities. These attacks have been going on for years, and cries for these agents of darkness to be stopped in their tracks has so far fallen on deaf ears.

Government and its organs must act with discretion and refrain from favouritism and acts that could portray them as one-sided or set Nigerians against one another.

OPINION

By Dan Owegie

T

HE movement of gubernatorial aspirants round Edo State, soliciting support for the upcoming party primaries, has heightened the tempo of political activities. There are some despicable maneuverings, scheming, internal and external plotting within the All Progressives Congress, APC. The politicking has seen aspirants comb the 192 wards in the state seeking the support of delegates and their leaders.

There are different sides to the political power play. Some are assuming ethnic proportion as there are suggestions that it is the turn of Edo South. Some others say it is the turn of Edo Central and others are of the view that it doesn’t matter if Edo North also produced the candidate.

This explains why aspirants have emerged from all the senatorial zones with all of them asking for a level playing field.

There are views on the ground that Comrade Adams Oshimhole be allowed to lead the APC to produce his successor and such persons also have the right to express their view. Oshiomhole himself also has the right as a party member to support any one of the candidates he deems fit and proper to step into his shoes.

Another position is that it is the turn of another religious adherent. Time for either a Muslim or traditional religion worshipper to become the governor of Edo State in November. Holders of such views are equally right in their thinking.

There is yet another school of thought that Edo people have had it so good this past seven and a quarter years under the leadership of the Comrade Governor and what is important for the APC to do is to look beyond ethnicity, religion, and other primordial sentiments and go C M Y K

EDO GUBER: Time to sieve the chaff from the grains Just as President Muhammadu Buhari is being ahead to nominate someone with proven track records, administrative prowess and politicalcum-economic sagacity, someone who can carry majority along to take Edo State to the next level of development. In my considered opinion, it will be germane for the APC to adopt the last option which looks beyond sentiments. I am of the view that it was time to separate the chaff from the grains or the sheep from the goats. Time has come for leaders of our great party and our highly esteemed delegates to begin to look at the future of Edo State after the glorious tenure of Comrade Oshiomhole.

It is important for our party members to understand where we are at the moment before looking ahead to a successor of the Comrade Governor. Before the downturn in the nation’s economy, particularly with the tumbling of crude oil price in the international market, the Comrade Governor has raised the stakes for any successor.

He touched all sectors of the state since assumption of office and his successor must be someone who would even surpass his record.

Today, Edo State is an investors’ destination; the next governor must build on this success story

wrongly accused of being too slow to commence action in government, that was how Oshiomhole was accused by the rag-tag PDP that he was too slow when he was on the drawing board planning massive infrastructural development for the state.

Some accused him of talking too much, just as the gullible opposition are accusing Buhari of travelling too much. It was not long into his first one year when bulldozers started speaking for him. Massive road construction across the three senatorial districts of the state under the urban renewal programme. De-silting of drains and even the ones constructed by Ogbemudia as military governor of Bendel State in the king square were all de-silted with special machines imported by Oshiomhole’s government. Street sweeping machines as is available in Europe, America and other developed societies were sighted in Nigeria for the first time in Benin City.

The urban renewal project which cuts across all the 18 local government areas of the State shows unprecedented modern road networks with all the latest walkways , street lights, and flower lawns. Massive drainage projects of the Oshiomhole-led administration has helped to control flood and erosion menace that was almost going to submerge the whole of Benin City and Auchi. Queen Ede gully erosion site which was a nightmare for those living in Ikpoba Hill, Benin City has become history as the gully site has been reclaimed.

But for the Benin Water Storm project and

other drainage embarked upon by the present administration, perhaps Benin City would have been submerged in flood. The defeat of the five junction horror of flood by Oshimhole remains one of his success stories. The environmental sanitation situation has been energised and made quite functional. Every day, major streets and markets are cleaned by the state government officials as Benin City is looking cleaner by the day. It means that in spite the fact that his administration is coming to an end, Oshimhole is not resting on his oars. He has even vowed to work and deliver dividends of democracy to the people even to his last day in office. This is a rare leadership Edo people are privileged to have.

The Oshiomhole government has done excellently well in educational revolution in the state. Aside his giant strides in primary and secondary educational development, he is leaving behind two new state universities for Edo people.

His support to security agencies to combat crime in the state has greatly reduced crime rate.

Before now, Edo use to be almost synonymous with banditry, but that is now history. Edo is now one of the most peaceful states in the country. He has dealt a devastating blow to the menace of cultism in the state. Little wonder so many foreign investors have now established several factories and companies in the state.

One can comfortably say today that Edo State is an investors’ destination in Nigeria. The next governor must build on this success story. The person must work to sustain and guarantee adequate security for all Edo people irrespective of their status or where they live. *Mr. Owegie is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Edo State

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016— —19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

The struggle for Brazil HERE is an on-going building of stadia for the 2014 T struggle for the soul of FIFA World Cup. Thirdly, having Brazil, the world’s fifth largest failed so far to implicate her in country which has become a model of how to rescue millions from abject poverty. The battles may well turn bloody because it is not strictly a fight over constitutionalism, corruption or the economy; it is primarily, a struggle of the social classes.

The decision on Monday April 11, 2016 by a Congressional Committee voting 38-27 to recommend President Dilma Roussef for impeachment may well be the trigger. The basis for the recommended impeachment proceedings, is nebulous; that she did not in 2014, disclose the true size of the budget deficit, which tantamount to an abuse of office and therefore, impeachable.

Roussef’s predecessor, the famous Labour leader, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva who led the ruling Workers Party to victory in 2003, argues that : "Impeachment without a legal basis is a coup, there is no other word…They want to shorten President Dilma [Rousseff]'s term through a coup" If it is not a coup, it looks like one. First, there has been a local and international media conviction of President Roussef for corruption over the Petrobras Scandal, even when she has neither been implicated nor charged. Secondly there have been orchestrated protests over various issues including the

the corruption case, and being in a hurry to impeach her, a nebulous charge of not disclosing the state of the economy is being used as basis for impeachment.

Fourthly, in a brazen manner, the telephone conversations between the President and her predecessor were bogged and released by public officials.

Fifthly, taped conversations and witness statements in the Petrobras case were released by Federal Judge, Sergio Moro ostensibly to infuriate the populace even before suspects had their day in court. Sixthly, even before the Congressional Committee’s vote to recommend impeachment proceedings to the Congress, Vice President Michael Temer - who is facing impeachment charges - had made a 14-minute recorded speech to the Brazilian people announcing his takeover of the Presidency stating that his “great mission from now is the calming of the country (and) the unification of the country.”

What has given advantage to the opposition is the economy which may shrink this year by 3.5 percent, currency devaluation and unemployment growth from 5.8 percent in 2015 to 8 percent this year.

This level of unemployment will count for nothing in most countries, but

not in Brazil where the ruling party had raised the bar in social spending and services. The party had embarked on far reaching social programmes including the Eradication of Hunger (Zero Hunger) paying family, food and gas allowances, and social payment to the poor. Such huge social spending has not gone down well with the elite, right wing parties and international finance for whom Market Forces is the only religion permissible.

The unfolding scenario in Brazil, is taking a familiar path in South America; one taken when the elite and quite often, international capital having lost control, decide to overthrow a Pro-poor Government and regain the initiative. Guatemala was under the Jorge Ubico dictatorship when a peoples revolt swept it off and popular elections conducted in 1944. The winner, Juan Jose Arevalo introduced Pro-poor reforms. His Defence Minister, Jacobo Arbenz was elected to replace him in 1950. He deepened the reforms by abolishing what amounted to slave labour and redistributing lands to poor farmers. The American United Fruit

The unfolding scenario in Brazil, is taking a familiar path in South America; one taken when the elite and quite often, international capital having lost control, decide to overthrow a Propoor Government and regain the initiative

Otuaro: The bridge builder @ 48

By Michael Tidi

T

HE literary colossus, William Shakespeare, when stating that some people are born great, others achieve greatness, while others have greatness thrust upon them, might well have had the likes of Delta State Deputy Governor, Barr. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro in mind. This is of course not discounting the vicissitudes of anyone’s life which generally work as if to deny humanity the rarest gifts God has given us from amongst us. Thankfully, in Otuaro’s case, it has pleased God to continue to preserve the life of a man who has been consistently characterised by the rare virtues of honesty, intelligence, humility, consideration, loyalty, dependability and unwavering focus on a higher good.

On Saturday, April 16, His Excellency, will turn 48 years and for me it is a testament to the unmatched powers of good judgment and awe-inspiring vision of his boss and Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Senator Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, that he picked the exact right man to be his right-hand man. Amidst the felicitations for Otuaro’s first birthday as Governor Okowa’s deputy, the milestone has triggered an overwhelming outpouring of tributes from all over.

C M Y K

Many such tributes have actually come from persons who have not necessarily had direct personal contact with him but were nevertheless positively impacted by his consummate intellectual bent and genuine commitment to the S.M.A.R.T Agenda of the Okowa administration. A recurring theme in these touching tributes, involve attestations to his Godfearing and humanist nature as well as his reliability in good deeds, business and politics, with much acknowledgment of his legendary philanthropy and altruistic disposition.

It is equally noteworthy from these tributes that in spite of the enviable

For a senatorial district characterised by ethnic diversity, we heartily commend Otuaro for upholding the universal principle of always recognising and celebrating your own nationality without ever denigrating the nationality of others

Company whose business was badly affected by these policies appealed to its home government for assistance. In 1952, President Harry Truman authorised the overthrow of the Arbenz administration in a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Operation PBFORTUNE which was to be militarily backed by Nicaraguan dictator, General Anastazio Somoza. The plan leaked and was abandoned. That same year, Dwight D. Eisenhower was elected American President.

He authorised a second attempt under Operation PBSUCCESS. This required propaganda and instigation of protests and the training of a mercenary group led by Carlos Castillo Armas. The mercenaries invaded Guatamala on June 18, 1954, and with an American threat to send in troops to back the mercenaries, the government was overthrown and Armas took over. For the next 42 years, Guatamala was under military dictatorship and severe repression which led to a civil war.

Brazil in the early sixties had a Pro-poor government similar to the current one. The then President Joao Goulart of the Brazilian Labour Party introduced social reforms and decided to socialise the profits of the transnational corporations, nationalise the oil refineries and introduce rent controls. He was labelled a communist and atheist and mass demonstrations called ‘Marches of the Family with God for Freedom’ were organised.

Then, a section of the military leadership was funded by America to carry out a coup. On March 30, 1964, the American Military Attaché, Colonel Vernon. A. Walters telegraphed the State Department that the support of the Brazilian generals had been secured for the coup.

The next day, the coup began; it took two days to oust the president and impose a bloody military dictatorship.

achievements he has recorded, which, at his age would ordinarily make many a man tend towards vanity and conceit, Otuaro on the other hand has incredibly remained steadfastly humble, choosing only to give glory to God in appreciation of the Creator’s exceeding grace upon the life of his boss, Governor Okowa, and upon himself, as well, in their shared dream and commitment to adding value to governance and taking Delta State to ever more enviable heights.

Thus, the quintessential statesman in him remains fittingly grateful to the Delta State Governor for the opportunity to serve, while similarly maintaining a faithful and relentless commitment to the honourable values and necessary causes that produce good governance. Indeed, his unwavering passion to soldier on in service to the public good is as incontestable as his loyalty to the Governor and the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and its leadership at all levels remains an unshakeable article of faith.

Without a doubt, the humility, together with the impressive array of other salient qualities of this legal icon and politician of verifiable achievements deserve the payment of shimmering tribute to.

For those of us from Delta South Senatorial District, whose Senatorial leader Otuaro is and deserves to be, and who have had the good fortune of hobnobbing with him over the years, our gratitude goes to God for raising such a

On April 11, 1964, the Congress ‘elected’ General Humberto de Alencar Castello Branco as President. He promised to hand over to an elected President in two years, rather, the military remained in power for 21 years during which many were tortured, killed or “disappeared”. President Roussef was one of those detained and tortured and her two immediate predecessors; Lula and Fernando Henrique Cardoso were jailed and forced into exile.

There was the case of Salvador Allende who was elected President of Chile in 1970. Like Lula and Roussef in Brazil, he introduced social reforms, and went further to nationalise main industries and introduce collectivisation. The American ITT and CIA funded mass protests against him including by housewives. When this failed, they funded a coup. On September 11, 1973, with the mutineers surrounding the Presidential Palace, Allende made a broadcast to the Chilean people vowing not to surrender their mandate; the military sent in bombers to level the Palace and President Allende went down, gun in hand. For the next 41 years, the military puppets led by General Augusto Pinochet ruled with an iron fist, physically eliminating thousands of people who rejected dictatorship.

President Evo Morales of Bolivia faced a similar conspiracy. First elected in 2005, he nationalised the oil and Gas sector and ploughed the increased income into social programmes; cutting poverty by 25 percent and extreme poverty by 43 percent. He introduced massive land reforms and has overcome series of protests and seizure of cities engineered by the elite to remove him. President Roussef may well survive like Morales, or the country will take a right turn away from Pro-people programmes.

leader from amongst us. For Otuaro is most certainly one we can attest to truly knowing for who he really is, and thus a man whose anniversary is worth celebrating indeed.

For a senatorial district characterised by ethnic diversity, we heartily commend Otuaro for upholding the universal principle of always recognising and celebrating your own nationality without ever denigrating the nationality of others or subordinating their interests to those of your own.

It is as such, little wonder that he is accordingly much loved and claimed by the Itsekiris, Isokos, and Urhobos alike much as his fellow Ijaws are mightily proud of him as the highest political office holder they have produced as yet in the history of the state. However, as a citizen of Delta, I am even more overjoyed that this warmth towards Otuaro equally beams from our compatriots from Delta Central and Delta North and vice versa.

As we felicitate with the Deputy Governor of Delta on this occasion, it is, in fact, from this pan-Deltan standpoint that we must not forget to gratefully appreciate the exemplary astute and dexterous Governor Okowa for choosing him as his deputy, having obviously found in him, a man of prodigious intellect, dependable capacity and administrative proficiency in state building from a pan-Deltan perspective. *Mr. Tidi, is SA on News Media to Governor Okowa of Delta State.

20 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

LIFE ON THE HARD LANE:

Succour at last for street children

By Ugochukwu Alaribe, Aba

A

FTER years of wandering about and living in privation with no one to care for them, succour has at last come the way of street children in Aba, Abia State as members of the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) from across the federation stormed the famous commercial city Saturday April 2 for the launch of their Street Child Project: “Save the Street Child Aba Initiative.”

There has been growing concerns about the increasing number of street children and the destitute along major roads of Aba. Just as the city’s human population keeps growing, the number of street children and the destitute increases daily, even as many who could not afford shelter take to sleeping on the streets.

Impoverished people Vanguard Metro, VM, investigations revealed that these impoverished people are seen at different parts of the city: York Street, Bata junction, Azikiwe by Asa Road, Market Road by Asa, Brass junction, amongst others, where they usually ‘harass’ passersby and often run after motorists soliciting for alms.

They are exposed to vagaries of the weather, as they lack shelter and are usually dressed in dirty clothing. Most of them retire to public buildings and open spaces where they sleep at night.

A senior official of the Social Development Department in one of the council areas in Aba who chose anonymity, told VM that most of the children found on the streets of Aba are from broken homes.

She said: “These children are on the streets for no fault of theirs, it is due to circumstances beyond their control. The society has been so cruel to them. They have been abandoned. It cannot be argued that most crimes committed in the cities are carried out by youths who are products of the ‘streets’”.

Save the street child: In a bid to rid the streets of homeless children in Aba, the National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates Confraternity, Sancta Sacramento Deck(Aba Chapter), came up with the “Save the Street Child, Aba Initiative” to provide education and care for these unfortunate children.

Speaking at the event which attracted eminent personalities in the society, including federal and state lawmakers, Christopher

Chijioke Joseph, Capon, Aba chapter, said the “Save the Street Child, Aba Initiative” event was geared towards eradicating the act of street begging and taking children of school age off the streets of Aba and shelter them in homes where education, health care, food and other services can be provided for them, adding that they have also embarked on several projects to better the lives of the less privileged.

Scholarship initiative: He listed other aspects of the initiative to include ‘adopt a child scheme and NAS scholarship scheme where people are encouraged to adopt a child or support the scholarship initiative to help the child acquire education.

Joseph also narrated the story of a minor, Ogechi, a 17-yearold girl from Ndundu in Isuikwuato council, who got pregnant while hawking, lost her mother and was brought on the wings of fate with her born baby to Aba where she came in contact with members of the Pyrates Confraternity.

Ogechi was registered at the Joy-Rita Motherless Babies home, Abayi, Aba where the Confraternity pays for her upkeep.

Motherless babies home: He disclosed that though they are partnering with some motherless babies homes at the moment, they intend to build a home where children taken off from the streets would be catered for, nurtured/rehabilitated and reintegrated back into the society.

He expressed hope that the initiative would reduce crime rate in the society and give the children a sense of belonging.

*Some street children and destitutes in Aba

*Another set of street children and destitutes in Aba According to him: “It is a project which the pilot scheme will run for four years. Within the first four years while this pilot phase of the project is running, we will make plans for the exit; it is just like a continuation of other years ahead.

“The campaign is continuous as the project is continuous too.

So, we will keep doing it from time to time on social media, print media and other areas in order to reach out to as many people as possible that may be interested to join hands to see that the act of child street begging is sorted out.”

Educational pursuit

These children are on the streets for no fault of theirs, it is due to circumstances beyond their control; the society has been so cruel to them; they have been abandoned

The event which provided guests the opportunity to meet some of the children whom NAS had taken off the streets, also provided members of the confraternity and spirited individuals the opportunity to donate generously for the upkeep and educational pursuit of these children in motherless babies homes in which the Pyrates Confraternity is partnering in the initiative.

In a paper titled: “Street Children as a Social Burden to the Entire Population: The Situation in Aba, Abia State”, a guest speaker, Sandra N. Anyanwu, Programme Officer at Children at Risk Development, CARD, initiative, a non-profit

child rights protection organisation, said that children who took to the streets for survival always dressed in tattered clothes, scavenge, beg for alms, peddle drugs, become members of armed robbery syndicates, move in colonies, do menial jobs, amongst other things, to survive as they spend most of their childhood on the streets.

Sexual abuse, rape: Anyanwu, who lamented that living on the streets exposes the children to sexual abuse and rape, sexually transmitted infections, however, attributed the prevalence of street children in Abia State to the existence of high level of poverty in the state, the strategic location of Abia which shares common boundary with more than four states, resulting in an increase in migration from neighbouring states due to the porous nature of its borders and the commercial status of Aba where many children, including adults from the hinterlands, come to seek for greener pastures.

According her, although there have been efforts by the government to put an end to the phenomenon of children being on the streets of Nigeria, she lamented that most of the government policy efforts are poorly designed and only provided temporary solutions.

She called for a well-structured strategy that would offer a sustainable way of removing

children on the streets, rehabilitate and reintegrate them back to the society to become useful citizens.

Abia State Commissioner of Education, Prof. Ikechi Mgbeoji, in his paper titled, “The Nigerian Child on the Street: Its Implication for the Future of the Country”, traced the advent of street children in Aba to the Nigerian Civil War (1967-70) and the increasing urbanisation and dislocation of extended family system.

Mgbeoji listed “correctional model, rehabilitative model, outreach strategies and preventive approach” as some of the measures to use in dealing with issues of street children.

Education summit: The Education Commissioner said that the state is planning to bring stakeholders in education to a roundtable for an Education Summit.

Reintroduction of free education He added that the state on its part is planning to propose an Education Bill which is expected to be passed into law by the State House of Assembly before the end of 2016, stressing that the bill when passed into law would make street hawking by children a crime in the state.

Education mobile court: According to him: “Under the proposed bill, the guardian or parent of any child caught hawking on the streets of the state will be tried and if found guilty, will be fined by a Mobile Education Court which is specially designed for educationrelated offences.

“And for the enactment of the Child Rights Act and Persons with Disability Bill into law by the state legislature, reintroduction of free education regime and the abolition of street begging syndicates and gangs who specialise in using children on the streets for the purpose of begging for alms”, a practice he described as dehumanising.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

Nigeria Railway commences movement of coal by eastern line in June

By Jonah Nwokpoku

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HE Nigeria Railway Corporation, NRC will from June begin to move coal freight through its eastern line running from Igumale in Benue State to the sea port in Port Harcourt.

The Acting Managing Director, NRC, Engr. Fidet Okhiria disclosed this during a parley with newsmen in Lagos.

He said: “We intend to start massive coal movement on the eastern line. We are working very hard to ensure that latest by June, the coal movement operations would have commenced.”

The new railway boss maintained that the corporation has to significantly improve its railway services in order to boost its internally generated revenue.

He said: “Presently we move cement freight for Lafarge from Ewekoro up North and we also move container freights but we intend to improve on the present freight movement so that we can enhance our revenue. My management will ensure that we go out to meet our customers and bring them back so that we can fully boost our revenue internally.”

He also confirmed that trial run of the newly completed Abuja to Kaduna standard gauge will still hold by May as the Federal Government has taken delivery of the rolling stock to be used for the trial run operations.

According to him, “The current focus of the FG is to drive the standard gauge, that is, the track modernisation by standard gauge.

We are leaving the narrow gauge of 1067mm to 1435mm. And we are happy to announce the arrival of five coaches that will

Union Bank canvasses more funding for Agric sector

By YinkaKolawole

I

From left, Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy Senate President; Tony Elumelu, Chairman, Heirs Holdings; Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; and Ike Chioke, DirectorGeneral of Oganiru, at the opening ceremony of Oganiru Enugu State Investment Summit, at Michael Okpara Square, Enugu. commence the running of the Abuja – Kaduna standard gauge.

We will commence the trial run

by May and then commence the full commercial operations by June.”

Speaking further, Okhiria said: “It is no longer news that the FG

will be pursuing the course of realising the standard gauge rail from Lagos to Kano and another one from Lagos to Calabar and ensuring that the full completion of the Kaduna – Abuja and Itakpe – Ajaokuta – Port Harcourt

standard gauge projects. The dream of this management is to fully support the government in achieving the dream by providing necessary professional support and advice.”

CCNN laments forex difficulties, high operating cost

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By Peter Egwuatu

EMENT Company of Northern Nigeria (CCNN) Plc has lamented the difficulty in securing Foreign Exchange, (Forex) and high operating cost as major factors affecting the manufacturing industry in the country, even as it recorded a turnover of N13.04 billion in 2015. $ 123.75 2.00 Commenting on its 2015 financial result $2,945.00 27.00 released on the Nigerian Stock $14.12 0.13 Exchange, NSE, Managing Director, CCNN Plc, Malam Ibrahim Aminu, said $ 44.30 0.12 the company ’s performance in 2015 $ 41.89 0.13 showed steadiness and resilience, when viewed CURRENCY BUYING SELLING against the background 196.5 197 US DOLLAR 196 of macroeconomic 279.2608 279.9732 280.6856 POUNDS challenges especially in 221.9112 222.4773 223.0434 EURO the areas of energy 203.6999 204.2195 204.7391 FRANC 1.7975 1.8021 1.8067 YEN supply and foreign 0.3214 0.3314 0.3414 CFA exchange.

276.2998 277.0047 277.7095 WAUA Aminu noted that as in 30.3242 30.402 30.4798 RENMINBI all cement plants, 52.2639 52.3972 52.5305 RIYAL 29.8054 29.8814 29.9574 KRONA CCNN has also been 275.772 276.4755 277.179 SDR adversely affected by the recent challenge of CBN Exchange rate as at 14/04/2016 C M Y K

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rising cost of spares and difficulty in importation of equipment due to restrictions regarding foreign exchange.

He said the company is making efforts to convert to solid fuels in order to reduce energy cost since the company does not have access to gas at the moment, due to location disadvantage.

According to him “Without access to gas because of its location in Sokoto State, CCNN depends on Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO), which it sources from Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Kaduna Refinery. CCNN

A cost-effect analysis shows that, 10 per cent annual increase in the price of LPFO wiped away N619.05 million and N592.37 million from pre-tax profit in 2014 and 2015

is therefore exposed to twin risks of the high cost of LPFO and the fluctuation in supply. LPFO price accounts for 65 per cent of the company’s cost of production.

When the supplies become erratic or entirely unavailable, more expensive imported LPFO is used

by CCNN at a higher cost. “ A cost-effect analysis shows that, 10 per cent annual increase in the price of LPFO wiped away N619.05 million and N592.37 million from pre-tax profit in 2014 and 2015 respectively. CCNN had recorded profit after tax of N1.92 billion on turnover of N15.12 billion in 2014.”

Major highlights of the audited report and accounts of CCNN for the year ended December 31, 2015 showed that the company recorded pre and post tax profits of N1.55 billion and N1.20 billion on a turnover of N13.04 billion during the year. Gross profit stood at N3.96 billion.

The company improved its intrinsic value during the year with net assets per share rising by seven per cent from N7.52 in 2014 to N8.07 in 2015. Total assets also rose by nine per cent from N15.78 billion to N17.15 billion.

N the quest to diversify Nigeria’s revenue base in the face of dwindling resources occasioned by low prices of crude oil, there is a greater need for improved funding of the agricultural sector.

Managing Director of Union Bank, EmekaEnuwa, stated this in Abuja, at a conference organised by African Rural and Agricultural Credit Association (AFRACA). The theme of the conference was “Catalysing the Diversification of the Nigerian Economy through Effective Agricultural Finance”.

He said: “The reality is that Agriculture is critical to our goals in sub-Saharan Africa. If you look at a few countries like Kenya, agriculture contributes 7 percent of GDP, Ghana 22 percent, and Ivory Coast, 22 percent and in Nigeria, over the past three years, the number has been 23 percent agriculture contribution to GDP. Agriculture is also the largest employer of labour on the continent. Now if we have a sector that employs 65 percent of the continents labour force, it is important that we support that sector and make that sector work.

“In Nigeria, agriculture accounts for approximately 50 percent of employment, of the labour force though it does contribute much less to export credit as the number as agreed is 10 percent. Again that is why agriculture is important to us.”

Meanwhile, at the event, stakeholders in the agricultural sector commended Union Bank for investing heavily in rural agriculture and being in the forefront of implementing most of the Federal Government policies on agriculture to ensure food security in the country.

In his Keynote address, Adebayo Adelabu, Deputy Governor Corporate Services, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), who represented the CBN Governor, said that investment in agriculture generates four times poverty reduction variables than any other sector, adding that commercial banks have in the past shied away from investing heavily in agriculture because of the unpredictable nature of the sector as drought and even excessive rains could turn the tide and put the banks at risk

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016—25

How Kcee, Harrysong, Simi, Finest stole show at Vanguard Awards •Kcee

By Rotimi Agbana

T

HE prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, was literally brought to a standstill last Friday as Five Star Music front man, Kcee and his label mate, Harrysong leading other entertainers lighted up the 4th edition of the Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards which held amid pomp at the place.

It was a gathering of the who is who in the nation’s political circle, entertainment and the business community. But besides the speeches, awards presentation and razzmatazz that pervaded the glamorous event, the night was ignited by the electrifying performances by top Nigerian music acts.

Setting the tone for the night was Olumide who gave an epic rendition of the nation’s national anthem. After which the famous Sharp band came on stage to serenade the audience with sonorous tunes from the classics, Jazz, hiphop, blues, highlife, reggae and tungba. But the atmosphere was charged when ‘Reggae Blues’ crooner, Harrysong took the floor. He held the likes of Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomole and other

•Finest

Harrysong serenading Gov Oshiomhole and wife dignitaries spell-bound with his energetic performance. Alongside the music and dance came the cocktail, which complimented the excitement attached to the frenzy flowing from the sonorous rhythm that oozed from the array of eclectic musical performances. After some presentation of awards to the recipients, TV presenter, Helen Paul, came on stage to reel out some rib-cracking jokes.

Her performance was complimented by that of rising singer, Finest who reeled off a mind-blowing performance,

•Simi

laced with mouth-gaping steps from a dance group that accompanied him to the stage.

Equally, X3M act, Simi did not disappoint the audience as she thrilled them with an exhilarating rendition of her single, ‘Jamb Question’ among others. Though some eye-brows were raised following her ‘too simple’ fashion statement, the fast rising female act still killed it, as she got even the men and women of the 60s on their feet, swaying from side to side to her performance.

However, after more comical

displays by the event comperes, Helen Paul and Yomi Owope, Five Star Music henchman, Kcee dazzled the audience with his usual stunning looks. He got virtually all the guests on their feet with his banging and evergreen

‘Limpopo.’ The likes of actress Doris Simeon, Maleke, Cossy Orjiakor, Princess Chineke, Annette Cookey, and even the dignitaries present could not help but take to the floor, singing and dancing alongside the ‘Limpopo’ singer.

Music, dance as NNF celebrates 15th anniversary

Onyia brothers float new record label

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WNERS of popular nightclub, Grasshopper Place in Festac town, Lagos,Biosa Anthony Onyia and his brother, DJ Yosir alias Babayosir have floated a new record label, Grasshopper Entertainment and signed 15-year old Precious Ibeh a.k.a Emzy on the new label.

Biosa, who is the Managing Director of Hoppers Communications unveiled the new record label as well as newly signed

music act, Emzy at a press parley held last week.

“Today, we unveil our Grasshopper Entertainment as a record label. We have also signed 15 year old Emzy as our first artiste.

We will be pushing his songs into the market after the Easter celebration. We have watched him perform and we think this is the only way we can encourage him,” Biosa said.

According to Biosa, “we have been in business for eight years now but have b e e n operating

underground. Hoppers is a household name in the entertainment and lifestyle industry in Nigeria but we haven’t really publicized our activities. This is our first press parley, Biosa added.

TheAnambrastate-bornbusiness mogul, who was flanked by his brotherDJBabayosir saidthatapart from entertainment, they are also into hospitality and services among other lucrative businesses. Emzy who has released about four singles described his kind of music as “Afro pop.” He revealed that he started singing while he was a child. “I was once a Choir master in his church. I sing and I played different

*Biosa and DJ Babayosir C M Y K

From left: NNF Board member, Dr. Gabriel Soyoye and his wife; Chairman, NNF Board of Directors, Dr. Pascal Dozie and his vice, Prof. Grace Alele Williams; MD/CEO, NNF, Prof. Obafemi Ajibola and his wife cutting the 15th anniversary cake of the foundation.

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USIC, dance, culture were on display as New Nigeria Foundation (NNF), a non-governmental organization that promotes sustainable community development initiatives through public private partnerships, celebrated its 15th anniversary in Lagos, last week.

The glamorous event, which held at Four Points by Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos, was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life. Those who graced the occasion were NNF Board Chairman, Dr. Pascal Dozie; former Vice Chancellor, University of Benin and NNF Vice Chairman, Prof. Grace Alele Williams; NNF Managing Director/CEO, Prof. Obafemi Ajibola, NNF Board member, Dr. Gabriel Soyoye, and former Vice Chancellor, Ekiti State University, Prof. Akin Oyebode, who was the keynote speaker. Speaking at the

dinner, Dozie reiterated the Foundation’s promise of maintaining a steady course to achieve its objective of promoting good causes to attain a better Nigeria. “The journey of NNF so far has been encouraging.

Though, some efforts have been made and achievements have been recorded, there are still some dark spots such as youth unemployment made worse by the fact that many of them are unemployable. The population of youths between 18 and 25 is a time bomb waiting to explode,” he said.

Dozie explained that the current condition of the country provides the opportunity to lay a new foundation for education and that NNF would continue to promote new ways to attain a better Nigeria by pushing out illiteracy and poverty among other socioeconomic ills.

26—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15,

2016

VOL. 1: NO. 17

FRIDAY, APRIL 15 , 2016

Finally, the Akinrogun e m o h s n r u t re to APC

By Charles Kumolu & Olasunkanmi Akoni

T

HE roles reportedly played by prominent Yoruba monarchs in the return of Chief Segun Osoba to the All Progressives Congress, APC, underscored the prominence of the former governor of Ogun State in the affairs of the South West region.

Besides, highlighting the homogeneous political leaning that had been a notable aspect of politics in the zone, the development reaffirmed Osoba’s place as one of the leading lights of the Yoruba race.

For a zone known for lining up its best in pursuance of progressive national and regional objectives, the departure of Osoba from the progressive fold was believed to have been less salutary to the Yoruba nation.

It was so considering the political and traditional influence the two-time governor of Ogun State wields.

On the political front, Osoba, who is one of the founding fathers of the APC, is considered an unarguable asset in terms of experience, followership and bridge building prowess among others.

An attestation to this reputed sagacity amply reflected in the high profile leaders and teeming followers, who left and returned to the progressives’ fold in solidarity with him.

His traditional titles of Aremo Awujale and the Akinrogun of Egbaland , are seen as notable connections between the various sub-tribes within the Yoruba race.

Little wonder the imprints of Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo and Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona are emblazoned on the paths and processes leading to his return.

Expatiating that while clarifying some misconceptions trailing his recent return, Osoba credited the

residence of Aremo Osoba and have resolved all the differences within the leadership completely.

As such we are happy to tell the world that the leadership of progressive politics is united. And we are ready to jointly prosecute the agenda for growth, purposeful leadership, development, good governance for the western part of Nigeria and we are committed to doing that for the entire nation. ‘’We have resolved to support the effort at the National level to revive the economy and put the people of Nigeria in a better position than we met them when our party came to power. The Aremo himself is back in the progressive leadership of Yoruba race. I have told you that the progressive leadership of Yoruba race is now ready and set to reposition our land and integrate with others nationwide.

traditional rulers to have convinced him to return to the progressive fold.

At the Lagos gathering which was attended by leading serving and past political leaders of South West extraction, Osoba’s import in the socio-political configuration of the region came to the fore. As such, the leaders resolved whatever differences that had existed among them so as to pursue the developmental goals of the region with a more unified front.

The attendees include Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Mrs. Oluranti Adebule; former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Segun Olusegun; ex-governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo;

At the Lagos gathering which was attended by leading serving and past political leaders of South West extraction, Osoba’s import in the sociopolitical configuration of the region came to the fore

Leadership of the leaders

•Osoba: Returns to the fold former interim National Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande; APC National Vice Chairman, South West, Chief Pius Akinyelure and Senator Gbenga Obadara among others.

Briefing newsmen at the end of the nearly four-hour meeting,

Aregbesola said progressive leaders of the zone would collectively work towards the revival Nigeria’s ailing economy.

His words: "The leadership of progressive leadership in western Nigeria, leadership of progressive met today at the

IN THIS EDITION

Accolades as Bola Ajibola, Crescent varsity’s proprietor, clocks 82 •Page 27

Paucity of funds puts Oyo civil service in turmoil •Page 28

"Progressive leadership is on the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC. All governors of the APC in the Western part of Nigeria are here. With the leadership united, whoever subscribes to the leadership of the leaders must be part of this."

On his part, Tinubu while speaking on the sidelines noted that the party leaders of South West extraction resolved to be more progressive in pushing forward with their common vision.

His words: ‘’What is very crucial is forging one front and for us to remain progressive in our party. I am an unapologetic progressive and I will remain a progressive.

And that is the only philosophy and principle I believe. Wherever the Progressives must unite with their vision, I am for it. Nobody is left out, it is all progressive and no one is left out. The governor of Ogun State is with us. Governor of Ogun State was elected on the platform of the APC and he is for the APC.’’ While dismissing claims that he had endorsed Akande for the chairmanship of the Board of Trustees, he said:’’This is not a leaderless revolution, leaders are defined and identified and it is clear that we are all one including governor of Ogun State. We are not in PDP that is why they think of something they are not. We have never had a BoT, we have never held our congress based on any BoT and we have internal reviews of our organisation and things that we have to plan. It is part of it that we are seeing here now."

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016—27

OGUN STATE

Accolades as Bola Ajibola, Crescent OSUN STATE varsity’s proprietor, clocks 82 Intrigues as race for OAU’s VC seat hots up

By Bashir Adefaka

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HEN he sits back in his Olusegun Obasanjo Hilltop GRA, Abeokuta home and recounts the many blessings that have accrued to the Crescent University, Abeokuta which he sold all his property to establish over ten years ago, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Abdul-Jabbar Bolasodun Ajibola, says, “alhamdulillahi (that is, I give praise to Allah).”

Bola Ajibola, today, is a renowned world class figure having served as World Court Judge at The Hague and has taken part in many adjudications affecting many great nations of the world. He was also the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom just like he was Vice President of the World Bank, New York, in the United States of America.

Of all the achievements, the one that interests the legal luminary, who was pioneer President of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Vanguard learnt, was the event that led to deserving the honourary award of the LL.D. conferred on him by the prestigious University of Buckingham, United Kingdom.

Spiritual attachments He said, “I have four children that went to that university and the authorities were not satisfied until they sent for the parents of those children. They said their moral and spiritual attachments to academic performances were excellent and that these could not have come from any other place but a good home.

“When they came for me, they met me at The Hague and so they invited me to be appreciated for being a good father. They gave me the LL.D. honorary causa of the University of Buckingham presented to me by the British first and, so far, only female Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher.”

He told Vanguard that he woke up that morning into a day he described as a “day of publicity.”

It was a day reminiscent of the first major achievements of Progress Report Newspaper and Radiance magazine by students of the Department of Mass Communication of, Crescent University Abeokuta and many other products by students of the school were presented to him.

But Bola Ajibola has a background that ostensibly orchestrated this moral quality that he has transferred to his children. It is the Owu home, where he comes from and the Baptist Boys High School, BBHS, Abeokuta operated by

By Gbenga Olarinoye

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•Prince Ajibola: Turned 82

missionaries in those days, where discipline and morals were non-negotiable. Ajibola, juxtaposing this beautiful upbringing with what he seeks to achieve with Crescent University Abeokuta, said; “What I set out to achieve with the Crescent University Abeokuta is to train Nigerians to be of good morals, fearful of God and still perform excellently well in academics.

“At Crescent University, our watchword is: ‘’In the moral and fear of God.’’ That is what we impact in all our students. We are not rich but our riches abound in the fact that all our products are now being admired nationally and internationally. ‘’We achieved this feat through employed guidance and counsellors, who guide and advise the students in academics and Imams, who preach to them.

Our lead Imam was purposely brought from Egypt and he does train the students to fear God and have good morals.’’

What I set out to achieve with the Crescent University Abeokuta is to train Nigerians to be of good morals, fearful of God and still perform excellently well in the academic

Ajibola is jurist of international repute — Alaafin of Oyo To crown the renowned Jurists day of honour, one of Nigeria’s foremost traditional rulers and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, CFR, made use of his appointment as Chancellor of the Crescent University to ventilate his unreserved accolades on Ajibola, which he did in a letter he addressed to him in acceptance of his appointment as chancellor of the university, recently.

In the letter, Oba Adeyemi said, “I have for the past ten years been following with keen interest the contributions of the Crescent University to the development of education in the country, especially, at the tertiary level. I made bold to say that the summary of my observations in the last decade is that Crescent University is not only creative but innovative as a centre of learning that impacts sound and qualitative education to our youths.”

The Alaafin then gave the kudos for the success story of the Crescent University to the personality of its proprietor, Bola Ajibola, saying, “One cannot expect anything less from such a creative and imaginative person; an international jurist per excellence.”

He went on, “Although he does not need my pen to attain a character portraiture of the proprietor, Bola Ajibola, since nobody can dispute the fact that the prince is a jurist of the black race.

SOGBO — With the five year tenure of the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University OAU, Ile-Ife, Professor Bamitale Omole gradually coming to an end, terminating precisely on June 23, 2016, the race to occupy the exalted seat is becoming keener by the day with interested parties scheming to have their candidates picked.

At the last count, 11 candidates showed interest in the post, out of which the Governing Council has short-listed the first six, who are billed for an interview session with the Council and the institution’s Senate Joint Committee.

Vanguard gathered that no fewer than 11 candidates have indicated interest, with the duo of Prof. Afolabi Akindaunsi, Director of the International Office at the Federal University of Technology, FUTA, and one Prof. Charles Akinyokun, contesting from another university.

Other candidates, who are Alumni of the OAU, are the incumbent Deputy ViceChancellor (Academics), Prof.

Ayobami Taofeek Salami, from the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies, Faculty of Sciences; the former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Prof. (Mrs.) Olabisi Aina; former Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, and former Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. Yisa Kehinde Yusuf.

Others include the former Dean of the Faculty of Education and two-term Chairman of the Committee of Deans, Prof. Alao Kayode; former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof.

Anthony Enisan Akinlo; former

Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Design and Management, Prof. Ayo Ajayi and the faculty’s incumbent Dean, Prof. Bioye Tajudeen Aluko, among others.

But staff of the University, are currently divided over the criteria adopted by the Governing Council of the institution to shortlist candidates for the position of Vice Chancellor. While the the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), OAU branch faulted the criteria, the Academic Staff Union of University, ASUU, backed the governing council’s decision.

On their part, the NonAcademic Staff Union, NASU and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, OAU branch want the Governing Council dissolved.

Suitable candidates

This, they said, "was as result of the council’s ‘deliberate and irreparable violation of the Statue and Laws for the appointment of a new Vice-chancellor."

The two unions stated that the Governing Council of the University, going by the statutes, was supposed to come up with a short-list of suitable candidates for the post of Vice-Chancellor based on advertised eligibility criteria.

They added that thereafter a Joint Council and Senate Selection Board were to be set up to critically assess the shortlisted candidates. According to the two unions, the Governing Council of the University bungled the procedure by coming up with a short-list of suitable candidates for the post based on criteria beyond those advertised.

They further claimed that by this singular act of the Governing Council of the University, the role of the Joint Council and Senate Selection Board had been usurped.

To show their agitation, members of NASU and SSANU had earlier protested on the university campus.

But on the contrary, some of the academic staff who spoke to our reporter explained that the OAU G o v e r n i n g Council’s actions •Prof Omole: Outgoing OAU VC were constitutional.

28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

OYO STATE

Paucity of funds puts Oyo civil service in turmoil

By Ola Ajayi

I

BADAN – The dust generated by the sack of some Permanent Secretaries, Directors and workers by Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State is yet to settle.

Though, the governor repeatedly said that sacking workers would definitely not be an option to resolve the ongoing economic downturn in the state, he warned that his administration would not spare any worker who has skeletons in his cupboard.

Recently, some Directors of the State Broadcasting Corporation were laid off as a result of what the government called ‘restructuring’.

Also, 10 Permanent Secretaries were not exempted from the hammer of government.

While protesting the sack of the workers, one of the

opposition parties in the state, All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, led by Angel Folorunso alleged that “All Progressives Congress-led government under the toxic leadership style of Governor Ajimobi has reinforced workers-unfriendly policy in the state by not paying their salaries as well as instilling a climate of fear and threats of sack.”

Folorunso said; “ we take exception to any attempt to sack workers in the state civil service. The governor should know that wielding arbitrary power like a little tyrant will further damage the pseudoprogressive posture of the APC government in the state.”

While the state Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr. Waheed Olojede could not apportion too much blame to the governor on the sack of the permanent secretaries, he told

South West Voice that the executive members of the union had indicated their decision to see the governor and discuss the rationale behind the sack of the Directors.

Olojede said, “Well, the issue of the Permanent Secretaries is political. It is at the discretion of the governor. The law allows the governor to appoint permanent secretaries among the directors. So, the government has the right to appoint and sack the permanent secretaries.

“But , in the case of the Directors and six Vehicle Inspection Officers, we have sought for an audience with the governor through the Joint Negotiating Council and NLC. A letter was sent to the governor eight days ago and we are still waiting for his invitation.

“On payment of salaries, JNC

and NLC reviewed the issue and we have agreed to meet this Thursday(yesterday) when we will consider critically the situation.

“The inability of the government to pay salaries has made it extremely difficult for workers to provide for their families. It is difficult to get transport fares to their offices.

We are calling on the attention of government to pay the outstanding salaries. It paid some workers last in October and at the end of this month, it means they are owed five months salaries . How do you expect maximum productivity from such workers? It is not easy to work on empty stomach.

“The government has to do something very urgent before this matter snowballs into labour crisis. Industrial crisis is imminent in the state. We don’t want any representatives from the governor again but the governor himself should meet with them.’’

Governor reacts: Governor Ajimobi who spoke through his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka said what the governor did was not retrenchment but restructuring

We take exception to any attempt to sack workers in the state civil service. The governor should know that wielding arbitrary power like a little tyrant will further damage the pseudo-progresive posture of the APC government in the state

that will improve productivity and efficiency.

Corroborating the stance of the state NLC Chairman, he said the governor reserves the prerogative of appointing and sacking the Permanent Secretaries adding that the affected officers were very close to retirement.

He reiterated that what the governor did was in the best interest of the state and more specifically the workforce. “We are aware of the restructuring going on at the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, BCOS. It is geared towards bringing out the best. Governor has demonstrated in no small measure that he is a workerfriendly governor,” he said.

On the 500 workers allegedly sacked, he wondered where ‘ the seeming non-existent party’, APGA got its bogus figure.

NUJ kicks In the same vein, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Oyo State Council, has reiterated its call on the state government to reinstate the sacked workers of the state owned broadcasting outfit, the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State.

In a communiqué signed by the chairman of the union, Mr Gbenga Opadotun at the end of its congress, the union urged the state government to respect the civil service rules and guidelines on appointment, promotion and discipline of workers in the state. The union noted that the sacked officers were employed by the Civil Service Commission and we’re thus bound by its edicts.

The congress also enjoined well meaning Nigerians to intervene in the matter in the interest of fair play, equity and justice. “We are not opposed to restructuring as it enhances efficiency and productivity if properly done,” the union noted.

Prof Oye Bandele taking EKSU to greater heights

By Gbenga Ariyibi

E

KITI State University, EKSU, Ado Ekiti, formerly known as University of Ado Ekiti, UNAD, was established in 1982 during the regime of late Chief Adekunle Ajasin, the then Governor of old Ondo State and the institution has undergone different stages of development both structural, physical and human capital wise.

The university which started from scratch, compound of a ramshackle, nursery and primary school, in the Ajitadidun area, Ado Ekiti with a handful of students in about four pioneer faculties, namely; arts, social science, science and engineering can boast of having over 30,000 students, and it has grown up into a full fledged institution of higher learning that could compete

favourably with other institutions in any part of the globe.

The university now runs front line courses like law, technological related courses and medicine with the best university administrators and academic including world acclaimed professors that are gurus in their own fields and virtually all these courses have received the nod of the National Universities Commission, NUC. The 34 -years-old university has produced graduates in various fields of human endeavor and they have proved to be good ambassadors of their alma mata,its products have come out winning some national and international awards and competitions,some years back,one of its products came out

the over all best in the bar finals at the prestigious Nigeria Law School ,while graduates of its engineering, business administration and accountancy departments are much sought after both within and outside the shores of Nigeria,even though, EKSU is yet to commence a course in mass communication its products are ubiquitous in both the electronic and print media in the country.

The university which was derogatorily referred to as ‘a glorified secondary school in the past currently showcases varieties of modern architectural structures which dot the beautifully laid out landscape at the Ado Ekiti -Ifaki Road campus of the institution ,especially in the south- eastern zone of the

campus,thanks to the sense of ingenuity and hard work exhibited by all the past vice chancellors of the university.

A feat that no doubt being taken to new level by the new Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof.

Samuel Oye Bandele, as a matter of fact, Prof Bandele seems to be in hurry to put the institution on the world map and to him, this is a task that must be achieved and all the principal staff of the university including academic and non academic staff seem to have keyed into this agenda.

It is no joke to see Bandele at his duty post as early as 8 -8:30 am and he would not leave office till around 7 -7:30 pm ,looking at how to solve one problem or the other.

The vice chancellor who was

appointed by the highest decision making body of the university-the Governing Council headed by the former Minister for Works,Prince Dayo Adeyeye, appointed Bandele as the seventh substantive vice chancellor of the university and was approved by the state governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose ,has since settled down for business and has mapped out his strategies with the ultimate aim of achieving positive results.

Shortly after assumption of office, Prof Bandele decided to convoke an education summit and followed this up with another summit towards boosting the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), the other motive was to bring brains together and revive the education sector.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APARIL 15, 2016—29

OWAMBE

•From left, Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Hassan Ibrahim Dankwabo; Mrs Moji Ladeji and Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose during the wedding of the daughter of Mrs Ladeji held in Lagos last Saturday.

•From right: National Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba and National Vice Chairman, SouthWest, APC, Chief Pius Akinyelure during the meeting of the South West APC Leaders at Aremo’s residence in Bourdillon, Ikoyi, Lagos,

•Otunba Gbenga Daniel, centre, with Prof. Akin Onigbinde, 2nd right, Senator Oloruninmbe Mamora, right and others during OGD's 60th birthday celebration in Lagos.

• From left, Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Mrs. Fayisetan Fayose; the groom, Michael Soyebo; bride, Princess Bamidele Ladeji and the governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, during Service for the solemnization of Holy Matrimony between Bamidele and Michael at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Covenant Chapel, Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos on Saturday.

•From left: Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, during an agricultural stakeholders' forum involving 28 agrarian local governments of the state.

THE TEAM EDITOR: Adeleke Adeseri 08054682557 (sms only)

• From left: Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; his wife, Florence; and their daughter, Ajijola, during a thanksgiving service in honour of the 57th birthday of the governor's wife at the Government House Chapel, Agodi, Ibadan

CORRESPONDENTS: Dapo Akinrefon Lagos Ola Ajayi Ibadan Gbenga Olarinoye Osogbo Dayo Johnson Akure Daud Olatunji Abeokuta Olasunkanmi Akoni Lagos Rotimi Ojomoyela Ekiti Monsuru Olowoepejo

30—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

Donald Trump and the rise of the ‘ugly American’

By Lindsay Barrett

A

S the USA confronts the spectre of another bruising Presidential election this year the emerging contenders have initiated acrimonious primary contests for the tickets of the two major parties. On the Republican side the emergence of Donald Trump, real estate tycoon and TV reality show host, has surprised the “grand old party’s (GOP’s)” establishment with the vehemence and durability of his supporters and the extent of his popularity.

On the Democratic side what was touted as a free, and almost uncontested, run at the nomination by Hilary Clinton, former first lady and Barack Obama’s lately embattled Secretary of State, has been interrupted by a robust challenge from a relatively unknown fringe radical Senator Bernie Sanders.

It is now becoming clear that while the front-runners in both parties have stitched together notable public support for their ideological assumptions and personal political ambitions what they represent most of all is a reflection of public reaction to the consequences of the Obama Presidency.

Sensational element As a result the Trump phenomenon has actually become the most sensational element in the entire exercise.

The major objective of the more rational contenders on all sides of the political spectrum appears to be to put a halt to the overwhelming juggernaut that his campaign has become. As a result the Democratic frontrunner and her challenger have wound up fighting to convince their party members not so much that they deserve their party’s ticket because of their record in office as because they believe they can beat Donald Trump, even though he has not yet been chosen as the Republican candidate.

That the Trump presence has become so all-pervasive in the American political arena can be traced to the deep political disenchantment that evolved as a fundamental element of Republican reaction to Barack Obama’s policies over the eight years of America’s first black Presidency. Hurt by the rejection of the so-called “conservatism” that the overwhelming election successes of Barack Obama symbolised the GOP has generated a storm of public opprobrium for his major efforts at reform in such areas as immigration policy, and healthcare, and key foreign policy initiatives, especially those in the volatile Middle East, and on Cuba.

The same conservative consensus that rejected the idea of extending America’s direct C M Y K

Donald Trump military intervention in the Middle East and Afghanistan, under George Bush has been transformed into a movement that now accuses Obama of not being warlike enough in those conflicts especially in Syria and Iraq. Donald Trump now portrays himself as the champion of greater military intervention and stigmatizes Barack Obama as being weak and hesitant because he has focused on paring down direct American military intervention in territorial conflicts around the globe. In addition to this Obama has initiated a style of engagement with the global community based on persuasion and negotiation instead of on demand and instruction. This has annoyed a substantial proportion of the American populace who had grown accustomed to bullying the rest of the world.

Donald Trump has keyed into this sentiment of nostalgic anger with highly effective rhetorical prowess and has proven to be a very adept promoter of his selfimage as a strong defender of the faith of American ascendancy and superiority around the world.

Separatism and isolationism It is this conceit that has served as the foundation for his success as an aspirant so far, but it is the same conceit that exposes him as being hardly more than a salesman of the cosmetic assumptions of the worst elements of American jingoism.

Trump has spent the majority of his time as a campaigner pandering to the worst sentiments of his followers. He has encouraged separatism and isolationism in their attitudes towards the rest of the world and has even shamelessly promoted religious bigotry and barely concealed racism in his utterances.

He has shown himself to be an unrepentant male chauvinist in his responses to hard questions

Donald Trump has successfully unleashed the ugliest side of American political sentiment in order to build a following

from female reporters and his take on Hilary Clinton’s aspirations reveal him as a brutally unfair adversary who does not mind using falsehoods to smear his opponent. When he chose to slander the global Muslim community, in an effort to portray himself as being more prepared than anyone else to confront international terrorism, he did not mind that his rhetoric bore clear echoes of fascism. It would only take a short leap of imagination for his proposal to ban all Muslims from entering the USA to be converted into a call to isolate all Muslims already living there in concentration camps.

An interesting source of information about Donald Trump’s attitudes towards public office is to be found in the book entitled The Trumps by Gwenda Blair. This study of the family starts off with the story of Donald’s grandfather Friedrich’s arrival in New York City as a German immigrant towards the end of the 19th century. However without the emergence of Donald as a legendary real estate tycoon in the late 20th century the story might not have been told for while his grandfather and his father made a success of their own businesses it was his adventurous triumphs and sometimes near disasters that caught public attention and turned the family name into a global brand. In this work it is shown quite clearly that Donald Trump is adept at twisting public regulations to serve his personal interests even when such conduct might be considered barely legal. His operations as a casino owner on the Atlantic City boardwalk exhibited this in no mean order and many observers still wonder how he avoided being seriously sanctioned and even convicted, at least of criminal

negligence, over these operations. He has had almost as many failed business initiatives as he has had successes, but he has also been recognised as a true “comeback kid” as he has picked himself up and returned to the top over and over again. This attribute has helped to give his campaign for the Presidency the exciting cachet of a mission of destiny and he is playing the role of messiah to the hilt. This is not surprising since of the many roles that he has played in life so far he seemed to enjoy his manifestation as a popular TV reality show host more than any other. Trump is nothing if not a boastful selfpromoter, and it will be unfortunate if such a character actually gains power in these challenging times in a powerful nation like the USA. Yet the likelihood is not a fantasy but a distinct possibility.

American politics contains a good measure of frivolity and chance.

Even the Obama triumph was built on certain presumptions of popular sentiment that discounted the major political calculations of some of the key operatives in the political arena of the time. This is in fact the genesis of the resistance to some of Obama’s most innovative policy initiatives generated by the GOP’s most radical fellow travellers. The so-called “TeaParty Movement” for example was built upon bellicose opposition to the rational healthcare initiatives and compassionate immigration

reforms proposed by the Obama Administration. This movement has morphed into being the core of the Trump Movement today.

The so-called “Evangelical Conservatives”, who are little more than religious fanatics masquerading as guardians of the nation’s moral code, have virtually adopted Trump as their candidate although he is well known to have been at best an irregular churchgoer.

Popular disenchantment He has captured such support by playing to the gallery of popular disenchantment without any remorse for the fundamental dishonesty that this represents.

Donald Trump has successfully unleashed the ugliest side of American political sentiment in order to build a following that could spell victory for him in a contest corrupted by the confusion of the times. He is depending on the widespread economic and political confusion, which is actually a legacy of preObama mismanagement by the Republicans led by George Bush, and the dysfunctional terrorist insurgencies generated by it to create a climate of fear in which he can rise to power. On this sad but very real structure of political dishonesty Donald Trump’s hope for victory is based. If he is successful America’s leadership might aggravate, rather than relieve, the problems that the world is facing today.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016—31

Invasion of Nigeria retail sector: The dilemma of a struggling economy

By Victor Ahiuma-Young, Franklin Alli, Princewill Ekwujuru & Jonah Nwokpoku

•Retail shop

T

HE Nigerian retail sector has played a very critical role in Nigeria’s economy over the years. With low required capitalisation, it has remained the easiest form of business to start, especially among low income earners.

It has largely dominated the informal sector and has served a special purpose for every Nigerian household, especially in the towns and cities, providing the needed food and non-food items for everyday use.

These retail stores, always across the streets and in every neighbourhood; not only provide essential services but also provide employment for thousands of people, while providing markets for most of our agricultural produce.

However, in recent times, the incursion of transnational corporations (TNCs) seeking largely populated markets and having found Nigeria suitable, is threatening the existing order and consequently the jobs of thousands of men and women in small retail trades across the country.

Traditional grocery stores These TNCs operate supermarkets which are larger and more structured than the traditional grocery stores. Their huge investments provide them the leverage needed for the economy of scale needed to drive profit while offering products at very marginal rates, a fact that makes it impossible for the small grocery retailers to compete.

They offer every product, from meat, fresh produce, dairy, canned to packaged goods. They even bake their own bread. They also offer items such as kitchenware, household cleaners, pharmacy products and pet supplies and at far cheaper rates than these small traders.

Battle for Nigeria’s retail space: Take the South African Shoprite Group for instance. With 153 superstores in 2013 in 16 countries outside South Africa, Shoprite Group, already has 16 of its stores in Nigeria and plans to build 44 additional outlets.

The Group’s Chief Executive, Whitey Basson had in 2013 said the supermarket’s foreign outlet registered 28 per cent jump in sales which is nearly three times the rate of growth in its home market during the same period.

Following this result, the store hopes to capitalise on its outside success by building additional outlets in Nigeria. This result may

•Retail fruits market be largely responsible for its expansionist drive. Aside Shoprite, Walmart had in July 2013 announced that it was planning to launch in Nigeria’s commercial hub, Lagos. While Walmart hasn’t yet said when its first store in Lagos will open, it already has a limited presence in the country through its subsidiary company, Massmart, another South Africa-based retailer that it acquired five years ago. But Shoprite has some things working in its favour.

First, there’s the matter of space.

The shortage of big malls and commercial real-estate space in Nigeria means retailers often have to pay high rents.

Woolworths, an upscale South African retailer (unrelated to the Woolworth chains of other countries), closed its three Nigerian stores in November 2013 after they’d been open for just a year and a half, citing a lack of shopping malls, “ridiculously” high rents, and a stifling bureaucracy. Shoprite likewise struggled to find retail space for its expansion plans. So it decided to form its own realestate arm, the Resilient Property Income Fund. In 2012, Resilient and Shoprite announced that they would spend $125

There is need to protect our local investors through the use of fiscal instruments such as tax incentives to support local investors and as disincentive against foreign domination capable of causing disequilibrium in the volatile agricultural sector

•Retail shop by one of the TNCs million building 10 malls in Nigeria, many of which would have Shoprite as the anchor tenant.

Government policy encourages trend: This trend has helped Nigeria’s ailing economy which has a strong focus on microeconomic stabilisation, with pursuit of a massive trade and investment liberalisation programme to encourage foreign direct investment.

Capital transfers In achieving this, the country has relaxed most restrictions on current and capital transfers, introduced tax relief for those multi-nationals willing to invest in the country, and improved access to foreign exchange at near market rates. Another caveat to the liberalisation programme has been the commencement of a massive privatisation campaign of public institutions, again largely to attract foreign investment with the hope that this would help increase economic activity and bring in the much needed revenue.

For example, in August, 2015, the Lagos State Governor, Mr.Akinwunmi Ambode, rolled out red carpet for executives of Walmart who came to declare their intention to commence full operations in the State. The Governor promised them not just the enabling environment but assurances of hitch free process in order to commence operations.

However, few days later, the governor, revoked the concession granted by the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation, LSDPC, to a local operator, Afriland Properties Plc for the redevelopment of the Falomo Shopping Centre, Ikoyi.

These point to the fact that government sees this particular approach to trade and investment liberalisation as a right step in the right direction.

Shopping mall operators should be regulated: Speaking to Vanguard on the trend, Director General, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture,

NACCIMA, Emmanuel Cobham, said: “The argument that they may be foreign owned challenges our individual and collective reasoning to either accept that things should remain the way they are or work to reverse the trend. However, if there are no proper monitoring mechanisms, substandard goods may find their ways to the malls and this could affect the growth of our local industries which are supposed to be the main suppliers to the malls.”

Reacting to complaints by some Nigerians that malls like Shoprite are taking over business from domestic markets by selling agricultural produce at cheap price, he said: “Nigeria is a free market economy; therefore the issue of pricing may be a difficult issue to tackle.

Domestic market operators "It is advisable that domestic market operators effectively engage their suppliers on the pricing of the farm produce as being done in some developed economies. They could also come up as a cooperative group to engage the farmers. Nigerian consumers are more interested in getting the best price for whatever they are purchasing and this is what domestic market operators should try to work towards.”

He, however, advised: “In as much as the increase in the number of shopping malls is beneficial to the economy, it is important that the necessary checks are maintained so that we do not allow this serve as venues for the introduction of substandard goods into the country through these malls.

In the same vein, President, Ikorodu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ICCI, Prince Jamiu Adio Saka noted that:“The foreign domination on the establishment of malls is not surprising given the financial resources required which is not readily available to Nigerians. Moreover, the economic policies and support of foreign governments to their citizens in the form of subsidies

also encourages such foreign domination on such investments. The so call mono product attributed to Nigeria in my view is nothing but an erroneous view given the recent performance of non oil sector of our economy. The challenge is exporting the non oil produce to generate adequate foreign exchange to meet the needs of the nation. This will require improvement in the standard of our products coupled with effective packaging that would meet international standards.

“More so, there would be the need for our economic policy to include tax and other reliefs towards a focused investment in certain given sector including establishment of malls. We cannot because of open market and competition have our economy controlled mostly by foreign oligarchies.

Neo-economic colonization "We need to modify the behaviour of our local investors towards resource pulling as first step to redressing possible neoeconomic colonization. There is, therefore, the need to protect our local investors through the use of fiscal instruments such as tax incentives to support local investors and as disincentive against foreign domination capable of causing disequilibrium in the volatile agricultural sector.”

Government must check workers’ exploitation by TNCs: The organised labour that covers the transnational trading companies or outlets in Nigeria, the National Union of Shops and Distributive Employees, NUSDE, said the operations of transnational trading companies, could be said to be good and bad.

If one dwelt on the profits they brought to the owners, they could be said to be good, but could said to be bad, when viewed from the perspective of the exploitation meted on the ordinary people in the host community where they operated.

President of NUSDE, Mr. Ogbaloi Kelly, told Vanguard that: “First of all, they come to the host community not because they are sincerely in favour of the development of the community.

The fundamental reason is rather their business interest - Profits.

The host community may benefit insignificantly however. In fact, their operations in Nigeria are absolutely repulsive because real economic development is systematically stultified by these companies. We are perennially exploited with all benefits taken away.”

32 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

LEISURE

YOUR LUCK TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 LIBRA; Serious thought may be giving to matters of the heart but it’s better you tarry a while. Joint ventures of short duration today may be an invitation to avoidable trouble.

SCORPIO; If you back your financial plans with concrete and positive actions things’ll go according to your desire. If you fail to realise importance of your spouse you would work your way into avoidable trouble; aren’t you tired of crisis?

SAGITTARIUS; Your intelligence, competence and level of concentration may today bring you envy, which you don’t deserve within your working arena in a negative form but.

CAPRICORN;. The Moon highlights your Solar second house of money which is good but, if you try to buy true love with money, you’ll be disappointed AQUARIUS; The. Moon in your Star sign’ll gives you new confidence and with new supports from the powersthat-be, it’s like you are now un-stop-able. But be cautious, especially with the veterans within your base of operation.

Yet you will be lucky today.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

R

IGHT from ages man has continued to look for ways of clothing his nakedness. Nakedness does not just mean not wearing clothes alone. It includes

God is watching covering our evil deeds, wicked acts, ways and sins etc.

As it was the days of the biblical Adam and Eve, so it is today.

When we commit heinous crime, we run for

TERROR MUDA

cover under the stone, under the water and under the dark, hoping and praying that we will not be caught.

We live a lie. We forget that air bear witness to our cruel act;

in “Never say goodbye”

the sun by our shadow takes our photograph, and our conscience convicts us daily.

Beware, God is watching. Your sins will find you out.

Think about it!

By Lanre Kehinde

PISCES; Better days are ahead of you but, you will today need to do away with non-productive argument and/or agreement. Try to be more diplomatic now.

ARIES; If what you’re doing today ’ll depend on tomorrow’s event it’s better you’re more careful now. Even things may not go according to your personal plans today.

Yet it’s important you plan both your immediate and far future carefully now.

TAURUS; If you take to aggression, your ego would be deflated by your superior colleagues, but your being co-operative in a civilised way’ll prevent trouble.

GEMINI; Those willing to put you to shame one way or the other’ll be disappointed with the turn of things today. It’s good to secure support of your spouse.

CANCER; You’ve had enough of fun in the recent times and it’s now time you settle down for hard work in order to prevent avoidable trouble. Be patient please.

LEO; Your concentration level and determination are the pillars of your success today. Yet you’ll need to respect your senior colleagues and protect your image

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

VIRGO; It’s true you’re willing to work harder but you just have to drop both aggression and mental arrogance to allow things to roll accordingly. Then, you’re accident prone within your working arena. Respect the law and its agents today.

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,

What’s my carreer?

Dear Joshua,Dear Joshua, I am interested in your Astrological counselling. Kindly tell me everything about myself, especially my finance and career; would I be rich eventually, if yes what should I do to make it happen quickly.

Abdul-Ganiyu, Abuja.

Dear Abdul-Ganiyu, There are indications of financial success for you but you can not change what Almighty God Has designed for you talking about the timing (the quickness you talked in your letter) Certainly however no failure for you.

Mercury –the planet of education and Accountancy, together with mighty Sun at positive angle to planets in Virgo (another Accounting Star sign) attracted you to both Accountancy profession and the academic world. Truly you did not make wrong choice of career.

Money will eventually come along this line but it’ll not be as faster as if you take to OIL RELATED BUSINESS. Because Neptune (the planet of OIL) was very comfortable when you were born. It will not be out of place if you have filling stations as time goes by, because you are basically a GAS PERSON. Another money spinning vocation for you include writing either along your line or for film making industry; it is important you exhibit the higher quotient of creativity in your inner-self. Yes your dream of becoming A Professor will come to reality. Politics is another area you are not looking at now but will surely come. Do you say why? Because Aquarius is equally political.

Venus that was powerfully placed when you were born is all about MONEY. Thus you have special ability to make money. And as it was at positive angle to disciplined Saturn, you are not giving to serious frivolity. One major challenge here is envy by others but you will eventually overcome. Another source of challenges is your love life which looks not totally balanced.

Basically you are a family minded person. You are equally loving and caring. But sometimes your love of freedom get better off you to the resentment of your closer partner(s).Then some other times it is other party’s fault making love-business very interesting. And unless you are more careful and determined you may marry more than once.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

33—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

Oil communities threaten three flow stations in Delta

By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief

T

HREE crude oil flow stations are currently being threatened by their host communities in the restive Niger Delta region, which have asked Saipem Consortium to stop operations in their communities.

Saipem, an Italian oil contracting firm, is currently handling three gas plant projects, on behalf of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, SPDC, in the Ijaw communities hosting the Beniseide, Tunu and Ogbotobo flow stations in Delta State.

Spokesman of the communities, Pere-ebibo Fufeyin, told journalists in Abuja that the position of the communities was informed by the alleged refusal of Saipem to respect various agreements reached with the host communities.

They also requested that Saipem should withdraw from carrying out further work at the three flow stations.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, Fufeyin hinged the communities’ decision to tell the company to leave on the various contractual illegalities and fraudulent practices allegedly perpetrated by Saipem Consortium in its dealings with them.

He said that despite several

complaints by the communities over the flagrant disregard to Memoranda of Understanding, MOUs and Freedom to Operate, FTOs, Saipem had ignored them and refused to give members of the communities sub-contracts.

His words: “Prior to the commencement of the project, an agreement was reached, officially documented and

signed by representatives of the various communities, SPDC and Saipem Consortium. The agreement specifically outlined the community/contractors' commitment to the smooth implementation of the projects.

“The communities in the mutual agreements, stressed their commitment to assist SPDC in removing all structures on SPDC’s acquired

land around the flow stations to allow for un-impeded construction works by Saipem Consortium, this commitment we have since fulfilled.

“Saipem has refused to fulfil its part of the agreement to ensure that sub-contracting opportunities for the supply materials and the provision of services were awarded to qualified indigenous contractors.”

VISIT: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State (right) presents a souvenir to Mr Solomon Arase, Inspector-General of Police during the Police chief's visit to the governor in his office in Benin City, yesterday.

Omo-Agege invites foreign investors to partner FG on Okwagbe Seaport for our teaming unemployed

By Festus Ahon

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SABA—SENATOR Ovie Omo-Agege, the senator representing Delta Central senatorial district in the National Assembly, has said that he was negotiating with core foreign investors to partner the Federal Government in fast-tracking the Okwagbe Seaport project.

Omo-Agege, when he visited the proposed site for Okwagbe Seaport, noted that the process for the commencement of work on the project site had been on for years without any appreciable progress.

He expressed hope that the port project will become a reality soon.

He said: “I have commenced discussion with the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi and relevant government agencies to see how the project can take off soon. In order to ensure that the project is not abandoned, the foreign partners will bring foreign investors to finance the project.”

He had promised the people of Okwagbe in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, that if voted as a senator, he would ensure that Okwagbe seaport project takes off, adding that one of his primary objectives C M Y K

was to make the seaport operational, hence his visit to the site to have first-hand information before coming with

the team of investors.

“My major interest in this project is to attract development and create jobs

youths and also generate economic activities that will transform Urhoboland,” OmoAgege said.

Itsekiri group alleges partiality in amnesty implementation the group’s emergency programme.

By Daniel Gumm

K

OKO—THE Federal Government has been blamed for the alleged bias in the implementation of the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme, said to be implemented as if designed solely for a particular ethnic group in the region.’

Benin River Forum, after its meeting in Koko, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, yesterday, explained that out of the 500 beneficiaries of Itsekiri extraction that were in the programme, less than 80 of such individuals have benefited from the training segment of the programme, and this is restricted to the academic component, while those that are for skills acquisition and women empowerment programmes have been neglected even in the face of the programme gravitating towards final conclusion.

Speaking to Vanguard after

meeting, National Coordinator of the Itsekiri youth group, Mr. Esimi Nanna, noted that the Itsekiri ethnic nation was worried over the alienation of majority of its youths who are beneficiaries of the programme as they have been subjected to by the present coordinator of the

“The pattern adopted by the Federal Government in the appointment of coordinators since the inception of the postamnesty programme where all the three persons so far appointed are from the same ethnic group indicates ethnic bias,” the group said.

Expert bemoans effect of Usoro’s Memorandum of exit on PSC

By Godfrey Bivbere

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ANAGING Director of Tentpeg Communications Network Ltd., Goddy Oghenejakpor, has warned leaders of the West and Central African countries of the loss of the s u b - r e g i o n ’ s implementation of Ports States Control, PSC, through its body, Abuja MoU with the resignation of the Secretary General.

Mfon Ekong Usoro, the Secretary General of the

Understanding on PSC for West and Central African region known as Abuja MoU, recently resigned her appointment from the subregional body.

Oghenejakpor explained that the body was ineffective and almost non-functional before the appointment of Usoro, stressing that the former boss of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, was able to rally the support of member countries to make it functional.

Delta Chamber of Commerce lauds Okowa

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ELTA Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, DACCIMA, has commended the state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, for the new system of obtaining Certificate of Occupancy, C of O, for landed property within 90 days, describing it as unbeatable and a step in the direction of improved private sector-driven economic activities.

President of DACCIMA, Sir Simon Asite, said the programme, aptly named Fast Track 90, would "create wealth for Deltans as C of O is a source of fund from financial institutions, which will boost businesses and attract investors to Delta State. It will also increase the revenue base of government.”

He called on the state government to harness other avenues through which the private sector could be fully activated to work better for the people, stressing that the strong economies of the world are private-sector driven with government providing the enabling environment and policies to stimulate the economy for positive growth.

Okowa commended for restoring peace in Aladja/Ogbe-ijoh

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ATIONAL Chairman of third phase Presidential Amnesty programme and a chieftain of the youth body in Delta State, Mr. John Abugor, has commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State for his administration's peace initiative which stopped the communal crisis between Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh communities.

Abugor, who spoke to newsmen at Okpe-Olomu during the burial ceremony of the late mother of Mr Solomon Ahwinahwi, House of Representatives member, representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu federal constituencies, maintained that Governor Okowa had done a lot to make Delta truly great.

Reaffirming his confidence in the governor's SMART agenda, Abugor advised Deltans, particularly youths, to key into the job creative initiative of the government so that unemployment can be reduced to the barest minimum.

34—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15 , 2015

Community at war over slavery

By Emeka Mamah

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VISIT: From the left : Patron, Nigerian -British Chamber of Commerce, NBCC, Mr Akinola Akintude; Patron NBCC, Senator Dipo Odujirin MFR; President & Chairman of Council, NBCC, Prince Dapo Adelegan and Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun during a courtesy visit to Governor Amosun in Abeokuta.

Old students give back to Fountain Heights

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HEN OLD students of Fountain Heights Secondary School, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos, came calling at their alma mater, basic computer graphics skill, societal and daily etiquette, tying of head gear, motivational talks, spelling bee, scrabble and chess competitions were gifts they brought for the students in a week-long programme that ended with a dinner.

Led by Miss Danso Junaida, a social etiquette coach and graduate of accountancy from the University of Lagos, UNILAG, the alumni association said its objectives “are to positively influence the students in their formative years, bring back lessons from our experiences after school and make them think of creating jobs.”

Principal of the school, Mrs. Adebimpe Delano, said it was good to see products of the school doing well and thinking of giving back, adding that “it is motivational to know that the discipline we instilled in them was not wasted and they appreciate it.”

Other alumni, who brought their professional abilities and skills to the training were Olayide Owoyemi, Olatunji Bodurin, Ayobami Wright and Adesuwa Ediale.

NUGU—SEVERAL people were injured while two houses were burnt at Alor Uno in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State following crises between the Ejuona people and their Ugbene neighbours over which of them were the aborigines or slaves.

Although the crises started several years ago, the latest trouble began when the Ugbene people discovered that their Ejuona neighbours allegedly wrote a constitution secretly and deposited same with the state government without their knowledge.

Under the secret constitution, the people of Ugbene were

‘Attacks on CBN gov uncalled for'

By Dapo Akinrefon

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PRO-DEMOCRACY group, Patriots for Democracy for All, PDA, has faulted the alleged smear campaign targetted at Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, saying the sponsored media attacks are aimed at inciting the public against the CBN governor.

In a statement by the group’s National President, Obinna Chukwuemeka-Kalu, the PDA faulted the call for Emefiele’s removal, noting that “Emefiele’s job is a tenured one that has three more years to expire.”

The group wondered “when Nigerians would get out of these primordial sentiments that are always counter-productive and anti-progress,” pointing out that, “if Emefiele’s expertise has earned him that office, it is because politics is reward based in an environment where ability and competence are prerequisite for appointment.”

Besides, it said “anybody who is opposed to the good work this financial expert of our time is doing is anti-people and an enemy of progress.”

While stating that the current forex situation in the country is mainly as a result the sharp fall

in the global oil prices by about 65 per cent and not peculiar to the country alone, the group lauded the CBN under Emefiele for applying the correct response to tackle the aftermath crisis.

The PDA argued that nobody should be aversed to criticism that is constructive, adding that, “those who appear to be after Emefiele’s job never accused him of fraud, stealing, embezzlement or misappropriation of fund.

“Emefiele should be left alone to continue to chart further course for the country’s financial and economic recovery,”

barred from taking any title including the traditional ruler ship of the area as they were considered as sub-humans who should not associate with real human beings.

Investigations by Vanguard showed that the Ugbene people were also barred from passing through some track roads in the community as such places were reserved for the true sons and daughters of the land.

A young Ugbene man who passed through the road on Monday was reportedly chased by youths from Ejuona who inflicted serious machete injuries on him. The man who was simply identified as Sunday was said to be still lying critically ill in hospital due to machete cuts on his head.

Some of those who spoke on condition of anonymity told Vanguard that the Ugbene people decided to challenge the obnoxious practice as their youths also carried out reprisal attacks on the Ejuona people following the attack on Sunday, leading to destruction of houses and vehicles on both sides.

The traditional ruler of Alor Uno, Igwe Ngwu Nweze and other leaders of Ejuona, including Mr. Gilbert Omeje and their counterparts in Ugbene were said to be holding a meeting with the Area Commander, Nsukka Police Command, ACP Sunday Kuryasi, even as policemen had already been deployed to Alor Uno to maintain peace.

Microsoft Imagine Cup: 12 teams to contest in national finals

By Emeka Aginam

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ICROSOFT NIGERIA has announced the teams that qualified for this year’s national finals of Microsoft’s Imagine Cup. In the national finals, 12 teams will be competing for honors. The winning team that emerges from the national finals will be

competing with other students in the Middle East and Africa grand finale, for a place at the World Finals.

Teams from tertiary institutions across the country pitched their technology solutions for a place at the national finals.

This year, the competition format was done on a regional basis, where teams within the

regions competed with one another for a shot at the national finals.

The national finals for the 2016 edition of Imagine Cup will hold today in Lagos. The 12 teams from the regions will compete for a place at the Middle-East and Africa Finals for a ticket to the World-Wide Finals. The global finals will take place in Seattle,

Rotary Club Omole empowers small business owners, public schools

By Anozie Egole

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AGOS—NO fewer than 10 small scale business owners were recently empowered by the Rotary Club of Omole Golden after they were given N50,000 credit facility to improve their businesses.

It was the second tranche of an interest free micro-credit scheme established by the club to assist young Nigerians boost their businesses and it is coming after the first set of 10 beneficiaries had obtained the loan late last year.

Speaking at the ceremony held in Ogba, the President, Rotary Club, Omole, Mr. Idowu

Afelogun, said the intervention fund which has grown over the years was meant to give small businessmen suffering from cash flow crisis a new lease of life.

“We have found out that so many young persons have had their dreams cut short as a result of lack of funds. So many others who could afford to start their businesses do not have the capital to move their business forward. That is why we decided to set up a micro-credit scheme to assist anyone in business. The club also engaged in vocational and skill acquisition training and some of its graduates have also benefited from this scheme.

"Each of the beneficiaries is expected to pay back the credit facility in six months and this facility is open to all beneficiaries who faithfully repaid.”

According to Idowu: “This is a continuation of the club’s investment on eradication of illiteracy and supporting public school pupils in their quest for qualitative education.

"The club also handed over a block of classrooms they rehabilitated this month. The club also de-wormed over 400 pupils of the school as part of the intervention to ensure good health status of the pupils.”

Washington, United States of America later this year.

The regional finals took place in three major Nigerian cities in the country including, Ibadan, Port Harcourt and Abuja, and it availed the participating teams an equal chance of showcasing their innovation.

The Imagine Cup road show was a celebration of ideas, technology and teamwork that was witnessed by an impressive turnout from students across the different tertiary institutions in the country. The teams competed for honours in three categories namely: Innovation, World Citizenship and Games.

The winners from the three regions would go on to compete in the national finals scheduled to hold in Lagos.

Commenting on the event, Kendra Nnachi, Audience Evangelism Manager at Microsoft Nigeria, said: “It is indeed exciting to see more and more ideas emerge from the Imagine Cup.It is interesting to see young Nigerians showing innovative and demonstrable ideas that explore how to make their world work better..."

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016 — 35

Kwara proposes 14-yr jail term for cultists

By Demola Akinyemi

I

LORIN—KWARA State government, yesterday said an executive bill pending in the state House of Assembly, had a 14-year jail term for convicted cultists when signed into law.

The Bill, a part of the efforts of the government to stamp out rising cases of cultism in the state, has a minimum of 10-year-jail term for a convicted cultist.

Of recent times clashes among rival cult groups in campuses and even in the state capital have led to loss of many lives.

Briefing on the outcome of the

monthly State Executive Council, SEC, meeting, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kamaldeen Ajibade, said the Bill had passed second reading in the state assembly, noting that no effort would be spared to eradicate cultism which, he said, had reached embarrassing level in the state.

According to him, “In the Bill,

the least of 10 years jail term and highest of 14 years have been prescribed for anyone found guilty of cultism in the state.” .

He explained that the bill contained among others, confiscation of buildings and property harbouring such convicted cultists by the state government.

Ajibade also said the state

P R E S E N TAT I O N : From left; Human Resources/Corporate Services Executive, MTN Nigeria, Ms. Amina Oyagbola; Chairman, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Mr. Oye HassanOdukale; Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Ms. Nonny Ugboma; Chairman Board of the MTN Foundation, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi; CEO, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Fred Moolman and Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode during the presentation of 10 security patrol vehicles donated to LASG by MTN Foundation. Photo by Akeem Salau.

Plateau revives bottling firm

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

J

OS—IN line with its resolve to create employment and boost its internally generated revenue, Plateau State government has signed an agreement with an indigenous beverage company, Hummer Drinks, to revamp Highland Bottling Company after it was abandoned 21 years ago in Barkin Ladi local government area of the state.

Signing the agreement on behalf of the government in Jos, Chairman of the Technical Board of Plateau Investment and Property Company, PIPC, Mr. Ezekiel Gomos, said the move was to realize one of the campaign promises of Governor Simon Lalong, to revitalize moribund and non-functional industries in the state.

According to him, since 1995 when the fortunes of the company dwindled, the state had been searching for a technical partner to revive the company, stressing that the signing of the agreement, was the beginning of a big journey ahead.

With the agreement, Hummer Drinks will have 67% equity holding, while the PIPC will have 33%, a deviation from the former practice where the state owned the larger percentage.

BODAN hail National Water Bill, says it'll improve water quality guidelines stipulated in the NWB, constructions. The code of

By Funmi Olasupo

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BUJA—BOREHOLE Drillers Association of Nigeria, BODAN, has commended the National Water Bill, NWB, pending at the National Assembly, saying it will help to improve the quality of drinking water in the country.

President of BODAN, Francis Uzoma, who disclosed this at the association’s general meeting in Abuja, said the association had been working closely with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to ensure that its members adhered strictly to the

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OKOJA—KOGI State government yesterday said it had been included as one of the beneficiaries of $508.59 Million (N152.6 billion) fund from the Strategic Investment Loan, SIL, to tackle the effect of environmental degradation in the state.

Governor, Yahaha Bello who spoke in Lokoja while addressing the representatives of the World

when passed into law.

He explained that the Bill would add value to the activities of the association due to its importance to domestic and industrial needs, including drinking, farming, cooking and various sanitary activities.

Uzoma lauded the Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, for the ministry’s support to BODAN, despite poor funding.

According to him: “The National Water Bill is relevant to the industry because our members are the ones delivering water services to our people in the area of borehole drilling and

practice talks about drilling industry and drilling constructions, it talks about how you drill, the type of drilling materials you are supposed to use. ‘’You don’t have to drill where they have cemetery. You don’t have to drill with substandard materials. You have to drill with materials that are durable. These are things we encourage our members to adhere to. We have dignity of labour in our operations. It is a profession for the professionals, the geologists, geophysics and hydro geologists, a profession with enormous respect and we are contributing so much to the economy.”

CHIBOK SCHOOLGIRLS: 2 years in captivity, assault on humanity — LABOUR

By Oboh Agbonkhese

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RGANISED Labour, yesterday described

Kogi to benefit from N152.6bn environmental loan

By Boluwaji Obahopo

government had directed the harmonisation of the white papers released over Share/Tsaragi crisis of 2010 with that of 2015, to have a holistic and final solution to the protracted crisis in the two neighbouring communities.

He assured that in the next SEC meeting, the white papers would have been harmonised to be released to the public.

Bank and the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project, said the project was in collaboration with the International Development Association, IDA, the Global Environment Facility, GEF, Trust Fund and the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Bello said environmental degradation and its challenges had been a serious problem in the state, lamenting that the state did not have the fund to tackle the ugly situation.

government failure to rescue the over 200 schoolgirls abducted in Chibok, Borno State, in April 14, 2014, as an assault on humanity, saying the girls were not just statistics but wives, daughters, teachers, doctors, lawyers and leaders.

At a briefing in Lagos, Mr. Issa Aremu, General Secretary, National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN, who was represented by one of his deputies, Mr. Sylvester Chimezie, said: “Whoever kidnaps a girl child kidnaps a future. 219 in captivity for 639 days is an assault on the future of humanity. ''Social dialogue and negotiated settlements are

tested mechanisms for resolving social conflicts, not senseless violence in which innocent Chibok girls are victims.”

Aremu, who is also the Chairman of IndustriALL Global Union, Sub-Sahara Africa, lauded the #Bringbackourgirls group and urged President Muhammadu Buhari to apply same dedication with which he tackled Boko Haram to rescuing the schoolgirls.

Earlier, second Deputy President of NUTGTWN, Mr. Babatunde Yusuf, who represented the President, Mr. John Adaji, said: “Each time we look at our daughters; we must remember the fate of the Chibok girls and put their rescue on the front-burner always.”

Uncertainty in Nasarawa over Al-Makura’s whereabouts

By Abel Daniel

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AFIA—THERE is uncertainty in Nasarawa State over the whereabouts of Governor Tanko Al-makura, who has been away from the state for over a week without any official information.

A source at the Government House claimed the governor travelled out of the country for a private business and intentionally refused to make it official to avoid handing over to his deputy, Silas Agara.

It was gathered that Almakura has been cautious with his deputy, who is alleged to be a loyalist of Senator Abdullahi Adamu, a former governor of the state.

Some have argued that his refusal to hand over to his deputy even while on a private trip is linked to this.

Investigation revealed that the information gap regarding the movement of the governor has heightened tension in the state as residents are beginning to feel the hardship occasioned by his absence.

At the time of this report, aides to the governor were yet to release any statement regarding his movement, leaving the people of the state in doubt over the wellbeing of their governor.

Benue warns against reprisal attacks on Fulani herdsmen

By Peter Duru

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A K U R D I — BOTHERED by the growing resentment over the activities of herdsmen in the state, Benue State government has warned against any form of reprisal attacks on Fulani herdsmen in the state.

Deputy Governor, Mr. Benson Abounu, spoke yesterday when he received members of the Movement Against Fulani Occupation, MAFO, on a peaceful demonstration around Makurdi to demand an end to the recurrent crisis between Benue farmers and herdsmen.

The Deputy Governor said the government was already partnering the Federal Government and relevant agencies to forestal further crisis and killing in the hinterlands of the state.

He lauded the demonstrators for being civil in their agitation stressing that the state government was working round the clock to ensure that all those affected by the crisis and their communities were rehabilitated without delay.

36—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

MTN'S HEARING AID: From left— Commissioner for

Health, Anambra State, Dr. Josphat Akabuike; Snr Special Assistant on Special Duties to the First Lady of Anambra State, Mrs Amaka Ezike; Government and Community Relations Officer, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Henry Okechuku, and the Chief Medical Director, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Awka, Anambra State at the ongoing assessment of hearing aid support project by MTN Foundation in Anambra State.

NYSC SERVICE: From left— Asst. Local Government Inspector, LGI, Ifelodun II, Mr. Peter Afolayan; State Coordinator representative, Mr. Elayo Dangana Addra; School Principal, Mr. Adeniyi Temi Steve; Project initiator, Corps member Nkechi Omenine; LGI Ifelodun II, Mr. Akille Theophilus, and school PTA Chairman, Mr. Malomo Luke at ECWA Secondary School, Ganmo, Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State, during the commissioning of five sets of computer system and moderl toilet project provided for the school by the corps member.

PLATFORM: From left—Senior Pastor, House of Freedom, Dr. Tony Rapu; MD/CEO, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje; Head of Transaction Banking, FCMB, Rolayo Akhigbe, and Vice Chairman, Market Place Alliance, Mr. John Kalu, when The Market Place Alliance of This Present House, led by Pastor Rapu, hosted Agbaje at the April 2016 edition of Business Wednesday, an interactive platform for networking, information sharing and bonding.

COMPETITION: From left— MD, Sesema PR, Mrs. Tampiri Akemu; winner of Corporate Communications Pitch competition, Edafe Onoriode; Management Consultant, Mrs. Sade Onyia, and CEO, HB Consult, Mrs. Habiba Balogun, during the grand finale of the competition in Lagos.

NB: From left— Brand Manager, Regional Mainstream Brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Omotunde Adenusi; a beneficiary of the 2016 Life Progress Booster Show, Mr. Prosper Stephen, and Public Affairs Manager, East, Mr. Patrick Ejidoh, at the Life Progress Booster Radio Show for entrepreneurs at Ofala Plaza, Nnewi, Anambra.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016 — 37

Buhari to pipeline vandals: We’ll deal with you like Boko Haram insurgents

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EGACY: But if we may ask, how did Buhari ‘deal’ with his Boko Haram? It is a known fact that he dealt with them by reiterating that an attack on Boko Haram is an attack on the North, by releasing from detention more than 1200 captured most deadly Boko Haram combatants, by wasting scarce petro-dollars arranging dialogue and amnesty for Boko Haram murderers, by recalling and ‘honourably’ retiring a dismissed Foolani General of the Nigerian Army who aided Boko Haram by leading his troops into Boko Haram ambush, by arming and unleashing on the ZOO a new variant of Boko Haram known as Foolani herdsmen, by approving more than $3 billion as aid to Boko Haram under the guise of rehabilitating the North East, by technically defeating a resurgent Boko Haram which has killed more people and carried out more suicide bombings within the last 11 months than it did from year 2007 to May 2015.

OG Bricks It is obvious that Buhari is itching to use any pretext to destroy the South Eastern Nigeria. Comparing oil pipe vandals with Boko Haram?

These vandals are hungry and petty criminals while Boko Haram terrorists are blood thirsty group of people who are not only maiming and killing innocent Nigerians but are still holding and using more than two hundred Chibok girls as sex slaves.

Ojukwu Port Harcourt refinery is working again. What you are saying is that you will simply drink crude oil and eat fish from your riverine area while the north which is mainly our food basket keep their livestock, yam and other food. The economy is about to diversify. Soon oil won’t be our main stay and you will eat your word.

Investment: el-Rufai and Anambra investment challenge

Ayobamiba Peter obi shall live to be forever remembered as a God sent saviour of nambra state who changed the face and direction of Anambra to positivity. May God bless Obi for his marvellous works in Anambra that laid the foundation for great things in Igbo heartland. Men of good will shall forever thank God for a man who held political power with sincerity, great positive focus and the fear of God. May God give Obiano more grace to build on the success story of amiable Peter Obi. Chidi Andrew Am sure you did not know Peter Obi well with that. He is the catalyst of the new Anambra. Have you forgotten so soon what Anambra use to be before? Have you forgotten the transformation that took place during Obi’s 8 years? Have you forgotten how he stood behind Obiano during governorship?

FG’s N5,000 conditional cash transfer list of 8 states ready Ukoette ibekwe So what are the names of the eight states? How come the World bank knows the names of the poor people in Nigeria? Why have they not helped Nigeria to conduct a viable census?

Oyewole Jude Which business can N5,000 start for a poor person? What can it buy in the market? The past governments were gradually empowering people and not wasting money in the name of meeting the needs of the poor.

Why not use that money and give scholarship to children of the poor up to university level. The money can be used for skill acquisition for the poor.

N5,000 cannot change their story.

Oghenena Is this the way to elevate poverty.

Why not say it the way it is? Money to be shared among APC and bokohara loyalists.

Kola Adekola What kind of business is anyone going to start with 5k? That will only buy few loaves of bread. Nigerians will not experience any difference.

Peter Obi opens ASPMDA Hospital in Lagos Onyedelta DIGBO are still building Lagos but tomorrow, some people who have not contributed in building Lagos in any way will start claiming the land.

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*Pipeline vandals

Alleged persecution of Buhari’s opponents:

Presidency lambasts UK Telegraph Idowu James HEN UK Telegraph eulogized the election of Buhari, they were given kudos by the government but now the same Telegraph has lambasted Buhari. The same government has resorted to name calling.

Why didn’t Garba Shehu comment on Buhari dictatorship in 1983 coup and brutal governance perpetrated by Buhari as mentioned in the report. Why didn’t Shehu Garba defend the police country that Buhari has turned Nigeria into as contained in the report?.

Is this a country we have today?, is there anything working other than just Dasukigate?. The world is watching and knows the truth. See how Fulani herdsmen are parading the whole

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country with AK47 and other international sophisticated weapons killing people like goats with impunity and the government just kept mute. Nigerians know what is going on, so we don’t need UK Telegraph to tell us.

John Tochukwu I foresee a better tomorrow, not because Buhari did anything to make it better. God in his infinite mercy will have mercy on the sufferings of innocent Nigerians. Now, APC in their usual manner failed to recognize it was God that brought Buhari. I forsee great disaster more than what we are experiencing now.

AzoroJonaz People should read the full details of the news story before commenting. The said hospital was not built by Peter Obi. He only went there to commission it as a guest of honour. The Hospital was built by Auto Spare Parts & Machinery Dealers’ Association, ASPMDA. ASPMDA is Igbo Traders associations. They are the one who also built and manage the Lagos trade Fair International Market.

Adeola “Lagos has been doing well before other tribes came to Lagos.

Do you think we cannot do what other tribes are doing here? Or do you think we cannot do what they are doing. What is special in what they are doing? They should develop their own land . We do not need them in our land.

Nwa Africa Do you expect Igbo man to go back to the South East after he has helped in building and beatifying Lagos? .

38—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

PLATEAU PDP:

Unending problems

SENATOR Jonah Jang as the outgoing governor of Plateau State strictly rebuffed the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP’s zoning principle in the adoption of a governorship candidate for the 2015 election when he pushed for the late GNS Pwjok

who is from his senatorial zone as a successor. Jang is now alleged to be pushing for the adoption of regimented zoning in the election of a new party executive, a development that would knock off other contenders for party chairman.

the way the Party was run, the people were not happy. With a sensible and correct leadership willing to give what belongs to Caesar to Caesar and what belongs to the people to the people, you will see the Party coming back stronger. That is one of the motivating points for my interest in contesting for the Party leadership.”

Expressing worry that the Party seems not to have learnt its lesson on imposition of candidate, Kaze stressed, “In a bid to rid some of us out of contest and to perpetuate their tradition of imposition, a few persons are going about insinuating that I wouldn’t have complained had the purported attempt to zone the PDP Chairmanship seat to Riyom by some PDP elites in Plateau North favoured Jos East LG.

Principle of zoning

•Jang: Former governor of Plateau State

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

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HE party is yet to recover from the anti-party activities of leading members that was stoked by the decision of the immediate past governor, Senator Jonah Jang to push through his fellow Berom, the late Senator Gyang Pwjok from his senatorial district, as the PDP candidate against the party’s spirit of zoning.

Now, in a reversal of roles, the former governor is pushing for the adoption of strict zoning of positions in the state executive of the party.

In Plateau North where the positions of Chairman, Assistant Treasurer, Organizing Secretary, Vice-Chairman, Assistant Organizing Secretary and Financial Secretary have been zoned to, the Zonal caucus is believed to have apportioned the positions to local government areas to fit in with alleged plans to satisfy particular candidates and interests.

The decision has inevitably stoked the division in the party that according to one source has seen the pro and anti-Jang groups return to the trenches.

“There are two distinct groups in the Party, the G34 and the Plateau PDP Patriots; the G34 initiative is headed by those who did anti-party during the last gubernatorial election in the State who remained in the party but are still aggrieved with Jang for the role he played in handing over the victory to the APC.” The other group is known as the PDP Patriots who are mostly

C M Y K

supportive of Jang.

Now the issues in the party have been further compounded by the decision of the state leadership under the alleged Senator Jang to zone the offices in the state executive to the benefit of what some allege to be their associates.

It is no surprise that though the office of chairman has been zoned to Plateau North, it has been further zoned to Riyom Local Government Area, where one of the aspirants said to be favoured by Jang comes from.

Damishi Sango, a former Minister of Sports during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, who is from Riyom is said to be the favoured candidate of Jang to become the next chairman.

The decision to adopt zoning to local government level it is

PDP is not dead on the Plateau. We made some mistakes, all we need now is to go back and take stock; even in the coming election of Party Executives

•Sango: Former Minister of Sports generally believed among some stakeholders was seen in many quarters as an attempt to post the office of chairman to Sango, Jang’s favourite for the job. That decision was in the wake of the interest in the job made by Mr. Bitrus Kaze from Jos East which is also in Plateau North.

The prospect of Kaze getting the job would have seriously distressed Jang; especially given the strong opposition made by Kaze against the decision of the former governor to support the late Pwjok for the governorship

ticket. Ironically, at that time Kaze and Jang had clashed over the issue of zoning as the former insisted on the party adopting zoning in the choice of a candidate, an issue that Jang rebuffed to his political loss.

Commenting on the matter, Kaze who sees the reconstitution of the exco as an opportunity to rebuild the party and take opportunity of the mistakes of the All Progressives Congress, APC led administration said: “As far as Plateau is concerned, PDP is the first love of the people but

“Even if it favoured Jos East, what if this bad precedence is furthered by the LG chapter of the party to further zone the seat to an electoral ward other than the one I come from? The principle of zoning as propounded by the founding fathers of the PDP in its 1999 constitution states that “in pursuant of the principles of equity, justice and fairness the party shall adhere to the policy of rotation and zoning of party and public elective offices and it shall be enforced by the appropriate executive committee at all levels.”

For Senator Jeremiah Useni from the Southern zone, “PDP is not dead on the Plateau. We made some mistakes, all we need now is to go back and take stock; even in the coming election of Party Executives, we need to correct our mistakes by bringing in people who have the interest of the Party at heart and will work to reconcile and carry every member along.”

Let us endure the pains with Buhari for now — ATTAH IMIKAN Attah, a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) and a community leader in Akwa Ibom State, is also the national President of the Women of Buhari in Nigeria (WOBIN). Ms. Attah who is a trained journalist, in this interview, speaks on issues of national importance. Excerpts:

By Abdulwahab Abdulah

H

OW can you access the performance of the government of the All Progressive Congress (APC) at the federal level?

It is too early for us to assess the government. Personally, I will state that the government has taken steps in the right direction so far. Let’s look at the government from the present situation of fuel scarcity. Indeed, it’s painful.

However, restructuring and unbundling of the NNPC is something that no other President has had the courage to do. President Muhammadu Buhari has stepped up to do that.

The scarcity may be painful now, but it is a temporary pain for a permanent solution. So, the present unbundling is necessary for a tidy situation. So whatever that got missing will be accountable for.

Let me give you example it was when Buhari came in and said

no, we have to stop the corruption that you saw one of these anti corruption agencies handing cheques of recovered money to the President. This had never happened. The highest thing is that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, will parade suspects in the day and that ends it. Now the situation has changed, the mention of Buhari is the beginning of wisdom.

To you now, the unbundling of the NNPC will bring succour to the system?

Yes, I think it is a step in right direction. So, we should let us see where it will lead us positively. At least now people

Continues on page 39

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016—39

Peter Obi is only pretending to be in PDP — OYE, APGA NATIONAL CHAIRMAN CHIEF Victor Ike Oye took over from Chief Victor Umeh as the national chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA last year.

In this interview, Oye spoke on his efforts to improve the fortunes of the party in the country, the defection of Governor Okorocha and former Governor Peter Obi, the 2019 presidential election, among other issues.

Excerpts:

•Oye: The people in PDP will never trust Obi

By Vincent Ujumadu

H

OW has it been since you took over as national chairman of APGA? The past nine months have been very eventful, very enriching. It has not been easy and I never expected it to be easy anyway because nothing good comes easy. I have a great vision for this party. I prepared myself for the great task. As I speak to you, we have APGA offices in 35 cities in the world. We have a very strong base in Europe and other African countries.

But APGA is still a one state party?

APGA cannot be described as a one state party. We have won elections in many parts of the country. We control the executive and legislative arms in Anambra, We have three members from the state in the House of Representatives. In Bayelsa, we also have two members in the House of Assembly.

Great vision for the party We also have one member in Taraba State House of Assembly and one in the House of Representatives. In Abia, we have 10 out of 24 members in the House of Assembly despite the intrigues that trailed elections in that state. So generally, APGA is a strong brand.

By 2017, Nigerians will see a different APGA before we go into the 2019 election. Remember that APGA is still in charge of Imo State. Forget that Governor Okorocha jumped ship.

He went into APC as APGA governor and told APC that APGA was part of what he was doing. That is because in this country people do things anyhow; otherwise Rochas Okorocha shouldn’t remain in C M Y K

office as governor. So, Imo State remains an APGA state.

The defection of former Governor Peter Obi to PDP must

As far as we are concerned, Peter Obi remains a member of APGA. He is only pretending he is in PDP. The people in PDP will never trust him because they know that he is synonymous with APGA

have infuriated members of APGA going by the controversy it is generating?

Former Governor Peter Obi is our beloved brother. He made his mark in this state. He laid the foundation of whatever successes the state has achieved. He set up the structures we are enjoying in Anambra State.

As far as we are concerned, Peter Obi remains a member of APGA. He is only pretending he is in PDP. The people in PDP will never trust him because they know that he is synonymous with APGA. His body can be PDP, but what is important is the soul and the spirit.

I want to say that Peter Obi is still a member of APGA in spirit and soul. I have not seen any

document showing that he resigned from APGA. Controversy has also trailed the emergence of Governor Obiano as leader and BoT chairman of APGA and you, also from Anambra, as the national chairman.

That cannot be a problem for the party. There is nowhere it is written in our constitution that the governor cannot be the BoT chairman. The issue of BoT chairman and national chairman coming from the same state has not offended any law.

There is also nowhere it is written that the BoT chairman and national chairman cannot come from the same state. Every national chairman comes from a state.

Every political party has its peculiarities and APGA is even unique. Our style makes the party stable. The position of leader and BoT chairman is reserved for somebody of high integrity. APGA considered everything and found Obiano worthy to make him BoT chairman. If tomorrow the party finds any need to change it, why not? But for now, there is no reason whatsoever to think otherwise. Everything is working fine for us and we want to sustain it.

Will APGA contest for the president in 2019?

APGA will present a presidential candidate in 2019.

That is why I am appealing to our members all over the world to continue to support us. The sham that happened in Anambra State during the last National Assembly election can never repeat itself.

By 2019, APGA will take over the entire South East. Remember that Bola Tinubu started with AD and won election in Lagos only, but he was able to mobilize other parties to form APC that took over the federal government.

Chief Victor Umeh’s senatorial ambition is facing many obstacles. How do you react to this?

There are forces of darkness working against him, but it is in vain. Umeh became a Senator the day he won the case at the Court of Appeal. Every evidence shows that he won the election of March 28, last year.

However, the Court of Appeal ordered for a rerun and the judgment of that court was clear.

We were preparing for the rerun when our opponents saw the handwriting on the wall and did what they know how to do best, which is to use the court to intimidate INEC.

Let us endure the pains with Buhari for now — ATTAH Continues from page 38 will be held accountable. You don’t give people appointment only to see them blowing siren without doing anything. You are to do the work and be accountable for what you do.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been carrying out its job like never before in terms of eliminating corruption, but the body has been accused of trampling on peoples’ right.

What do you have to say about this?

To me, EFCC is not living up to the expectation in the minds of majority of Nigerians. To the legal maxim which says, if you must go to equity, you must go with clean hands. Let them assess or investigate the assets of the past leadership of the body.

Let us see how clean they are. If you are clean, then you will be able to go after other persons. So,

the new EFCC has to clean up their own table and will be able to go out for others.

Coming to your home state Akwa-Ibom. In what area do you want the governor to focus on now?

For now what he is focussing on is the industrialisation of the state. The industrialisation involves not just the companies but the people. I think there should be less on building of roads, let us have focus on people oriented project and programmes. So far, this is what he has chosen as top priority. As it is Akwa-Ibom is just a civil service state. Though it is a major oil producing state, so what? What does it have to show for this. Let the governor add little value at one point or the other which we have not be doing.

Supporters of the former National Security Adviser, NSA, Sambo Dasuki, who is on trial have cried out that he is being

•Attah: It's a temporary pain for a permanent solution victimised due to his past military relationship with the President. What is your take on this?

Let me tell you a little about Dasuki as concerning Akwa Ibom

State politics. There were about 23 candidates contesting for the PDP governorship slot in the state, 22 of them were like independent candidates and one of them was being imposed on the others. And everyone was saying let’s just have a level playing ground. But to our surprise, it was as if the incumbent governor, then, was having interest in a candidate.

Now, the aggrieved ones decided to visit Abuja to meet the party leader who was President Goodluck Jonathan. The people were kept waiting for weeks by Dasuki.

Every couple of days, he will come around to inform them that they should hold on and that they will see the president. Why was he doing that? As a national security adviser, a war is going on in a part of the country, it was Akwa Ibom PDP primaries that was your priority.

40 —VANGUARD, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

AHMADIYY A 1 00th Anniv er sar AHMADIYYA 100th Anniver ersar saryy

Rajab 8, 1437 A.H.

Why Muslims should be united —Dr. Fashola •As scholars condemn Kaduna religious bill, •Say: It's a waste of time •What Nigeria needs now is love, says Timehin

T

HE University of Lagos Main Auditorium was filled tocapacitywithmanyothersoutside the hall defying their comfort just to follow the programme. Despite the fact that all academic activities were put to halt following the shut downorderbytheschoolauthorities recently, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat registered their overwhelming presence drawing dignitaries, eminent Muslim persnalities to their Founders day celebration as part of the centenary celebration of the foremost Islamic organization which was formally established in the country in 1916.

The Co-chairman of Nigeria InterReligious Council, NIREC, Dr Saheed Timehin, and lecturer, Lagos State University; Alhajin AbdulAzeez Alatoye, Naib Amir, South West of the jamaat were among the scholars that dilivered thought provoking papers at the event.

In his key-note address, Amir of the jamaat, Dr Mashuud Fashola stated that the unity of God Allah, the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet Muhammed unit every Muslim together and are the basis for universal Islamic brotherhood.

He further stated that Muslims should not only be united, they should be kind-hearted, loving and nice to every one irrespective of religious differences.

Muslim paradise In an interview with newsmen thereafter, Dr Fashola said: “God has not promised the Christian or Muslim paradise, but only the virtuous, the righteous, the pure.

Religion will only help us to get to that level, become kind hearted and be nice to each other.

On religious bill in Kaduna, he stated: “Government should be neutral,weshouldnotbringreligion into governance. My advice to the governor is to back down from interfering in religious activities.

"In checking the spate of violence, government should ensure adequate security by having more security personnel around the state.

In cities like London and Amsterdam, there are lots of extremists but the police are everywhere. But in Nigeria, two people will be fighting for a week, and you will not see a policeman.

So, it will be like that if there is a communal war.

“Again, can El Rufai stop internet preaching where there lots of extremists? So the attempt to regulate preaching is a waste of time. Rather, he can save the situation by getting more security men all around, equip them, motivate them, install CCTV C M Y K

everywhere with regular patrol of security men, they will nip every act of religious violence in the bud.

Man by his nature will always fight each other, but you as the government will always be there to stop it.

What we need now is love — Dr Saheed Timehin Fielding question from newsmen after delivering his lecture, Dr SaheedTimehin:“Thethemeofthe Programme is love. You will agree that what Nigeria needs now is love. Love between the rulers and the ruled. The essence of the programme is intra-religious harmony. If we are can achieve love on intra-religious basis, we can also achieve love on inter-religious, inter-ethnic and even in our cultural diversity.”

On the issue of economy, he said, the government responsibility to provide basic amenities for the people is embeded in Islamic principle, adding that even from the creation of Adam, Allah had decreed that man must not starve on earth.

“The problem we are having is closely connected to the absence or insufficiency of the basic necessities of life. It is even a universal principle propounded by John Locke that :...a man is only law abiding when the society takes care of him but he becomes an enemy of the society when the society fails to take care of him. What we are saying at our own level is to love one and another.

If we do, you will provide to the society what you provide for your family. If you send your children to school abroad, you should be able to provide good education for people living in the country.”

“One of our problems is the distrust that usually punctuates

Every religion can be exploited from the negative end. But the primary interest of religion is global peace and universal brotherhood

what we do in Nigeria. Look at the Zaki-Zaki case for example. The position of Kaduna State government may lead to suspicion in some quarters because some believe that the government has not been fair with the way the case was handled. Despite, that ZakiZaki was not at the scene of the clash, he was brutalised and still kept in incommunicado. That is the point Femi Falana was making. By whateverstandard,Idon’tthinkthat is right. An average of Nigeria citizen will suspect that bill. But if there is trust, the move is good as it will check what we say. I think we should change the religious orientation of the people because you don’t know what I have in mind until I say it. Every religion can be exploited from the negative end.

But the primary interest of religion is global peace and universal brotherhood. What we need is to change the religious orientation of the people. Sadly, the National Orientation Agency, NOA has deliberately eliminated religion in its activities. Religion is a strong factor in crisis management in Nigeria now.

“The point is that if the bill is passed into law, who will determine what is peaceful preaching and what is not, considering the fact that the Governor aligns to a particular religion?Otherswillsayitisbecause he hates the other religion that is why he takes that position. But if wechangeourreligiousorientation, we can disagree with ourselves without attacking our personalities.

Obviously, we cannot see things from the same perspective but we should be able to accept our various differences. But if ask every preacher to submit his script, you will be turning Nigeria to a police state. Remember also that a preacher can submit a script and go out of the context during preaching and if you arrest him, his followers will react and it will become chaotic; you will then be creating the crisis you are trying to avoid.

So, we can avoid all these by bringing the religious leaders and followers together in inter-faith conferences where we will study and understand ourselves. We in Ahmadiyya do our best by holding inter-faith conferences but people do not bring these to their grass roots.

Again, inter-faith relations can also be part of the curricula as a general study in various levels of learning. We can disagree with each other on religion without necessarily become adversaries. I am a Muslim, and I have a lot of Christian friends.

Front row: The Chief Imam of Benin, Alhaji Abdul Fatai Enabulele (2nd left) Special Guest; Hon. Justice (Dr) Salihu Oloruntoyin Muhammad, the Honourable Grand Khadi of Sharia Court of Appeal, Ilorin, Kwara State(middle); Dr AbdGaniy Enahoro, Naib Amir, Eastern Region of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Nigeria; Dr AbdLateef Owoade of UNILORIN among others during the celebration of Masih-e-Maood day marking the beginning of Ahmadiyya in the world held in Benin, Edo State.

Dr AbdGaniy Enahoro, Naib Amir, Eastern Region of Ahmadiyya during a tree planting to mark the event recently.

Missionary-in-Charge of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Maulvi AbdulKhalique Nayyar; Lagos State member House of Assembly, Hon. Bisi Yusuf; Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Nigeria, Dr. Mashhud Adenrele Fashola and Lagos State Commissioner on Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, Mr. AbduLateef Raji, at the 2016 Masih Maouud Day Celebration in Lagos.

From left: F ormer Sadr, Majlis Ansarullah Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Alhaji Abdul Waheed Aina; Naib Amir, South West Region, Barrister Alhaji AbdulAzeez Alatoye; Chairman, Jalsa Planning Committee, Alhaji Mufutaliu Bamkole and Circuit President Festac Engr. Qasim Oluwa, at the 2016 Masih Maouud Day Celebration in Lagos.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016—41

Rajab 8, 1437 A.H.

I will fear Allah, be guided by Holy Qur’an — Olubadan T HE Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji has assured the people of Ibadan land that he will fear Allah and be guided by the principles contained in the glorious Quran.

The monarch told the visiting Muslim Community of Oyo State (MUSCOYS) led by Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni in his Popoyemoja residence that as a Muslim, he believes that al-Quran is greater than him.

Apparently appreciating the gift of a copy of glorious Quran presented to him by MUSCOYS, he held on to it and said “I personally cherish this unique gift of the words of Allah given to me”.

“I know that I am a king but this book of Allah is greater than me and I assure you that I will govern with the tenets contain therein”, he said. Oba Adetunji said that though he is ruling over everybody,

he knows that the glorious Quran contains fairness, justice and equity, which would be the hallmark of his governance.

He urged the Muslim community not to relent in praying for him for a successful and developmental tenure.

The monarch equally tasked the Muslim community not to be far away from him and his council as the palace belongs to everybody who meant well for the peace and development of Ibadan land.

Earlier, the chairman of the Community, Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni congratulated the monarch for ascending to the throne of his forefathers.

Sanni, who quoted various portions of the Quran, said it was

by Allah’s will that Oba Saliu Adetunji became king at the time he was crowned and there was nothing any mortal could do about that. He implored the Olubadan to

rule by the fear of Allah by being fair and just to all concerned as ruled by some of his predecessors.

The Islamic leader assured the Olubadan that the Muslim Community would work with him in realizing the noble goals he has for the Ibadan land.

A special prayer session was led

by Alhaji Abdulsalam Abdulganiy for the monarch, his family and entire Ibadan land for peaceful transformation of the city during his reign while Alhaji Mursiq Siyanbade, MUSCOYS secretary, presented a copy of the Quran to Oba Adetunji.

In attendance at the courtesy visit were Alhaja Sekinah Adekola, Iya Adinni Musulumi of Yoruba land, members of Federation of Muslim Women in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Muslim Youth groups and representatives of Muslim Communities in Oyo state.

Alake, Aare Musulumi, Bankole charge Muslim women on self-rediscovery

T

By Daud Olatunji

HE Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dawuud Akinola, and father of former House of Representatives Speaker, Chief Alani Bankole, have urged Muslim women in the country to rediscover themselves.

They spoke at the 82nd anniversary and launch of an appeal fund for the structural renovation and redesign of the mosque of Alasalatu Society of Nigeria and West Africa (ASONWA) held at the Ake Palace Ground, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The trio of Gbadebo, Akinola and Bankole said self-rediscovery was needed for Muslim women to appreciate their value in Islam towards ensuring the propagation of the religion. A renowned Islamic preacher, Sheikh Muhyideen Bello, was the guest speaker at the event with theme: “The role of women in Islamic propagation.

The Alake, who was represented on the occasion by Alhaji Usman Obamewa, said the importance of women in nation-building cannot be over-emphasized.

On his part, the Aare Musulumi said though he was not satisfied yet with the level of involvement of Nigerian women in the propagation of Islam, he advised them to continue to strive. Akinola also urged women to provide adequate education to their wards, noting that the prevalent social vices were consequences of parental failings.

“If you don’t train your children C M Y K

in the religious way, you can’t get what you want from such children because they can go astray and that isgoingtoaffecttheirfuture,” hesaid.

Bankole submitted: “Historically, the wife of Prophet Muhammad spent all her life and wealth to support her husband to develop Islam and the women of today have major role to play in the development of the home.

However, how many of our women today understand their role in Islam, at home and to the society?

Earlier in his welcome address, the Baba Adini of Egbaland, Navy Capt. Rasheed Raji (retd), said the ASONWA was founded in 1934 by the late Sheikh Ahmad Rufai Akorede to provide spiritual guidance for Muslim women.

He charged Muslim organisations to evolve a synergy that will add Islamic propagation, promotion and advancement, especially among the youths in view of the increasing challenges and temptations.

From left: Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dawuud Akinola, Chief Imam of Egbaland, Alhaji Liadi Orunsolu, and Baba Adini of Egbaland, Navy Capt. Rasheed Raji (retd), during the 82nd anniversary and launch of an appeal fund for Alasalatu Society of Nigeria and West Africa (ASONWA) Mosque in Abeokuta, recently.

From left: Alhaji Waheed Alli, Chairman Bodija Muslim Community, Alhaji Rasheed Adesokan, the Guest Lecturer, Abdurrahman Balogun, BOMYOF Chairman and Prof Taoheed Adedoja during a lecture in Ibadan on Role Modelling.

Adesokan delivers lecture on mentoring in Ibadan

W

ORRIED by the decadence in the country, an Ibadan based Islamic leader, Alhaji (Omooba) Rasheed Adesokan will on Sunday deliver a public lecture in Ibadan aimed at mentoring the youths towards having a role model.

In a statement by Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Chairman of Bodija Muslim Youth Forum (BOMYOF) said the lecture by Baale of Bodija Community will hold at the Bodija Islamic Centre, Housing, Ibadan from 11 a.m. Adesokan, who is the Balogun Mumini of Yoruba land, will discuss “Muslim Youth of Today, Choosing Role Models and Modelling their Roles”.

The Islamic leader, who is also the Director-General of Centre for Islamic Information and Youth Development, said there was urgent need to make the youth of today to have a role model in the contemporary times. The lecture will equally discuss the challenges currently faced by the youths and how to cope with and curtail it. Speaking on the rationale for the topic, Balogun said the society has corrupted the youth to the extent that only those who have made money without any recourse to their source of wealth are the role models for the youth.

Jiga wa par tner o curb Jigaw partner tnerss Hisbah tto culprits, saying the decision was rape cases based on the fact that some courts Sunfab: Oba Oloyede charges

J

By Aliyu Dangida

IGAWA state government has pledged to partner with the Hisbah personnel to tackle all rape cases to logical conclusion, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Alhaji Mujitafa Sale Kwalam said.

Speaking at a meeting with the Jamaatul Nasir Islam in Dutse.

Mujitafa Kwalam said the government is disturbed by the spate of rape cases in the state, adding that government will not fold its arms and allow innocent children abused by some unpatriotic and unfaithful individual in the society.

Kwalam explained that government will work harmoniously with the State Hisbah board aimed at fishing out

in the state bury rape cases for reasons known to them.

His words:"We will not allow anybody accused with rape case to go free because of what some people described as family embarrassment, we will follow the case to logical conclusion.”

He commended the state police command for taking necessary measures when ever rape cases are brought before them stressing that with their effort in treating the case without fear or favour people were scared to have involved themselves in the case.

He called on parents to continue to instill discipline and provide necessary basic needs to their children, this according to him will prevent the children from collecting any material gift aimed at luring them to commit the crime.

parents on child upbringing

By Bashir Adefaka

T

HE Olusin of Isanlu Isin, Kwara State, Oba Solomon Olugbenga Oloyede has charged parents to always consider the upbringing of their children as the most important task in their homes in order to churn out good and responsible future leaders.

Oba Oloyede who gave this charge during a stakeholders forum organised by Sunfab college, Orile, Lagos State recently said: “As a proprietor and teacher, I have groomed many children who are very great today in their respective walks of life. So parents should concentrate and consider the good upbringing of their children as the ultimate task.”

The monarch told Vanguard that his quest for impacting positively on the lives of people informed his intention to establish Sunfab College and Oloye Comprehensive School some years back, just as he expressed joy that many of the products of the schools were already doing well in their various areas of endeavour.

Oba Oloyede who is currently the Chairman, Isin Local Government Traditional Council of the State however thanked the Lagos State government for its quality administration especially on public-private school development, adding that he was ready to contribute his quota despite his position as an Oba.

42—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

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WILLIAMS—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Williams Akpan Blessing Ekaette, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onyela Blessing Ekaette. All former documents remain valid. General public, please take note.

OKPOUDHU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss O k p o u d h u O g h e n e k o m e Henrietta, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ikede Henrietta Oghenekome. All former documents remain valid. General public, please take note.

TIJANI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Tijani Sekinat Ajoke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adebayo Sekinat Ajoke. All former documents remain valid. General public, please take note.

SOFOLUWE—I, formerly known and addressed as Olotu Mercy, Sofoluwe now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mercy Olujimi Olatubosun. All former documents remain valid. Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, AKS and the general public, please take note.

The names Oby Dominic and Patience Dominic belong to one and the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Oby Dominic. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NGWU—We, formerly known and addressed as : Ngwu Olisa Lawrence, Ngwu Augustine Agu, Ngwu Geraldin Umegulu, Ngwu Helen Ekwutosinam, Ngwu Ogochukwu Davina, Ngwu Ngozi Clementina, Ngwu Ndidy Jennifer, Ngwu Ifeoma Bettina, now wish to be known and addressed as: Augustine Agu Augustine, Augustine Geraldin Umegulu, Augustine Clementina Ngozi, Augustine Helen Ekwutosinam, Augustine Ndidy Jennifer, Augustine Ogochukwu Davina, Augustine Ifeoma Bettina, Augustine Olisa Lawrence. All former documents remain valid. general public please take note.

OKORO—I, formerly known and addressed as Okoro Valentine Nwabueze, now wish to be known and addressed as O n w u s u k w u Valentine Nwabueze.

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

OYA K H I R E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Ivbuoaemi Shyngle Oyakhire, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ivbuoaemi Shyngle Okokpujie. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OGUNTODU—I, formerly known and addressed as Oguntodu Elizabeth Olamide, now wish to be known and addressed as Idanwekhai Elizabeth Olamide. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADELUYI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeluyi Aderonke Olufisayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adepegba Aderonke Olufisayo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OGUNTOYE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oguntoye Bukola Oluronke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Omitogun Bukola Oluronke. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONWULI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Sandra Ngozi Onwuli, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Sandra Ngozi Charles Obi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NKEMJIKA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Perpetual Chinemere Nkemjika, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Perpetua Chinemere Aneke. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHRISTOPHER— I, formerly known and addressed Mr. Tete Christopher, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Tete Christian. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MEPBA —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Burabari Barile Mepba, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Burabari Isamade. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKEREKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Okereke Ella Ogochukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Onuoha Ella Ogochukwu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

URAMA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Urama Edith Onyejere, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onyejekwe Gloria Edith Onyejere. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Prisons Service, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State School of Public Health and the general public please take note.

ESISO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Endurance Esiso, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Endurance Adigberi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Addition of Name I, formerly known and addressed as Ikpeyan Peter, now wish to be known and addressed as Samson Ikpeyan Peter. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

BASHIRU—I, formerly known and addressed as Bashiru Adegboyega Lawal, now wish to be known and addressed as Adegboyega BashLawal. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

JEREMIAH—I, formerly known and addressed as Julius Jeremiah Ebirien, now wish to be known and addressed as Julius Jeyinsi Ebirien. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

The names Anderson Udofia and Ukoh Udofia belong to one and the same person but now wish to be known as Udofia Ukoh Anderson. All former documents remain valid. General public, please take note.

OBIDIEGWU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ifewinwa Jacinta Obidiegwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ifewinwa Dominica Agbagha. All former documents remain valid. University of Bnin and the general public please take note.

EZE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Fortune Ihuoma Eze , now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Fortune Tony. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ALPHEUS—I, formerly known and addressed as Ozoagu Alpheus, now wish to be known and addressed as Ozoagu Alphonsus. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

SAIDI—I, formerly known and addressed as Hafusat Saidi Goma, now wish to be known and addressed as Hafsat Saeed Goma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

TEMITOPE—I, formerly known and addressed as Olanrewaju Temitope Oriyomi, now wish to be known and addressed as Olanrewaju Aminat Oriyomi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MMOUH— I, formerly known and addressed as Joseph Ositadimma Ndubuisi Mmouh, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Joseph Ositadimma N d u b u i s i Christopher. All former documents remain valid. United Bank for Africa (UBA), Union Bank of Nigeria Plc and the general public please take note.

A B U D U F ATA I — I , formerly known and addressed as Busari Abudufatai Teniola, now wish to be known and addressed as Busari Abdulfatai Teniola. All former documents remain valid. General public, please take note.

Confirmation of Name

Confirmation of Name

Confirmation of Name

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016—43

Vanguard CLASSIFIED Confirmation of Name

Confirmation of Name

KEBI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Landu Kebi Natacha, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ojegbu Landu Natacha. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

JULIANA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Juliana Oyerhite Okpiyalele, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Juliana Oyerhite Ugbokodo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AMAKA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Amaka Emmanuella Atarie Ijei, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Amaka Emmanuella Atarie. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

BRADUCE—I, formerly known and addressed as Bini Braduce, now wish to be known and addressed as Etemene Braduce. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

. names Harrison The Oweibo and Harrison Ogheneruemu Oweibo belong to one and same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as H a r r i s o n Ogheneruemu Oweibo. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc. and the general public please take note.

This is to certify that the names, Asuata Favour Aghedo and Favour Lucky Aghedo belong to one and same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Asuata Favour Aghedo. All former documents remain valid. First Bank, UBA and the general public please take note.

EFEUNU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Efeunu Precious, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Imoniero Precious. All former documents remain valid. Delta State University, Abraka and the general public please take note.

AHMED—I, formerly

TOSAN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Vanessa Tosan Diaware, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Rufina Okonedo Diaware. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of Name

I, Ebieto-Uba Collins Omas hereby confirm that the names Collins Uba and Ebieto Collins Omas as they appear on some of my documents refer to one and same me. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MAJEMITE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss M a j e m i t e Oghenekevwe Christabel, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. E g b e w a n d e Oghenekevwe Christabel. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ALIU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eyengho Patience Aliu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eyengho Patience Efeose. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IGHO—I, formerly known and addressed as Edafe Igho, now wish to be known and addressed as Edafe Friday Moses. And my date of birth is February 19, 1985. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OSINUGA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Osinuga Adebukanla Oluwaremilekun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Awopetu Adeebukanla Oluwaremilekun. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UKEH—I, formerly known and addressed as Felix Ukeh now wish to be known and addressed as Felix Ugbe. All former documents remain valid. Setraco Nigeria Limited and the general public please take note.

These names, Osheke Omamuyovwi Lucky and Osheke Lucky belong to one and the same person but now wish to be known and addressed as Osheke Omamuyovwi Lucky.

All former documents remain valid. First Bank, Ecobank and the general public please take note.

known and addressed as Ahmed Babangida, now wish to be known and addressed as Babangida Audu. All former

documents

remain valid. General public please take note.

Addition of Name I, formerly known and addressed as Jimoh Musa, now wish to be known and addressed as Jimoh Musa Jibbo.

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

Confirmation of Name

OBIAKOR—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Obiakor Ifeoma Gloria, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Amieku Ifeoma Gloria.

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

Confirmation of Name

The names, Daniel Peter Oghenevwegba Ogbarode and Ogbarode Monday belong to the same person but now wish to be known and addressed as Ogbarode Monday.

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

The names, Salvage Ejiro Omoniyi and Klinsman Ejiro Omoniyi belong to the same person but now wish to be known and addressed as Salvage Ejiro Omoniyi. All former documents remain valid,any authority it may concern and the general public please take note.

Confirmation of Name

ODEGBARO—I, formerly known as Miss Titilola Victoria Odegbaro, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Titilola Victoria Oluseyi-Oshin. All former documents remain valid. The Nigerian Bar Association and general public please take note.

IGBE— I, formerly known, called and addressed as Miss Igbe Aworiwho Cassy, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Adams Aworiwho Cassy. All former documents remain valid. First Bank and the general public to please take note.

EBOIGBE—I, formerly known, called and addresses as Maxwell Eboigbe, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mitaire Isaac Ajueshi. All former documents remain valid. UBA and the general public to please take note.

OGBERAHWE —I, formerly known, called and addressed as Ogberahwe Esther Ovigueroye, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Ominike Esther Ovigueroye. All former documents remain valid. First Bank and the general public to please take note.

This is to confirm that the name, Botosan Gbejero and Roland Gbejero refer to one and the same person but now wish to be known and addressed as Botosan Roland Gbejero. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OJOH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogheneyole Juliet Ojoh, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogheneyole juliet Aluya. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

O B A R UA P O R O — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Obaruakporo Orohwo Rosemary, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eriyamremu Orohwo Rosemary. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

U N O A K H E N A— I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Unoakhena Rosemary Azagbobonaghena now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Aliu Rosemary. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UGHORAMI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Roli Stella Ughorami now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Roli Otiki . All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OFERE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ofere Gloria Alero, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onuwaje Gloria Alero. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONAMEJERE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oghenevwegba Jedidah Onamejere, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oghenevwegba Jedidah Oweibo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UMUKORO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Umukoro Oniovosa Patricia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Erhiwarie Oniovosa Patricia. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

O K O E G UA L E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Sheila Okoeguale, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Sheila Niemi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UNUAKPOR—I, formerly know as Mrs Vivian Unuakpor, now wish to be known as Miss Ayenyan Vivian Edijana. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

TSETIMI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Tsetimi Oristseshaninomi Loveth, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. O k e r e Oristseshaninomi Loveth. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

WILSON—I, formerly known and addressed as Wilson Innocent, now wish to be known and addressed as Emesechovwe Innocent. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and the general public please take note.

OGBOSO—I, formerly known and addressed as Chioma Ajike Ogboso, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chioma Okechukwu William Okwara. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

KOKO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Koko Catherine Karina, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Metu Catherine Karina. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

GEORGE ABBEY—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Georgina George Abbey, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Georgina Emeka-Micheal. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of Name

YOU CAN BOOK YOUR ADVERT AT:

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44—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

SER VICE OF SONGS FOR LA TE SERVICE LATE EDEMA-OFONI

Vanguard CLASSIFIED NWANI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Glory Efe Nwani (Nee Ighalo), now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Glory Efe Nwachukwu.

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

JOSIAH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Josiah Ebierlnyu Regina, now wish to be known and addressed as Meinkeme Ebierlnyu Regina. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OTOIBHI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Otoibhi Enosareba Patience, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. OSAHON-Aghedo Enosareba Patience. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONYEJE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onyeje Ogechi Peace, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogechi Peace Livinus.

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

Confirmation of Name

The name Msugh Warren Atser and Msugh Moses Atser refer to one and the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Msugh Moses Atser. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

OJIEMUDIA—I formerly known and addressed as Miss Stella O. Ojiemudia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Stella Omonye Olawale-Olowu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NWANI— I, formerly

public please take note.

JEROME— I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Jerome Miracle Chika, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Emmanuel Ashimole Miracle Chika. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OLUFUMILAYO— I, formerly known and addressed as Olufumilayo Dorathy Jones-Omoboni, now wish to be known and addressed as Oluwaseun Dorathy Jones-Omoboni. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADEYINKA—I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Patience Chimezie Adeyinka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Patience Chimezie Adewale. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AKAFA— I, formerly known and addressed as Ifeoma Ann Akafa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ifeoma Ann Nwogu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKWUAGBALA—I, formerly known and addressed as Bar r.

Okwuagbala Uche Iruoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Bar r.

(Mrs.) Madu Uche Iruoma. All former documents remain valid. Nigerian Bar Association and the general public please take note.

KOMOLAFE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Helen Funmilayo Komolafe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Helen Funmilayo Eruemulor. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

MOGASHA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mogasha Francisca Ifeyinwa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogadimma Francisca Ifeyinwa. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ATAMAN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ekpen Ihinosen Ataman, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ekpen Ihinosen Uwaifoh. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONYEMAOBI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onyemaobi Peace Chinyere, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Amadi Peace Chinyere. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NWANKPA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chinecherem Uloaku Nwankpa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nwachukwu Uloaku Ann C. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

O K E K E N TA — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Okekenta Ifeoma Annastesia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Megwai Ifeoma Annastesia. All former documents remain valid.

Decrown Consulting Engineers and the general public please take note.

IBEKWE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ibekwe Chidera, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Samson Chidera. All former documents remain valid. National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the general public please take note.

GENEMAN—-I, formerly known and addressed as Geneman Rachel Adejoke, now wish to be known and addressed as Geneman Princess Adejoke. All former documents remain valid. GTB and the general public please take note.

RAJI—I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Raji-Bola Fatimah Boladayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Bilawu Fatimah Boladayo. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

Confirmation of Name

RICHARD—I, formerly known and addressed as Richard David, now wish to be known and addressed as David Kpabuku.All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AKPOGUMA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss A k p o g u m a Oghenerukevwe Gloria, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Gabice Gloria .All former documents remain valid. Auchi Polytechnic and general public please take note.

AJOKO—I, formerly known and addressed as Ajoko Sanko, now wish to be known and addressed as Ajoko Sanko Slink.All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

This is to certify that the names, Blessing Nwaoho and Blessing Otuojo refer to one and the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Blessing Otuojo. All former documents remain valid. FCMB and the general public please take note.

Confirmation of Name

I,Olorundare Olanrewaju do hereby confirm that the names Olorundare Lanre Adebayor and Olorundare Lanre Adebayo refer to one and same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as O l o r u n d a r e Olanrewaju. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

known and addressed as Anene Nwani, now wish to be known and addressed as Anene Nwachukwu Isreal. All former

documents

remain valid. General

EDUVIERE—I, formerly known and addressed as Eduviere Solomon Eguonor, now wish to be known and addressed as Ejokpaoghene Solomon Eguonor. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

FOR ENQUIRIES CALL ADVERT HOTLINE:

01- 4544821

High Chief Tunde Smooth (1st right), Dr. Andrew Ayu (1st left) and others during the service of songs held in honour of late Chief Willy Edema-Ofoni, in Warri yesterday.

A cross section of Warri Traditional Council of Chiefs.

R-L: Chief Emma Jones, Chief C.D. Ikomi, Chief Mene Brown, Chief Utienyone, Chief Yaya Pessu(1st, 2nd & 3rd from left), Chief Kofi Khartey and others at the service songs held in honour of the late Ariyo of Warri Kingdom, Chief Willy Edema-Ofoni.

From left: Mr. Oludare Adanri, chief accountant, Fidson Healthcare PLC, Mr. Oladipo Ojeyinka, Mach Star Winner Astymin get alert promo and Mr. Femi Ajala, product manager, OTC Fidson Healthcare, during the cheque presentation to the March star winner in Lagos. Photo: Joe Akintola, photo Editor

From left: Mrs. Seun Babalola, winner of PTV Phones Consumer Promo draw receiving car keys from Mr. Banji Adesanmi, CEO, PTV Phones, during the PTV Phones Consumer Promo Final draw in Ikeja, Lagos

L-r: President/ Vice Chancellor, Babcock University (BU), Prof Ademola Tayo, speaker, 10th inaugural lecture, Prof Grace Tayo, Senior Vice President, Academic, BU, Prof.

Iheanyichukwu Okoro and Registrar, BU, Dr. Jonathan Nwosu, during the 10th Babcock University inaugural lecture presented by Prof Grace Tayo, held at the university in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2015 — 45

C M Y K

46 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016 — 47

Rio Olympics: Nigeria draw Sweden, Japan, Colombia A

FRICAN champions, Nigeria have been drawn in Group B of the Rio Olympics first round that also has continental champions Sweden and Japan and South American representatives, Colombia.

Sweden are the European tournament winners, Japan won the Asian version of the qualifiers, while Colombia beat USA in an intercontinental playoff to qualify for Rio. Sweden won last year ’s European U21 Championship in the Czech Republic after they defeated Portugal on penalties after a goalless draw in the final. They won the 1948 Olympics Gold.

Rio will be Japan’s 10th appearance at the Olympics, the best record in Asia along Korea Republic, who Japan incidentally beat 3-2 in the continental final of the qualifiers.

The men’s football event of the Rio Olympics will be from August 4 to 20. Nigeria won a historic Olympic Gold in 1996 and were beaten by Argentina in the Gold medal match at Beijing 2008.

I

*Argentina’s Sergio Romero makes a save against Promise Isaac of Nigeria during the gold medal match of Beijing 2008 Olympics. Argentina won 1-0.

Olympic draw tough – Amoo N

*Amoo

IGERIA Olympic team assistant coach Fatai Amoo has said the team have been drawn in a “very tough” group for the Rio Olympics. Nigeria are pitched against Sweden, Colombia and Japan in the first round of the Olympics in August.

Amoo said: “We are in

All set for PwC Chess 4 Change grand slam

T

HE Second Edition of the PwC Chess4 Change Grand Slam Tournament will hold from Tuesday, 19th to Thursday 21st of April 2016 at the Molade Okoya Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere. Lagos.

The Grand Slam Tournament, which is the climax of the PwC Chess4 Change programme, will bring together chess prodigies in Public Sec-

ondary Schools across Lagos State over the course of three days to determine the champion.

The tournament is an integral part of the PwC Chess4Change programme - an initiative aimed at improving critical thinking among youths through the game of Chess. Aside from determining the top chess prodigies in secondary schools in Lagos State; the Grand Slam is also an avenue to expose the

Chukwu

any team and preparation is key to our campaign.” He expressed confidence in the technical prowess of coach Samson Siasia who in 2008 took the Dream Team to a silver medal finish. “He has been there before, he knows the terrain and very matured now. If he follows his programme to the letter there is every chance that he would succeed with the team.”

Chukwu was happy that the Dream Team’s preparations will be under the supervision of the Nigeria Olympic Committee. “That’s the good thing about it all.

The team’s preparations won’t be under the NFF. Very soon, te NOC will take charge.

Continues from B/Page

Olympic soccer event organised by FIFA yesterday, which pitched Nigeria in Group B, alongside Sweden, Colombia and Japan.

“It’s not a bad draw.

Before you become a champion, you must beat everybody along the way to the top. We have won gold before and with good preparations, we can win it again.”

Looking at Nigeria’s group opponents who are from three different continents, the former Nigeria international said, “they are all good.

Any team that qualifies to compete at the Olympics is a potential gold medallist. That is why we must not underrate C M Y K

70th Precinct Secures Euro 2016 viewing rights

students to competitive chess competitions from an early age while also boosting the popularity of chess at the grassroots level. Dignitaries from the sponsors – PwC, as well as from the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Lagos State Sports Commission and Lagos State Chess Association are expected to attend the 3-day event. The Chess4 Change programme which commenced in 2014 started with six (6) schools has increased to thirteen (13) schools across the educational districts in Lagos State.

a tough group, we have to be at our best to move to knockout rounds of the competition.

“Japan are coming up strongly in recent years, Sweden will always be

well organised, while we expect Colombia to be powerful and skilful coming from South America “All the teams will be tough and we will respect them.”

Zenith Bank WBL: Battle for final Eight intensifies

T

HE battle for Final Eight places continued yesterday in Asaba as the second phase of the Zenith Bank Women Basketball League entered day four yesterday.

Oluyole Babes of Ibadan, who were beaten by host, Delta Queens on Wednesday, got back to winning ways by beating GT 2000 3831. The match was keenly contested but the ladies from Ibadan made sure victory was achieved as they continued their push for a place in the play offs in Lagos.

Plateau Rocks also recorded victory beating Nasarawa Babes 55-39.

*Action recoded during the Zenith Bank Women Basketbal League match between Oluyole Babaes and GT2000 Basketball Club at the Asaba Centre.

N order to heighten the forthcoming EURO 2016 experience, one of Nigeria’s digital agencies 70th Precinct Limited has secured the exclusive screening license for Nigeria territory for EURO 2016 Public Screening.

The license gives 70TH Precinct the exclusive rights to market and organize in Nigeria the Euro 2016 public screening. The agency intends to organize a massive fan park in the Lagos metropolis during the entire one month of the competition.

Speaking on this development, Mr. Osamede Umweni, 70TH Precinct CEO, said, “Nigerians are very passionate about the game of football and we told ourselves that we needed to create a unique experience for football fans not only to watch the game but also have an atmosphere of conviviality and several engagement platforms we would put in place for the fans.

Pinnick

Continues from B/Page

The Nasarawa side played hard for victory, but met a brick wall in Plateau Rocks who made sure of victory, while Sunshine Angels also beat Coal City Queens 52-23 to move closer to booking a final eight place. An official of the Nigeria Basketball Federation told reporters that the games have been keenly contested, while most of the teams have improved.

tions. Despite FIFA’s in tervention, the said Chris Giwa has continued in his actions. “Owing to the sensitive nature of football administration in Nigeria, physical and violent altercations are bound to occur if Chris Giwa is permitted to continue overheating the polity. We are, therefore, by this petition urging you to arrest and prosecute Chris Giwa for inciting disturbances’’, Keyamo stated.

Okowa appoints Bikederemo Warri Wolves chairman

W

ARRI Wolves have appointed Neville Bikederemo as its new chairman, with immediate effect. He takes over from Moses Eto, who was relieved of his job, following a spell of poor result and Champions League ouster.

Disclosing this yesterday, the Chairman, Delta State Sports Commission, Tony Okowa charged Bikederemo to make Warri Wolves a force to contend with in the Nigerian Premier League, noting that the team have the players to wrestle the league title from the grip of Enyimba.

Okowa said Bikederemo’s antecedents in sports make him a right choice for the new appointment, urging him

not to rest on laurels as the task to get the best out of warri Wolves starts in earnest.

Wolves finished last season in second place, qualifying for this year’s CAF Champions League, which they have since crashed out from in the qualifying round.

And the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick has backed Bikederemo to tinker Warri Wolves to success.

Speaking on the telephone yesterday, Pinnick said “I believe that Bikederemo knows the terrain all too well and is keen to make Warri Wolves the pride of Delta State. I believe Warri Wolves will do even better under his watch as chairman”.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

The Rio 2016 draw: Men’s Football Tournament Group A Brazil S/Africa Iraq Denmark

Group B Sweden Colombia Nigeria Japan

Group C Fiji Korea Rep Mexico Germany

Group D Honduras Algeria Portugal Argentina

*Ihieanacho

NFF crisis hits sour note: Pinnick writes IG to arrest Giwa

By Tony Ubani

T

*Siasia

Dream Team must not underrate opponents – Chukwu

By Jacob Ajom

A

MEMBER of the Technical and Development Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation and former coach of the Super Eagles, Christian Chukwu has called for intensive preparation for the Nigeria

U-23 Olympic team in order to ensure a goldmedal-winning outing at the Rio Olympics.

“It is achievable,” Chukwu said, while reacting to the draw for the Continues on Page 47

Okowa appoints Bikederemo Warri Wolves chairman —P.47

*Chuckwu

T OD AY'S PUZZLE ODA

HE crisis rocking Nigerian football has hit a sour note with President of NFF, Melvin Amaju Pinnick requesting the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase to arrest Chris Giwa for allegedly inciting ‘disturbance against NFF and also for allegedly ‘’attempting to force his way into the Glass house of NFF yesterday.

Giwa, Chairman of Giwa FC in the Premier League shook Nigerian football when he claimed that he had obtained a court judgment in Jos which he claimed asked Pinnick and his Board members to vacate office for him and his cohorts.

But in a petition dated April 14 and signed by his lawyer, Mr. Festus Keyamo, Pinnick accused Giwa of acting on a non-existent court judgment to cause disaffection in the Glass House as there was no such order compelling him to vacate the NFF of-

*Dalung

*Pinnick

fice as President.

Pinnick said: “In the last few days, one Chris Giwa has threatened to take over the occupation of the Headquarters of the Nigerian Football Federation, citing a non-existent court order in that respect.

“The said Chris Giwa has indeed taken steps to carry out that threat by bringing thugs and physically attempting to force his way into the Head-

quarters of the NFF on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Kindly note that, there is no court order anywhere, mandating the said Chris Giwa to take over any office or duties of the NFF. “In a brazen and blatant disregard for the rule of law and pending court orders, Giwa has gone on air to announce the purported dissolution of various committees and the

State Executive Committees set up by the NFF. “The combined effect of the foregoing actions of Chris Giwa is the creation of crises and instability in Nigerian football management which has led to the intervention by FIFA. In its intervention, FIFA declared Chris Giwa’s assertion as a false alarm and directed Chris Giwa to desist from such ac Continues on Page 47

Rio Olympics: Nigeria draw Sweden, Japan, Colombia —P.47 QUICK CROSSWORD

FRI DAY'S ANS WERS FRID ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Scatter (6) 5 Shrewd (6) 8 Aeroplanes 8) 9 Genuine (4) 10 Plead (3) 12 Eye (5) 15 Fixed (3) 17 Untruth (3) 18 Vase (3) 19 Meadow (3) 20 Material (5) 21 Spike (3) 22 Cur (3) 23 Expert (3) 24 Sheep (3) 26 Consumed (5) 29 Rank (3) 33 Cease (4) 34 Lingering (8) 35 Bomb-hole (6)

36 Smelled (6) DOWN 2 Conceit (5) 3 All (4) 4 Play (5) 5 Garret (5) 6 Weary (4) 7 Element (5) 10 Protuberance (5) 11 Clearing (5) 12 Jam (5) 13 Principle (5) 14 Mortal (5) 15 Scoff (5) 16 Hurl (5) 25 Irrigate (5) 27 Following (5) 28 Mistake (5) 30 Weight (5) 31 Notice (4) 32 Cowshed

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 4, Prime 7, United 9, Fee 10, Bid 12, Slack 13, Bass 15 Vista 17, Attest 19, Year 20, Belie 22, Tap 24, Revered 27, Men 28, React 31, Plea 33, Edited 35, Beret 37, Rode 38, Cocoa 39, Den 41, Use 42, Modest 43, Write

DOWN: 1, Hubbub 2 Missal 3, Web 4, Pest 5, Relay 6, Mechanic 8, Dive 11, Distended 14, Stir 16, Star 18, Teem 21, Evildoer 23, Pert 25, Veer 26, Deer 29, Adored 30, Treaty 32, About 34, Item 36, Ease 40, Now.

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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