PDP CRISIS: Confusion over Tukur's exit

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62059

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

Borno suicide bombing: Death toll rises to 43 14

TRAINING OF SNIPERS: 5-man panel to probe OBJ's allegation 8

PDP CRISIS: Confusion

over Tukur's exit •I won't resign in secret— Tukur •Babayo, Adamu, among frontliners to replace him

BY HENRY UMORU & BEN AGANDE

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BUJA—CONFU SION reigned in the polity yesterday, over whether or not Alhaji Bamanga Tukur was still the National Chairman of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). One account said he had given his resignation letter to President Goodluck Jonathan, which the President was expected to read to members of the National Caucus, that reconvened at 6 pm Continues on page 4

•P.25

COLUMNISTS: Is'haq Modibbo Kawu•P.17

Josef•P.19

Omorotionmwan

Mr & Mrs

FOR THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER—Boots and helmets of some

Unknown Soldiers at the 2014 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration Wreath-laying Ceremony in Abuja, yesterday. Inset: President Goodluck Jonathan laying a wreath at the event. SEE STORY ON PAGE 8.

Court sacks Umeh, reinstates Okwu as APGA 11 Chairman

Onitsha youths in violent protest over killing of 6 traffic official C M Y K

2 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014 — 3

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4—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

POCKET CARTOON

MEETING—From left: Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness, Umar Garbai El-kanemi; Sultan of Sokoto, Dr Sa'ad Abubakar; Kaduna State Governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero; Niger State Deputy Governor, Ahmed Musa Ibeto, and Governor of Kebbi State, Malam Saidu Usman Dakingari, at the Northern traditional rulers meeting in Kaduna, yesterday. Photo:Olu Ajayi.

PDP CRISIS: Confusion over Tukur's exit Continues from page 1 at the Presidential Villa.

The National Caucus meeting was planned to dovetail into the Board of Trustees, BoT, meeting last night.

As an indication that Tukur had quit, the weekly Wednesday National Working Committee (NWC) meeting, yesterday, was chaired by Deputy National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus with other members in attendance.

The NWC meeting, which took place at the office of the Deputy National Chairman lasted from 2 pm to 4.30 pm when the members drove out immediately to the meeting of the National Caucus at the Presidential Villa, it was gathered.

Those who attended included the National Organising Secretary, Abubakar Mustapha; National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh;

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

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OUR encouraging word, given today, may for ever change a receptive life. I wonder who needs to hear it — Steve Goodier At book signing, people waited in line for a guest author to autograph a copy of his latest novel. An encouraging, elderly woman at the front of the line turned around and said with obvious enthusiasm, “I just have to say – this is the BEST book I’ve ever read. Why, I couldn’t put it down until the very last page.”

Before anyone could respond, the author glanced up and said, “All right, Mother, that’s enough!” Although a mother’s praise is a bit on the biased side.

Besides, if we’re looking for more warm vibes and verbal support, we certainly can’t take our mothers with us wherever we go. That said, there is tremendous power in words of encouragement. Power to change lives. A young Polish boy wanted to play piano, but his teacher told him that his fingers were too stubby and that he would never play well. The boy was advised to try the cornet, but was later told by an expert musician that he did not have the lip to ever be good. Discouraging words.

Then, one day, he met the great pianist Anton Rubinstein. The famous musician gave this young boy the first bit of musical encouragement he ever received. “Young man,” Rubinstein said, “you might be able to play the piano. In fact, I think you can...if you will practice seven hours a day.”

He did practice for many hours every day and his hard work was rewarded. Years later, Jan Paderewski became one of the most famous pianists of his time.

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National Auditor, Adewole Adeyanju; National Secretary, Professor Wale Oladipo; National Financial Secretary, Elder Bolaji Anani; National Woman Leader, Mrs Kema Chikwe; National Legal Adviser, Victor Kwom; and National Youth leader, Abdullahi MaiBasira.

I have not resigned — Tukur As members were waiting for President Jonathan to read Tukur ’s resignation letter, the embattled chairman made a surprise appearance at the Board of Trustees meeting in Abuja, saying he had not resigned.

Alhaji Tukur, who walked into the Banquet hall of the Presidential villa at about 7:50 PM said he was not the sort of person that would resign in secret.

The PDP chairman, who walked in with former chairman of the party, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor told State House Correspondents that the rumour of his resignation was not true.

“I have not resigned. I am not somebody that would resign and you would not know. I have not resigned,” he said curtly before walking into the hall where the meeting of the BOT was to hold.

Before the dramatic twist, a source told Vanguard that Tukur had submitted his letter of resignation to the leader of the party, President Jonathan, who was expected to read the letter to members of the Na-

tional Caucus, which was to lead to the BoT meeting, which was in progress at press time.

A NEC member told Vanguard yesterday that should Tukur sustain his reluctance to voluntarily step down, the issue will be thrashed out in today’s NEC meeting. “If Tukur had resigned yesterday, today ’s NEC would have been for mere ratification,” he said.

A source told Vanguard that Prince Secondus called for the agenda of today’s NEC meeting where he made some corrections which may not be unconnected to the perceived resignation of Tukur, meaning that Secondus will take charge at today’s meeting.

A member of NWC who spoke with Vanguard said: “You know that the arrangement before now was to hold NEC meeting after the National Caucus and BoT meetings. We now have to look at the possibility of changing the agenda of

the NEC meeting. If he has truly resigned, it means that issues like moving motions for removal of chairman or any other person would be stepped down.”

Members of the NWC also vowed to suspend Tukur and thereafter expel him from the party if he failed to resign as arranged.

At the national caucus meeting, President Jonathan was also said to have pleaded with members to save Tukur and tolerate him till the mini-convention of the party in March this year.

However, sources told Vanguard that the governors, National Assembly members and other members of National caucus kicked against it, insisting that Tukur must go.

It was further said that earlier at the Tuesday meeting, two governors stayed with the chairmen of the PDP in the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory, Abuja at the 3J Hotel, by Chida Hotel, Utako to ensure that they never changed their minds on the vote of no confidence passed on Tukur. The state chairmen eventually submitted their report to President Jonathan on why Tukur must go late on Tuesday.

What the party constitution says Meanwhile, according to Article 45(1, 2) of the 2012 amended constitu-

tion of PDP, the Deputy National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus will step into the shoes of Alhaji Tukur if he quits until the party conducts an election for a replacement.

Article 45 (1) of the constitution reads: “If a National Officer of the Party is removed or resigns from office, he shall immediately hand over to the National Secretary all records, files and other properties of the party in his or her possession.”

Sub-section 2 also reads, “ in the case of the National Chairman, he shall hand over to the Deputy National Chairman who shall, without prejudice to Section.

45(6) of this Constitution, act as the National Chairman pending the election of a replacement.”

Babayo, Mu’azu, Adamu in line to succeed Tukur Meanwhile, three names are being touted as possible replacements for Tukur. They include former Acting National Secretary, Dr. Musa Babayo; former Bauchi State Governor, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, all from Bauchi State and former Nigeria Ambassador to the United States, Alhaji Hassan Adamu, Wakili Adamawa.

PDP MEETING—From right: President Goodluck Jonathan; Vice President Namadi Sambo; Chairman PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih and the Secretary BOT, Ahaji Jibrin Walid at the Caucus Meeting of the PDP at the State House, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014 — 5

6—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

Absence of witnesses stalls trial of Chinese

Onitsha youths protest traffic official’s killing ...as traders kick over continued closure of Obosi market

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AGOS —THE absence of two prosecution witnesses at a Federal High Court in Lagos, yesterday, stalled the trial of a Chinese, Hong Dong Shen, charged with the forgery of Mama Gold Rice brand.

The accused is standing trial on a four-count charge bordering on forgery, fraud, unlawful possession and stealing.

When the case was mentioned, the prosecutor, Mr Daniel Apochi, informed the court that the prosecution witnesses were absent in court, recalling that they were informed of the case.

He, therefore, prayed the court for an adjournment, to secure the attendance of the witnesses in court.

The defence counsel, Mr Tokunbo Fayemi, raised an objection to the prayer of the prosecution, arguing that the matter had suffered a series of adjournments at their instance.

He also prayed the court for an order striking out the charge against the accused.

Yunusa again adjourned the case till March 28, at the instance of prosecution.

NAF is economical with truth —Ndume

By JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

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BUJA — SENATOR Ali Ndume, yesterday, insisted that four bombs were thrown at his convoy from a military helicopter, belonging to the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, last Saturday, in Paulka village near Maiduguri, but Air Force authorities refuted the claim.

Reacting to the statement credited to the NAF that his convoy was not the target, Ndume said they were economical with the truth.

He wondered why the Air Force authorities could deny an incident that occurred in the full glare of members of the Pulka community, describing it as “operational blunder ’’ by the Air Force personnel.

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

WKA — BUSINESS ac tivities were disrupted, yesterday, in the commercial city of Onitsha following violent protests by hundreds of youths over the killing of a staff of the Anambra State Transport Agency, ASTA, by an articulated truck driver.

Also, angry traders blocked the road for hours over the closure of the multi-million naira spare parts market, Obosi along the OnitshaOwerri expressway, since January 3, on the orders of their chairman.

Vanguard gathered that the driver of a truck, who is of northern extraction, was travelling from Owerri in Imo State to Onitsha. When he was stopped at Ihiala for a check, he refused to obey and an official of ASTA entered the truck, apparently to force the driver to stop.

However, the driver sped off towards Onitsha, forcing ASTA officials in Ihiala to contact their colleagues in Onitsha to intercept the vehicle.

According to the report, when the vehicle was stopped at Onitsha, a lifeless body of the ASTA official, still in his uniform, was seen in the vehicle.

An eye witness who spoke to Vanguard said: “The trailer driver was stopped by the ASTA officials at Ihiala and when he refused to stop, one of them jumped in to clear the truck off the road.

“When the driver noticed that the ASTA man had entered his vehicle, he zoomed off. At that point, other members of the team started making calls to their colleagues and this led to the intercep-

The burnt truck

tion of the driver as he headed towards the head bridge in Onitsha.

“When the vehicle was searched, the lifeless body of the ASTA man was discovered with his hands tied behind him and blood gushing out from his mouth and other parts of the body. There were also signs of injuries, indicating that there was a scuffle.

“When the news of the development filtered into town, youths at the Upper Iweka head bridge axis mobilised and attacked traders selling goats and onions at the head bridge area of Onitsha, who were from the truck driver’s part of the country.

“The youths set the trailer ablaze while the driver was lucky to escape as he ran towards soldiers in the area who whisked him away in their vehicle to avoid his being

lynched."

Non-natives flee Onitsha When Vanguard visited the head bridge, yesterday, all the northern traders and other non natives had fled Onitsha to Asaba, while others rushed into the 302 Artillery Brigade in Onitsha and nearby police stations for safety.

Traders protest continued closure of Obosi market Elsewhere at the Mgbuka, Obosi market along OnitshaOwerri road, human and vehicular movements were delayed for hours when traders blocked the major road in protest against the alleged closure of the market since Janu-

How I unravelled fraud by Vanguard ex-accountant — EFCC witness

BY ONOZURE DANIA & CHINYERE ABIAZIEM

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AGOS — AN Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, prosecution witness, Ahmed Ghali, yesterday, told a Lagos High Court, sitting in Ikeja, of how he and his team unravelled the alleged fraud committed by Vanguard's ex-accountant, Abiodun Badmus, and two others.

Giving evidence before Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye, he said sometime towards

the end of 2009, Vanguard Media Ltd reported a case of fraud and immediately his team visited the company.

According to him, “We attended to the external auditor first then the internal auditor, who said there were some hitches he could not confirm, as non availability of statements of account from the banks made things difficult."

He also said throughout the investigation, no one claimed to have given any money to the internal auditor.

He said: “We saw some lodgements of over N3 million

in the account of the defendant between January 2006 and April 2008 while we were interviewing him.

“We discovered fake tellers that had the word ‘received’ stamped on top of the dates instead of under them.”

He also alleged that he identified all the tellers that were not lodged into Vanguard's account between 2006 and 2008, which he said were eight in number.

However, Justice Ipaye adjourned the case to February 10 and 11, 2014 for continuation of trial.

ary 3, 2014 by its chairman, who is simply known as Ifeanyi.

According to some of the traders, the market was closed on the orders of the chairman of the market over alleged harassment by members of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, who, it was learnt, had threatened to take over the market to collect revenue forcefully from the traders.

Worried by the continued closure of the market, some of the traders took to the streets and blocked the Onitsha-Owerri road for hours.

They made bonfire on the middle of the road, forcing travellers from other parts of the country and Onitsha to divert to Obosi.

Security operatives have, however, restored normalcy in the area and smooth traffic flow resumed.

MASSOB denies involvement MASSOB Director of Information, Mr. Uchenna Madu, however, denied his group’s involvement in both the traders’ riot and the Upper Iweka protest.

Madu said the traders apparently reacted following their inability to attend to their customers after the new year celebration.

Madu also called on the state government to look into the cause of the riot and bring those behind it to book.

He also urged Ndigbo to remain calm over the alleged killing of the ASTA operative.

The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Emeka Chukwuemeka, confirmed the two incidents and said no life was lost during the riots.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014—7

Pregnant woman, student killed in Abeokuta cult clash He added that those arrested would be thoroughly interrogated to determine their culpability in the case, adding that the innocent ones would be freed afterward, while those found culpable would be charged to court accordingly.

Also, the Public Relations Officer of the VSO, Soji Gansalo, confirmed the incident but stressed that only one person was confirmed dead already.

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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BEOKUTA — TRAGEDY struck, yes terday, in Onikolobo area of Abeokuta when youths suspected to be members of a secret cult unleashed terror on residents of the area, killing two persons.

Those who lost their lives, according to an eyewitness, include a pregnant woman said to be a passer-by, and a student of a polytechnic in Abeokuta.

Vanguard gathered that several others sustained injuries when members of the secret cult invaded Onikolobo, combing houses in search of their targets.

It was further gathered that members of a particular secret cult had been involved in a brawl with members of the outlawed Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, a few days before the recent attack.

They allegedly made use of dangerous weapons, which include guns, cutlasses and broken bottles, among others.

It took the intervention of officials of the Vigilante Services of Ogun State, VSO, before the rampaging cultists were dispersed.

TOP RIGHT: People crying over their loved ones killed in Shonong, Riyom Local GovWhen our correspondent vis- ernment Area of Plateau State, when unknown people invaded the area. Tuesday and Propited the scene, armed policemen erty destroyed during the crisis. from the Adigbe Divisional Headquarters were maintaining order in the area.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said policemen from Adigbe divisional headquarters raided the suspected hideBY DAUD OLATUNJI ernor Ibikunle Amosun to mark at the state secretariat, Okeout of the cultists where seven of this year’s Armed Forces Re- Mosan, Abeokuta. the suspects were apprehended BEOKUTA — THE corre membrance Day in Abeokuta.

“Four of us were in the car, while smoking Indian hemp. spondent of Leadership including three other corre“The trouble started when the Adejobi, who said the arrested Newspapers in Ogun State, Mr. military men, who drove in a spondents, Wale Jokotoye of the suspects were already in police Kunle Olayeni, yesterday gave private Peugeot car with News Agency of Nigeria, custody at Adigbe divisional po- a vivid account of how two army number plate, Abuja AR 963 Olayinka Olukoya of Nigerian lice station, noted that the raid officers assaulted him, damaging KWL, attempted to overtake my Tribune and Johnson Akinpelu carried out was one of the rou- his car for allegedly refusing to vehicle while heading for 35 of Alaroye, when the incident tine raids in the command and give right of passage to them.

Artillery Brigade, Alamala occurred. that the place where the seven According to Olayemi, “the in- where the ceremony was to be “The army officer, who suspects were arrested was one cident happened shortly after rounded off by the governor. claimed to be in convoy of a lorry of the hot spots of criminals in the newsmen covered a special pa“They tore my shirt and also conveying some soldiers, came state. rade/laying of wreaths by Gov- battered my Honda Accord car out and started insulting us.

“We explained that we never knew there was a convoy since the car behind was a private one, the officer, however, persisted

BY IFEANYI OKOLIE According to him, “it has now sations, financial institutions and in raining invectives on us. become rampant for unscrupu- government parastatals’ records “The army officer started hitAGOS — THE Special Fraud lous Nigerians to desire travel- are falsified and tampered with.” ting my car with his boots seUnit, SFU, of the police in LaOgunsakin also said the net- verely, denting it and later ling out of the country through gos, yesterday, said it had arwork of crooks that specialised in forced the door of the car dubious means. rested 40 Nigerians who alleg“In the course of their attempt travel document racketeering opened, pulling me out in the edly attempted to secure Italian to manipulate records and infor- had been shattered and will soon process. visa using fake documents. mation, many reputable organi- face the courts.

“The officer then punched me The documents ranged from in the face several times in the forged statement of accounts, presence of other army personfake travelling documents and nel, including one addressed as many others.

Captain, with a name tag ‘Pedro’ The Commissioner of Police,

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA driver, identified as Elder Yoluwa and I was left bleeding in the Special Fraud Unit, Mr. Tunde Ekiye, was said to have thrown ENAGOA — TRAGEDY staff of the television station into mouth.

Ogunsakin, said the arrest of the “The case was reported at the truck in the early hours of mourning. suspects was made possible by a Ibara Divisional Po l i c e Tuesday on the outskirts of written request received from the “It was a black day for the staff Headquarters, Abeokuta.”

Yenagoa when a driver attached Consulate General of Italy in of the NDTV as the chief driver, Attempt to get reaction from Lagos to carry out investigations to the Bayelsa State-owned Niger Elder Yoluwa Ekiye, died in acthe Army Public Relations OfDelta Television reportedly on the 40 suspects who submittive service while conveying staff ficer in the state, Adam Ngulde, ted fake and forged documents slumped and died while convey- to the office at about 5.30 a.m on was not successful as he could to Italian Embassy in a bid to ing staff of the station to work.

Tuesday,” said Preye, a staff of not be reached at press time.

The news of the demise of the the station. travel out of the country.

How soldiers assaulted us in Abeokuta — Journalist

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40 Nigerians arrested over Italian visa racketeering

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Driver slumps, dies in staff bus

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Court orders flogging of teenager for theft

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BUJA — AN Abuja Magistrates’ court, yesterday, ordered that a 19year-old boy, Isaiah Sunday, be flogged 12 strokes of the cane for theft.

The Senior Magistrate, Shafa Aliyu, ordered that the convict be flogged after he pleaded guilty on a one-count charge of stealing.

Aliyu said the punishment would serve as deterrent to others, adding: “Besides, he is a young boy and the complainant has forgiven him.”

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the police executed the public flogging of the teenager after the judgment.

Earlier, Prosecutor Udeh David, told the court that Ntibuka Linda of 22, Majekodumi Street, Utako, Abuja, reported the case at Wuse Police Station.

David said the complainant came back from a journey on January 5 to discover that the convict had entered her apartment.

He said the convict stole N18,000, one curve 4 BlackBerry phone, one touchlight Nokia phone and one carton of Indomie noodles.

Sunday pleaded guilty to the charge and begged for forgiveness.

‘My lord, forgive me. She called me on phone to warm her generator and then I saw the key to her room.

“I opened the room and took only N4,000 not N18,000. I used the money to buy one Polo shirt and spent the balance."

8—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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BUJA—THE Governing Council of National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, yesterday, constituted a five-man panel of inquiry to probe the allegation by former President Olusegun Obasanjo that President Goodluck Jonathan was training snipers and had placed 1,000 political opponents on his watch list.

In a communique at the end of its extraordinary meeting in Abuja, the council said that in line with the provision of Section 6(3) of the National Human Rights Commission Act (as amended), its investigation into the allegation against President Jonathan would not be subject to the direction or control of any other authority or person.

Describing the content of the 18 paged letter of Obasanjo vis-à-vis the allegations contained therein as “ weighty and grave,” the Council, said it concluded that the letter raised issues of serious and systematic violations of the rights to life, access to fair hearing and justice, personal liberty, safety and security, equality before the law and the prohibition against discrimination.

Consequently, the Chairman of the Council, Professor Chidi Anselm Odinkalu is to head the probe panel while the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Professor Bem Angwe, Mrs. Eugenia Abu, D.O.C Ezeigwe, and Alhaji Ibrahim Nikau would serve as members of the panel.

Similarly, the NHRC, constituted another three-man panel to undertake a verification mission into Rivers State with a mandate to identify and verify facts and actors involved in the ongoing crisis in the state and any violation of human rights connected therewith.

The panel which has Mr. Kayode Komolafe as its Chairman, Mrs. Rita Ifeyinwa Njokanmma and Mr. Eric BellGam as members, was further empowered by the Council to recommend any interim measures to ameliorate or prevent further escalation of the situation in Rivers State into serious or massive violations of human rights, as well as, undertake any other or further tasks related to or necessarily incidental to the foregoing.

The communiqué said, “Council considered the referral transmitted to the Commission by the Honorable Attorney-General of the Federation, and Minister of Justice on December 23, 2013 in relation to allegations contained in recent correspondence between former President Obasanjo and President Jonathan.

“In taking cognizance of the HAGF’s referral, Council made it clear that Rule 79(2)(e) of the Standing Orders and Rules of Procedure the Com-

Alleged snipers’ training: Odinkalu heads NHRC's 5-man probe panel ...another 3-man panel to verify human rights violation in Rivers State mission provide for the HAGF or Attorneys-General of States to refer appropriate cases to the Commission.

“Council is at all times guided also by the provision of Section 6(3) of the National Human Rights Commission Act (as amended) that “in exercising its functions and powers under this Act, the Commission shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other authority or person.

“Council considered the allegations contained in the transmission from the HAGF to be quite weighty and grave and concluded that they raise issues of serious and systematic violations of the rights to life, access to fair hearing and justice, personal liberty, safety and security, equality before the law and the prohibition against discrimination.

“Following comprehensive deliberations, Council decided, in exercise of its powers under Sections 5 and 6 of the NHRC Act (as amended) and in accordance with Rule 79(2)(a), (c) and (e) of the Standing Orders and Rules of Procedure of the Commission to constitute a panel to inquire into the following:

12TH S.L EDU MEMORIAL LECTURE—From left: Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary-General, Commonwealth of Nations, Guest Lecturer, Professor Olukayode Oladipo and Representative of Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Yusuf Suleiman, at the12th Chief S.L Edu Memorial lecture in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

“Whether or not there is or has been state-sponsored killings or assassinations in Nigeria at any time since November 1995 to date; if so, what organisations, institutions, agencies or persons were or are involved in or affected by such killings;

whether there is or has been at any time since November 1995, a list of persons to be targeted for watching or for such killings; if, in any of such cases, the perpetrators, known or unknown, were brought to justice or assisted, facilitated or helped by any persons or in-

stitutions to evade justice; whether the victims of any such killings were or have been afforded access to truth or to effective remedies; and undertake any other or further tasks related to or necessarily incidental to the foregoing.

New insurance scheme for soldiers coming — COAS zAs military pensioners call for discontinuance of Armed Forces Remebrance day

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI & AKPOKONA OMAFUAIRE

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ERVING soldiers who lose their lives in the line of battle during internal security operations like the war against terror or foreign missions are now to enjoy a new insurance scheme for servicemen which would increase the monetary benefits to their families.

This was even as the National Association of Military Pensioners has said that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day was no longer necessary since majority of the surviving ex-service men were dying without collecting pensions.

National President of the association, Mr Benson Eromafuru, made this known in Warri, Delta State, yesterday.

Eromafuru noted that the Federal Government had no regards for ex-servicemen in the country which informed its refusal to ensure prompt payment of gratuities and arrears of pensions for retired military men.

However, the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirika, at the 2014 Armed Forces Remembrance Day said: “The new insurance scheme has improved what the next-of-kin receives each

time we lose military personnel.”

Ihejirika said, “We have also put in place, a policy that will ensure the salary of the deceased is not stopped abruptly like before until he is paid, and a lot more is being done in this regard.”

Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Vice Admiral Ola Ibrahim, said

that a lot had been packaged for families of dead soldiers to ensure that "the lot of our fallen heroes and relations are improved upon.’’

The Senate President, David Mark paid glowing tribute to the fallen heroes, noting that the respect and honour shown today will let people know that we appreciate our fallen heroes, add-

ing that it will encourage those who are alive, so that if necessary they will sacrifice their lives for the unity and integrity of this country.

The laying of wreath was performed by President Goodluck Jonathan, followed by Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senator David Mark, Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal and others.

2014 Budget: Housing Ministry to spend N293bn on building public schools, fueling aircraft

BY CALEB AYANSINA

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BUJA – THE Ministry of Land, Housing and Urban Development has, in 2014 budget, proposed to spend N293.041 billion to build public schools and fuel aircraft.

Vanguard investigation showed that the ministry planned to spend N292, 800,000 on construction or provision of public schools and N241,530 to fuel aircraft.

Investigation also revealed that the ministry mandated to construct or provide residential buildings, had often com-

plained of lack of funds to discharge its mandate.

It was learnt that most of the low income housing estate the ministry takes credit for providing are done in partnership with private developers.

An impeccable source in the ministry, who preferred anonymity, told Vanguard that such things would not be found in the budget proposal of the ministry, adding that if they were, it was simply to deceive the public.

He said: “I am not sure such provision is in the budget proposal, I don’t believe it and if it is, then, it is photo tricks.”

The source said the ministry did not have mandate to build public schools, but residential housing.

“No! They don’t have such mandate to build public school, it is only residential buildings,” the source revealed.

Similarly, an expert in the housing sector, who had been working with the ministry for several years, told Vanguard that since his working relationship with the ministry, he had never seen or taken building of public schools, noting that such responsibility was for the Federal Ministry of Education.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014 — 9

10—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

Ayo Salami rules out equitable society in Nigeria, except... z As Bakare, Balarabe Musa disagree over confab

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH, ONOZURE DANIA & CHINYERE ABIAZIEM

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ETIRED JUSTICE of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami, yesterday, noted that Nigeria will continue to suffer inequity and injustice except people in positions of authority uphold the truth.

Apart from this, he disclosed that the problems of the nation’s judiciary would remain unresolved, but rather compounded for a long time, because Nigerians naturally do not want the truth to be told.

This was coming as Alhaji Balarabe Musa and convener of the Save Nigeria Group, SNG, Pastor Tunde Bakare differed on the convening of the forthcoming confab in the country.

Justice Salami, Musa and Bakare all spoke at the 10th Chief Gani Fawehinmi’s Annual Lecture organised by the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Ikeja Branch.

The theme of the lecture was, 'Nigeria at Centenary, a Nation under Bondage?'

In his keynote address, Justice Salami who was removed in office as the President of the Court of Appeal, regretted that people who are dishonourable and not fit to be judges, got into the mainstream and made it to the highest level of the judicial career.

“Whoever dares to tell the truth is marked for destruction,” he said, adding that members of the bar who told stories of serving and retired judges being bribed or influenced to purchase justice in sensitive cases often failed to give details.

“The irony of the situation in the Nigerian judiciary is that these same men and some others like them still sit as members of the National Judicial Council, NJC, a body charged with the

responsibility to appoint and discipline judicial officers.

“One wonders where lies the hope of the common man in getting justice with these crop of men at the helms of affairs at the NJC,” he lamented.

Justice Salami remarked that part of his ‘sins’ as a serving judge was that God helped him throughout his career to resist all temptations to be influenced by anybody in dispensing justice.

He added: “My conscience is intact and my relationship with my God, to whom I am accountable, is sacred and also intact.”

Speaking on his travail, Salami said that the Justice Auta Committee set up by the NJC to make recommendation on the council’s investigative panel report submitted by Justice Umaru Abdullahi’s panel, was meant to humiliate him.

He said God turned the humiliation to vindication

REMEMBRANCE DAY: Lagos Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, representing Governor Babatunde Fashola, laying wreath, during the 2014 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

Traffic jam returns to Lagos as schools re-open L

AGOS — TRAFFIC jam has returned to many roads in Lagos State as public and private schools resumed for the second term of the 2013/2014 academic session.

According to reports the schools resumed on Monday but

recorded low turn-out because of a misconception, weekend, Monday was a public holiday instead of Tuesday.

School children, teachers and school buses were in large numbers on the roads on Wednesday as early as 6.30a.m.,

causing traffic congestion.

Traffic in the state started becoming heavy last week as many companies also resumed work for 2014.

Many private companies closed for two or three weeks in mid-December for

'OPC not involved in assault of Ejigbo victims'

BY DAPO AKINREFON

T

HE OODUA Peoples Congress, OPC, led by Otunba Gani Adams has denied the group’s involvement in the assault of two women by some men in the Ejigbo area of Lagos state.

OPC, in a statement by its

Publicity Secretary, Mr. Akeem Ologunro, absolved any member of the group from the act just as it flayed the treatment meted out to the women.

The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to the insinuations in some quarters linking the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, with the

dastardly acts meted to two women by some men in the Ejigbo area of Lagos.

"Like every other Nigerian, we are deeply saddened by the type of treatment meted out to the women, which of course, first came to our attention after it was circulated on some social media networks."

TUC condemns attack on Magnus Abe

BY FUNMI KOMOLAFE

because the Justice Auta Committee adopted a laughable procedure by introducing a completely new dimension to the case without giving him any hearing at all.

He, however, suggested a five point approach to re-positioning the nation’s judicial system, which included that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, should cease to be the chairman of the NJC so that occupants of that office would stop taking advantage of its powers as chairman of the council, as enshrined in the constitution, to abuse the office.

He said each of the federating states should be allowed to have its own Court of Appeal and Supreme Court to better adjudge on respective disputes and appeals on matters falling within their legislative competence.

While suggesting that federal and state high courts and the National Industrial Court be vested with the same jurisdiction to avoid high cost of litigation and delays arising from contentious issues of jurisdiction, he said members of the NJC should not accept executive appointments, including executive briefs during their tenure.

During the lecture, the duo of Musa and Bakare spoke for and against organising conference in the country.

Bakare, who was the guest lecturer, slammed opponents of the conference, branding them as “selfish and self focused” individuals.

He said the conference was an opportunity for Nigerians to return to the dialogue table with the aims of renegotiating and restructuring the country. He urged Nigeria’s statesmen should work towards the success of the conference instead of focusing on the 2015 general elections.

He said: ”If we do not do the needful in 2014, there may be no 2015. If we dedicate ourselves to restructuring our nation at this opportune time, the outcome will be the emergence of credible leadership that will ensure a Nigeria that works.”

Musa, a former Governor of Kaduna State, however, said President Goodluck Jonathan was part of the problems confronting the country, stressing that the conference was a waste of time and resources.

“Any conference conducted by this government will not achieve anything. President Jonathan is part of our problems in this country and that is why we are against it,” he said.

In a welcome address, the NBA, Ikeja Branch chairman, Mr. Monday Ubani reiterated the desire of the branch for a well structured federal system of government.

Ubani also called for a fair devolution of powers that makes for efficiency which he described as the ultimate purpose for the general well being within the federation.

T

HE TRADE Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, one of the nation’s central labour organisations, has condemned in strong terms, the attack on Senator Magnus Abe and others by the Rivers state police command, last Sunday, warning that the proliferation of arms in different parts of the country could truncate our democracy.

It also called on the Presidency and security agencies to take pro-active steps to re-establish total peace and security in the country In a statement issued on Lagos, yesterday, endorsed by its president, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama and Secretary General, Mr. Musa Lawal, the Labour Centre stated: ” The police claim they shot no bullet at the venue of the rally, so we wonder who did. One thing for sure: each pre-election year since 1999 has been marred by politically motivated murders and wanton threats to peaceful existence.

But for providence the life of Senator Abe might have been wasted."

Wealthy Nigerians demand armoured vehicles

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

W

E A L T H Y NIGERIANS, especially political appointees, now prefer armoured vehicles to ordinary vehicles because of increasing cases of insecurity in the country.

This was made known by the Managing Director of an indigenous armoured vehicle producer, Proforce, Mr. Ade Ogundeyin, in a telephone interview with Vanguard, in Abuja.

Specifically, he said that those who use armoured vehicles include ministers, g o v e r n o r s , commissioners, military and para-military agencies as well as other wealthy Nigerians, because of their quality and comparative prices of the locally manufactured vehicles.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014—11

APC faction faults Amosun’s second term endorsement

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

A

BEOKUTA — A faction of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ogun State, loyal to a former Governor Olusegun Osoba has kicked against the recent endorsement of the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun for second term.

The faction in a statement signed by lawmakers representing Ogun State at the National Assembly described the endorsement process as effort in futility and a charade.

Some of the lawmakers include Senators Gbenga Obadara (Ogun Central), Adegbenga Kaka (Ogun East) and Akin Odunsi (West).

Others were Honourables Olumide Osoba, Segun Williams, Adekunle Adeyemi, Abiodun Abudu Balogun, Kehinde Odeneye, Bukola Buraimoh and Babatunde Ogunola.

It will be recalled that some members of the party had adopted Amosun for second term at a stakeholders’ meeting on Monday, at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.

The lawmakers while faulting

the process of the endorsement said since the party was yet to have a membership register, the action could not hold any water.

It also wondered when endorsement of governorship aspirants became the responsibility of political appointees and kitchen cabinet of the governor.

The statement advised the governor to stop heating up the polity in the state with his style of politics of exclusion and hatred.

“We, members of the Ogun State APC caucus in the National

Assembly were embarrassed by the purported endorsement of Governor Ibikunle Amosun for 2015 by a group. The action is better described as effort in nullity and a charade.

“We wonder under which platform the endorsement was done since the party was yet to have a membership register. We wonder if Amosun intends to run as an independent candidate.

“How can the endorsement of an aspirant which is strictly a party issue become the responsibility of Governor Amosun’s employees and

kitchen cabinet members,” the statement said.

The lawmakers expressed disappointment that some elders of the party were misguiding the governor for selfish interest and urged all members to remain calm as any endorsement done without due process was of no effect.

They appealed to the national leadership of the party to caution Governor Amosun and his group to desist from actions capable of derailing the on going transition process in the party.

Court sacks Umeh, reinstates Okwu as APGA national chairman

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE & IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

A

BUJA—THE Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, yesterday, sacked the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh from office and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to forthwith, recognise Chief Maxi Okwu as the chairman of the party.

The court presided by Justice Abdulkadir AbdulKafarati further ordered the National Secretary of the party, Alhaji Sani Shinkafi and other members of the National Working Committee, NWC,

elected alongside Umeh at a convention held on February 18, 2011, in Awka Anambra State, to vacate their respective offices.

Aside Okwu, the court also directed the electoral umpire to henceforth relate with Mr. Ibrahim Carefor, Chief Dickson Ogu, Dr. Gbenga Afeni and Alhaji Abubakar Adamu as the duly elected national officers of APGA. They all emerged from a separate convention of the party that also held in Awka on April 8, 2013.

Meanwhile, Umeh, has kicked against the verdict, filed an appeal and insisted that the court had no jurisdiction to entertain the suit. His team had also dragged Justice Kafarati before the National Judicial Council, NJC. Specifically, Justice Kafarati ruled that “Umeh and Shinkafi (1st and 2nd defendants), having been expelled from the party whether lawfully or unlawfully, regularly or irregularly, cannot validly continue to occupy the positions of National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively when the suit they filed challenging their said expulsion has not been decided and in their favour."

He maintained that “the 2nd Defendant, having first been elected National Secretary of the party on January 10, 2003, which is over 10 years ago, cannot validly continue in office 10 years after he was first elected when by Article 18(2) of the Constitution of the party, any official of the party can only stay in office for a maximum of two terms of four years each.”

The judge equally noted that both the defendants were voted into office by voice votes rather than secret ballot as stipulated by the Constitution of APGA, a process he said, invalidated their emergence as valid national officers of the party.

He stressed that unless and until the judgement of the Awka High Court given in a suit that was earlier filed by one Michael Joe Onwudinjo, which had recognised the Okwu-led faction of the party, was set aside by a higher court, it remained binding, subsisting and must be obeyed by INEC. Efforts to get Okwu to react to the verdict, yesterday, did not yield dividend as several calls to his mobile phone number did not go through.

However, a press statement by his Senior Media Assistant, Victor Chigozie Eneh, showed the joy that has enveloped Okwu’s camp.

Outlining how the details of the judgement, Eneh expressed happiness that Justice Abdulkadir Abdul-Kafarati granted all the reliefs sought by Okwu.

Meantime, the Umeh- led faction of the party, yesterday, took the matter before the Appeal Court sitting in Abuja, alleging that the trial judge engaged in acts of judicial rascality.

It contended that the Enugu Division of the Appeal Court had ab-initio okayed the indefinite suspension of all the Okwu-led executives from the party and stressed that the Supreme Court was already aware of the facts of the case.

Nigeria overstates crude production in 2014 budget —Standard & Poor

BY MICHAEL EBOH, with agency report

G

LOBAL rating agency, Standard & Poor ’s, S&P, yesterday, raised concerns that Nigeria’s crude oil production forecast of 2.39 million barrels a day in the 2014 budget, was over-estimated.

This, according to the rating agency, was due to increased tension in the Niger Delta region and the forthcoming 2015 general elections.

Ravi Bhatia, an analyst at S&P, said: “It’s a concern if they have a big rise in preelection expenditure and there’s a big revision on the oil price or there is a production shortfall due to Niger Delta tensions. High global oil prices are helping to sustain the picture as it stands now.”

Bhatia described as optimistic, the 2.39 million barrels a day projection put forward by the Presidency to the National Assembly According to him, a $10 to $15 fall in the global oil price might change the fiscal equation for Nigeria, adding that " the country is very sensitive to oil prices."

He said Nigeria would not achieve a substantial increase in production until it passed the long-delayed Petroleum Industry Bill.

Bhatia noted that Nigeria’s Excess Crude Account had been drawn down quite significantly, adding though that it was still enough to provide a slight buffer.

Bloomberg had in its survey a couple of days ago stated that Nigerian oil production averaged less than two million barrels a day last year, compared with the 2.53 million barrels the government had predicted.

It stated West Texas Intermediate crude for February delivery was currently trading at about $93 a barrel, compared with an oil price of $77.5 a barrel proposed in Nigeria’s 2014 budget.

The Federal Government is battling incessant oil theft and unrest in the Niger Delta, where most crude is pumped, while the Presidency hadpledged to keep the budget deficit under control.

Nigeria is expected to save revenue from oil prices above that level in its Excess Crude Account.

The fund was holding less than $5 billion as of October, according to Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, down from $9 billion at the start of the year.

12—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

their ways to carry out the unprofessional job of spying for the Chief of Staff.

“These men, as at the time of their arrest, concealed a service pistol and walkie-talkie radio respectively and tried to infiltrate the officers and men officially assigned to the venue of the failed rally.

“Again, the Chief of Staff inferred that Senator Abe was flown abroad in an Air Ambulance.

This is another hulla-balloo story because the Senator travelled

by Air France, and was indeed, number one on the manifest.

Members of the press can investigate this independently."

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI, JIMITOTA ONOYUME & EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

F

OLLOWING the conflicting accounts of what transpired in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Sunday, during a rally organised by Save Rivers Movement, SRM, at which Senator Magnus Abe was allegedly shot by the police with rubber bullets, the Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, yesterday, ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident.

The IG has consequently dispatched a special team of investigators from the Force Criminal Investigations Department to Port Harcourt, to probe the incident.

Meanwhile, thousands of Ogonis of Rivers State, in Bori, yesterday, protested what they alleged was the misrepresentation by Senator Magnus Abe, that he was shot by the police with rubber bullets on Sunday, during a rally organised by SRM. It will be recalled that following the Sunday incident, Ogoni youths on Monday, blocked major roads, expressing displeasure, over what they claimed was a ploy to assassinate Senator Abe. But some youths, under the aegis of Ogoni Youth Movement and the Federation of Ogoni Youth Leaders, yesterday, marched through major streets in Ogoni, accusing Abe of lying that he was shot by the police, following which he was rushed to London for treatment.

Meanwhile, the Felix Obuah faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state, has commended the peaceful disposition by youths of Ogoni in Bori, who protested against Abe. The Police in Rivers State, also said that a Corporal and personnel of the Department of State Services, DSS, attached to the Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, have been arrested by the state Police Command for allegedly spying on the command for the Chief of Staff.

The Police command, in a statement, said it was not true that those arrested were those that allegedly shot Senator Abe with a rubber bullet as alleged by the Chief of Staff. Mr Tony Okocha.

Protest condemned

Meanwhile, a group, Rivers Voice, has called on the people of the state to ignore yesterday’s protest by some Ogoni youths in support of Sunday’s alleged shooting of Senator Abe by the Police.

Condemning the actions of the youths in Bori, Coordinator of Rivers South-East senatorial district of the Rivers Voice, Mr Emma Osaro, said the PDP had shown the world that it was behind the alleged assassination attempt on the Senator.

Tissues of lies—Chief of Staff PORT HARCOURT WORLD BOOK CAPITAL PROJECT: From left: Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Rainbow Foundation, Mr. Idowu Rasheed and member, BOT- Good Shepherd Children Home, Mrs. Nwando Edu, during Port Harcourt World Book Capital 2014 project book donation initiative, in Port Harcourt.

IG orders probe into alleged shooting in Rivers ….As Ogoni youths protest against Abe zAbe flown by Air France not Air Ambulance — Police The group alleged that the protest was carried out by members of GDI, a group loyal to the Supervising Minister of Education, Mr Nyesom Wike, for the PDP. It charged residents to ignore the protesters, adding that the action was a continuation of the wickedness against Ogoni people.

He said those behind the protest wanted Senator Abe dead because of his plan to dump PDP for the All Progressives Congress, APC, adding also that it was because of his persistent call on the Federal Government to implement the United Nations Environmental Programme, UNEP report on Ogoni.

“I am not surprised that the Police protected the demonstrators as against those that protested the shooting of Senator Abe. We lost Ken Saro-Wiwa to the Federal Government, now they want to kill our dependable Senator and son. We will resist it,” he said.

IG orders investigation

Force Public Relations Officer, Mr Frank Mba, in a statement, said: “In a bid to ensure a speedy probe of the incident, a special team of investigators from the Force CID, headed by CP Idris Farouk, is to visit the scene of the incident and also interview all relevant parties to the said incident.”

He said the team of investigators would also interview the “organisers of the said event, Police officers and other key witnesses, so as to obtain a full and unbiased account of the incident that will aid the ongoing investigation. While promising to maintain fairness and justice to all, the IG has called on the citizens of the state to cooperate with the investigative team, maintain calm and shun all inflammatory or presumptuous statements.

“The good people of Rivers State

should continue to respect the laws of the land while going about their normal businesses.”

Protest

Meanwhile, the Ogoni youths, who protested against Abe, with placards, many of which branded Abe a liar and others insisted that the Commissioner of Police, Mbu Joseph Mbu must stay in Rivers, before ending up at the Police Area Command, Bori, where they stated their mission.

Some of the placard read, “Magnus, show evidence of gun shots,” “Ogoni youths, Elders say Mbu must stay,” “Abe stop deceiving Ogoni people,” “Ogoni for Goodluck Jonathan,” “Ogoni youths are in support of the Police,” among others.

One of the leaders of the protest, Mr Bekannah Bekannah, said: “The people you see gathered here today (yesterday) are the true Ogoni youths from all four local government areas of Ogoni. That is why we have to gather in Bori, our capital. The first message is that the violent protest on Monday on parts of East West Road in sympathy for Abe was not by Ogoni youths. The people involved were sponsored to come and destroy.

Abe was not flown to London in an Air Ambulance

Meanwhile, the Police in Rivers State, yesterday, said that a Corporal and personnel of the Department of State Services, DSS, attached to the Chief of Staff, Government

House, Port Harcourt, have been arrested by the state Police Command for allegedly spying on the command for the Chief of Staff.

The Police command in a statement, said it was not true that those arrested were those that allegedly shot Senator Magnus Abe with a rubber bullet as alleged by the Chief of Staff. Mr Tony Okocha.

Warning those allegedly holding meetings to disrupt the peace in the state to stop their alleged actions, the Police said contrary to reports in some quarters that Senator Abe was flown to London in an Air Ambulance, that the senator was allegedly number one on the manifest of Air France Airline.

“For avoidance of doubt, it is necessary to bring to the public the fact that actually, two security personnel were arrested by the police on the day of the incident. At the same time, it is also important to say that those arrested were a Corporal of the Nigeria a Po l i c e and a personnel of D S S , both attached to the Chief of Staff, w h o rather t h a n sticking to their a s signed roles, w e n t out of

Reacting, Mr Okocha, dismissed allegations by the Police as tissues of lies. According to him, “whatever the claims of the Police were, they did not dispute the fact that Senator Abe is lying critically ill in a hospital in London.

“A group that the Police mobilised, which came out to say Senator Abe was not shot, you will notice among them that they were more policemen than civilians. They ended up at the Police station. That goes to confirm our claim that Mr Joseph Mbu is a member of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Magnus Abe being flown on Air France as alleged by the Police does not change the fact that Magnus is lying critically ill in a hospital in London.”

He said that it was not true as alleged by the Police that he was holding meetings with local government chairmen to destabilise the peace in the state.

“Allegation that we are holding meetings is a blatant lie. It goes to show the intention to grind the functions of government in the state by the Police. As Chief of Staff, I am at liberty to meet with all the local governments in the state. CP Mbu wants to destroy the peace in the state. We enjoy peace in Rivers State apart from police brutality. There is no attempt to disrupt the peace in the state. My advice to the Police is that they should remember that they are funded by the people.

The equipment and gadgets they carry are for the protection of lives and property. We advise the Commissioner of Police, to protect the sanctity of the Police force,” he said.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014—13

ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY ACROSS NIGERIA YESTERDAY

Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Aloma Muktar, at the 2014 Armed forces Remembrance Day wreath laying ceremony, in Abuja, yesterday

Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State, at the ceremony in Yola

Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Valerie Ebe, signing the condolence register in honour of the fallen heroes during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration in Uyo.

Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko (middle) inspecting Guard of Honour by the Armed Forces in Akure.

14-Vanguard , THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

WHO declares Nigeria Guinea worm free

A

Maiduguri suicde bombing: Death toll rises to 43

BY CHARLESKUMOLU&

BY BEN AGANDE

BUJA—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan was yesterday presented with what could be described as a centenary gift, as the World Health Organisation declared Nigeria Guinea worm free.

Jonathan, who received the certificate from the Minister of Health, Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu, said the recognition by the world body would further boost his administration’s commitment to fight other endemic diseases as HIV/ AIDs, Malaria, Tuberculosis and polio.

The President commended the Federal Ministry of Health and collaborative support of the Nigerian Guinea Worm Eradication Programme, the World Health Organisation, the Carter Centre, UNICEF and Yakubu Gowon Centre, for their efforts that resulted in the eradication of guinea worm disease in the country.

The President said: “We are pleased today to receive from the Director General, Dr. Margaret Chang, the certificate from the WHO indicating that Nigeria is nowaguineawormfreecountry.”

NDAHI MARAMA

M

AIDUGURI—DEATH toll from the Tuesday’s bomb blast in Maiduguri has risen to 43, hospital sources and emergency workers said. The development prompted Governor Kashim Shettima to shed tears on seeing the magnitude of the mayhem.

This was even as Borno Elite for Peace, Stability and Progress, BESP, has called on security agencies to invite former governor of the state, Alhaji Modu-Sheriff for questioning over the recent bomb blast in Maiduguri, saying he was an enemy of the state.

It also asked Sheriff to name the bombers having allegedly claimed that Boko Haram was not responsible for the attack, or remain silent.

However, some of the survivors are now receiving treatment at the General Mamman Shuwa Memorial hospital even as most of those killed were youth who sell recharge cards and handset accessories at the GSM Market around the Post Office area. Their dead bodies were deposited at the mortuary of the State Specialists Hospital now being guarded by soldiers.

A mortuary attendant who spoke in confidence said he counted 43 bodies, many of them decapitated and some with serious burns.

He said: “I counted 43 bodies

and most of them are men. We worked throughout the night of Tuesday receiving victims because those who were hit badly by the shrapnel of the blast had to be packed in nylon bags.”

Another source at the hospital said some of those who sustained serious injuries died yesterday.

A

BUJA—AHEAD of the 2015 general election, the European Union yesterday said it was willing to provide electoral observation mission to guarantee transparency of the poll, noting this will create confidence in the body polity.

EU Managing Director for Africa, Dr. Nicholas Westcott, who addressed reporters in Abuja, argued that 2015 general elections would be very

important to the evolution of the country ’s democracy.

According to him, the international community wants the elections to be transparent, honest, open, credible and peaceful.

Westcott said the EU was prepared to help the country build a robust democratic institutions.

He said: “We are keen to help the people of Nigeria in building robust democratic institutions in which difference of views can be resolved peacefully

without resort to violence.

“The forthcoming elections here in Nigeria will be a very important step in the evolution of Nigeria’s democracy. I think all the people of Nigeria and the international community want this elections to be transparent, honest, and credible and peaceful so that everybody will see they can participate for their vote to be counted and accept the outcome in whatever majority it may be.”

NSE, others to commence integration of W-Africa exchanges in March

BY PETER EGWUATU & NKIRUKA NNOROM AGOS—THE Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, and other exchanges in West Africa have concluded plans to commence the first phase of integrating capital market operations beginning in March 2014.

The Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema, disclosed this

L

yesterday during a press briefing on the stock market activities for 2013 and outlook for 2014.

He said “We initially have the thought of integrating the capital market operations in West Africa in 2015, but this involve a lot of work and so we decided to have it on phase levels. The integration will occur in three phases, with the first

“We are amazed at a press statement issued on behalf of former governor of Borno State, Senator Ali Modu-Sheriff by his campaign organisation, revealing that the ex–governor knows those behind the Tuesday deadly explosion in Maiduguri, which claimed the lives of over 40 innocent citizens of Borno State.”

INAUGURATION: Members of the Federal Character Commission Board taking their oath of office, at the inauguration of the board by President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja, yesterday. NAN PHOTO.

2015: We’re willing to provide electoral observer mission —EU

BY VICTORIA OJEME

Journalists were barred from going close to the morgue as only families of victims were allowed access to recover the remains of their loved ones.

Meanwhile, the BESP in a statement by its Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary respectively, Messrs Imam Gazali, Saleh Biu and Mrs. Mary Bata in a statement said:

phase (the Sponsored Access Phase) slated for March 2014, which will accommodate trading among West African Capital Markets Integration, WACMI, members via sponsored access. The second phase will be in 2015 after seeing the effect of the first phase and we can then conclude thereafter for full implementation.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014—15

GAY LAW: We’re not imposing our culture on Nigeria, says EU zWe are disappointed—UK zSays law contradicts fundamental rights

BY VICTORIA OJEME

A

BUJA—EUROPEAN Union Managing Director for Africa, Dr. Nicholas Westcott, has said the EU’s stand on same sex marriage was not meant to impose any European morality or culture on Nigeria.

He, however, expressed concern over the same sex marriage prohibition Act recently signed into law by President Goodluck Jonathan, stressing that the law contradicted the 1999 Constitution, hence his concern about the rights of all Nigerians, irrespective of sexual orientation.

This came as British government expressed disappointment that the Nigerian same sex marriage Bill had received Presidential assent.

Westcott, who has been in the country since Monday during a press briefing at the European Union Mission in Abuja, said: “Just in the last few days, the same sex marriage prohibition Act which has been signed into law, which provides some concerns to us, we trying to explain to you clearly what our concerns are so that our position can be understood, just as we want to understand Nigeria’s position on it.

enshrined in international conventions to which Nigeria is a party. And our concern is that this Act contravenes some of those provisions and puts at risk some of the fundamental freedoms that all Nigerian people should enjoy - the freedom of expression, the freedom of association, etc. That is our concern.

Minorities

“But I think all minorities will be concerned about that, not just gay community, but all minorities, to respect their freedom guaranteed by international convention, by Nigeria’s constitution. It will be for Nigeria to respond to this concerns but I have to express them.

“It was a concern shared by all and I represented my boss.

Catherine Aston has expressed concern in a statement already with you today. So we believe that care needs to be taken to preserve some freedoms of all minorities in Nigeria. They should be protected as provided in the constitution.”

In the same vein, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, Catherine Ashton, in a statement in Abuja yesterday, said the law was at variance with international agreements to which Nigeria is a party.

“I am concerned about the signing into law in Nigeria of the same sex Marraige Prohibition Act. The European Union is opposed to discrimination on the ground of sexual orientation.

“It is firmly committed to human rights and rule of law in respect of those rights, including freedom of association, conscience and speech and equality of persons.

It supports the respect of human rights in all countries of the world.

Contradiction with fundamental rights

“I am, therefore, particularly concerned that some provisions

of the Act appear to be in contradiction with those fundamental rights, which are themselves guaranteed by Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, and to be inconsistent with the legal obligations enshrined in a number of international agreements to which Nigeria is a party,” Ashton said.

Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary has expressed disappointment over President Goodluck Jonathan’s assent to the same sex marriage Bill.

Minister of State at the Ministry of Justice, Jeremy Wright, said: “ The UK is a close friend of Nigeria, but we are disappointed that President Jonathan has given his assent to a Bill which will further criminalise same sex relationships in Nigeria. The UK opposes any discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

“The Bill also directly infringes on fundamental rights of expression and association, which are guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution and by Nigeria’s international treaty obligations.”

European morality and Nigeria

“We are not telling Nigeria what kind of legislation it should have, that is for Nigerian people. We are not advocating that homosexuality or same sex marriage should be recognised. We are not trying to impose our morality or our culture; Nigeria has its culture, Nigeria has its approach of doing things and there should be mutual respect.

“We are concerned about the human rights and freedoms of all Nigerians as enshrined in Nigeria’s own constitution and as

B

Y

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

ENAGOA—GOVERNOR Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, yesterday, has reaffirmed his faith in the indivisibility of Nigeria and called on Nigerians to ignore prophets of doom predicting the country’s break up in 2015.

Dickson, at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Yenagoa, paid glowing tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes, who laid down their lives for the peace and stability of the country.

Represented by his deputy, Rear Admiral John Jonah (rtd), Dickson condemned the negative utterances of some politicians in the country, saying “despite the concerted efforts of Nigerians, who have come together to honour the sacrifices made by our fallen soldiers in the service of this dear country, some politicians are busy fanning the embers of discord and acrimony by openly predicting that Nigeria would break up in 2015.”

FG, ex-militants to partner in fight against oil thieves

BY EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

LECTURE: Participants at the Women in Governance lecture, at the House of Commons, London.

Nigeria’s unity not negotiable —OSHIOMHOLE

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA & SIMON EBEGBULEM ENIN—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, yesterday, said that the unity of Nigeria was not negotiable, as he commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their defence of the country’s democracy.

Similarly, Delta State deputy governor, Prof. Amos Utuama, has called on Nigerians not to allow the labour of the fallen heroes to be in vain, rather they should rise to defend what they died for.

He spoke in Asaba at this year's Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration Oshiomhole, in Benin City,

Ignore doomsday prediction on break up —DICKSON

during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, said: “Presidents will come and go, governors will come and go, but the Nigerian nation will remain forever. On this occasion, it is important that we pledge our continued commitment to the indivisibility of Nigeria. I am unrepentant in my conviction that the unity of this country is not negotiable.

“We can talk on how to grow the economy, talk on the best time to create jobs, lament what we have not done right, but we cannot discuss whether Nigeria is a reality. On this occasion, which coincides with the celebration of Nigeria’s

centenary, I think all Nigerians should use this opportunity to recognise that people died to keep Nigeria one.

“I want to acknowledge my appreciation for the support and commitment of our officers and men in uniform.

Our officers and men are doing everything possible across the country to ensure that the rest of us are able to sleep with our eyes closed.”

In Asaba, Utuama noted that the import of the celebration was to remember fallen heroes, who fought and laid down their lives during the war to maintain the integrity of this country.

Said he: “I appeal to all Nigerians, that we must remain one, united and live in harmony with each other. This is all we have to enjoy the resources and peace God has given to this country. In chaos, we cannot develop, we need peace to develop and we need unity of purpose to harness all the resources available to us to move this country forward.”

Highlight of the celebration, was the military parade by men of the Nigerian Army, Navy and Nigerian Legion and the release of pigeons as a symbol of unity in the country.

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BUJA—A group of Urhobo ex-militants has vowed to join forces with President Goodluck Jonathan and security agents to curb oil theft across waterways in Delta and Bayelsa states.

The ex-militants operate on the platform of Urhobo Arms Struggle, UAS. National Chairman of UAS, Mr Israel Akpodoro , who gave the assurance during a courtesy visit on a former senatorial aspirant on the platform of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State, Mr. Daniel Idonor, last weekend, applauded the move by President Goodluck Jonathan to provide adequate security for oil and gas installations in Urhoboland.

16 — V anguard Vanguard anguard,, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

Syria: Western nations, Arab states pledge $2.4b W

ESTERN and Gulf Arab nations pledged more than $2.4 billion yesterday for U.N. aid efforts in Syria, where near three-year civil war has left millions of people hungry, ailing or displaced.

The pledge arose from a U.N. appeal for $6.5 billion in 2014, which was launched last month and is

the largest in the organization’s history.

The world body estimated that the conflict has reversed development gains in Syria by 35 years, with half its people now living in poverty.

But only around 70 percent of $1.5 billion pledged at a similar meeting last year has

reached U.N. coffers, hinting at donor fatigue with no end to the bloodshed on the horizon.

U.N. humanitarian chief Valerie Amos said all sides in the conflict had shown “total disregard for their responsibilities under international humanitarian and human rights law”.

“Children, women, men

are trapped, hungry, ill, losing hope,” Amos told the 69 countries attending a donor conference held in Kuwait.

The Gulf state’s ruling emir, Sheikh Sabah alAhmed al-Sabah, promised $500 million in new aid, while the United States announced a contribution of $380 million.

Qatar and Saudi Arabia pledged $60 million each.

The European Union pledged $225 million and Britain $165 million.

Money raised last year

in Kuwait was used by the United Nations to provide food rations, medicine, drinking water and shelters for people in Syria and surrounding countries.

UN stresses CAR disaster warning

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senior UN envoy has called for a huge international effort for the Central African Republic.

Speaking to the BBC in the capital, Bangui, John Ging of the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the country was in a “mega-crisis”.

Mr Ging said that many in the population were living in fear because of religious and ethnic attacks.

He said the concern now was that matters could worsen further. Last week the UN warned that the country faced disaster because of people fleeing the conflict to pack into overcrowded camps with poor

Thai PM stands firm on election, despite protests

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HAILAND’s government, yesterday stuck to a plan for a February election despite mounting pressure from protesters who have brought parts of Bangkok to a near-standstill, and said it believed support for the leader of the agitation was waning.

Some hardline protesters threatened to blockade the stock exchange and an air traffic control facility if Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra had not stepped down by a deadline media said was set for 8 p.m.

There was no apparent movement as the deadline came and went.

The unrest, which flared in early November and escalated this week when demonstrators occupied main intersections of the capital, is the latest chapter in an eight-year conflict.

Protests, celebrations greet Egypt poll

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GYPTIANS queued for the second day in front of polling booths to decide on the country’s new referendum, as polarisation plays out on the streets between celebrating charter supporters and protesting opponents.

About 53 million Egyptians are eligible to vote for the new constitution, the result of which could see the defence minister, General Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, launch a presidential bid.

Anti-coup protesters, who blame Sisi for the removal of Mohamed Morsi from the presidency in July, rallied in the capital Cairo, Al-Sharqiyah in the north of Egypt and Fayoum and Delga, in the south.

Vatican criticised in report on child abuse

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HE Roman Catholic Church is still choosing self-preservation over full disclosure in child sex abuse cases, according to a report mapping the phemonenon of clerical paedophilia.

A 48-page document, published yesterday by the UK-based charity Child Rights International Network (CRIN), said there were still no global guidelines to directly deal with the welfare of the victims and that serious cases were not being sent to civil judicial authorities, despite decades of allegations and controversy.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014 — 17

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FTER a troubling lull, the dormant volcano of agitation for a National Conference, erupted again last week; and expectedly, the hot lava is burning through the land. Two of the most emblematic representatives of National Conference agitators, the gerontocrat, Professor Ben Nwabueze and the AFENIFERE chieftain, Dr. Femi Okurounmu, went at each other last week, over the so-far, unpublished report of the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue, which Okurounmu chaired. Igbo Leaders of Thought, one of the groups that Nwabueze uses to canvas his “illusion that he is one Mr. Know-All for Nigeria”, according to Dr. Okurounmu, had threatened that anything short of a new constitution would be unacceptable to the Igbo. The threat was canvassed allegedly because Okurounmu’s Advisory Committee only recommended emendation of the existing constitution. This incensed the AFENIFERE man. It was “surely meat to be a setback for the conference by injecting a crisis of confidence between the committee, the people and the government”, according to Okurounmu.

Professor Nwabueze who rejected his nomination to serve in the Presidential Committee,

on destroying Northern Nigeria’s geographical and existential reality or how its peoples must willy-nilly, be turned against each other, because in the world that Ben Nwabueze resides, the whole concept of Northern Nigeria contradicts and endangers his “Mr. Know-All for Nigeria”, in the words of Dr. Femi Okurounmu!

Hurdles to clear

Discordant tunes for the National conference because of a health challenge (with hindsight there was more to the rejection than reason canvassed!), has remained the most gung-ho advocate of the conference, in a particular direction (a conference of “tribes” or ethnic groups). At the same time he has surreptitiously attempted to impose his own constitutional views on the country. HIS secret letter to President Jonathan, a few months ago, was leaked.

He asked that an unrepresentative and secret committee named by himself and working under him in his private residence, and already writing a constitution, be given an official imprimatur. The Igbo Leaders of Thought’s statement followed a Nwabueze pattern: “It is either he is put in charge to do it and do it alone the way he wants or whoever does it is not doing it right, even if the person is doing it the same way he will have done it.

It just has to be Prof.

Nwabueze. He thinks he has the solutions to Nigeria’s problems and anything that is different from his solution is wrong”.

This problem with Nwabueze extends to even the submission of the Presidential Committee’s report. Last Wednesday, the

Nigerian Bar Association faulted President Jonathan’s alleged refusal to accept a “minority report”, presented by Solomon Asemota (SAN), a Nwabueze sidekick, who served in the Committee at Nwabueze’s behest. It turned out that the so-called “minority report” was included as an appendix to the final report, having been submitted just like hundreds of other reports from individuals and groups from around the country. What was not known to many, was that,

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“The Nwabueze-led group has clearly gone beyond the bounds of decency and decorum by fabricating a report purely from their own imagination and leveling such scathing criticisms against it with a view to discrediting the real report, which it has obviously not yet seen…I can say very emphatically, however, that the…allegations are false.

They are wild, mendacious, obfuscatory and illintentioned…” Dr. Femi Okurounmu, Chairman, (defunct) Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue

impose his prejudices as the grundnorm for the future governance of Nigeria. This is a country where the overwhelming majority of the population is under the age of 30. These young people do not share Nwabueze’s fixations with ‘tribes’ or ethnicity. These young people are all over Nigeria, suffering the dire consequences of the socioeconomic injustices which the ruling class has fostered. They are in need of good education; they need skills to be able to get

This is a country where the overwhelming majority of the population is under the age of 30.

These young people do not share Nwabueze’s fixations with ‘tribes’ or ethnicity

again, it came from one of the many front groups that Professor Nwabueze uses to ram down his viewpoint about national conference and constitution making on Nigerians. It is very troubling that a man over eighty years, and already close to the end of his life must be desperate to

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the jobs in the world of the 21Century. But these are not the issues driving the obsessions of Prof. Ben Nwabueze. He is stuck in the time warp of the early Twentieth Century and nurses grievances rooted in colonial experiences when he is not developing ultimately bizarre and fruitless schemes

If Nwabueze’s has been the most discordant tune in National Conference land, its looking like the conference idea still has a whole lot of hurdles to clear. DAILY TRUST of Tuesday, January 14, 2014, exclusively revealed, and I confirmed from a Presidential Committee member, that there are legal stumbling blocks as well as insufficient time to conduct delegates’ election for the proposed conference. The committee had recommended that conference candidates be elected on the basis of federal constituencies. But when INEC was asked to organise the election, Attahiru Jega pointed out that the election must be backed by law; and it cannot hold before April, at the earliest.

Meanwhile, the Committee had recommended that the conference should last between three and six months and be held before preparations get underway for the 2015 election.

If such an election is held in April as INEC had pointed out, it meant that the national conference’s decisions cannot be incorporated into the constitution before the 2015 elections. Meanwhile, the National Assembly is also finalising plans to complete the constitutional amendment process, while members of the opposition APC say they will block the appropriation of funds for the conference. There is still enough time for more trading of punches between the national conference gladiators, before the conference finally sees the light of day; if at all!

Worrisome portents from Borno E

ARLY this week, reports emerged in the media that former Borno state governor, Ali Modu Sheriff (SAS), returned to the state, after an 11 months absence. The visit had been long in coming and after many botched attempts, owing to fears of an alleged security threats which his visit could generate, Sheriff finally entered Maiduguri. And before anyone could spell Borno, the worst fear came to pass. In recent months, it was becoming clearer to observers of events in the state, that the relationship between SAS and incumbent governor, Kashim Shettima was very rocky at best. SAS was said to be unhappy with his anointed successor, Shettima, who has become increasingly popular in Borno (and has garnered a lot of sympathy and understanding nationwide) for his adroit handling of the serious security challenge that he inherited; and the fact that he has applied himself wholeheartedly to delivering development in many areas of endeavour, despite the security situation.

As it was, a presidential plane was alleged to have brought into Maiduguri, former Borno state chairman of the defunct ANPP, Mohammed Imam, who is being touted as Ali Modu Sheriff ’s new anointed candidate to replace Kashim Shettima, in 2015. Governor Shettima was coincidentally also at the

airport to inspect installations to facilitate the resumption of flights after the last attack by BOKO HARAM, which led to the closure of the airport. Thugs welcoming Imam saw the governor ’s convoy and started hurling stones and pure water. These thugs were dispersed by security men; while the governor carried out his inspection and then walked two kilometres into town, during which he received plaudits of hundreds of residents of the city.

In what observers described as a retaliatory response, on Tuesday this week, DAILY TRUST reported from Maiduguri, that former Governor Ali Sheriff “had to abandon his car and make a fast escape” when youths and thugs attacked his over 200 car convoy near the Shehu of Borno’s palace. I feel very worried about the rising political tension in Borno. And soon as these reports emerged, I made several calls to people on both sides of the political divide to get a rounded picture of developments. I feel worried because these deployments of thugs and violence are not good for Borno state. In recent times, there has been a gradual consolidation of the peace in the state and a gradual return to normalcy. I have returned to Borno, before the most recent spike in insurgent violence and the newly orchestrated political violence and people had become increasingly

optimistic, that they were turning a corner for the better. Businesses were re-opening; there is a construction boom tied to developments gingered by the state government and there are several youth and women empowerment initiatives and agricultural projects that are taking off.

2015 posturing

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ut the posturing for 2015 is beginning to rub off the society negatively and the tragic irony, is that most of the crises that Borno will potentially have to deal with, will come from within the same political camp. It is a situation of a godfather attempting to remove his anointed successor. This irony is compounded by the fact that Governor Kashim Shettima has given his all to the development process in Borno, a situation that ordinarily should make former governor Sheriff a happy man. I have spent many hours discussing with Governor Kashim Shettima in the past three years, and he has NEVER, not even once, spoken negatively about Sheriff. He proudly describes himself as Sheriff ’s “boy”; says all the time that he remains eternally grateful to his predecessor for his own political elevation. It is this that confuses observers of Borno politics. What then led to the deterioration of the

relationship between Sheriff and Shettima? And can’t they mend the relationship for the sake of Borno’s people? What might Shettima have done to lead to the concerted effort by Sheriff to upturn the applecart, with dire consequences for the development that the state has begun to witness and the consolidating peace? Borno state deserves the peace and empathy it can secure from its political leaders. The BOKO HARAM insurgency has wrought a terrible toll on the lives of the citizens and residence of Borno and the new trend of politically motivated violence will just scatter things irreparably. On the one hand, there is the need for political wisdom on the part of Ali Modu Sheriff; he must not give the impression that his own political ambition is far more important than peace and development of Borno. The emergent tendency towards political violence can negatively redound to hurt his political agenda. On the other hand, Kashim Shetimma must show absolute tact so as not to be distracted from his commitment to delivering on the development agenda. At the end of the day, it is how he has delivered to the long-suffering people of Borno that will ultimately be the reference point for his re-election in 2015. On all sides, what is most important is the people, not tall political egos.

18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014 THE United States of America positions itself as a great country.

There is no doubt about the greatness of the USA, if we are counting riches in terms of its military might, the sheer size of its, and its enormous wealth and vast global influences.

Yet the USA is one of the poorest countries in the world. Its cultural and moral decadence has reached a bizarre apogee.

The USA is in decline. Most concerns are about its depleting economy, but the USA can no longer contain its decay within its shores.

For years, it has been exporting its decadence in a bid to spread its corruption round the world. Through dominance of food, music, fashion, media, and supposed support for rights groups, it has sustained a global encroachment on rights of people to decide how they live.

The USA considers it a national right for it to interfere in others’ businesses for its own benefit. Aware that its splendour is a façade, the USA promotes agenda that push its interests. The USA as a dying nation is

We Are Not Americans unwilling to perish alone.

Its criticisms of Nigeria’s anti-gay law are based on lies, a strategy the USA promptly deploys when its nebulous interests are affected.

Secretary of State John Kerry claimed the law, “dangerously restricts freedom of assembly, association and expression for all Nigerians.”

Kerry said it “is inconsistent with Nigeria’s international legal obligations and undermines the democratic reforms and human rights protections enshrined in its 1999 Constitution.” He should have been more specific. How would same-sex marriage enhance the rights in the1999

Constitution?

“People everywhere deserve to live in freedom and equality. No one should face violence or discrimination for who they are or who they love,” Kerry said. Of course, he knows nobody would face any violence over the law. Suspects would undergo trial and if guilty, they would be punished.

It is part of the USA’s hypocrisy to create impressions that it is a free country. What is freedom if there are no controls? Would that not result in lawlessness? It in realisation of the descent that freedoms like gay rights have imposed on its society that the USA wants everyone to share its decadence.

We are Nigerians. We are Africans. We cherish our families; we live and die for them. We do not accept relationships that would, over time, lead to the cessation of the family, the basic platform of society.

As a haven for gays, the USA can grant gays citizenship. They would gladly flock to the land of endless rights to enjoy limitless liberties Americans cherish.

Nigerians would not support gay relationships – we are not Americans.

OPINION

BY INWALOMHE DONALD

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HE revocation of right of occupancy and compensation therein in pursuance to section 28 and 38 of the Land Use Act No. 6 of 1978 put the record straight for Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State. On the 24th December, 2013 Governor Oshiomhole gave a notice in exercise of the power conferred upon him by section 28(1) and 38 of the Land Use Act, 1978 and by virtue of all other laws enabling him as Governor of the State to revoke the Right of Occupancy granted in respect of all the parcel of land on the Right of Way(ROW), from Okpekpe to Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State containing an area of approximately 73.750 hectres (182.236 Acres)440,718.583 metres.

Governor Oshiomhole took the action on land required for service of NNPC gas supply to BUA CEMENT PLANT, OKPELLA, EDO STATE, NIGERIA. Governor Oshiomhole has emphasised the need to rejuvenate the industrial development of the state through sustainable economic activities. His target is boosting economic and human capacity development of the state amongst others. The governor has ensured that the BUA cement plant, a 3 million tonne cement plant in Edo State, is back on track for commissioning this year. The Governor has underscored the importance of infrastructure to the development of

Oshiomhole and industrial revival in Edo State the CEMENT PLANT. The Governor said “no nation can attain greatness without addressing the issue of infrastructure decisively”.

In Edo State, Oshiomhole recognized this point, so instead of embarking on 7-point or 10-point agenda, he stuck to one point which is renewing infrastructure.At different fora, Oshiomhole had threatened to revoke the sale of Edo Cement Factory, Okpella, to private investors by past administrations if the factory did not bounce back to production. According to him,“the Edo Cement factory has become an embarrassment. I will direct the Attorney-General of the state to look at the terms of the contract and if they cannot operate it or give convincing explanation as to when they will start production, we will revoke the sale of the cement factory and Edo State will take it over. “We will find the resources to re-capitalise it and put it back to production. We have had enough of explanations. It is irresponsible for people who do not have the know-how to take over businesses and shut them down. That is part of the things compounding the problem of unemployment in Nigeria.”

Oshiomhole has played a major role in resuscitating $500 million cement plant owned by the BUA Group. The company has announced the plant’s progress at a signing ceremony for a

US$35 million contract with Siemens.

According to the group’s chairman, 70 percent of the plant equipment has been installed and ‘the pace of work

by Julius Berger (the contractor) is very comprehensive and impressive’.

Siemens is supplying a new gas turbine power plant to Edo Cement Company. The three SGT-500 turbines, manufactured by Siemens Industrial Turbo Machinery AB, have a total capacity of 45 MW. BUA Group and FL Smidth have signed a N75 billion contract for the expansion of Edo Cement billed for completion in August 2014. BUA Group is one of the six companies licensed by the Federal Government in 2008 to bring bulk cement into the country.

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n March 14, 2011, Governor Oshiomhole said the state government will revisit the privatisation of Edo Cement factory and would revoke the privatisation exercise if need be. The privatisation of the cement factory by the Igbinedion administration has not benefitted the state in any way as the company has not worked since the day after its privatisation.The non-performance of the factory has brought the economic life of the area to a stand still. The Comrade Governor saw the need to look beyond those presently handling the company, since resuscitating the company became very much in doubt.

Initially, it was Scancen that was the core investor in the privatisation of the cement company but lack of transparency, inadequate disclosure and series of other issues led to their departure.

In specific terms, the issue that has stalled the successful privatisation of the cement company and its eventual handing over to BUA was successfully resolved by Governor Oshiomhole.

Edo Cement Company, Okpella was a major driver of the economic activities of Edo economy until mid1990s when its operations started wobbling. Promise of its revitalisation featured on the campaign agenda of many political office seekers, including former PDP led government which mismanaged the company for many years.

Oshiomhole has assured the people of Edo State that all projects started by this administration will be followed up with all due diligence and vigour to ensure their completion.

Oshiomhole has reiterated his desire to uplift the lives of the people of the state despite what he described as the “primitive political opposition”. He has demonstrated that Okpella Cement will soon resume production.

•Mr. Donald, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Benin, Edo State.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014— 19

, O this villager, going to Benin City from Oghada, a distance of some 64 kilometres, was an annual pilgrimage of sorts. From an early age, I accompanied my parents to the city where they sold yams, the main product from the farm.

At the close of sales, I got my fringe benefits, my Christmas clothes. I wore them so proudly because, whereas they were the superior materials from Benin City, the abode of the Oba, my contemporaries in the village had the cheap products hawked by Yoruba traders who worked out deferred payment plans for them under the “osun meta” (three months) scheme.

History books are replete with the origin and history of the Igue festival. We are particularly fascinated by the pains-taking research of our kinsman, Prince (Dr.) Ademola Iyi-Eweka, who carefully chronicled the events around the Igue from its inception during the reign of Oba Ewuare to the present day.

In its original form, Igue was non-religious. In just the same way that President Abraham Lincoln,

in 1863, proclaimed a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens”, the founding fathers of the Edo Nation had proclaimed Igue as the “Ultimate Thanksgiving to OSANOBUWA, OSANUDAZI, OGHODUA - the Almighty Creator of Heaven and Earth, the Alpha and the Omega… the protector of the human race against the vicissitudes of life.”

And in just the same way that Thanksgiving is celebrated by Americans irrespective of their religious affiliation, the Igue festival was meant for all Edos of all religions. But incidentally, the African traditional religion, which predates Christianity and other religions here, was the only thing on ground when the other religions arrived. Christians should have done well to key into the celebration. Rather, they were preoccupied with trying to indoctrinate the indigenes into Christianity.

Understandably, the Igue festival is celebrated with greater intensity in the rural areas than in Benin City. The ruralites who are mainly farmers faced greater hazards in

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the course of the farming year. For instance, in those days, there were no motor-saws. As a result, those big trees were brought down either with fire or with the axes. In the case of the latter, able-bodied men tied scaffolds around the big trees and hewed them from the top of the scaffolds. It was quite a hazardous job and the few who survived it had to celebrate big.

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e also invaded the animal kingdom without being hurt by the wild animals - the lions, the tigers, the elephants, the gorillas and the rest. Since our farms were too far from home, we slept there for an entire native week of four days and only visited home on the native Sunday - the Eken market day. We survived all the

2015, corruption: Jonathan and the tenacity of power

BY BOBSON GBINIJE “I define tenacity of office as a political Monstrosity whose characteristics are an Inordinate and shameless love of power For its own sake and a morbid tenacity for public Office even when all the legitimacy for continuing In such public office has completely disappeared” -Chief Obafemi Awolowo (VOICE OF COURAGE) OWER has a scandent and transilient potential, but it brings out the theriomorphic proclivities in man. Hence, realising the transitoriness and ephermerality of power, the Sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo in his allocutus delivered on 11th September, 1963, when Justice Sowemimo declared him guilty on charges of treasonable felony, said: “But after darkness comes the glorious dawn. It is therefore, with a brave heart, with confident hope and with faith in my unalterable destiny that I go from the twilight of power into darkness, unshaken in my trust in the providence of God that the glorious dawn will come on the morrow”.

Power has the instinctual edacity, and ambrosial trait of insatiety in the life of its holder. In Homer ’s Odyssey the Lothophagis, a people living on the northern coast of Africa lived a life of indolence and forgetfulness induced by eating the fruit of the lotus: some of Odyssus co-travellers in search of the Golden Fleece eat with them and forgot their friends, homes and native land. So too are the mental escapades of those in power.

Power is authority and dominance. It has a perceptive, cognitive and volitional

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nature. It is the right to control, command and enforce obedience. It comes in hydra and protean formats. It could be political, economic, domestic, social and traditional format etc. It could have democratic, despotic, monarchical, hegemonistic and plutocratic colourations. But in whatever template it comes, it has a tendency to be intoxicating, unputdownable, the chameleonic faeces syndrome and tantalizing on most people. Hence, power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.

In the light of the approaching 2015 elections in Nigeria, power is currently undergoing political osmosis, social calculus and strategic dynamics. All with a view to appropriating power to various interest groups and individuals. The question therefore arises, Will President Goodluck Jonathan contest the 2015 presidential election? Does he have a constitutional right to contest? What are his chances? Will the PDP stand by him if he chooses to contest? Will the miasmatic and multidimensional cleavages of the North stand by him and will the totality of the Niger Delta and the South–South geo-political zone, his major constituency stand in a political Indian file behind him?

Any law, edict, provision, ordinance, statute and decree etc, barring President Jonathan from contesting the 2015 presidential election is not known to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He is therefore free as the wind to contest the 2015 Presidential election.

Indeed, this is rooted in the 1863 Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg address that “this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not

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Igue, the ultimate thanksgiving T

There are dire consequences attached to the non-celebration of the Igue in any particular year and it is only major catastrophes that can cause the non-celebration.

That explains the non-celebration of Igue during the period 18971914 when Oba Ovonramwen was on exile in Calabar

dangers through the mercies of Osanobuwa and Igue provided an opportunity to thank Him. The Americans celebrate their Thanksgiving with turkey meat. We celebrate the Igue with dried bush meat collected over a three-month period prior to the Igue and preserved in the fire place. As children, the meat eyed us once in a while and we pinched it. This did not qualify for stealing; just an honest confession.

We recollect, with nostalgia, that on ordinary days, attempts could have be made to share one crayfish for two children, the erroneous belief being that children did not require meat; but on Igue day, each of the two children was sentenced to two legs of a big grass cutter with a big bowl of pounded yam to match! We ate almost to saturation point; went to play for a few hours; and came back to deal with the balance.

In fact, a few days before Igue, we were de-wormed with purgative to clean up the stomach, preparatory for the heavy food ahead.

If only people knew the similarities in their lives, much of the controversies between the African traditional religion and Christianity would not arise. At the Church Thanksgiving, people’s heads are anointed with olive oil and at Igue, people’s heads are anointed with coconut oil and water.

The Edos believe that the best way of understanding where you are going is to constantly remember where you are coming from, hence the strong attachment to our ancestry. This is not any different from the Bible’s continuous references to the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. Essentially, the more things change, the more they

President Jonathan cannot do a rethink and renaissance in terms of constructive ideas because he has crowded and appointed weird people into his cabinet

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perish from the earth.”

LEADERSHIP is an esteemed position of service, demanding high standards of discipline and integrity. Leadership demands self-denial, self sacrifice. It requires a vision and a mission in service. It must be able to combine administrative astuteness, political shrewdness with moral uprightness.

In Richard Nixon’s Profile and reminiscences of men who have shaped the modern world, he said “Great leadership is a form of art, requiring both force and vision to an extraordinary degree, the leader necessarily deals to a large extent in symbols, in images and sort of galvanizing idea that both persuade and move them. The manager thinks of today and tomorrow, but the leader thinks of the day after tomorrow. The leader represents a direction of history”.

But plinthed on the Aristotelian groundnorm of leadership and service, which is the pursuit of the greatest good for the largest number and the groundswell of good and altruistic governance can President Jonathan say he has the moral, political, socio-economic justification to contest the presidential election in 2015? There will be as many opinions in this matter as there are individuals. But I know that his PDP bedfellows, tribesmen and women, copolitical travellers and bootlickers etc will descend upon me with their verbal pyrotechnics, grammatical and

remain the same.

The spiritual content of the Igue festival is enormous. At the village level, the ceremony culminates in the “Ubi” in which the villagers dance round every house down to the village square, hitting the ground with palm fronts to exorcize evil spirits from the village, chanting songs like “Azen……Olelubirie”; “Oso…..

O l e l u b i r i e ” ; “Okpokpomwan…..Olelubirie”; “Ologhomwan…..Olelubirie” meaning, witches, wizards and all workers of iniquity are gone with the “Ubi”. At the end, the palm fronts are either burnt at the entrance of the cemetery or simply deposited in the cemetery.

There are dire consequences attached to the non-celebration of the Igue in any particular year and it is only major catastrophes that can cause the non-celebration.

That explains the non-celebration of Igue during the period 18971914 when Oba Ovonramwen was on exile in Calabar, an era of deep melancholy to the Edos.

At the restoration of the monarchy in 1914, Chief Agho Obaseki who was the right hand man of Oba Ovonramwen became the Iyase of Benin. It was during the reign of Oba Eweka II. Christians quickly moved in to try to convert the duo to Christianity.

While Oba Eweka II resisted them, Chief Obaseki was converted. In protest to Obaseki’s action, Oba Eweka II aborted the Igue festival of 1916/17, saying, “I cannot celebrate Igue without my Iyase.

When you took my Iyase away, you took the Igue festival with him”.As a consequence of the failure to celebrate the Igue, a great epidemic, which took the lives of thousands of Edos, struck the Kingdom in 1918. The rest is now history.

Machiavellian sledge hammer, as I dare say that “President Jonathan has no leadership credentials (I do not mean a PHD from the University), verve, and moral locus to recontest the presidential election come 2015”.

Nigeria is a nation formed as a result of the agglomeration of different heterogeneous groups of people locked in the parenthetical placidity and horrendous cesspit of psychotic corruption. Corruption is the cancerous bane forestalling the growth and development of the Nigerian nation right from independence till date and the political cabal have apotheosized corruption and made the fight against prebendalistic graft and corruption antediluvian history.

President Jonathan has shown by his style of leadership that he is not the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He is not in control, but only fronting for clandestine political cabals and goons. In the fight against corruption, in the education sector, in the provision of shelter, good roads, water, light (Discos and Gencos power anarchy), security (Laughable), peace, medicare, transportation, etc, we have very infinitesimally little to write home about.

Indeed, there is consummate and cardinal infrastructural decay and poverty has become the body guard of 90 percent of Nigerians. What a shame!

The level of corruption and lack of transparency in the Jonathan administration is so proverbially unprecedented that it cannot be swept under the carpet and wished away, if Nigeria must take its rightful place in the comity of Nations and make reliably tangible impact in terms of political, socio-economic progress. President Jonathan cannot do a rethink and renaissance in terms of constructive ideas and implementational bravura because he has crowded and appointed weird people into his cabinet.

*Mr. Gbinije, a social critic, wrote from Warri, Delta State.

20—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16 , 2014

Tension in Ebonyi community over alleged marginalisation by salt company

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HE ISHIAGU Enyigba commu nity in Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has raised an alarm over an alleged undue exploitation of its natural resources by companies and individuals who are operating in the area.

The community which is blessed with diverse natural deposits such as lead, zinc, salt and limestone had made the area an investment haven for companies desirous of exploiting these God-given resources Some aggrieved villagers have alleged that some individuals in government and key stakeholders in the community have short-changed them. Instead of ensuring fair play, justice and equity in the exploration of what God through nature had made available to our habitat, they have cornered everything, they alleged.

Specifically, the villagers are kicking against the mining rights granted to Messrs Royal Salt Company Limited.

Speaking with Vanguard Metro, VM, at their playground in Ishiagu Enyigba, the aggrieved community members expressed consternation over what they called unlawful exploitation of their lands without any commensurate dividend to show for it.

The roads in the community are in unmotorable conditions while potable water is a luxury.

There is also the absence of a viable hospital, well built primary and secondary schools, electric power supply and other basic social amenities in the area.

It is worthy to note is

that the appellation “Salt of the Nation” ascribed to Ebonyi State in the country today was possible because of the enormous deposit of salt in this community hence they are agitating for a strong collaborative partnership with whoever desires to explore their natural deposits. The community members called on the State government to wade into the matter so that they (the community) could be part and parcel of whatever their “tenants” is out to achieve in the area.

,

BY PETER OKUTU

A cross section of the aggrieved villagers munity, Vanguard Metro was told that they (community members) feel cheated, marginalised and short changed by some highly placed individuals in their community and Royal Salt Limited. They blamed the company for allegedly going behind them to

They never told us that they have come to work on our land and since then they have been looting our natural resources and destroying our crops and other things and we don’t want such a thing anymore

Apparently irked by these anomalies, the community went to court and obtained an injunction stopping Royal Salt Limited from implementing their agenda and work schedule on their land until both parties meet at a conducive and viable platform for dialogue and settlement.

Justice M.A. In the suit FHC/AI/CS/43/2013, ordered the Royal Salt Limited not to enter into the mining operation or processing mined mineral, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit. The Judge however, adjourned the matter to 17th February, 2014 for further hearing.

At an interactive session with some of the aggrieved members of Ishiagu Enyigba com-

,

obtain an illegal approval to operate on their land without first consulting with the rightful parties.

They listed a number of prominent people in the community whom they alleged short changed them before the Company. According to them, the selfish interest of some of their leaders had impoverished the community which God blessed with natural deposits..

A stakeholder in the area who spoke with VM, Chief Jacob Nweke lamented that the first infrastructural development executed by the Company was the establishment of a Police post where some of youths who were arrested by the Police had been detained for no just cause

Nweke who denied that there was any written agreement between them and the Company, accused the latter of implementing divide and rule tactics in its administrative policies. He maintained that no meaningful development had come into the community since the arrival of Royal Salt Limited.

“The matter is that, we don’t know Royal Salt Limited and they did not enter into any agreement with us. They never told us that they have come to work on our land and since then they have been looting our natural resources and destroying our crops and other things and we don’t want

such a thing to anymore We want Governor Martin Elechi to come into this matter and save us because Royal Salt Limited has been treating us the way want because they feel there is nobody that is prominent in this our area to stand and speak for us. “We are surprised at what they are doing; we don’t know who brought them; so that’s why we say they should not work and if they want to work, they should come and meet with Ishiagu people to have an agreement with us. If they say that government has ordered them to come and work, they should show us the lease or particulars authorising them to invade our land with

such impunity. We have not given them any consent letter to operate in our land; we don’t know them; we have never seen them except when they are working on our land,” he said..

The youths have also threatened a showdown with the Company if it continued with its work schedule without proper discussion and negotiation with trusted key stakeholders in the area.

Two of the youth leaders, Mr. Ebonyi Chinedu and Ekueze lamented the poor condition of their people and condemned the attitude of some stakeholders who are in the habit of sabotaging the collective in-

Benin residents laud Oshiomhole for solving erosion problems

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OME residents of Benin city have applauded Governor Adams Oshiomhole for finding a permanent solution to the erosion problems in the city. The residents made the commendation when the Governor went round the Benin metropolis to monitor the level of compliance with the Edo State’s sanitation laws at the Oba market, New Benin market and New Lagos Road..

One of the residents who identified herself as Mrs Mary Igbinovia of Igbinaduwa Street, lauded the Governor for finding solution to the erosion problem which had in the past, claimed several lives in the area.”Today, the Governor has

constructed the drainage system that channels the flood to Ogba River. In fact we are full of joy, God will continue to help you to do more. We thank God for sparing your life because you still have more to do for the state,” she said.

The leader of Yanga market, Mrs Grace Eghaghe also commended the Governor for the ongoing beautification exercise in the Benin metropolis.

Addressing the traders, Governor Oshiomhole praised them for keeping the Oba market environment clean and urged them not to relent in their efforts towards making Edo the cleanest state in the country.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014 —

21

Automotive manufacturers await implementation of new auto policy

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

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IGERIAN Automotive Manufacturers Association, NAMA, said they are anxiously waiting for the implementation of the new national automobile industrial development policy by the Federal Government.

They warned that delay in implementation of the new auto policy will afford importers time to undermine it and render it ineffective.

Chief Operating Officer of NAMA, Valentine Maduele, who led other 15 automotive manufacturers including David Valentine Chukwudi Obi of DVC group, Senator Mohammed Sanusi Daggash, Ibrahim Bayero of National Trust, to commend government for the policy, said: “We cannot overemphasize that the essence of giving immediate effect to the policy is to ensure anticipatory, non-value-adding importers who have amassed a fortune selling imported vehicles to integrate backwards and invest a little percentage of their fortune in developing the local industry” Madueke said the association consists of about 16 members now, made up of companies such as PAN Nigeria in Kaduna, National Trucks Manufacturers Limited (NTM) in Kano; Steyr Nigeria Limited in Bauchi; ANAMMCO in Enugu; Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company in Nnewi; Zahav Automobile in Lagos;Leyland in Ibadan; VON Automobile, Lagos; Leventis in Lagos; Iron Products Industries Limited in Lagos; Gorgeous Metals Limited in Kaduna; Autobahn Techniques in Lagos; Proforce Limited (armoured vehicles) in Ode-Remo, Ogun State; Lasbag in Akure etc.

119.65

-1.0

2,688.00

-24.00

15.48

-0.09

106.89 91.97 CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYA KRONA SDR

154.72 254.0812 10.4811 170.0407 1.4756 0.3017 236.3162 25.3402 41.2488 28.2048 237.0775

155.22 254.9023 211.1613 170.5902 1.4804 0.3117 237.0799 25.4225 41.3821 28.2959 237.8436

-0.36 -0.75 SELLING 155.72 255.7234 211.8415 171.1397 1.4852 0.3217 237.8436 25.5049 41.5154 28.387 238.6098

CBN Exchange rate as at 15/01/2014

He said automotive manufacturers have entered into contractual commitment with Original Equipment Manufacturers, OEMs, to realise this vision. “We have also assured our OEMs partners that the government is determined to see this through and they can expect a stable environment and consistence policy.”

Madueke who was elated by the bold step of the Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga said the benefit derivable from the new policy include foreign direct investment, strengthening local manufacturers, development of auto components, skill acquisition, creation of employment creation of wholesome industrial development.

Amplifying the support for government, Senator Sanusi Daggash said the thrusts of the new auto policy are to encourage investments, enhance

technological development and revive production activities in the industry.

He believed that the new policy has put auto manufacturers on their toes to compete beyond the shores.

He said: “We do not only have the international market to contend with but the African market as well. The thing that government has done is to put us in a position to compete with any manufacturer or assembler anywhere in the world.

“The fact is that we go to the same companies to get the Completely Knocked Downs, CKDs. CKDs mean automobile that is imported or exported in parts and not as one assembled unit.

“Such units are first sent to an assembly plant in the target country where all these parts are assembled into one complete car.

“This policy is not exclusive to us as manufacturers but to everybody, the consumers, traders who import and

manufacturers. The essence is that we are now trying to put a formal foundation in place where we can enhance the industrial sector to grow the economy.

“The logistic of moving things from one place to the other is the driver of any economy but we known the issue of health, safety, infrastructure challenges, lost of lives. And now we are shifting from the so called second hand to improving the quality of what we can deliver to the average person in the country.

“We are not to boast that we can manufacture Rolls Royce but we are looking at what kind of market Nigeria has, We have people who are graduating from school, we have traders and we have people in the informal sector, and if we have to grow the GDP of this country, we have to increase the productivity of every aspect that enhance that aspect of our economy and automotive sector is the key component in driving the economy.

From left: Mrs Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas, Chairman, House Committee on Public Procurement; Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji, Head of Civil Service of the Federation; Uzo Azubike, Chairman, House Committee on Public Petitions and Emeka Ezeh, Director General, Bureau of Public Procurement during the retreat for Federal Government Permanent Secretaries by BPE, in Lagos.

FG, electricity workers agree on payment deadline on severance entitlements T

he Federal Government and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) have agreed that payment of severance benefits to former workers of PHCN would be completed by end of January 2014.

This is contained in a resolution reached at the end of a reconciliatory meeting between the two in response to 14 days ultimatum letter by the NUEE. The resolution which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday was signed by Dr. Clement Illoh, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity; Amb. Godknows Igali, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power (FMP); Mrs Omojola Martina, Represntative of Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and; Mr Mansur Musa, National President, NUEE. Others are Mr. Olusegun Babatunde, General Secretary NUEE, Mr. Bede Opara, President General, Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) and Mr. Abiodun Ogunsegha, General Secretary, SSAEAC. They resolved that: “The allegation of non-payment of

entitlements to staff covering July 2012 should be referred back to the implementation committee for conclusion within January 2014.

The complaint of victimisation of labour leaders to be handled by the FMP and BPE in accordance with extant regulations within January 2014. Workers who are being owed salary arrears and have not been severed will be paid by the federal government and should stay in position until they are paid. The FMP and BPE would fund a workshop to be organised by Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity in the first week of February 2014 for the new investors, unions and other stakeholders in the industry.”

They also resolved that all admitted casuals would also be paid on or before the end of March 2014 while progressive payments would be tracked. It directed that all pensions should be processed and payments effected accordingly. “Furthermore, the 7.5 per cent employer pension contribution of July 2012 to Oct. 31, 2013 will be paid.

22— Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013

How Budget 2014 can guarantee shared prosperity BYEMMA UJAH, ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF

ster called corruption in this country, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala and her team would be making a mistake if they think that the system has been cleaned up and go to sleep. They is still need for vigilance by verifying every claim before approving payment, no matter the pressure.

T

Reduction in cost of governance

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala the growth as expected.

Benefits of positive rating

International investors greatly depend on rating agencies to make their investment decisions with regard to which country to invest. Consequently, positive ratings such as Nigeria has enjoyed in the last two or three years has resulted in the decision of global giants such, Indorama of Indonesia, General Electric of USA are coming, auto companies such as Toyota, Nissan and Volkswagen to establish plants in the country.

Current investors are also investing more. This leads to more jobs and infrastructure.

The economic performance was made possible by prudent resource management which Dr. Okonjo-Iweala needs to maintain in the 2014 Fiscal Year in order to build on recent economic growth to support job creation and more infrastructure.

Reduction in Subsidy

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he management of the fuel subsidy last year was obviously one of the areas where Okonjo-Iweala’s efforts to clean up the system was most effective.

Between 2011 and two 2012, just one year, the subsidy figure hit rooftops of a whooping N2.2 trillion. Nigerians

raised the alarm that something was obviously wrong.

The federal government quickly set up a committee to review the system and the result was that by last year, the federal government spent less than half of that amount to somewhere around N970 billion in fuel subsidy . That result was what encouraged the president and his team to budget

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HE federal government’s 2014 budget christened ‘Budget for Job Creation and Growth stands at N4.6 trillion and it is about N100 billion less than last year’s budget which was N4.7 trillion.

With a benchmark of $77.5 per barrel and expected oil production of about 2.4 bpd, revenue estimates of the budget, laid at the floor of the National Assembly by Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, shortly before Christmas, was about N3.73 trillion.

Other basic assumptions of the budget are: Average Exchange Rate: N160/$, same as in 2013; Real GDP Growth Rate: 6.75%; petroleum products (petrol and kerosene) subsidy payments maintained at the 2013 level of N971.1 billion; and debt service of N712 billion, up from 2013’s N591.8 billion; Of the 4,642 trillion, more then 2/3 will go to financing recurrent expenditure (personnel costs and overheads).

A total of N2. 239 trillion will go directly to civil servants’ pockets in the name of personnel costs, while N1.303 trillion has been earmarked for overheads totalling N3.542 trillion, leaving N1.1 trillion for capital projects across the country.

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has said, “we need to grow even faster than 7% per annum and we need growth in sectors such as agriculture, housing, and services that create the most jobs.

Our growth must bring shared prosperity. An economy whose growth leaves wealth in the hands of a few cannot achieve its full potential.”

Putting action to these words leaves a lot of challenge to Dr. Okonjo-Iweala who has been identified as one of the presidents’ most valued cabinet members. As Coordinating Minister for the Economy, it would be recognised that a lot has been done to unfetter the nation’s economy to enable it blossom enough with a view to positively affecting all Nigerians.

There were several attacks on the minister by interests considered political, last year, over the integrity of the federal government’s claims of a strong economic performance. Her critics were not impressed, in spite the testimonies of Fitch , as well as, Standard Poor’s Nigeria Sovereign BB- rating and the nation’s stable outlook rating.

The critics insisted that Nigerians were not impacted upon by

One area that Dr. OkonjoIweala must work harder, if Nigerians are to enjoy the benefits of Nigeria’s wealth, as promised by President Jonathan is in cutting the cost of governance. The N1.1 trillion capital budget is an indication that more work must be done to cut the recurrent budget.

One way of doing so is to match promises of curbing waste and fraud in the public sector. Currently, nobody knows how many Nigerians are in the employ of the federal government. Some have argued that those employed by the federal government are less than one million. It is, therefore, unimaginable that in a country of an estimated 174 million, less than a million people would take 2/3 of N4.6 trillion. Nigerians, certainly expect the minister to continue with concrete steps to reduce cost of governance and stem the tide of corruption and leakages. Efforts in this direction especially the introduction of as biometrics and digitizing government payments should continue, in spite of opposition from those who have been benefitting from the rot in public

Putting action to these words leaves a lot of challenge to Dr. Okonjo-Iweala who has been identified as one of the presidents’ most valued cabinet members

N971 billion for subsidy in the 2014 budget.

In the cleaning-up exercise, most companies were weeded, while others were forced to refund monies they fraudulently collected from government coffers. Two sons of two ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, chieftains are currently standing trial for defrauding the nation in that process. The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC were cleaned up, with new helmsmen installed.

However, knowing the mon-

,

circles.

Specifically, all “ghost workers” must be eliminated through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System IPPIS; while the Treasury Single Account, TSA; and the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System, GIFMIS, should be pursued to their logical conclusions.

These measures towards improving efficiency and transparency in our public finances which have resulted in saving about N126 billion in leaked funds should be completed, as pledged by the minister. She

should not be intimidated by those who want to frustrate the reforms because that is exactly what the nation needs and Nigerians certainly support her.

In that regard, it is commendable that the minister has decided that from 2014, all training for personnel of MDAs and parastatals must now take place in Nigeria. She said foreign training programmes will only be approved in truly exceptional cases, and will be based on guidelines to be developed by the Head of Service and the Director-General of the Budget Office.

Foreign travel by government personnel will be further curtailed. This directive shall apply to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government. By so doing some foreign exchange would be conserved.

Pension fraud

P

ension schemes in the public sector remains one grave source of leakage as those entrusted with the responsibility of pension administration in public offices have turned it into their gold mines. Efficient pension system is one sure way to stop massive corruption in the country.

Senior citizens don’t need to suffer hunger and want- with plates in hands on the streets of Abuja as is often witnessed to the embarrassment of all right-thinking members of the public.

A worried former Head of Service of the Federation, Mr. Steve Oransaye attempted to clean up the pension system by instituting the Pension Reform Taskforce Team, with Alhaji Abdulrasheed Maina as Chairman. That team opened a can of worms with its exposure of high-level fraud in the pension office which was so bad that a whooping N2 billion cash would be recovered from the house of a director in that office.

It was simply incredible. Within a short while, Maina’s team had recovered close to N200 billion from various bank accounts operated by pension office officials.

However, Maina who claimed there had been several attempts on his life for exposing high profile pension fraud was himself accused of spending some of the recovered funds without authourisation.

In spite of rebuttals on his part and claims that the pension thieves were behind the allegations, that reform has been frustrated and the pension administration returned to the Office of the Head of Service.

Maina the hunter has since become the hunted in the pension reform imbroglio.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014 — 23

NANTS lashes wheat traders for frustrating cassava bread policy

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BY CALEB AYANSINA

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HE National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) has lashed out at wheat traders in the country saying they have been frustrating and rendering government’s Cassava Bread Initiative (CBI) useless and unproductive.

The President of NANTS, Ken Ukaoha , maintained that Nigeria is losing huge amount of money to importation of wheat into the country, adding that “if cassava flour can be substituted for wheat, then, the farmers and the country will be better for it. “ For this lofty CBI to succeed, government must strongly resist influences emanating from the politics of wheat trade in the international market.

In addition, Nigeria should start looking beyond comparative advantage to competitiveness where local producers of cassava can begin to compete with producers from Thailand and Brazil. To achieve this, millers can be encouraged to have cluster farms in order to maximise profits.”

Ukaoha, said the other impediments working against the policy are insufficient technical competence and know-how among flour millers in effective utilisation of cassava derivatives for bread and confectionery production as one of major factors that needs to be addressed to optimise the policy.

Others setbacks according to him, includes unclear direction in level of modification required for cassava to produce similar types of bread currently in the market, and inadequate incentives for committing flour mills to cassava inclusion in flour mix.

He said “the CBI is one policy step that is well conceived and undertaken by government in the right direction. It is capable of reducing the massive importation of wheat into the country, saving large volume of foreign exchange, creating jobs and reducing poverty and unemployment among youths.”

Ukkaoha however, maintained that for the initiative to thrive, the right variety of cassava must be readily available, adding that low processing capacities, as well as capacity building for both flour mailers and bakers at the grass root were germane to the acceptance and sustainability of cassava bread in the country.

“Our survey revealed that some varieties of cas-

The world will run out of Cocoa by 2020

From left: Head of Component, Deutsche Fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Alezander Werth; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga and German Ambassador to Nigeria, Dorothee JanetzkeWenzel during a courtesy call to the ministry headquarters, Abuja. sava when used either reduces the durability of cassava bread or gives it an unappealing/unpleasant odour. Government must therefore work with research institutes and mailers to conquer this gap.

“The processing capacity of cassava is still low, while wastage and glut is still high in the midst of huge domestic demand for food. The supply of cassava to the flour millers remain one of the most critical problems militating against the cassava bread policy, especially given that supply infrastructure (such as trans-

portation and preservation) is grossly inadequate, while the understanding of logistics of cassava bulk breaking is poor.

“Technically speaking, to achieve high quality cassava flour, the peculiar characteristics of cassava must be considered; and cassava must be dried and processed within 24 hours of harvest, otherwise, the question of the odour, shelve-life of the bread and other quality concerns would remain a problem once fermentation begins to set in,” he said.

He explained that Nige-

rians consume not less than 100 million loaves of bread on daily basis, and that, each of these loaves contain certain percentage of cassava flour, but bakers would not indicate it in the label, making Nigerians to believe that cassava flour is bad.

To address these challenges, NANTS recommended that government should make it mandatory for “all bakers to write the identity of the bread (type) and the contents of such bread (or other bakery products) on their labels so that consumers can easily identify cassava bread on the store

GlaxoSmithkline gets interim MD as Okoro bows out

BY PETER EGWUATU

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LAXOSMITHKLINE Consumer Nigeria Plc, GSK, has announced the appointment of an interim Managing Director, Justin Corte following the voluntary resignation of Mr. Chidi Okoro, as the company’s Managing Director with effect from March 15, 2014.

The Chairman, Board of Directors of the c o m o p a n y, C h i e f Olusegun Osunkeye, told newsmen in Lagos, “ Until a new candidate is confirmed for the role, the GSK Nigeria Board has appointed Mr. Justin Korte as a Director and the General Manager. We are searching for person of integrity and competence from both within the company, Group and Nigeria in general.”

In his comment on the resignation of Mr. Okoro, he said “I want to thank Mr. Chidi Okoro for his leadership of our business. Okoro has contributed to the growth of GSK

Nigeria since he joined the company; at least he has doubled the performance of the company in just four years. Chidi has been instrumental to the success of GSK He has doubled our sales growth over the past four years while improving the way we run the business. He oversaw the launch of Sendodyne, Horlicks and other products. I am proud that he is the first Nigerian managing director of GSK Consumer Nigeria and I wish him the best in his future endeavours.”

Reacting to his resignation, Okoro said, “It has been a fulfilling four years serving as managing director of GSK Nigeria. I believe the time is right for me to move on to other challenges. If you look at my profile, I don’t stay long in wherever I work. I contribute my quota and leaves, while allow others to continue. GSK Nigeria has a great future and it is an opportunity for someone new to make their mark on this great business and lead the

company into the future. I believe I have played my part in the evolution of our company. It has been an immense learning experience as well as an opportunity to work with some of the best people in the corporate world.”

Meanwhile, commenting on GSK’s desire to maintain its business growth, Osunkeye said: “the GSK Nigeria Board will focus on selecting a suitable successor that shares the great values of GSK and is committed to maintaining the growth of our business.”

Korte joined GSK from Gillette in early 2005, and has progressed through national accounts and national sales roles.

After running his own business in 2008, Justin returned to head GSK’s Southern Africa business as Group Country Manager. He was promoted in 2011 to Sales Director, Africa.

HE world will run out of cocoa - the basic ingredient of chocolate - within the next seven years due to pressures of rising global demand, experts have warned.

Industry experts who met at the British Library in London last week have even predicted the exact date of the impending meltdown - October 2, 2020.

“There will be a chocolate shortage and there isn’t a solution to the problem. Seven years is what we think we have left,” chocolate taster and expert Angus Kennedy said.

Confectionery giants noted that there are just not enough cocoa plantations across the globe to cater to the soaring chocolate demand.

They warned that world would need the equivalent of another planet Earth to fill the gap needed to keep the chocolate industry going.

“We need another Earth basically if we carry on at this rate. We are destroying the whole thing.

The problem we’ve got is that much of the space that was used for cocoa plantations is no longer there,” Kennedy said.

Chocolate prices may increase over the next few years as cocoa becomes harder to get hold of.

US challenges China over steel duties

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HE United States increased pressure on China in a dispute over U.S. high-tech steel exports, accusing Beijing of not complying with a World Trade Organization directive to drop duties.

U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman said China continued to use tariffs to effectively block imports of U.S. grain oriented flat-rolled electrical steel, used in the cores of high-efficiency transformers, electric motors and generators, despite a WTO ruling in the United States’ favor.

“The WTO found that China’s duties are inconsistent with WTO rules. We were right, and China was wrong,” Froman told a news conference.

“Unfortunately, it appears that China has not corrected those inconsistencies.”

The United States brought the steel case in 2010 after China accused U.S. exporters of “dumping” - or selling at unfairly low prices on the Chinese market and levied punitive duties on the steel imports. The WTO decided for the United States in 2012.

Workshop on smuggling holds next week

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OMMERCE and In-dustry Correspon dent Association of Nigeria (CICAN) is hosting a one day workshop on the causes and effects of smuggling (illicit trade) in Nigeria. It will take place next week thursday at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) event centre, Alausa, Ikeja.

A statement from the Association’s Secretariat in Lagos, said except the sugar sector which is free of smuggling, the wine industry, rice, textile, among other sectors are being threatened by smuggling activities with its attendant problems on low capacity utilisation, job losses and closed factories, etc.

“The programme has been carefully designed to draw the attention of the relevant authorities and stakeholders to this menace. The workshop would be graced by dignitaries such as the Director Generals of Standard Organisation of Nigeria, National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry Mine and Agriculture; Manufacturers Association Nigeria; Nigeria Export Promotion Council, Consumer Protection Council; Nigeria Export Processing Zone, NEPZA and the National Automotive Council,” said the statement.

24 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

Retirement, promotion of officers rocks Customs

BY GODWIN ORITSE

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HE recent retire ment and promo tion of men and officers of the Nigeria Customs Service may be causing some rancour in the rank and file of the Service.

It will be recalled that the board of the Customs Service met last week to approve the proposed promotion and retirement of some officers.

It was however gathered that some of the affected officers who were retired were not due nd the action of the Customs management has pitched some officers from a particular geographical zone against officers from other zones.

Commenting on the development, Customs Public Relations Officer, Adewale Adeniyi told Vanguard that the board was yet to release the list to them adding that he cannot

comment on what he is not sure of.

He explained that the board met last week and that the meeting was inclusive .

His words “the board met last week but did not conclude their meeting and they met yesterday(Monday) again until late into the evening and today is a public holiday so I cannot speculate on the issue because I do not have the details”.

Vanguard gathered that the Assistant Comptroller General in charge of Headquarters Musa Tahir has been promoted to Deputy Comptroller General, while Mr. Austin Ayepayefa Warikoru who until the promotion was a Comptroller, is now an Assistant Comptroller General.

The NCS is expected to approve promotions in the category of Deputy Comptrollers General,

DCG, Assistant Comptrollers General, ACG, Comptrollers and other cadres this week.

Vanguard gathered that the Customs authorities had submitted names of officers for promotion to the ranks of DCG, ACG and Comptroller, which will be considered by the board in a meeting scheduled in Abuja.

All the zones except the South East and SouthWest, currently have at least one DCG, while the North West has two.

The distribution of DCGs and ACGs among the six geopolitical zones is as follows: DCG Makarfi, ACG Mera, ACG Sulieman, ACG Mohammed, and ACG Liman (North West). DCG Jatua, ACG Mohammed, ACG Tahir, and ACG Iya Umah are from North East, while the DCG Saka, ACG Aliu, and ACG Dan Ugo are from North Central.

From the South West are: ACG Adewuyi, ACG

Banke, and ACG Dosumu, while DCG Atte, ACG Gbemudu, ACG Wanikoro, and ACG Iferi are from South South. The South East has ACG Nwosu, ACG Okafor and ACG O k o l i .

It was gathered that in the list for promotion submitted by the Customs authorities to the board, South East was also excluded from the DCG cadre, while South West is tipped to get one DCG. Sources revealed that one of the DCGs from North West is billed to retire in April.

Competent sources said the customs board had rejected the recommendation for promotion to DCG and ACG last year, when it was discovered that not all zones got a fair share. The board, it was gathered, had asked for another list, demanding balance, especially as all geopolitical zones are supposed to have at least one DCG.

Group seeeks unity in maritime sector BY JOSEPHINE IGBINOVIA

A * Customs Area Controller of Seme Area Command, Willy Egbudin (second right), being received by officers on duty during an unscheduled visit to Owode Border Station and Gbaji Check Point recently.

PAAR has failed — licenced agents

BY GODFREY BIVBERE

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ATIONAL Secre tary of the Na tional Council of Managing Director of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), has said that the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) put in place by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to replace the Risk Assessment Report (RAR), has failed.

Speaking with Vanguard on the state of PAAR after five weeks after its implementation, the Council’s National Secretary, Uchu Block, said that the issuance of PAAR now takes between two and to three weeks contrary to claims by the Customs authorities that it will only take about six hours after clearance documents has been filed in.

The NCMDLCA scribe explained that Customs has resorted to giving “Pre-release” to importers and their agents whose PAAR issuance is delayed.

According to him, “You

look at the value of your “Form M” and invoice; nobody has the right to query you because the PAAR will eventually come out. It is either you have over paid or you pay the correct value and for those who have under paid they will be asked to come and they pay because what Customs gives them is Pre-release.

“That is the danger in Pre-release. Most people are jumping on it. Most of us who know what it is refused to but when a customer who applied for PAAR could not get it two weeks after, he forced me to get his goods out on Pre-release.

“All these things are what we are facing.Most of us because of our privileged position put in our letter (application for Pre-release) and it takes three days.

“One week after submitting letter to permit you for Pre-release, the letters are missing and there is confusion all over the place. So that is it and somebody is somewhere telling you that PAAR has

succeeded, PAAR has increased their revenue.

“When the Comptroller General of Customs, Dikko Abdullahi, came (to Lagos the last time), he said they have issued the first PAAR in 58 minutes, now what is the position? Some importers cannot get their PAAR a month after the put in their paper, customs was not ready. The complain now is that they took over scanners that are dead and these are the same scanners that Service Providers were using while they were there.

As government agents did they report to government that all these scanners are dead and are hampering the work?”

Continuing,the NCMDLCA scribe said he had advised that the Customs programme should run alongside the service providers so that all lapses could be sorted out before the handover but the advise was ignored.

Block said, “Why did they not report to the

Finance Ministry to get these things ready before the take off? I wrote them a letter that they should let their programme run together so that by the time these people will eventually go it will become a smooth take off. They would wait until the eleventh hour they want to push these people away so that they can take over.

“Knowing fully well that these people would have sabotaged the machines even if they were in good working condition before now, as they were leaving, they were not happy to leave they would have sabotaged the machines.

Now the CG is telling us that he has ordered for 50 scanning machines.

Where is he going to get the money from, is he working for himself or has he applied to the supervising Ministry to get these scanners? You see they were not prepared for it, the PAAR has failed. It is dead on arrival.”

group under the aegis of Igbo Maritime Forum-IMF, have stressed the need for stakeholders in the sector to unite if they must over come problems confronting them.

Speaking in Lagos shortly after their election as Chairmen of the Tin-can Island, Ports & Terminal Multiservices

Ltd -PTML, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal -KLT and Ijora chapters of the forum respectively, Charles Igbokei , Mazi Uchechukwu Anieze Chukwu, Chukwudinma Chukwunonso and Chief Lawrence Ubah bemoaned the level of disunity which has been the underlying cause of the numerous challenges facing Igbo practitioners in the industry.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014 — 25

Novena University boosts security, signs MoU with Nigeria Police

How ASUU members destroyed Nigerian universities (3)

— Page 49

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

JAMB scraps 2nd choice options for candidates

— Page 48

— Page 45

Back to strike: ASUP, COEASU strikes ground education sector

*Chief NyesomWike

BY AMAKA ABAYOMI & LAJU ARENYEKA

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he education sector has once again reached a near collapse with the recent strikes embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, and the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, COEASU. This is barely a month after the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, called off its nearly six-month old strike. Though severe, these strikes come as no surprise to anyone who has closely followed the education sector in recent times.

When ASUP suspended its 81-day-old strike in July 2013, the Federal Government C M Y K

failed in its promise to tackle relevant issues within the one-month time frame given by the union. In an interview with Vanguard Learning, the ASUP Chairman, Mr. Chibuzor Asomugha said: “Principally in 2009, we entered an agreement with the government which was supposed to be renegotiated in 2012. Between 2009 and 2012, nothing was done about that agreement. The reason why we called off the 81-dayold strike in 2013 was because the Joint Committee on education of the Senate and the House of Representatives intervened. There were 13 issues in the earlier agreement we signed in 2009 but government decided to pick out four which it said it

could handle within a short time frame. They argued, and we saw reason with them that some issues, such as the disparity between HND and BSc would require legislative actions and longer procedures, so we believed in the integrity of our leaders and suspended the strike in the hopes that these issues would at least be resolved for the time being. These four issues include: release of the White paper on Visitation to Federal Polytechnics, the completion of the constitution of the governing councils for federal polytechnics, the migration of the lower cadre on CONTISS 15 salary scale, and the commencement of the Needs Assessment of Nigerian polytechnics.”

,

*President Goodluck Jonathan

Government said that they would settle these issues within two weeks, but when our National Executive Council met, we decided to give them one month

The ASUP boss said that the strike will not be called off until these four issues have been resolved in their totality.

He said: “The Government said that they would settle these issues within two weeks, but when our National Executive Council met, we decided to give them one month. We suspended the strike, yet absolutely nothing was done. It wasn’t until we resumed the strike recently

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that the government finally completed the constitution of governing councils and set up a NEEDS Assessment Committee. Even then, the committee is working at a very slow pace.”

COEASU also embarked on a seven-day warning strike in September 2013 as a result of Federal Government’s refusal to honour an agreement made

Continues on page 45

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Continues from page 25

Vice-Chancellor, NovenaUniversity, Ogume, Delta State, Professor Chris Aniche Okoroafor (left), and DIG Marvel Akpoyibo representing Inspector General of Police during the signing of MoU with the Nigeria Police on security intelligence, in Abuja.

Back to strike: ASUP, COEASU strikes ground education sector non-implementation of CONPCASS in some states, and non-institution of dual mode which allows colleges of education the autonomy to award degrees in core education courses to run concurrently with the NCE programmes.”

Olugbeko added: “As a union which deploys measures not antithetical to the good of the system specifically and the country at large in her agitations and engagement with government, it is our candid opinion that the union’s concerns, such as the ones raised herein, need to get some commitment from government.

This could be ensured through the instrumentality of the processes that could realistically address the issues and indeed other pertinent ones for which attention had been sought in times past.” lso lending his voice, the Senate President, National Association of Polytechnic

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The Kaduna and Osun state governments have remained adamant in implementing the 65 years retirement age

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with the union in 2010. After the warning strike, the Federal Government did not heed the union’s call, hence the ongoing strike. In a press statement released to Vanguard Learning, the Vice- President of the union, Mr. Smark Olugbeko gave some insight into some of the issues earmarked in the 2010 agreement. He said: “The first issue is the nonimplementation of Peculiar Academic Allowance.

Government owes lecturers in the colleges N5.6 billion. Since the agreement was signed in 2010, Government has refused to make provision for the allowance in the budget.

Government directed Governing Council of Colleges to pay the allowance in the first year saying that it would make provision for it in the 2011 budget, up till date, government has refused to fulfill this promise. Another issue is the Group Life Insurance. Death benefits to deceased members remain outstanding since 2001. This was occasioned by the centralisation of the scheme as against the provision of the Act which stipulates that individual institutions should implement the scheme. There is also the issue of the nonimplementation of 65 years retirement age; the Kaduna and Osun state governments have remained adamant in implementing the 65 years retirement age in their respective colleges of education.” Continuing, Olugbeko opined that “Infrastructure development is the only aspect the government has taken serious steps to address by setting up Needs Assessment Committee for public colleges of education. It is, however, expedient to urge government to ensure that the outcome of the findings must be given the necessary action.”

Other festering issues include the migration of the lower cadre to the Compcass 15, imposition of integrated IPPIS, inadequate finding of the teaching practice, nonaccreditation of NCE programmes, non-release of Whitepaper on Visitation Panel Reports 2011,

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Students (NAPS), Adeyemi Lukman said: “We have made consultations and consolidations with ASUP. Our stand is that the Federal Government must meet the demands of ASUP, the same way they met the demands of ASUU. The fact that they handled ASUU’s issues without giving any thought to the polytechnics is an evidence of the disparity that we are fighting against. We the students understand that we are the ones that will give publicity to our plight. That is why this week, students of polytechnics and colleges of

JAMB scraps 2nd choice options for candidates

By DAYO ADESULU

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andidates filling the 2014 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, forms are to be careful as second choice institutions options have been scrapped by the Board.

Therefore, all intending JAMB UTME candidates are hereby advised to carefully make the best choices of their institutions in the 2014 UTME registration which has begun and will end March 14, 2014.

In the light of the foregoing, applicants must only choose one university, one polytechnic, one college of education and one innovation enterC M Y K

prise institute while applying for the UTME. It implies that the UTME candidates stand a chance of attending the post-UTME screening of only one university, one polytechnic, and one college of education.

Applicants are, therefore, enjoined to be careful while making their choices as changes cannot be made once the application form is submitted.

Also, JAMB has reiterated that all intending candidates of 2014 JAMB, irrespective of their choice of course of study or method of testing, will be tested on these two general books: The Successors by Jerry Agada and The Potter’s Wheel by Chukwuemeka Ike.

education are resuming classes at the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja. We cannot keep staying at home and letting our leaders toy with our destinies.”

Meanwhile, the Education Rights Campaign (ERC) has said that it fully supports the ongoing strikes by ASUP and COEASU. In a press statement signed by its National Coordinator, Mr. Hassan Soweto, the ERC opined that “these strikes show the failure of the Federal Government to resolve the lingering problems in the education sector.” he Statement read: “We call on the Federal Government to immediately meet ASUP and COEASU’s demands so that polytechnic

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students and their counterparts in the colleges of education can resume their academic activities which have been disrupted for months now. The demands of ASUP and COEASU are to improve the education sector most especially the polytechnic and college of education subsectors that have suffered neglect by the government. We note that the Federal Government has been largely indifferent to the agitations of ASUP over the past few months which has contributed to the prolongation of the strike. It is not coincidental that same indifferent and disdainful attitude is being applied by the Federal Government to the COEASU strike which started much later.

President Jonathan’s anti-poor capitalist government has nothing but contempt for public education most especially the polytechnic and college of education subsectors.

The ERC also called on ASUP and COEASU to jointly declare a day of mass protests.

“The ERC is confident that if ASUP and COEASU jointly name a day of protests and embark on serious mobilisation towards it, the response from polytechnics and colleges of education lecturers, homeweary students and concerned members of the public would be solid. Therefore, we call on ASUP to review its strategy and begin to revitalise this strike by calling mass protests and demonstrations of polytechnic lecturers and students. The ERC believes that if the demands of the ASUP and COEASU are met, it will lead to improvement in the education sector. However, it will require the democratic running of the entire education sector as well as ending of the system of capitalism and its replacement by a democratic socialist system for real and complete turnaround to be witnessed in the education sector as well as the polytechnic and college of education subsectors.”

Bozimo decries declining BOZIMO education standard

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N ARCHITECT, Ebiwene Bozimo has expressed concern over the declining standard of education in the country.

Bozimo, who made the observation through a press statement made available to Vanguard, said he has resolved to seek opportunities to address the declining standard of education in the country through political power.

He said the falling standard of education in the country is no more acceptable and as such must be addressed by good legislation, saying that he is more determined than ever to join the Senate representing the people of Delta South Senatorial District of Delta state in 2015.

Bozimo, who plans to run on the platform of the Peoples DemocraticParty,PDP,expressedhisconcerns about the declining standard of education and its negative impact on many spheres of national life. He promised to make the cause of education for his people at all levels a priority at the federal legislature.

Arch. Bozimo asserts that education is the key to a fruitful and sustainable future for Delta citizens as he is a faithful believer in the age old axiom about teaching people to fish rather than giving them fish to eat. He is saddened by the depletion of human value and economic prospects in his domain and is angling to ascend to the Senate where he intends to sue for qualitative education among other initiatives.

46 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

BY DAYO ADESULU

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aleb University, Imota, Lagos State, has administered the matriculation oath on 422 students offered admission for the 2013/2014 academic session. Speaking at the matriculation ceremony held recently, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ayodeji Olukoju stated that the students were spread across the three colleges in the university, explaining that they were admitted after successfully scaling through

422 take matriculation oath at Caleb varsity series of admission selection processes. The Vice-Chancellor stated that the enrolment figure was an indication of the rising profile of the university, the credibility of its academic and co-curricular programmes, and the university’s actual and

potential impact on the wider society. Olukoju further stressed that the accreditation status of the programmes and the quality of the university’s operating systems had been attested to by the National Universities Commission

(NUC), the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and various professional bodies, adding that efforts were being made to add new programmes at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

He advised the fresh students to note that the matriculation exercise signals the formal commencement of a journey that leads them ultimately to the status of alumni of the university, stressing that the university was adequately

equipped to prepare them for the universe of work, service and responsible citizenship.

He further charged the students to strictly adhere to the university’s high moral and academic standards in line with its vision and mission, adding that they must not only “love Caleb and live it” but must also be committed to the its core values, which are grounded in its identity as a Christian faithbased institution. Olukoju, who commended the matriculating students to God the Creator and Saviour, counselled them to imbibe the 'can do' spirit of the Biblical Caleb, stressing that it was possible only through an intimate knowledge of, and a lifechanging encounter with, Jesus. Olukoju appealed to the fresh students to take advantage of the solid foundation of success available at Caleb University by pursuing perfection in all things, even as the Lord commanded (Matt. 5:48).

JABU organises national quiz competition for secondary schools

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he first entrepreneurial university in Nigeria, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, in its quest to invest in the lives of youth as the leaders of tomorrow, has organised a national quiz competition for all secondary schools as a means of providing scholarships for students.

The maiden edition of the annual competition which will hold between 17th and 18th of January, 2014, will test the knowledge of students in English language, mathematics and current affairs. The ViceChancellor of the university, Professor Sola Fajana said that the competition was organised to enable JABU contribute to the development of the nation's education sector and to further fulfill the purpose for which the institution was established; which is to touch the lives of Nigerians in many positive ways.

Fajana urged participants to be diligent, transparent and honest as the competition promises to ensure high standard and all fairness. Prizes to be won include scholarships for four to five-year degree programmes, cash prizes, book donations worth N200,000.00, to mention a few.

Pensioners honour NERDC boss over fund management

BY DAYO ADESULU

A

LARGE number of workers who retired at the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) gathered in Lagos to honour the Executive Secretary of the parastatal, Professor Godswill Obioma with an award as their own way of appreciating the manner he has been handling their welfare.

According to the representative of the NERDC ensioners, Lagos Axis, Mr. Daniel Eromosele, there has been prompt payment of their monthly pensions since Professor Obioma came on board about nine Continues on page 47

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SPDC invites applications for its 2014 Postgraduate scholarship scheme

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hell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, is inviting applications to its 5th post-graduate scholarship scheme for 2014. Applicants between ages 21 – 28 who have obtained a university degree at Second Class Upper Division and display intellectual ability and leadership potential are qualified to apply. The scheme is aimed at providing opportunities for graduates from Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta states to study courses relevant to the oil and gas industry, including engineering and geosciences.

“The feedback in the four years since the programme was launched has been impressive,” said General Manager, Nigerian Content Development, Igo Weli. According to him:“Many of the students have been employed by SPDC and other companies. In fact, one student was retained by the University of Leeds for a doctoral programme due to scholarly excellence. The Niger- Delta Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme is sowing the seeds for a greater Nigerian oil and gas industry.”

Weli explained that the Niger-Delta Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme of the

Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC)-operated Joint Venture has given opportunities to more candidates to acquire higher education in three top universities in the UK. He said that SPDC will award 10 scholarships for a one-year Master's degree in partnership with Imperial College, London, University College, London and the University of Leeds for the academic year commencing September 2014.

Going down memory lane, he noted that the scheme is in addition to SPDC’s

regular scholarship programme which was introduced in the 1950s through which thousands of Nigerians have been sponsored in diverse fields of study.

“Support for education by Shell Companies in Nigeria involve innovative scholarship programmes and the promotion of educational excellence and academic achievement through science fairs and quiz competitions,” he added.

“SPDC has also endowed eight University Professorial Chairs in selected disciplines for teaching and research and sponsored the establishment of two Centres of Excellence in two Nigerian universities with the mandate to promote educational advancement and the pursuit of excellence in the area of Geosciences, Petroleum Engineering and Environmental Management and Control. These efforts have been acknowledged by various organisations.

Shell emerged Best Company in Education at the 2013 edition of the annual Social Enterprise Report Awards (SERAs),” he said.

Pensioners honour NERDC boss Continued from page 27 years ago, adding that he has also been implementing programmes that promote the welfare of his cop e n s i o n e r s .

Eromosele said; ‘’This award of appreciation we are giving to Prof Obioma is in recognition of the special way he has been putting smiles on our faces. He has paid all our retirement benefits and our monthly pensions are paid regularly. He is a great money manager. The gift of bags of rice and other items which he gives to us every December is a lot of relief to us and our family members. He is also a democratic leader as he has done a lot to enhance our freedom of association and speech.”

According to Eromosele, the welfare programmes which Obioma has implemented for the parastatal’s pensioners include: pulling out NERDC pensions from the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), setting up a functional pension Office/Board of Trustees (BOT) secretariat directly under the supervision of the Executive Secretary, who is also the Chairman Pension BOT, thereby reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks in handling pensioners’ issues as well as setting up and equipping a befitting Pensioners’ Union Secretariat at the Head Office in Abuja.

He said further: ‘’The NERDC boss has introduced interactive session with the pensioners where issues are discussed, he has carried out actuarial valuation of retirees to guarantee continued payment of retirement benefits. He has also organized retirement training for Council’s retirees and engaged the services of a functional Pensioner Brokers/ Underwriter which guarantees the payment of pensions and other entitlements to pensioners.

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48 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

Novena varsity boosts security intelligence ...signs MoU with NPF

By DAYO ADESULU

NOVENA University, Ogume, Delta State which prides itself as the only tertiary institution in Nigeria that offers courses on security has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigeria Police Force to boost security intelligence in the country.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, DIG

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Marvel Akpoyibo who represented the Inspector General of Police, IGP M.D Abubakar said: “Since crime has become more dynamic, more sophisticated and more transnational, it has become imperative that the Nigeria Police adopt intelligence- based policing methodology,” noting that “the choice of Novena University was purposive because of the university’s reputation

and track record in the field of Intelligence Studies and application.”

Abubakar who pointed out that the MoU was centred on Intelligence training noted that it will cover diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate levels with the Nigeria Police.

According to the IG, “the benefits of this collaboration between Novena University and the Nigeria Police will be

felt in the Police College, the Intelligence Schools, the policemen on the beats and on the living conditions of Nigerians.”

January 7, 2014 in Abuja, senior ranking officers of the Nigeria Police Force and a high profile delegation of Novena University, led by its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chris Aniche Okoroafor, witnessed the ceremony which took

place at the Office of the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Police Training, DIG Marvel Akpoyibo. In his opening remarks on the occasion, the Assistant Inspector General of Police on Intelligence Unit, AIG Solomon Arase said the process that culminated in the signing of the MoU started more than a year ago when the police decided to “set up

Intelligence Schools in line with its new philosophy of Intelligence-Driven Policing.”

He maintained that partnering with Novena University will help “train and sharpen the intellect of police officers who will become well grounded in the fine art of the profession to achieve the finest tradition of intelligence gathering.”

On its part, Prof. Chris Okoroafor corroborated the position of the DIG when he disclosed that “Novena University initiated the collaboration programme to work with the Nigeria Police in the effort to provide Nigerians with upgraded, 21 st Century-compliant security solutions needed for national security and sustainable national development.”

He said: “Nigeria has had a fair share of security challenges that have bedeviled many nations of the world over the years; ranging from terrorism to kidnapping, child trafficking, drug trafficking, hired killings, gun-running, a r m e d struggles, militancy, civil disobedience, armed robbery, internet fraud, plundering of the treasury, piracy, oil bunkering and the likes of them. Unfortunately, these crimes rather than abating have been growing in sophistication and frequency, giving the Nigeria police the arduous task of combating these crimes with equal, if not, better sophistication.

“As it is the duty of every university to impact positively on its society, and encouraged by the verve and vigor with which IG Mohammed Abubakar and his men have combated these crimes in recent times, Novena University initiated this programme to work with the Nigeria Police. The Department of Intelligence and Security Studies was established nine years ago as one of the flagship programmes of the university to impart substantive knowledge and analytical skills required by professionals in the intelligence community.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014 — 49

Alumni should play key roles in varsity development —Daramola

BY LAJA THOMAS

How ASUU members destroyed Nigerian universities (3)

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efore writing the first two parts of this series, I knew what to expect. Teachers in Nigeria’s Ivory Towers, as universities are called abroad, have always had a field day criticizing top government officials – President, Governors, Ministers, National Assembly members, the Nigeria Police, Customs; in short the 'usual suspects' – for corruption. Few, if any, had ever turned the searchlight on the campuses and their colleagues.

The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, NUC, was once a university don, like all the other NUC chief executives before him. If they are to be honest with themselves and with Nigerians, they were aware of the two prevailing forms of corruption pervasive on university campuses nationwide – the corruption associated with the Course Note racket and the sex trade which had turned virtually every university in Nigeria into trading blocks where, more often than most people realise, top grades are corruptly awarded to the highest bidder or, among female undergraduates, to the most liberal givers.

One male graduate, of a first generation university, once pointed out a classmate to me at a wedding party. Holding to her with love was her husband. She saw and waved to the fellow who then proceeded to tell me her exploits at the university where she was known in her faculty as pass round or never say no. “If only her husband knows what that girl did in school, he would divorce her tomorrow ’, he said. She, of course graduated Second Class Upper. Yet, none of her classmates ever saw her in the library or sitting down to study for examinations. She took her tests in the Guest Houses which littered the city.

Among the students who could never fail examinations irrespective of how they actually performed, especially when the nation was under military governments, were officers taking degree courses and their kids – if their rank was high enough. Few people are aware of the number of Generals, Admirals and Air Marshals, who hold master's degrees or are lawyers, yet can still not construct a complete sentence extempore. Can anyone point to a single top official who became a lawyer and who had made his mark in the profession? As a retired Professor and friend of mine said: ‘Who is brave enough to fail

the Chief of Army Staff under a military regime?’

If we want to solve the problem of half baked and unemployable graduates in Nigeria, we must first of all start by acknowledging that we are not totally sure that we are actually graduating people who deserve the certificates our universities issue.

If corruption in high places is destroying Nigeria, and it is, corruption on Nigerian tertiary institutions’ campuses is guaranteeing that this nation will never bridge the knowledge gap between us and the advanced nations of the world.

If public service is replete with instances of promoting mediocres to high office, Nigerian university campuses are also guilty of awarding high grades to dullards and discouraging potential geniuses who cannot or refuse to participate in the Course Notes trade or the sex commerce.

While on the sexual corruption pervasive on campus, with the lecturers taking the lead, there is a more sinister aspect to the issue of sexual harassment; that is the phenomenon of lecturers, who like the Wild Dogs of the South African forest, hunt in groups. Once any member of the group experiences resistance from a potential victim, all the others wade into the attack until the poor prey succumbs or flunks out of the university. They are generally merciless and depraved. I had just reached this point in the column when, providentially, this text message came in. Read it and cry for our nation Nigeria.

“0803-577-0940 ..I have a friend whose wife it took six years to do a Post-graduate course in UNILAG because of a lecturer whose only condition of passing married women is to go to bed with them. If you refuse him, he would pass you but his cocriminals in other courses would fail you. It took prayers for her to graduate. Any solution in sight? I think not.

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If public service is replete with instances of promoting mediocres to high office, Nigerian university campuses are also guilty of awarding high grades to dullards

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Visit: www.delesobowale.com

Continues next week

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lumni of universities should be allowed and encouraged to play key roles and contribute to the development of their alma mater.

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Akure, Professor Adebiyi Daramola stated this when the newly elected leadership of the alumni association of the university paid him a courtesy visit in his office recently.

According to him, no serious establishment can go it alone without carrying along all stakeholders. This also affects a university whose products (alumni) are stakeholders who should play significant roles in its development.

Prof. Daramola, however, called on university staff to always maintain good relationship with their students because such good relationship brings mutual respect and benefits. He said: “We have changed the old orientation towards students. We now emphasize and

ensure that students are treated like younger colleagues because students of today are potential professors and leaders of tomorrow. The fact of the matter is that within years, they will surpass what we have attained as professors. Therefore, we do not maltreat them. We build good sustainable interpersonal relationship.”

He urged the officers to expand the alumni operations wherever they may find themselves. Through such initiative, more products of FUTA will be involved in the alumni association.

“Be objective in your operations, avoid sentiments and politicking.

Expand your operation to attract more members. FUTA products are spread all over the world, engage them and we promise you our utmost support and encouragement. We are happy and proud about the feedback we get from employers of labour about our products. Please do not taint FUTA’s reputation, rather build on it locally and globally and keep the flag flying,” Daramola said.

UNILAG resumes, remembers Mandela

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s the University of Lagos came alive on Monday, January 6, 2014,with resumption of academic activities, the Natonal President of the University of Lagos Alumni Association, Olorogun,Dr Sunny Kuku, has enjoined the returning staff and students to sustain the reputation of excellence of the university by emulating the virtues of the late South African President, Dr Nelson Mandela, a 1990 Doctor of Law(LLD) alumnus of the university.

Kuku who was recently elected a Council member, noted with satisfaction some of the giant strides and plans lined up for execution by the university administration which he claimed include, multi-disciplinary research grant acquisitions through marketing and commercialisation of results,e-learning and administration and a new masterplan that would involve a 15floor library and 12 floors each of a school of post-graduate studies,distance learning and faculties of education and law buildings.

The Vice-Chancellor said at a recent convocation to elect Olorogun Kuku that,ón the controversial name-change, the Federal Ministry of Education had written to indicate that ‘’the university retains its name until the law changes.” He assured the newly elected alumni executive members that ‘’the university continued to justify its reputation as a worthy citadel of learning and centre of academic excellence as a pioneer member of the newly formed 15member consortium of African Research Universities and the recent commencement of the firstof-its-kind in Nigeria B.A. degree programme in Chinese studies from

the current session, among others.”

The university recently received the donation and commissioning of a maternity/laboratory, digital and human resource centres, Mass Communication, Chemical Engineering and Alumni Jubilee facilities.

Foundation honours deserving students, teachers in Isoko

T

he 5th annual award ceremony of the Austin Epadi-Igbuku Lights on Foundation was held was recently held at Aviara in Isoko Local Government Area of Delta State.

The event which took place in the assembly arena of Aviara Secondary Commercial School attracted dignitaries from all walks of life including members of the academia, industrialists, public and private schools, non-governmental organisations, as well as personnel from the Ministry of Education and community leaders.

The Austin Epadi-Igbuku Lights on Foundation is an organisation aimed at promoting education through recognition and award to deserving students and teachers of selected schools in Isoko Local Government Area. The foundation also supports indigent students in higher institutions.

The awards were presented in the following categories: exceptional behaviour, most supportive teacher and academic excellence. The outstanding recipient of the year was Miss Adaka Okeno from Uzere Grammer School Uzere. She got the best female student award, the best science student award as well as the overall best student. She won a cash prize as well as a trophy to be retained for the year.

50—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

Report of the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue ages - could be reasonably managed through the democratic process.

In this regard Nigeria needs a system of shared power, bearing in mind that political institutions make it difficult for reckless and lawless political adventurers to thrive. The choice before the country is either to stick with our present political arrangement, which favour over centralisation of governance and resources or to recognise our irrepressible pluralism and the necessity for voluntary integration. Coercive integration or - integration by force or by intimidation - has failed all over the world including Africa.

The persistent call for “true federalism” is nothing but a call for decentralisation and devolution of power. It is expected too that decentralisation would redeem the country from its constant perennial fluctuation between social crises and chronic political instability and threats of disintegration.

The Okorounmu committee during one of its deliberations

Content of post-colonial constitutions T

HE CA examined and de bated the draft constitution extensively. After final ratification by the Supreme Military Council (SMC), the constitution was promulgated in 1979. As far as the military regime was concerned, the inclusion of the CA within the exercise had legitimized the process.

Similarly, General Sani Abacha, through Decree No.1 of 1994 established a Constitutional Conference. Of the 369 members, 273 were elected by the populace in a non-partisan election, while 96 were nominated by government.

Headed by Justice A.G, KaribiWhyte, the Conference produced a draft constitution, which was submitted in 1995.

After the death of General Abacha in 1998, his successor, General Abdusalami Abubakar set up a 25-member Constitution Debate Coordination Committee to amend the 1995 draft. The 1999 constitution eventually grew out of this exercise and was ratified by the Provisional Ruling Council (PRC) of the military regime.

Despite the attempts made by the military authorities to involve some sections of the populace in constitution-making, these two constitutions (1979 and 1999) are still regarded by the Nigerian elite as impositions by military regimes. In between these two exercises were other attempts made during the administration of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.

There was a Political Bureau set up under the leadership of S. J. Cookey to conduct a national de-

bate on the political future of the country and propose a “viable and enduring people-oriented political system devoid of perennial disruptions.” The Bureau submitted its recommendations in March 1987. The second was a Constitutional Review Committee set up to review the 1979 Constitution. The result of this review was the 1989 Constitution. It was not ratified but portions of it were promulgated as Decrees.

Next is the issue of the content of post-colonial constitutions. The general trend in these constitutions is that they tend to build on, and strengthen existing principles in previous constitutions or where there are contentious issues, try to resolve them.

Point of reference In other words, a new constitution is designed to improve on some areas or attend to matters arising from a previous constitution which serves as its point of reference. Technically, therefore, the idea of a ‘brand new’ constitution that owes nothing to its predecessor is difficult to envisage (except, perhaps, in a new state where no such ‘predecessor’ existed).

The 1963 Republican Constitution, for instance, like the 1960 Constitution was based on the Westminster system of government. The key differences were in the provisions for a ceremonial President in place of the Queen of England, and that the judicial appeal system should terminate

with the Supreme Court and not the Judicial Committee of the British Privy Council.

In cases where previous constitutional arrangements were regarded as the cause of socio-political instability and crises, the new constitutions tended to focus on resolving these issues through a revised arrangement, but with the old constitution as reference point. For example, the breakdown of the First Republic was attributed to conflict mining from regional politics, ethnic domination, minority oppression, etc. To resolve this, the 1979 Constitution abandoned the Westminster system in favour of the Presidential system with a directly elected executive.

To further avoid the pitfalls of the First Republic, political parties and cabinet positions were to reflect a new “Federal Character” principle. Political parties were to be broad-based and not regional.

Again, while the First Republic Senate was a ceremonial body, the 1979 Constitution gave the Senate and House of Representatives coequal powers. The 1999 Constitution, in most respects, still bears a strong resemblance to the 1979 Constitution in terms of its key structures.

This brief survey has underscored the significance of process and content in constitution making in Nigeria. This observation is equally applicable elsewhere.

Consultative and participatory processes are seen to be ideal because these allow for negotiations and compromise and help foster a sense of ownership. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, this has not always been enjoyed. Colonial constitutions can hardly be described as growing out of “free

debate” with no “no-go” areas.

Even the wide consultations that preceded the Macpherson Constitution and subsequent constitutions took place within a framework prescribed by colonial authorities. All issues were still subject to their approval. Constitutions made within the military apparatus were equally considered unsatisfactory.

The demand for a new constitutional arrangement thus continues. The National Political Reform Conference set up in 2005 by General Olusegun Obasanjo produced a draft that was unpopular. In 2012, the Justice S.M.A. Belgore-led Presidential Committee on Review of Outstanding Is-

,

Yesterday, we published the executive summary of this Report of the presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue. Today we continue with the second instalment.

Threats of disintegration No amount of governmentsponsored propaganda and jingles can really make up for a defective political structure or for institutional and leadership failures.

Federalism, in essence, is simply “a contractual non-centralization” involving structural dispersion of power among many centres the legitimate authority of which is constitutionally guaranteed. Hence, entrenched diffusion of power or division of power among levels of government remains the principal characteristics and argument for federal democracy.

It becomes therefore clear that when one speaks of federalism, one means, “coordinate supremacy of the levels of government with regards to their respective

The general trend in these constitutions is that they tend to build on, and strengthen existing principles in previous constitutions or where there are contentious issues, try to resolve them

sues from Recent Constitutional Conferences prepared a detailed report that is yet to be implemented. It is, therefore, anticipated that the proposed National Conference will constitute a viable landmark in the constitutional landscape of Nigeria.

State of The Nation: Since the military exited from power, there have been persistent calls for the reform of the political system in such a manner to command the respect of Nigerians and be seen to be fair, just and equitable. With appropriate structures, leadership and other national problems - inter-elite rivalries, reciprocal suspicion, hostility of position and status conflicts among Nigerian elite, mutually reinforcing cleav-

,

functions.” Certainly in this context, the “golden rule” of federalism as stipulated by scholars and political analysts, has been constantly ignored or breached in Nigeria over the years. Nigeria has also ignored the important aspect of the equilibrium between the centre and the regions in classical federalism.

Recognising this reality, the Belgore Report recommended: •Reduction of Power at the centre and devolution of same to the Federating units •Allow the centre to retain necessary powers to enable it exercise its sovereignty •Enable the centre to act for the federating units in the area of Continues on page 51

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014—51

Strategies for the execution of assignment Continues from page 50 common and mutually beneficial interest and service.

In fact before and after independence, and long before the Belgore Report, other spirited efforts by previous regimes, military or civilian, have tried to address this critical national issue.

The first military coup in January 1966 addressed the restructuring process by stating, in Decree 34 below: “Subject lo the provisions of this Decree, Nigeria shall on May 2, 1966 (in this Decree referred to as the appointed day) cease to be a federation and shall accordingly as from that day be a Republic, by the name of Republic of Nigeria, consisting of the territory which immediately before that day was comprised in the Federation.”

The decree sought to unify the federal civil service, and reorganise the regions into groups of provinces. And in addition to other grievances following the January 15 coup made the countercoup inevitable. And in his maiden address to the nation General Gowon recognised the enormity of the tragedy that had befallen Nigeria as a result of the two coups within six months. He

al Murtala Muhammed on July 29,1975, in the country’s third successful military coup and the first bloodless coup in Nigeria’s history. General Muhammed’s regime began an active role towards returning power to civilians and on October 18, 1975 he set up the Constitution Drafting Committee.

In his address Genera! Muhammed informed them that the Supreme Military Council was “committed to a federal system of government, and a free democratic and lawful system of government which guarantees 'fundamental human rights’ and urged them to work for the creation of viable political institutions "which will ensure maximum participation and consensus and orderly succession to political power.”

Considering our recent political experience, any constitution devised should seek to: •"Eliminate cut-throat political competition based on a system or rules of winner-takes-all. As a corollary, it should discourage electoral malpractices; •It should also discourage institutionalized opposition to government in power and instead, develop consensus politics and

,

,

The Committee took presentations from groups, organizations, Governments and individual citizens in each of the 13 Centres

said: “Suffice it to say that, putting all considerations to test - political, economic, as well as social, the base of unity is not there or is badly rocked, not only once but several times. I, therefore, feel that we should review the issue of our national standing and see if we can help stop the country from drifting away into utter destruction”.

Consequently, among the first acts of General Gowon in office was the pardon and release of Chief Obafemi Awoiowo from prison on August 2, 1967. And another significant effort he made to arrest the deteriorating political conditions in the country was the appointment of the ad hoc constitutional conference in Lagos on September 12, 1966.

In a rather spirited speech to the delegates of the conference, Gowon said that only two things should be ruled out: complete breakup; and a unitary form of government. “I, therefore, put before you the following forms of government for consideration: •Federal system with a strong central government; •Federal system with a weak central government; •Confederation; or •An entirely new arrangement which will be peculiar to Nigeria and which has not yet found its way into any political dictionary” However, General Gowon’s regime was overthrown by Gener-

government based on community of all interest rather than interests of a section of the country.

•As a matter of principle, decentralize power wherever possible as a means of diffusing tension...”

In fact, from the formation of political parties, NCNC (1948), NPC (1951), AG (1951), to Enahoro’s Self Government Motion in 1953, the national attention and political controversies have trailed the debate on an appropriate political structure for Nigeria.

Today, resolving Nigeria’s national dilemma over structure and Constitution has become urgent and must be our priority.

CHAPTER THREE – METHODOLOGY The Committee adopted strategies for the execution of its assignment. Key to those strategies was establishing strategic engagements with the print and electronic media throughout the exercise. This we found to be necessary because the wide consultations, which members were expected to conduct required massive mobilization of citizens through the print, electronic, and social media. The methodology adopted by the Committee proceeded in five phases as follows: Phase 1. Preliminary’ Work

such as drawing a Work Plan, an Itinerary and other administrative tools (already reported in Sections 1.8 and 1.9 above); Phase 2. Interactive Sessions with members of the general public and Courtesy Calls on State Governors, Traditional Rulers, and the leadership of the National Assembly; Phase 3. Review of memoranda; Phase 4. One-Day Brainstorming Retreat; and Phase 5. Writing, Production and Submission of Report Phase 2 - Interactive Sessions: In order to respond adequately to the terms of reference of the Committee as well as comply with the Presidential directives to consult widely before proposing an appropriate framework for the National Dialogue/Conference, the Committee resolved to

Consultations Through Courtesy Calls: Another strategy of ensuring wide consultations adopted by the Committee was courtesy calls on State Chief Executives and the Traditional Rulers of the towns where we held the Interactive Sessions. The Committee through this strategy consulted 10 Governors, one Deputy Governor, one Secretary to the State Government and 12 Traditional Rulers as follows: •Akure: Ondo State Governor and Deji of Akure; •Jos: Plateau State Governor and Gbong Gwom •Minna: Niger State Governor and Emir of Minna; •Calabar: Cross River State Deputy Governor, Obong of Calabar and The Ndidem of Quas Nation •Benin: Edo State Governor and Oba of Benin;

its House of Representatives counterpart for harmonization of this proposal. He then pledged the support of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in this very important national project.

Visit to the House of Representatives: At the House of Representatives, the Committee was received by Honourable Emeka Ihedioha, the Deputy Speaker. In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker said that the House welcomed the President’s initiative in setting up this Committee to advise on the modalities for convening a National Conference. He said, while the House supported the initiative, Members of the Lower Chamber would wait for the appropriate time to make their inputs into the process. He wished the Committee well.

Phase 4 - One-Day Brainstorming Retreat: The Committee held a One-Day Brainstorming Retreat at the International Conference Centre Abuja on Wednesday, November 20, 2013.

hold Interactive Sessions with the general public in two centres in each geo-political zone. The Interactive Sessions took place on the following dates at the Centres identified: •Friday, October 18 Akure •Monday, October 21 Jos •Wednesday, October 23 Minna •Friday, October 25 Calabar •Monday, October 28 President Jonathan with national confab committee leaders Benin •Tuesday, October 29 Enugu •Enugu: Enugu State SSG Some renowned experts and sea•Wednesday, October 30 (who represented the Governor) soned leaders were invited to Umuahia and Igwe Nnaji of Nike; interact with members of the Com•Friday, November 1 Lagos •Umuahia: Abia State Gover- mittee through presentation, dis•Monday, November 4 Sokoto nor; cussion and appraisal of papers •Tuesday, November 5 •Lagos: Lagos State Governor on seminal topics and issues.

Maiduguri and Oba of Lagos; The Retreat assisted in clarify•Saturday, November 9 Bauchi •Sokoto: Sokoto State Governor ing and throwing more light, from •Monday, November 11Kaduna and the Sultan of Sokoto; informed perspectives, on some •Wednesday, November 13 FCT •Maiduguri: Borno State Gov- conceptual and controversial isAbuja ernor and Shehu of Borno; sues that were raised by memAttendance and Presentations •Bauchi: Bauchi State Goverat the Interactive Sessions: The nor and the Galadima who stood bers of the general public in the course of our engagements with Committee took presentations in for the Emir of Bauchi; them through the media, the Infrom groups, organizations, Gov•Kaduna: Kaduna State Gov- teractive Sessions and the memernments and individual citizens ernor and Emir of Zazzau oranda that they submitted to the in each of the 13 Centres. The Committee. turn-out was impressive in all the Visit to the 3.7 The Retreat was attended venues. The Interactive Sessions Senate by some elder statesmen such as nationwide were attended by a Chief Olu Falae and Malam Tantotal of 6,650 Nigerians. The The Committee also paid cour- ko Yakassai. Experts in different Committee received a total numtesy calls on the leadership of the disciplines such as Professor ber of 607 memoranda from all Senate and the House of Repre- Onigu Otite, Professor Adele Jithe 13 Interactive Sessions, while sentatives. Senator Ike Ekwere- nadu, Professor Auwalu Yadudu, a total number of 421 people madu, the Deputy Senate Presi- Chief Godwin Kanu Agabi made presentations before the dent received the Committee on (SAN), Professor Jibrin Ibrahim, Committee on behalf of groups, behalf of the Senate President. Dr Yahya Abdullahi, Professor organizations, Governments or In his remarks, the Deputy Sen- Ebere Onwudiwe attended and themselves. Additionally, the ate President said that in antici- presented and/or discussed some Committee received a total of 57 pation of the possibility of mak- papers. Civil society activist such memoranda electronically and ing a new Constitution, the Sen- as Mrs. Ayo Obe and Olisa Agother 47 directly through the Secate Committee on Constitutional bakoba (SAN) as well as critical retariat. Thus the grand total of Amendment that he chairs, has newspaper columnists: Ishaq all the memoranda received was proposed an amendment of Sec- Modibbo Kawu and Dr. Hakeem 710. These are listed in Appention 9 of the Constitution so that Baba Ahmed also participated dix 4 to this Report, while the reit will allow for the making of a actively in the Retreat. spective memoranda are attached new Constitution, and that the to this Report as Appendices 5Senate Committee is waiting for To be continued 13.

52—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

Let's use Oba Ovonramwen's centenary celebration to unite Nigeria — UNIBEN VC

Isoko youths movement gets new exco

I

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

SOKO National Youths Movement, INYM, has elected new executive, with Mr. Jackson Ureghe, emerging its president.

Speaking after the election, the immediate past President, Mr Zino Onaemor acknowledged the support of Isoko people in the last few years of his stewardship. He called on the masses of Isoko to work with the Jackson Uregheled executive.

Onaemor said that having served INYM, he felt it was time to relinquish power to curb perceived misrepresentation whereby his personal business was being mistaken for the perquisite of INYM. In his acceptance speech, Ureghe commended Onaemor on his unprecedented stewardship, while assuring that he would work hard to build and improve on the legacy laid by his predecessor.

He thanked the clan President-Generals and traditional rulers of Isoko for bringing their wards as delegates during the election.

B

ENIN CITY—THE Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Osayuki Oshodin, yesterday, called on the ethnic groups in Nigeria to use the centenary celebration of Oba Ovonramwen to unite the country.

Professor Oshodin, at a colloquium at the one week centenary celebration of Oba Ovonramwen in Benin City, which is being sponsored by Chief Solomon Edebiri Foundation, expressed joy that the country’s centenary coincided with that of Oba Ovonramwen, stressing the need to end bloodshed and actions capable of destabilising the nation, so that Nigeria will continue to enjoy peace and unity.

Represented by Professor Edosa Omozuwa, he noted that there would be disagreement among the ethnic groups, but that Nigerians should reflect on the events that led to the amalgamation and how people like Oba Ovonramwen exhibited bravery while battling the British, adding “if we take example from people like Oba Ovonranwem in terms of patriotism, Nigeria will be a better place for all of us.

“Who says we cannot disagree on the basis of principles. Nevertheless, we must strive at all times to find a common ground to agree, so that we can collectively defend and uphold the unity of this country.”

He said that the celebration of Ovonramwen’s centenary was not only an honour to the dead.

“It is also an honour to us as a people of Benin kingdom. The celebration of Ovonramwen constitutes a major component of the

Wealthy Nigerians urged to support the youth

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

A

surgeon, Dr. ABC Orjiakor, has called on wealthy Nigerians to invest in the lives of youths, so as to make the country a greater one.

Orjiakor, who made the call at St. Leo Catholic Church, Ikeja,

Lagos, said “After listening to the young man’s motivational speech, I felt touched and knew that there is something in the Nigerian youths. This necessitated my granting him scholarship abroad for further study.

Orjiakor, who was chairman at a wedding ceremony said: “When Chike and Joy called me to be the Chairman of their wed-

P

ORT HARCOURT—THE Godspower Ake-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers State, yesterday, raised alarm over alleged attempt by some powerful persons to frustrate its matter at the Appeal Court, Abuja, challenging the judgment of a trial court, which recognised Mr Felix Obuah

and Ibiba Walter as Chairman and Secretary of the party in the state.

It will be recalled that an Abuja High Court judgment, had last year sacked the Akeled faction of PDP in the state.

In a statement, the Publicity Secretary of the Ake’s faction, Mr George Nwogba, said they were shocked to see that a matter that was adjourned till yesterday was not listed among the cases for the

M

EMBERS of All Progres sive Congress, APC, in Warri, Delta State, have vowed to resist infiltrators decamping to the party from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The APC members, who had earlier passed a vote of confi-

dence on the former state chairman of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Chief Adolfo Okotie-Eboh, spoke through Chief Hope Idudu, lamenting that the party was not doing enough to checkmate activities of defecting

day, adding that it was the second time it was happening to them.

“They have the fear of being thrown out of the offices they have been illegally occupying by the Appeal Court and so would stop at nothing to frustrate the entire process.

If not, how could a matter adjourned for today (yesterday not be listed for hearing by the same court? We see the voice of Jacob, but the hand of

Esau.”

The party appealed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN to ensure that the matter got speedy attention.

“We call on the CJN, to order that this case be given the necessary speedy trial it deserves for justice to be done and properly done. A situation where a man is boasting of having the power to purchase justice is not good for Nigeria’s democracy,” it said.

PDP members, who want to use APC to actualising their selfish ambition.

According to the APC members, Chief Okotie-Eboh’s leadership style can best be described as excellent as he honestly steered the ship of the party to the admirable level it was before the merger.

The former deputy chairman of ACN in the state, Chief Ngozi Emini, said “OkotieEboh is a man with pedigree,” pointing out that for the period he served under him as deputy, he was never found wanting, but "made series of sacrifice to ensure that the party is where it is today."

On the allegation that OkotieEboh was romancing with Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, Chief Emini said such rumours were baseless, describing same as the handiwork of mischievous persons with pull him down syndrome.

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

ding, there was just no way I could have objected. Despite other weddings that took place same day, which I had to attend, I still made it a compulsory to be at the wedding.”

He explained that marriage was a covenant and not a contract, advising the newly wedded couple to pray always and never relent in it.

Delta APC vows to resist infiltrators

Rivers PDP faction raises alarm over moves to frustrate appeal

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

history of Benin kingdom. The celebration is also apt as it would exposed many of us to the history we previously had not known about the late monarch as well as the history of this great kingdom.”

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

Should Tukur resign as PDP Chairman?

A

RE we all waiting till Nigeria is officially made a synonymous word for failure or never-do-well.

I am of Two opinion, it’s either Nigeria is split into three as they seem or change of name. Whether Tukur stays or goes is not Nigeria’s business. Ms. Nkiru Omaricha- Student.

W

HY is Bamanga Tukur behaving as if his life depends on remaining the Chairman of PDP? At least, he has served the party and it is ideal that if the people he claimed to be serving are no more interested in his service, he should go. Mr. Olaniyan Idowu- Worker.

I

N my view, the issue of Tukur resigning as the national chairman of PDP or not is not important. It is family affairs.

If really the party does not want him any more, they know how to push him off the seat. Mr. Ukeme Timothy- Businessman.

T

UKUR must go, Tukur must go: why should he go? What has he done wrong? This is obviously beyond some powerful interest group with state funds buying these hungry so-called PDP state chairmen’s consent. Mr. Stanley Olisa- Communicator.

P

DP leadership is too much. Sure Tukur will go and all the defected governors will be back, especially Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso governor who is a life member of PDP. I think PDP’s crisis lies on who the national leadership is. If I happen to be Tukur, I will go. Ms. Blessing Ezeokoye- Student.

T

UKUR must go whether he likes it or not. His assignment was poorly executed and his party is dying. Even Christ who came and did a very marvelous and tough assignment had to go before the Holy Spirit could come to strengthen his disciples. Ms. Grace Ifechinyere- Worker.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014—53

FG embarks on remediation of erosion sites

Ugborodo group flays 10-yr-old boy's abduction

BY FUNMI OLASUPO

U

GBORODO Integrity Group has condemned the abduction of 10-year-old Hilary Eyengho by gunmen on Sunday, in the oil-rich Ugborodo community in Warri SouthWest Local Government Area of Delta State.

Chairman of the group in Ode Ugborodo, Mr Femi Uwawah, in a statement, said: “We condemn this criminal act of kidnapping, which has become so prevalent in Delta State, more so, when an innocent little girl is the victim. We appeal to all relevant security agencies to do everything possible to rescue this child and fish out the perpetrators for prosecution and punishment.

“We are, however, disturbed by the pattern of reportage which tends to mislead the investigation by the police. It is wrong to link the kidnap to the crisis of leadership in Ugborodo.

“In the process, facts were twisted to achieve the preconceived misinformation of the public."

Itsekiri activist lauds Jonathan over scholarships

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

C

ONVENER of Niger Delta Patriotic Initiative, NDPI, and Itsekiri activist, Mr Michael Tidi, has described the recent award of scholarship slots to Itsekiri youths by the Federal Government as an indication of the government’s commitment to address the grievances arising from the amnesty programme.

He noted that despite being belated, President Goodluck Jonathan deserved commendation for the gesture.

Briefing newsmen in Warri, Tidi said the programme would afford the benefitiaries the opportunity to acquire the much needed leadership skills to make them uesful to themselves and the society.

He said: “Mr. President’s gesture must be applauded as a positive step in the right direction."

C M Y K

A

ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY: Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State, inspecting a Guard of Honour during the 2014 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, in Port Harcourt, yesterday. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke.

Orbih’s councillor dumps PDP for APC in Edo

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN—A MAJOR defection has occured in Ogbona, home town of the chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State, Chief Dan Orbih, as the only PDP councillor in Orbih’s ward 4, Etsako Central Local Government Area, Mr Peter Akhughe and over 100 of his supporters, have dumped the PDP for All Progressives Congress, APC. Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who received the defectors, said that the defection in Orbih’s stronghold, signaled the end of PDP in Ogbona, adding that his administration would build another borehole in the area to ensure that Orbih’s kinsmen enjoy potable water and other basic ameni-

ties, which, according to him, were denied the people of the area by the PDP. Listing the developmental projects of his administration in Ogbona, which include roads, and schools, Oshiomhole said, “I have come, not only to welcome Peter into our fold, but to say that this council is now 10/10 exactly the same way it is 18/18 in Edo State after my election.

“And to recognise that our strength is not in empty rhetorics, making promises that we will not keep, I have come to assure the people of Ogbona that we had done one borehole before, we will do another one. The weapon we have against PDP is our de-

velopmental efforts and they have no answer to it. Each time they plan at night, but in the day time God will destroy their plots.

“I want to assure Edo people that APC is on a liberation movement and there is no going back. What is dead is dead. Now that PDP is pronounced dead in sin, they will not resurrect. We will emphasise development, the right of the child to good schools, woman to clean water and our people to good roads. Even after my tenure, we will have APC governments that will continue to work for our people, there is no resurrection for PDP."

Delta community demands compensation without further delay as the over oil spill itate them. spill had caused great ecoBY GODWIN OGHRE

S

APELE—THE people of Otonyatsere community in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, have implored Seplat Petroleum Development Company Limited to dialogue with them with a view to compensating them over an oil spill in their community caused by the company’s equipment failure at its Ovhor line, on December 23, 2013.

Chairman of Otonyatsere Community, Dr. Austin Arieja, who spoke to Vanguard, yesterday, said that the community was not at war with the company, although the spillage had caused economic hardship to the people of the area, who are mainly farmers.

He said that the community was pleading with the company to urgently take steps to clean-up the spillage and send relief materials and cash compensation to the affected persons in order to rehabil-

He said that while awaiting report of the Joint Investigation Visit, JIV, carried out at the scene of the spillage by a team of officials of National Oil Spillage Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, Seplat Petroleum, Directorate of Petroleum Resources, DPR and other relevant agencies, it was necessary to ameliorate the suffering of the people

nomic losses to the people.

He said: “The country’s environmental law states that where a spillage occurs, the company involved should dialogue and compensate the people directly affected and in this case, Otonyatsere is the community directly affected in this spillage. The company should dialogue with us and not Sapele Okpe community."

BUJA—THE Federal Government has established the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project, NEWMAP, to tackle the challenges of gully erosion and land degradation adversely affecting some parts of the country.

NEWMAP was conceived in 2010, following a request by the Federal Government to the World Bank for assistance to address the phenomena in the South-Eastern part of the country.

Speaking at the inaugural induction of NEWMAP in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the Supervising Minister, Ministry of Environment, Mr Darius Ishaku, said: “This project is a departure from the other erosion, land remediation projects done in the past.”

The minster, who presented the Project Implementation Manual, PIM on NEWMAP to the seven participating states of Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu and Imo, noted that “the project would be extended to other states in the country.”

A statement by the Head of Communication of NEWMAP, Mr Adebayo Thomas, noted that “NEWMAP activities will take a multi-scale and a multi-sector approach in the course of the next eight years, with emphasis on reversing land degradation and remediation of gully erosion sites.”

The Minister, who presented the PIM, to the participating states, said “this intervention will commence initially Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu and Imo states and will subsequently get to other states in the country.”

He explained that “as a category 'A' project, planned investments under the project will include strategic combination of civil engineering, vegetative land management and other watershed protection measures, and community-led adaptive livelihood enhancements.”

Delta NLC boss sues for peace in congress

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HAIRMAN, Delta State Council of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Mr. Williams Akporeha, has appealed to members of the state NLC to shun acts capable of causing disunity and rancour among labour leaders in the state.

Akporeha made the appeal at the state Congress Ad-

ministrative Council meeting held in Asaba.

He noted with dismay, alleged activities of a Vice Chairman chairmen of Congress (name withheld), who was said to be indirectly working against the success of the current Chairman of the state Joint Negotiation Council, JNC, Mr. Goodluck

Ofoburuku.

Akporeha said: “Let me strongly appeal to the Vice Chairman of NLC in Delta State, to desist from factionalising labour in the state. He should rather, channel his effort to those things that will always strengthen congress for the overall benefit of the general workforce in the state.”

54—Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

Group flays attack on Sen Abe

Angry reactions trail mounting refuse dumps in Owerri

BY OLASUNKANMI

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AKONI

AGOS—A group, Civil Society Network Against Corruption, CSNAC, has called for a comprehensive investigation into last weekend’s alleged shooting of Senator Magnus Abe in Port Harcourt, with a view to bringing the culprits to book.

It also appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to steer clear of the internal politics in Taraba State as well as take necessary steps to save the country from continuous embarrassment, in view of the charade surrounding ailing Governor Danbaba Suntai of the state.

Addressing journalists in Lagos on the state of the nation, the group’s representative, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, said: “The Rivers State issues is already tending towards inevitable development.

“In a situation where every arm, interest and activities of governance is being politicised, is being geared towards electoral victory, our elected officers are not doing anything in terms of development from the altruistic points of view of the concerns of the people anymore but rather from the electoral calculation of either transmutation in politics of re-election into office.

TCN moves to improve power supply

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BY TONY EDIKE

NUGU—THE Tr a n s m i s s i o n Company of Nigeria, TCN, has taken measures to ensure effective transmission of electricity generated by various power plants across the country to enable Nigerians enjoy uninterrupted power supply.

Part of the measures is to enhance the capacity of the workforce to ensure regular maintenance of the power lines which is a major component of the nation’s electricity industry.

General Manager, TCN Enugu Region, Mr. Godfrey Nwokoye, made this known during the ongoing training of 60 newly recruited engineers at the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria, NPTIN, Oji River Training Centre in Enugu State.

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

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WERRI—ANGRY reactions have started trailing the heaps of refuse scattered in several parts of Owerri municipality and it’s adjoining communities.

Vanguard investigations revealed that the contracting firm charged with the responsibility of clearing the refuse has abandoned the job for months.

While all manner of rodents have taken full occupation of the refuse sites, inhabitants of the municipality have resorted to burning the refuse heaps as a measure of reducing the stench emanating from the putrid sites.

Reacting to what some respondents described as an ugly situation, a housewife, Mrs. Tina Iwuala, lamented that Owerri has sadly turned into a filthy state capital.

“It is sad to note that Owerri, which hitherto was acclaimed the cleanest city in the federation, has been transformed into the dirtiest state capital in Nigeria”, Mrs.

Iwuala said.

In his own view, an Owerri based refrigeration and air conditioning technician, who simply identified himself as Ambrose, recalled that

“Owerri has never been this dirty in the past years”.

“Residents of Owerri have not been told why the Rochas Okorocha administration exuded to shelve the

monthly clean-up exercise immediately he came on board.

There has never been any clean-up exercise for nearly three years now”, Ambrose said.

REMEMBRANCE DAY: From right: Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi, GOC 82 Div. Major General Adebayo Olaniyi, Air Commodore Onyemechi Osahor, ACP Ahaladu, Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Enugu Council, George Amalu and Chairman, Traditional Rulers Council, Enugu State, Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu, at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Enugu, yesterday. Photo: Obi Ikechukwu.

Religious leaders laud Jonathan on anti-gay law

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

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WERRI—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has received commendation for giving his assent to the anti-gay marriage Bill recently passed by the National Assembly.

Some religious leaders in the state, who reacted to the development, described it as “a very courageous and patriotic act, given the disposition of the international community, especially Britain, United States of America, Canada and their

Firm develops new burger

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NEW burger, the Kara Burger, that is meant to satisfy the non-vegetarians and vegetarians alike has been developed.

The kara burger, a product of Kobis Foods is said to be laden with numerous health advantages including high protein content, good level of cholesterol and good content of vegetables.

Managing director of Kobis Foods Ltd, Mrs. Sade Imoagene, said the fast food outlet launched ‘kara burger,’ to satisfy the tastes of consumers of Nigerian delicacies.

Imoagene who spoke with Vanguard said the new delicacy was inspired by the desires of many who eat akara hot with bread in an impromptusandwichedfashion where the bread envelops the hot steamy akara.

allies on this wicked agenda.”

The immediate past state chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Cosmas Illechukwu, commended Jonathan for stoutly resisting what he described as 21st Century neocolonialism from the Western nations.

“The essence of marriage is

for procreation. Any marriage that fails to implement this divine law is an aberration,” Illechukwu said.

In his own reaction, the Bishop of Okigwe South, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. David O.C. Onuoha said: “By this singular act, the President has made a powerful statement that Nigeria, as a sovereign state, has

the capacity to know what is good or Bradford her people and take decisions accordingly.”

While noting that same-sex marriage was ungodly, inhuman, un-African and unethical, the Anglican cleric also opined that “it is morally reprehensible, spiritually debilitating, socially offensive and naturally contaminating.”

Anambra LG polls: PPA vows court action

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BY OKONKWO EZE

NITSHA—THE Progressive Peoples Alliance, PPA, has concluded plans to challenge in court last Saturday’s local government election in Anambra State which it described as a sham and full of illegalities.

Anambra State Secretary of the party, Chief Nnamdi Ozokwelu in a statememt at Nnewi, yesterday, said the party was going to challenge the election and the announcement of its results in areas there was allegedly no election.

According to PPA, there was no election in five local government areas of the state.

The party stated: “Based on evidence on ground, he stated, there was nothing like election in Ihiala, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Awka South and Aguata Local Government Areas where election materials especially the result sheets were not distributed to.”

“With what did they record the so-called results announced. I was informed by the PPA candidate in the November 16, 2013, controversial governorship election, Mr Godwin Ezeemo, that there was

no council election in Aguata council area where electoral officers arrived very late with incomplete election materials, including his home town, Umuchu, and the voters refused to vote in protest.”

APC to begin registration of new members in Ogun Jan 28

BY ONOZURE DANIA BEOKUTA—THE All Progressives Congress, APC, has fixed registration of new members in Ogun State for January 28, 2014.

Senator Akin Odunsi, who disclosed this at a sensitisation forum at AdoOdo/Ota local government area of Ogun State yesterday, warned members not to participate in any registration that would come up before that date.

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Odunsi, who represents Ogun West senatorial district, said the registration of members in the state would be piloted by a harmonisation committee set up by the party hierarchy.

He urged the members to start preparing for the exercise, adding that the registration of party members was the process that would lead to the congress where party leaders for the state would emerge.

Vanguard,THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014 — 55

PRESENTATION: Ogun State Governor's wife, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun (left), explaining some points to a beneficiary, Mama Rukayat Makinde, and presenting her with some food items, during the 'UPLIFTing the Need Food Outreach' programme, organised Mrs Amosun, at St. Luke’s Primary School, Ibara-Orile, in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of the state.

VISIT: Mrs. Yewande Adesina, Special Adviser on Health to Lagos State Governor; Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, First Lady of Lagos State; Mrs. B. Daodu, and Dr. Donald Imostmi, Managing Director of Lagos Inland Maternity Hospital Lagos, during Mrs. Fashola's visit to the First Baby of the Year 2014, at Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Lagos.

REMEMBRANCE: Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Ogun State Governor, laying wreath, during the REMEMBRANCE DAY: Deputy Governor of Delta 2014 grand finale of Armed Forces Remembrance State, Professor Amos Utuama, laying wreath, at the Day, at the Arcade Ground, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Cenotaph, in Delta State. Photo: Nath Onojake yesterday. Photo: Wumi Akinola

LECTURE: From left, guest speaker, Emeritus Professor of History, Professor Jide Osuntokun; first son of late Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, Chief Yomi Akintola, welcoming former Oyo State Governor, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, during the 2014 memorial lecture of Samuel Ladoke Akintola, at S.L. Akintola Villa, Oke-Ado,Ogbomoso, Osun State.

REMEMBRANCE: Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Ambassador Nuhu Bajoga, inspecting parade, at this year's laying of wreaths to mark the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, at the Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna, yesterday. Photo: Olu Ajayi

SWEARING-IN: new Chairman, Nnewi South Local Government, Chief Ossy Iyiegbu (5th right); outgoing Chairman, Mr. Chieloka Okoye (4th left); Deputy Chairman, Mr. Okey Abazu (3rd left), and newly swornin councillors, in Ukpo, Nnewi South, Anambra State, yesterday.

BIRTHDAY: Chairman of Eleganza Group of Companies, Chief Razaq Okoya, flanked by former Governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala (right), his wives, Florence and Oluwakemi; Chief Adekunle Ojora (2nd left), Mr. Olamijuwomlo Alao-Akala (left), Miss Hadiza Okoya, and Miss Olamide Okoya, during the cutting of Chief Okoya's 74th birthday anniversary cake, at Olorun ni Shola Estate, Lekki,Lagos.

RETREAT: From left, Hon. Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas, Chairman, House Committee on Public Procurement; Alhaji Bukar Aji, Head of Civil Service of the Federation; Hon. Uzo Azubike, Chairman, House Committee on Public Partitions, and Engr. Emeka Ezeh, Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement, during the retreat for Federal Government Permanent Secretaries by Bureau of Public Enterprise, BPE, in Lagos.

56—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

Rector alerts on population explosion in Polytechnics

Cabinet shake-up in Plateau

BY TAYE OBATERU

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OS— GOVERNOR Jonah Jang of Plateau State has dropped two commissioners and changed the portfolios of three others in a minor cabinet shake up.

Those dropped were Lohfa Bako who was in charge of Youth Development and Abdulhamid Gamzaki who was in the Ministry of Transport.

Also affected is the former Commissioner for Information and Communication, Abraham Yiljap who is now to overseeTourism and Culture and is replaced by Mrs Olivia Dazyam who was in the Ministry of Women Affairs.

The former Commissioner for Environment, Mrs Sarah Yusuf moves to the Women Affairs Ministry, from Environment which is now to be overseen by Dongsar Dongtoe while James Yakubu moves from Sports to Youth Development.

A statement signed by James Mannok, Director of Press and Public Affairs to the governor, said nominees for the other ministries would be announced later.

Other commissioners were retained in their various ministries.

15 Unilorin students win PDTF scholarship

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LORIN—THE Uni versity of Ilorin authority has disclosed that a total of 15 students of the University have won the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, PTDF, scholarship awards.

Prof. John Sadiku, Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Information Science of the University, told newsmen, yesterday, that six of the beneficiaries were from the Department of Computer Science.

He said that five were from the Department of Mechanical Engineering; three from the Department of Chemical Engineering and one from the Department of Chemistry.

Gov Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State (middle) supported by the Commander 3 Div Special Operations Battalion Damaturu, Col. Aliyu Abdullahi (left) and the Secretary to the State Government, Engr. Babagoni Machina (first right) commissioning a water project executed by the Nigerian Army through the office of the Chief of Army Staff at Sani Daura Estate, Damaturu, Yobe State, yersterday.

Emir cautions religious leaders against inflammatory statements L

AFIA—THE Emir of Nasarawa in Nasarawa State, Alh. Hassan Ahmed, yesterday cautioned religious leaders against inflammatory statements capable of threatening the existing peace in the country.

The royal father stated this during a religious gathering in Nasarawa Local Government area of the state. He said that the call has become imperative due to the inflammatory statements made by some religious leaders, while preaching.

He said: “If there is no peace, we cannot organise this gathering, not to talk of coming together, so religious leaders should be cautioned against inflammatory statements while preaching.

“Such inflammatory statements are capable of creating threat to the existing peace, unity, progress and development of our state and the country at large.

“Peace is paramount, priceless; non negotiable and necessary requirement to the development of any society.

“So, religious leaders and other Nigerians should desist from making statements capable of creating tension and confusion that could lead to violence in the country.

“I want to challenge all of us, especially the religious leaders to preach the word of God according to tenets and injunctions of the religion.

“This will allow the younger generation to embrace and practise peace and the country would be good for it.

“Religious leaders must be prudent and just in the propagation of their religion, so as to safeguard the lives of the followers.

“We should always preach against immoral acts such as selfishness, smoking, indecent dressing, prostitution, armed robbery and homosexuality among others."

He said the acts had become worrisome to the society and there was the need for all hands to be on deck to fight the menace.

“We should continue to preach peace to our subjects and people must embrace same irrespective of ethnic,

religious and political affiliation.

“It is only when we practise this that the country can achieve speedy development for the benefit of all.”

The royal father charged his subjects to be loyal and respect constituted authority, as well as to seek religious and western education to meet up with global challenges.

Ahmed appealed to the people of the state to live in peace and tolerate one another.

He called on parents to inculcate moral discipline in their children for a better Nigeria.

LORIN—THE Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic, Alhaji Mas’ud Elelu, yesterday said that facilities of Nigerian polytechnics were being overstretched due to increase in student population.

He attributed the situation to pressure from the various quarters including government and the society to admit the large number of admission seekers without corresponding funds to improve the facilities.

This, he said, was responsible for the inability of most polytechnics to adhere to their carrying capacity peg and which had hindered students’ mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps.

Elelu spoke at a preaccreditation and verification briefings of some programmes of the institution by the National Board for Technical Education.

He said Nigerian polytechnics were struggling to abide by the carrying capacities because they were also cautious of the danger that non-admission of students could pose to the society.

“We want you to look at us critically and see how they can give us advice on how we can move on particularly, now that population of students has increased all over our polytechnics.

“There is a lot of stretch on our facilities and whether we like it or not we must accommodate these children or else they will cause problem for the society,” the Rector said.

NDLEA seizes 2,437 kg of illicit drugs, arrests 384 suspects in Kaduna

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ADUNA—THE Na tional Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, yesterday said it seized 2,437. 6 kg of illicit drugs and arrested 384 drug suspects in Kaduna in 2013.

The Commander of the agency in the state,Mr Mohammed Jibrin, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on its activities in 2013.

“The command arrested a total of 384 drug suspects, made up of 371 males and 13 females.

“Furthermore, a total of 2,437.609 kg of various illicit drugs were seized, which include cannabis sativa, heroin, cocaine and other psychotropic substances,” he said.

Jibrin said that five smallscale cannabis sativa farms were also discovered and destroyed at Amaru-Zaria, Gadan-Mallam, Kagarko, Fori and Sanga.

He said that eight big drug barons were arrested while 72 drug dealers were convicted by the Federal

High Court in Kaduna.

The Commander, therefore, stressed the need for the public to assist the agency fight drug abuse, adding that 33 addicts were successfully counselled and rehabilitated in 2013, while 22 were currently at the rehabilitation centre in Zaria.

Jibrin commended the efforts of the state government, security agencies and the Emir of Zazzau for their support in fighting drug abuse and sale in the state.