24 HOURS AFTER ABUJA BLAST:Gunmen abduct 100 school girls in Borno

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62123

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014

24 HOURS AFTER ABUJA BLAST:

Gunmen abduct 100 school girls in Borno

BY NDAHI MARAMA

•We're still searching for our 7 children — Parent M

AIDUGURI— LESS then 24 hours after the Boko Haram terrorists bombed the Nyanya bus terminus in Abuja, killing more than 100 innocent NigeContinues on page 5

Names of Nyanya blast victims 58

COLUMNISTS: There is nothing progressive about the APC Top left: Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, being attended to by Mrs. Basillia Opara, as he donates blood to victims of the Nyanya blast at the National Blood Transfusion Centre, Abuja, yesterday. Top right: First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan (R) with Alhaja Amina Sambo (2l) and Mrs. Helen Mark (l) commiserate with a victim at the National Hospital, Abuja. Below left: Workers clean the site of the blast. Below right: A woman holds an injured child. Photos: Abayomi Adeshida, Olugbemiga Olamikan, with AFP.

GRAFT: Jonathan, Kano Gov in war of words 51

NYANYA BLAST: 7 We saw our brother burning — Victim's relation C M Y K

AGM:From left, Mr Segun Agbaje, MD/ CEO; Mr Egbert Imomoh, Chairman and Mrs. Olutola Omotola, ED/ Company Secretary, all of GTBank at the bank's 24th AGM held, yesterday, in Lagos.

7 .1 •P

Is it scarcity of fuel or...? •P.19

Mr & Mrs

2 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014 — 3

4 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014—5

POCKET CARTOON

President Goodluck Jonathan acknowledging cheers from party supporters at a rally to welcome former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau to PDP in Kano, yesterday. State House photo.

Gunmen abduct 100 school girls in Borno Continues from page 1 rians, some unidentified gunmen suspected to be members of the terrorist organisation again abducted more than 100 female students from a Government Girls Secondary School, GGSS, in Borno State.

The students were abducted in the school located at Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State, after killing a security personnel suspected to be a soldier.

The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Gideon Jubrin confirmed the attack in Chibok, but said, he was yet to get details on the number of casualties.

The incident occurred at the council headquar-

ters where the students were preparing to write the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations, SSCE now going on across the country.

Vanguard sources said that the gunmen numbering over 100 using motorcycles and Toyota Hilux vans stormed the council’s headquarters at about 9pm, and operated till 3am, yesterday.

“Apart from the abduction of the female students, the gunmen also carted away foodstuff, before setting many residentialbuildings and shops ablaze,” the sources added.

A resident of Chibok who escaped the attack, Mr. Nuhu Amos told Vanguard in a telephone interview that, “ the gun-

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

What you call yourself, and who you decide to become, is your future or destiny — Take Heart Quotes

W

HEN you are content to simply be yourself, without comparing and competing to impress others, everyone worthwhile will respect you. And even more importantly, you will respect yourself. How are you letting others define you? What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?

Truth be told, no one has the right to judge you.

People may have heard your stories, and they may think they know you, but they can’t feel what you are going through; they aren’t living YOUR life.

So forget what they think and say about you. Focus on how you feel about yourself, and keep walking the path that feels best under your feet.

Those who accept you are your friends. Those who don’t are your teachers. If someone calls you something and it’s true, it’s not your problem because it’s true. If someone calls you something and it’s not true, it’s not your problem because it’s not true.

Either way, whatever they call you is not your problem. What other people call you is their problem.

men armed with AK47 rifles, Improvised Explosive Devices, IED’s, and petrol bombs stormed Chibok on Monday evening and attacked one of the security posts and shot one security personnel, before abducting more than 100

female students, as well as setting some houses and shops ablaze within the vicinity.

“Although, the attackers did not kill any resident, they only shot one security operative, before carting away foodstuff and escaping into the

Sambisa Forest.

“I also learnt that out of about 250 female students writing their SSCE, some were able to escape into the bush, while more than 100 were abducted by the attackers using a 911 truck/ lorry that was abandoned by its driver who was heading to Maiduguri, the state capital.

“Prior to this incident, gunmen had attempted to attack Chibok on three occasions without success, but this time around, they were able to accomplish their mission, as they were in Chibok from 9pm till about 3am on Tuesday.”

Another resident who spoke on the condition of

anonymity also said: “Seven of my children including those of my elder brother and sister who are writing the SSCE in the affected school are still missing, and I don’t know whether they were abducted or among those who escaped into the bush.”

However, the PPRO who spoke on the issue said: “Yes, there was an attack in Chibok, yesterday evening by suspected members of Boko Haram terrorists, but we are yet to get details. As soon as details of the attack reach my table, I will get back to you."

Ibori's London case: I'm confused — BRITISH JUDGE L

ONDON—AS the former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori’s London confiscation case resumes today, the court will attempt to break the logjam that bogged it down all through last week; to try Ibori afresh or not.

What really bogged down the proceedings was that Judge Anthony Pitts repeatedly said in the course of the submission of James Ibori’s defence team at Southwark Crown Court, London that he was confused. He said that he was becoming even much more confused ‘now’ as the case being argued by Ibori’s lead counsel, Mr Ivan Krolic continued to unfold.

Judge Pitts expressing his frustration, addressed Ibori’s lead counsel: “There was confusion though not in your mind, but there is a deep confusion in my own mind”. Responding to the Judge’s confession, Mr Krolic said “if the court is confused, has the court listened to the arguments at all? “We

have proved our position to the court from the outset. Mr Ibori has made his case clear. We also have made our case clear as the counsel. If you had allowed me to finish my submission, you would not have been confused”.

Quoting extensively from the transcript of the proceedings from the time the case started, and certain decisions made by the Judge, Mr Krolic said: “Both sides have conducted this confiscation trial, both sides have closed their case, the defence has cross-examined witnesses. To now suddenly say to one party, I want you to investigate and change your case so that you could win, in my opinion, no court would give such an order ”.

He continued: “The court is the sole decider of the law and the court has to be impartial, each side has experienced counsel and solicitors; there is no need for the court to be involved”.

Making it clear to the judge that he had in the

course of the proceedings last year, blocked the attempt by the crown prosecution to insert Assumption 72AA to all the items (thus tasking Ibori with proving his innocence instead of the prosecution proving him guilty), Krolic said, “your honour while applying your discretion on the application for assumption 72AA to be introduced into all the items said it would amount to not only changing the goal post but moving the goal post from the field of play”.

Reacting to Krolic, Judge Pitts asked: “Are you saying if in the course of a case and as the case unfolds, I noticed that I have made some decisions, are you saying I cannot revisit it’?

Krolic: “Your honour has no power to do so”.

The judge not satisfied asked Krolic again ‘are you saying a judge can’t revisit a discretion applied having realised some confusion as the case develops?” Krolic replied again ‘...the court can’t say I am confused, telling one party, I am going to let you start

again. Once a decision is made by the court, you can’t undo it, you can’t retrace the past. And if the court is confused, that is what the advocates are there for”.

Insisting on his legal arguments that the Judge can’t suddenly grant the prosecution’s request to let the case start afresh, Krolic said: “You have rejected their application in October, your honour was not confused because you gave clear reasons”.

Judge: “But the case could be reopened.”

Krolic said that if the case is reopened, it will be a different case entirely and the judge asked ‘ why is it a different case?” Krolic replied: “The real problem is that the defence would now have to satisfy the burden of proof taking it away from the prosecution”.

The fireworks will continue today. Meanwhile, thousands of Nigerians in the Diaspora demonstrated outside the court last Friday. One of their banners stated: “Why the spotlight on James Ibori alone...?"

6—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014

8 killed in Fulani-Jukun crisis in Wukari

BY JOHN MKOM

J

ALINGO— ABOUT eight people were killed, yesterday, in Wukari, Taraba State, following a crises between Fulani herdsmen and Jukuns.

Sources told Vanguard that the crisis erupted following the alleged killing of a Jukun by the Fulani herdsmen at Jubu, near Wukari, last week. It was learnt the situation escalated when the Jukuns who went for a reprisal attack lost seven of their memebers yesterday.

The Jukuns living in Wukari were said to have been enraged when they saw the corpses of the seven men which were brought to the Wukari General Hospital at about 4.30 pm and started attacking non-natives, mostly Muslims.

The Police Public Relations Officer for Taraba State, Joseph Waji, confirmed the development when Vanguard spoke with him on the telephone. Waji said that the crises which started in Jubu had spread to Wukari but assured that the situation was under control as soldiers and policemen had been drafted to the scene to quell the riot.

Kogi speaker’s 2 sons kidnapped

By BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO

L

OKOJA — GUNMEN, yesterday, invaded the house of the Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Mr. Momoh Lawal Jimoh, at Okengwe, in Okene Local Government Area of the state and kidnapped two of his children.

The gunmen, who were said to have gained entrance through the fence, also looted the speaker's house and carted away valuables including jewellery, television sets and a generator.

19-yr-old Pakistani nabbed with N228m heroin at MMIA

BY IFEANYI OKOLIE & DANIEL ETEGHE

L

AGOS — A 19-year-old Pa kistani, Iftikihar Muhammed Arslan, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, for attempting to smuggle 25 parcels of heroin into the country.

The suspect, who claimed to be a student of Punjab College in Pakistan, was apprehended at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, by the operatives when the illicit drug was discovered in his luggage during inward screening of passengers on board a Qatar airline flight.

Vanguard gathered that seized drugs weighing 25.400kg, have an estimated street value of N228 million.

Preliminary investigation has shown that the suspect left Lahore, Pakistan with the drugs to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, then Doha, in Qatar, from where he connected to Lagos.

He is believed to be working for a Pakistani drug cartel.

Spokesman of the agency, Mr

The suspect, Iftikihar Arslan and the drugs Mitchell Ofoyeju, who described Lagos Airport, Mr. Hamza Umar, the incident as the single larg- found the 25 parcels of brownish est seizure of heroin at the La- substance that tested positive for gos airport since January, said heroin hidden in a smaller bag the NDLEA commander at the inside the suspect's luggage.

Ofoyeju said the suspect was cooperating with the agency's team of investigators.

Meantime, Arslan, who speaks English fluently, confessed how he got the drugs.

According to him, "I am a student of Punjab College and I am in Nigeria as a tourist because my friend told me that Victoria Island and Ikoyi are beautiful tourist centres. Unfortunately, when I arrived at the Lagos airport, the heroin was found in my luggage.

This is my first time of coming to Nigeria and I had intended to spend a week or two."

In his reaction, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, who expressed delight over the arrest, said Nigeria was winning the fight against narcotics.

He said: "This arrest and seizure will further send a warning to drug trafficking cartels that Nigeria is winning the fight against narcotics. NDLEA is prepared to halt the criminal activities of drug barons through a coordinated drug detection strategies. We are working very hard to also identify other members of the criminal group."

One dies, several injured in Lagos cult clash over girlfriend

BY ESTHER ONYEGBULA

L

AGOS — A 33-year-old man has been killed during a feud between two cult groups around Iba new site.

Trouble, as gathered, started on Monday, April 14, at about 8pm, between two cult groups from Aratomi and Chemist, after a cult member from Aratomi reportedly snatched a female lover from a member of the other group.

This unfortunately led to a battle that lasted several hours resulting in the death of a man simply identified as Hamburger, while several others were injured.

Vanguard gathered at the scene of the incident that for the timely intervention of policemen from the Ojo Police division it would have degenerated.

An octogenarian displays her All Progressives Congress, APC, card during ward congress of the party at Urhonigbe South, Orhiomwon Local Government Area,Edo State, weekend.

One of the victims, who was attacked with machete and an axe on his head and body, was rushed to the Igando General Hospital where he died yesterday from loss of blood.

According to a police source, who preferred annonimity, "already, 11 suspects have been arrested in connection with the kill-

ing and have been taken to Panti."

Account of victim's brother

According to the victim's brother; "My younger brother was returning from work on Monday when he was at-

tacked. There were deep cuts on his head, spinal cord and legs. We took him to the hospital where he died.

"He is my younger brother, he is not a cultist, he spent 10 years with me as an apprentice learning tiling and recently he had his freedom."

6 killed in Delta auto crash

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI— AT least six persons were, Monday, killed in a motor accident

along the Ohoror-Bomadi road, Patani Local Government Area, Delta State.

The accident which oc-

Surety docked for failing to produce suspects

BY ONOZURE DANIA

L

AGOS — A 41-year-old surety, Ismaila Saliu, who took the bail of two suspects at the Special Ant- Robbery Squad office at Ikeja, was yesterday arraigned before an Ikeja magistrate’s court for failing to produce the suspects as promised.

The defendant, who took the bail of the suspects on February 17, 2014 is facing a count charge of breach of trust, preferred against him by the police.

The suspects, which the surety took their bail are Ademola Dauda and Wasiu Lawal. They were involved in a case of conspiracy, threatening of violence, stealing and obtaining money by

false pretences.

The prosecutor, ASP Iranus Nnamonu, told the court that the defendant had promised to produced the suspects whenever they were needed by the police till the case against the suspects were finally disposed off but failed to produce them when they were required by the police.

According to him, the defendant was to forfeit N1.7 million if he failed to produce the suspects.

The prosecutor said the offence was punishable under sections 122 and 135 of the criminal laws of the Federation.

The defendant had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charge against him.

curred about 5.30pm, according to an eyewitness, involved a Sports Utility Van, SUV, that was burnt beyond recognition and a Toyota Corolla car at a bend before Odorubu Community in Patani Local Government Area.

The eyewitness, a commuter, who gave his name as Mr. Isaac Ofiki said: "The occupant of the SUV was also burnt beyond recognition while the five occupants of the car all died on the spot.

"The Toyota Corolla commercial vehicle was trying to avoid a pothole on the road when it colluded with the SUV, that burst into flame immediately."

Lamenting that the fire could not be put off despite efforts by other road users, Ofiki said the bodies of the occupants of the Toyota Corolla car were later taken to the Bomadi General Hospital mortuary.

At press time identity of the victims were still unknown.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014 —7

N YA N YA B O M B B L A S T :

‘We saw our brother burning’

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

A

BUJA — FORTY-EIGHT hours after the bomb blast at Nyanya motor park, an outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, the whereabouts of a 20-year-old recharge card seller at the park, Isa Nuhu, is yet to be known despite the fact that one of the family members saw his body burning at the scene of the incident.

Nuhu, who family source said had just finished his secondary school and decided to help himself by selling recharge cards and repairing mobile phones at the park, left the brother's house at 6 a.m, his usual time of leaving for business.

The family source also said immediately the incident occurred, Nuhu's body was seen burning and one of the brothers made efforts to put off the fire but was stopped by security operatives who took over the scene, but up till yesterday evening, neither the boy nor his body had been seen.

Speaking to Vanguard at the Wuse General Hospital, yesterday, one of Nuhu's family members, Mr. Hamzar Umar, said they have been looking for their brother and had gone to all the hospitals where bodies of the dead and those who sustained injuries were taken to, yet they have not been able to see Nuhu.

We saw our brother burning According to Umar, "Nuhu works at that particular place the bomb blast happened yesterday (Monday). We have been looking for the boy from hospital to hospital. We started from Asokoro yesterday (Monday), then went to Maitama and the National Hospital and we have come back to this hospital. Up till now, we have not seen him or his body.

"When this incident happened, one of his brothers rushed there and saw him on the ground, with one leg already burnt but as the brother tried to quench the fire, the security man at the scene did not allow him to remove him from the fire.

"When we came back, he was nowhere to be found. I don't know where they carried him to, whether he is dead or he is still alive. According to my brother, at the time he was trying to rescue him, he was already dying. But you know somebody can be uncon-

Some of the victims on hospital beds, yesterday

scious for three days, we don't know whether he is alive or not.

He was 20 years old, he just finished secondary school from Kogi State but lives with his brothers in Nyanya."

I almost lost my two sons —Waziri A father of two survivors of the blast, Chief Jezhi Yemida Waziri, who was at the bedside where one of his sons was admitted at the Wuse General Hospital, said he nearly lost his two sons from the blast and is now full of praises to God for the miracle of saving his sons.

Speaking with Vanguard, Chief Waziri said: "Two of my children were involved. I feel unhappy over it but at long last I really thank God because neither of them is dead.

"The only one that is in the hospital has an injury on his legs and he only needs stitches, he is here with the doctors at the Wuse General Hospital. I thank God he is able to talk and he is responding very well to treatment."

While advising the Federal Government to ensure the protection

of Nigerians, he said that if government had allowed the mass transit buses to operate in FCT, there would have been no need for people to gather at a place to board the El-Rufai buses where they met their untimely death.

He said: "Some of the victims had their body parts cut off, some of them were cut into two. It happened in my presence. In this Wuse Hospital, some of the dead ones were packed like sand or heap of yams inside a pick-up van."

We can't see our member — Pastor Emmanuel "My name is Pastor Emmanuel, we are looking for a member of our church, Pillar of God Bible Ministry. We have been looking for him since yesterday. We were together on Sunday and in the morning when I heard about the bomb blast, I called his number but it wasn’t going.

"Normally, he goes to work around 6:30 a.m and he worked at Niger Link Hotel.

"We have been to most of the hospitals and they showed us all the corpses but we didn’t find him but we cannot conclude that he is dead now. We will still continue to search for him.

"There are many bodies we cannot recognise. One can see only the bodies and body parts but if we see the head we should be able to identify our friend. We believe we will still see him."

Rowland was the only graduate in his family —Family friend The story of Rowland Bulus is pathetic indeed. His brother, Alexander, spent the whole of Monday and yesterday in search of the National Youth Service Corps member, the only graduate in his family.

His brother dropped out of school to help train him. Before he could apply his university degree to improve the lot of his family, the wicked hand of terrorists cut him down in his prime.

Alexander's friend spoke on his behalf, saying: "As at this afternoon (yesterday) we cannot even recognise some of the bodies. If the Fed-

eral Government had been proactive enough by embalming them or preserving them, it would have been very easy to identify the victims.

"His brother ’s name is Roland Bulus, a youth corps member with one of Federal Capital Territory agencies and he was supposed to resume work yesterday (Monday) to relieve somebody but when we tried to make contacts through his phones, it wasn’t going.

"We started going round the hospitals. They showed us the list of the patients but we couldn’t find his name. We even went round the wards in some of the hospitals, we also didn’t find him.

"We are suspecting that he might be among the corpses here, this is our last point of call. We visited all the hospitals yesterday (Monday) and today (yesterday). We went to Federal Staff Hospital, Wuse General Hospital, Nyanya Hospital and then to National Hospital.

"At the Federal Hospital, among the pieces of bodies we saw was a leg that we suspected was his but we want to exhaust all the avenues before we go back to that same hospital to check if really that leg was for his brother's. When he saw it he said that could be his brother’s leg. He looked at it and even picked it to have a closer look.

"He was with his brother at the SURE-P bus and he bought a ticket but went to buy water and before he came back, the bomb went off. So he was sure that his brother was caught up in the bomb blast.

His brother left school to help train him "His brother was the only university graduate in their family and the younger brother had to step out of school to enable him complete his university education so that as soon as he graduates they would be able to help the others.

"But, unfortunately he was supposed to have finished his service in June this year. It is a pathetic situation.

"As I speak, the father has been calling from home but he hasn’t been able to tell him anything yet. In fact, he has not been able to pick his calls.

What he wants to do is to identify the corpse of his brother first but since yesterday (Monday) we haven’t seen his copse but definitely he was in the bus."

8—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014

Northern govs condemn attack

HELPING: Nigerians donating blood for bomb blast victims in Abuja.

P H O T O : G b e m i g a Olamikan.

BY WOLE MOSADOMI, with Agency Report

M

INNA—THE Northern States Governors Forum, NSGF, yesterday, condemned the bomb attack which killed over 100 people and injured several others at a bus terminal in Nyanya, Abuja, Monday.

This was even as the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, yesterday, asked Nigerians to rise in unity against terrorism in the country.

Abubakar spoke through the Police Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Frank Mba, in Abuja, describing the explosion at the bus terminus as “unfortunate terrorist attack.”

He said that Nigerians must be united to fight against Boko Haram which he described as a common enemy.

Chairman of the NSGF and Governor of Niger State, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, in a statement by his Press Secretary, Mallam Danladi Ndayebo, said there was no basis for what the perpetrators did, adding that the loss of innocent lives due to the explosion was regrettable.

Aliyu expressed the forum’s deepest condolences to the families of the victims, saying no grievance can justify such a dastardly act against defenceless Nigerians.

The forum, however, called for vigilance, emphasising that the issue of security should not be left to security agents alone.

He said: “The issue of security should not be left to government alone. All hands must be on deck to stop the activities of terrorists, which have left hundreds of innocent Nigerians either dead or wounded.”

The governors however, asked security agencies not to be discouraged by the activities of terrorists.

DAY AFTER NYANYA BLAST: Please, allow me search for my sister's remains, man begs zAs scene becomes 'Mecca'

BY JOSEPH ERUNKE

A

BUJA—TWENTY FOUR hours after a carefully planted bomb went off, killing no fewer than 100 people and leaving over 176 others with various degrees of injuries, Nyanya Motor Park, the scene of the incidence has turned into a ‘Mecca’ of sort, as people troop out to visit the area.

Motorists passing through the road to Abuja metropolis slowed down to catch a glimpse of the scene, thus causing traffic gridlock on the road. Many others were seen looking down from Nyanya Overhead Bridge.

Stern-looking security and law enforcement agents from the military, police, Department of State Service, DSS, Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, were stationed round the area, warning people not to step closer.

However, an unpleasant smell was oozing out of the place, compelling

motorists and onlookers to cover their nostrils.

Among the people who were pushing to gain access to the scene was a 32 yearold man who identified himself as Peter, an uncle of a missing cousin he called Angelina.

“My sister is new in Abuja”

He told Vanguard that his missing cousin, a 23-year-old girl staying with him in Nyanya came to Abuja just

two months ago.

According Peter, the girl left the house at 5:30 in the morning to meet up an 8:30 job appointment, but nothing has been heard from her since, even as her phones were switched off.

Peter said he was at the scene to check if he could trace the missing cousin through any means, having gone round the various hospitals where both the dead and survivors were taken to Monday.

The visibly worried man appealed to this reporter to tell security men to allow

him have access to where the burnt belongings of the victims were kept, saying he may see any of his cousin’s belongings or ID card of a business centre where she was working.

He said: “She just came to Abuja to seek a job, having finished her National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, programme.

“Angelina has been in Abuja for just two months.

Who and where does she know here in Abuja that she would go without calling to inform me in view of the current situation in Nyanya?”

... as 23 bodies are yet to be identified at Asokoro Hospital

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI

O

NLY four of the 27 corpses deposited at the Asokoro Hospital Morgue had been identified, the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Abubakar Ahmadu, told journalists in Abuja, yesterday.

He said, however, that their

relatives were yet to show up to claim the bodies, adding that three of the injured have been discharged because they had only minor injuries, while the remaining victims are all in stable conditions.

He explained that the information desk at the hospital was still open to attend to concerned relatives

searching for their relations, disclosing that pictures of the victims have been placed on a wall for easy identification.

Dr. Ahmadu further said that the hospital authorities have come up with a comprehensive list of the victims brought to the hospital, thereby making the task of reconnecting them to their family easier.

Tambuwal donates blood to survivors

BY EMMAN OVUAKPORIE & LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

S

PEAKER of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal,

yesterday, donated blood to survivors of the Nyanya bomb blast.

Tambuwal made the blood donation at National Blood Transfusion Centre after he visited the survivors of the blast at the National Hospital.

Tambuwal said Nigerians should stop paying lip service to the issue of insecurity in the country.

Accompanied by the Deputy Minority Leader, Abdulraman Kawu, and chairmen of the House

Committees on Defence and the Police, Bashir Adamu and Usman Kumo, respectively, he said: “As leaders in this country, we must all come together and support the government in addressing this challenge of insecurity.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014 —9

BY UDUMA KALU, with Agency Report

B

RITISH international terrorist, ‘White Widow,’ real name Samantha Lewthwaite, may be the mastermind behind the horrific Monday attack in Nyanya, near Abuja.

While nobody has officially claimed responsibility 48 hours after the blast, UK security sources, according to reports, fear the bombing may have been a revenge attack for the death of Lewthwaite’s mentor— alShabaab terror chief Makaburi, A. K. A. Sheikh Abubakar Shariff Ahmed— two weeks ago.

A senior security source told UK’s Daily Star that agents across Africa were on high alert after the assassination of Makaburi, reportedly by the UK and US funded Kenyan Anti-Terror Police Unit, ATPU, 14 days ago, adding that Lewthwaite and her associates “ wanted revenge.”

The source said: “Makaburi was always believed to be at the very top of the hierarchy of terror organisation, alShabaab.

Intelligence suggests he introduced Samantha Lewthwaite to many influential figures within the al-Shabaab network.

“He guided her on her path to Jihad. His murder was seen as yet another act of war.”

Lewthwaite, 30, is believed to be in Nigeria, Kenya or Somalia, where Islamist terror networks are closely linked, making it far easier for her to evade detection than in Europe, the paper said.

The daughter of a British Army soldier, she is already on Interpol’s most wanted list in connection with seven murders and the siege of the Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi, Kenya, in September last year which left 67 dead and nearly 200 injured.

The paper said: “The world’s most wanted woman was reportedly caught at a checkpoint in Nigeria just six months ago, but managed to bribe her way to freedom.

“It is thought she commands enormous loyalty and power as a white convert female jihadist, having proved her worth in previous attacks.”

Pedigree

As both a mother and widow of a 7/7 bomber, she also provides the groups with invaluable propaganda.

The White Widow, who has been on the run since January 2012, got her grim nickname after husband Germaine Lindsay blew up a London Tube train in the 7/7 bombings in 2005.

Nyanya blast linked to UK White Widow z‘Lives in Nigeria, Kenya, Somalia’ Fifty six people were killed and more than 700 injured.

Interpol has issued a rare ‘Red Notice’ for the White Widow’s arrest.

Lewthwaite, from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, is believed to have widely used the alias ‘Natalie Webb’ and travelled on a forged South African passport. She is now officially being hunted by 190 countries

and is one of the most wanted international fugitives in the world.

Police seized her laptop in 2011 and found details of how to build bombs and evidence she was planning multiple terrorist attacks both in Africa and the West.

She has also been linked to grenade attacks at nonMuslim places of worship in

Africa and a terrorist attack on western football fans watching Euro 2012 in the Jericho bar in Mombasa.

Head of Interpol, Ronald Noble, said: “There is a global ‘tripwire’ for this fugitive. All 190 membercountries are aware of the danger posed by this woman, not just across the region but also worldwide.”

Samantha ‘White Widow’ Lewthwaite.

FG adjusts death toll to 72, injured 133

BY LAIDE AKINBOADE

D

IRECTOR-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Mohammad Sani Sidi disclosed, yesterday that one of those injured by the Nyanya bomb blast had died in the hospital, bringing the total number of those who died to 72, while 133 others are still receiving treatment.

He said a report received from one of the hospitals, yesterday, confirmed the loss of one of the victims, bringing the total to 72 deaths.

He added that information received from the hospitals where the victims are being treated confirmed that most of the victims had been stabilised, while some have been released to their families.He, however, noted that appropriate arrangement was been made by hospitals

and other relevant organisations for families of those that lost their loved ones to claim the remains.

Disclosing that some of the victims were still in critical condition, the DG urged members of the public to donate blood at Asokoro General Hospital, Asokoro; Maitama District Hospital, Maitama; Wuse General Hospital, Zone 3; Garki Hospital, Garki; Nyanyan General Hospital; National Hospital; Nigeria Customs Service Staff Clinic, Karu; Abuja Clinic, Karu; Nassarawa State Medical Centre, Mararaba and Pan Raff Hospital, Nyanya, Phase 4.

He noted that the agency had activated its information desk, which works round the clock, located on the second floor of national headquarters building, and

the agency can be contacted on 080320035335 or 09 290577.

Oritsejafor reacts

BY SAM EYOBOKA

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AT I O N A L President of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, yesterday, expressed disgust over the unabating orgy of violent terrorist attacks across the country.

He said whenever the perpetrators of such heinous crimes die, their corpses should be fed to pigs because they are on the same level with pigs.

Responding in a statement, he said: “I completely condemned the bomb attack on a motor park in Nyanya, a satellite community on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

This is very inhuman, ungodly and barbaric.

“I don’t even have the adjectives to describe what these mad people have done. As far as I am concerned, the perpetrators are not human beings and in my own opinion, when they finally die their corpses should be given to pigs because they are on the same level with pigs.

“How do you do this kind of thing to human beings? So definitely, they cannot be humans. It is so unfortunate.

“To make it worse, there are people who are sponsoring them. As the judgment of God comes upon them, the judgment will also come on those who are sponsoring them.

“Anybody who has given N1 to these people, whether they are local people or foreign financiers, the same judgment will come upon them and their children.”

FCTA to install metal, explosives detectors

BY HENRY UMORU

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BUJA— MINISTER of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed, disclosed yesterday that the FCT administration would install special mechanisms to detect metal or explosive devices on FCT high capacity buses.

He said the move will preserve human lives, just as he condemned the Nyanya motor park attack and described it as wicked and heartless.

Mohammed, who cut short

his trip to Saudi Arabia for lesser Hajj to rush back to Nigeria, promised that the FCTA would pick all medical bills of injured persons.

He disclosed this after visiting the scene of the blast and the Asokoro Hospital where some of the survivors were receiving treatment.

The minister said: “The FCT Administration would meet with security agencies to exploit ways of providing additional security for motor parks, markets and other public places in the Federal Capital Territory.”

10— Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014

Lagos police to beef up security ahead Easter, carnival

BY EVELYN USMAN

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AGOS—LAGOS State Police Command yesterday said, it had put in place adequate security measures aimed at stopping hoodlums from perpetrating criminal acts during the Easter festival and Lagos State Black Heritage Carnival.

The command in a statement by its spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, disclosed that; “A contingent of strike forces and specialised units of the force which includes Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorism Unit, Rapid Response Squad, Explosive Ordinance Division, and conventional men have been positioned in all points to monitor vehicles and individuals coming into the state and conduct stop and search.

The State Intelligence Bureau, SIB, Operatives have also been deployed to all nooks and crannies for covert operation”

2015: Ikorodu eyes Lagos governor’s seat

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

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MINENT Ikorodu indigenes under the auspices of Ikorodu Division Human Resource Development Board, IDHRDB, yesterday demanded that the governorship position in Lagos State be conceded to Ikorodu Division, noting that the zone had been politically marginalised since the creation of the state. They assured that qualified candidates would be presented to the powers-that-be in the state for the governorship seat.

This was disclosed in Lagos at the inauguration of the Liaison Group of Eminent Persons And Residents of Ikorodu Division.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of IDHRDB, Professor Kunle Wahab, said; “We have the information that Epe is poised for action in the struggle to snatch the governorship position in 2015 from Ikorodu despite the fact that Ikorodu, in 1992, conceded the governorship position to Epe by outvoting her own son, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, in favour of Sir Michael Otedola.

Secret of Olubadan’s long life, by Jonathan

BY OLAAJAYI

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BADAN—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said that clean mind, good character, clear conscience and good record of service have made the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana, to enjoy longevity.

The president joined other well-wishers at the Monatan residence of the monarch to

congratulate him on his centenary birthday.

On the entourage of the President were the Senate President, Senator David Mark, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr. Emeka Ihedioha, National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu, Deputy Senate Whip, Hosea Agboola, Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, Otunba Adebayo AlaoAkala, former Governor of Oyo

State, former Senate leader, Teslim Folarin, Minister of State, FCT, Mrs. Jumoke Akinjide and others.

When he arrived the residence of the monarch, some High Chiefs were initially prevented from gaining entry into the living room as security men took over the whole compound.

President Jonathan apologised for not being able to come on Monday as a result of the Nyanya bomb blast.

FASHOLA VISITS GOITRE PATIENTS: Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State inspecting a goitre patient after a successful surgery at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, yesterday. With him, from left are — Dr. Dolapo Fasawe,Coordinator, Eko Free Health Mission; Dr. Jide Idris, Commissioner for Health and Dr. Yewande Adesina, Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health during the surgical intervention of the Lagos State Goitre Control Programme. Photo by Bunmi Azeez.

LEKKI-IKOYI BRIDGE: Assassins nearly got me — ADEGBORUWA

BY INNOCENT ANABA & ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

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AGOS—LAGOS lawyer and rights activist, Mr Ebun-Olu Adegbouruwa, yesterday, called on Nigerians to hold the Lagos State Government and all those who have vested interests in the Lekki Ikoyi bridge toll fee, responsible for any harm that may come his way, following the invasion of his Lekki home Monday night by eight armed men.

Adegbouruwa in a statement, said: “On Monday, April 14, 2014, at 3a.m., armed men stormed my house, at Plots 13, Ebun-Olu Adegbouruwa Lane, Itedo, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. They were about eight in number. They were well armed with shotguns. They scaled through my fence, tied my security man and my driver, at my gatehouse. They asked if the compound belonged to Adegboruwa, if Adegboruwa had a mobile police guard, if Adegboruwa lived alone or had tenants, and whether my neighbour had policemen on patrol.”

Efforts by Vanguard to get the reaction of the state Attorney

General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye react to the allegation proved abortive as the law officer was said to be at a meeting, but the Special Assistant to the state governor on Justice Sector Reform, Mr. Lanre Akinsola, said Mr Adegboruwa was 'kidding' to have made such allegation against the state government.

Akinsola said “What kind of allegation is that? Why are we interested in killing him, for what? If he is sure of his allegation, he should mention names of those involved in the alleged attempt to kill him. Also, if he has evidence, let him produce same and forward to security agencies for investigation.”

Adegboruwa, continuing in the statement, said “They then started to demolish my window burglaries, they scaled upstairs to my terrace, to break into my living room upstairs, by which time I had already called for help, from the neighbours and from the police. They then tried to gain entrance into my kitchen downstairs, without success.

“They descended upon my security man and driver, beat them up mercilessly and started uprooting my burglary with the

heavy instruments that they brought. It was at this point that the police arrived, but the police could not gain entrance into my compound, because my security man had been tied. I saw the armed men myself from my location upstairs. They looked very mean and determined, possibly not the usual armed robbers after material things.

“I do believe that this was an assassination attempt upon my life, by the enemies of the people of the masses of Nigeria, and in particular the good people of Lagos State, in the Lekki-Ajah axis. One of my neighbours has since confirmed that he actually saw a car that dropped off these armed men around my fence at about 2 a.m. They were sent on specific instructions.

“Nigerians will recall that on March 27, 2014, the Federal High Court, Lagos, delivered judgment in my case with Lagos State that collection of toll fee on the Lekki Ikoyi bridge is illegal. It was just on Monday April 14, 2014, that I argued against the request by Lagos State, to stay the execution of the said judgment. Thus, this is just a case of the witch crying yesterday and the child dying today.''

Though, he was represented by the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, he said he would have wished to be there personally if not for the unfortunate incident.

While praying for more prosperous years ahead, he said his representative at the thanksgiving service on Monday had delivered his birthday message.

He described Olubadan as a very unique monarch being one of the very few around who were born when the Northern and Southern Protectorates were amalgamated.

Jonathan and his entourage sang for the celebrant and thereafter cut the birthday cake.

Earlier in his welcome address, Otun Olubadan, Omowale Kuye, who spoke on behalf of Olubadan commended the President for the visit saying being the first person to occupy the presidential seat from the minority zone of the country, he had done the right thing by the approval he gave for the ongoing National Conference which he said “is what the country needs presently”.

Lagos begins free surgery for goitre patients

BY OLASUNKANMIAKONI & MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

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AGOS—GOVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday, called on residents to be conscious of their eating and drinking habits in their own interest, as he flagged off the state’s free surgical treatment for 53 goitre patients in the state.

It will be recalled that a team of medical experts deployed by the state government to Badagry area of the state, had earlier commenced investigation into the causes of high prevalence of goitre in the area with a view to finding the remote and immediate causes of the neckswelling disorder.

The programme, a state government intervention due to the high cases of goitre recorded in Badagry area of the state, where several patients were discovered, is the first phase in the series of the exercise to be carried out for patients in the state.

Goitre, is an enlarged thyroid gland that causes difficulty with swallowing, strenuous or noisy breathing and even change in voice of sufferer.

Fashola at the ‘surgical intervention of the Lagos State Goitre Control Programme,” at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Ikeja, said that the intervention was to give patients a new lease of life while the government was working on a preventive strategy.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014—11

Osun PDP, APC trade words over planned mayhem zStop blackmailing INEC, APC tells PDP

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

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SOGBO – THE ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State and the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday traded words over alleged plot to assassinate an unnamed governorship aspirant before the August 9 election in the state.

While PDP accused APC of plotting to assassinate one of the governorship aspirants who contested against its gubernatorial candidate Senator Iyiola Omisore in the April 5 governorship primary of the party, the APC said the PDP was just revealing its plans to cause mayhem in the state.

This came as Senator Omisore alleged plot by the APC to destabilise the peace of the state ahead of the August 9 governorship election through killing of PDP members, while APC insisted Omisore was well known for violence and killings.

The PDP, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Prince Bola Ajao said “we are aware of their many cruel machinations to put a wedge between our candidate and his lawful governorship pursuit, knowing full well that he looks unstoppable. Ordinarily, one would have discarded this with a wave of hand as a ruse, but with the desperation being exhibited by the sinking Aregbesola’s government in its attempt to stage manage a come-back even when they themselves are aware that they have lost credibility and are out of favour with the Osun voting public. The penchant of Aregbesola’s government for

dastardly acts makes it more worrisome.”

Also, Omisore in a statement by his Director of Media and Strategy, Mr Diran Odeyemi claimed he had received series of text messages about plans by some APC leaders to kill a PDP governorship aspirant to make it look as if the killing was as a result of rivalry over the gubernatorial primary election just conducted by the party.

Reacting, APC in a statement by its Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Mr. Kunle Oyatomi, described the allegation as a concoction designed to conceal the intention of PDP and Omisore, saying Omisore had a history of violence.

He said “Whatever the PDP and Omisore are accusing the APC of is uncharacteristic of the APC, but it is the characteristic of Omisore in politics of Osun State. Omisore's political style is surrounded by violence and killing of innocent people. In whose interest will the killing of any PDP governorship aspirant be?” he asked, stressing that Omisore was only exposing his hidden agenda through the allegation.

Stop blackmailing INEC, APC tells PDP Meanwhile, APC in Osun State, yesterday called on the PDP to stop “its serial blackmail” and threat against the Independent National Electoral

VISIT: Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State (centre), Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation, Senator Gbenga Obadara (2nd left), Members of the Committee, Senator Adamu Gumba (left) and Senator Abubakar Tutare (2nd right) with Member, Senate Committee on Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, Alhaji Aminu Maigari when they called on the governor during their oversight visit to Ogun State, yesterday.

Fayose vows to re-unite party before polls

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

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DO EKITI – FORMER governor of Ekiti State and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in the forthcoming governorship election, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, yesterday said he would use his position to re-unite the party ahead of the election.

Speaking at Ikere Ekiti while receiving supporters of his former Deputy, Mr. Bisi Omoyeni, he declared that members were ready to embrace peace.

Fayose said, “I won’t be distracted by whatever they say about me. I am committed to this course. It is like running a race, so I won’t look sideways but where I am going.”

He praised the 13 aggrieved aspirants for embracing peace after the meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan.

Fayose declared that he would continue to offer leadership to all members of the party, promising not to victimise anybody based on

Commission, INEC, that except the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the State, Dr Rufus Akeju was replaced, the party would not consider the August 9 election credible.

APC described this stance as a blatant attempt by the PDP to corrupt the electoral process by arm-twisting INEC to replace a man the PDP had allegedly found impossible to manipulate with one that would do its bidding during the August 9 poll.

Oyatomi said it was the PDP itself that stalled the court process which was attempting to determine the truth or otherwise of that party’s allegation against the State’s Resident Electoral Commissioner.

their political belief.

Omoyeni, who described Fayose as a ‘promise keeper' and someone with a large heart, said “he is a friend of the poor and less privileged.”

Adeyeye hails Omoyeni, Bejide, others Meanwhile, former Peoples

Democratic Party, PDP governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, Prince Dayo Adeyeye has commended Chief Bisi Omoyeni, Ambassador Dare Bejide and other aspirants who have agreed to work for the success of the party in the June 21, 2014 governorship election, saying; “as loyal party men, we must look

beyond personal ambitions in whatever we do.”

Adeyeye, who described Omoyeni’s open declaration of support for the PDP candidate, Mr Ayodele Fayose as a justification of the position that he (Adeyeye) took two weeks ago, added that; “I am happy that other aspirants are now seeing what I saw two weeks ago. They have now seen reasons we should support our party and I commend them.”

N11.5 bn fraud: Alao-Akala has case to answer – Court

BY OLA AJAYI

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BADAN – ATTEMPTS by the former Governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo AlaoAkala to quash the alleged misappropriation of N11.5 billion suit filed against him and his former aides by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFFC, yesterday failed as the Court of Appeal in Ibadan dismissed the suit.

Alao-Akala, Senator Hosea Agboola, former Commissioner

for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters and an Ibadan-based business man, Mr. Olufemi Babalola, had appealed the ruling delivered on December 12, 2012 by Justice Akintunde Boade of the Oyo State High Court that they had a case to answer.

The EFCC had arraigned the appellants before the Court on 11-count charge on conspiracy, contract awards without budgetary provisions, and obtaining by false pretence.

They all pleaded not guilty to

the charges.

While delivering judgment on the ruling, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, said the appeal against the ruling of the lower court was premature.

The judge reasoned that the former governor should have waited for the trial to go midway at the High Court before appealing it.

According to her, Otunba Alao-Akala failed to produce sufficient proof to convince the court to quash the ruling of the lower court.

INEC, parties' parley on Ondo by-election deadlocked

BY DAYO JOHNSON

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KURE–THE stakeholders meeting called by the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC to discuss the inconclusive by-election of Ilaje/EseOdo Federal Constituency in Ondo State yesterday ended in deadlock.

This came as the Labour Party, LP, confirmed that it had approached a Federal High Court, Akure, seeking an order to compel INEC to declare its candidate winner of the by election and to restrain the Commission from conducting any further election in the area.

The meeting that was called for parties to agree on a new date for the remaining part of the inconclusive election was interrupted intermittently as party leaders shouted at one another.

The charged atmosphere prevented the stakeholders from agreeing on a new date for the supplementary election following the inconclusive one of April 5 this year.

Yesterday meeting was held at the INEC office in Akure and was attended by the seven political parties, security operatives, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mr. Akin Orebiyi.

Some of the political parties also threatened to boycott the supplementary election.

In his opening speech the REC, Orebiyi took a swipe at the involvement of the Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro in the byelection.

Orebiyi noted that it was not right for the minister to get himself involved in the election.

Leaders of the opposition PDP reacted rowdily to the REC submission and the meeting was disrupted for about seven minutes.

State Chairman of PDP, Mr. Ebenezer Alabi, spoke against INEC submission, which prompted sharp reactions among leaders of other parties and members.

Alabi also queried the involvement of Governor Olusegun Mimiko in the election when he is not from the Federal Constituency.

12—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014

Oil thieves' threats won't deter me —Uduaghan

BY EMMA AMAIZE

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ARRI—GOVERNOR of Delta State and Chairman, National Economic Council on Oil Theft, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, yesterday, said he had received countless threats to his life from oil thieves, but vowed that the intimidation will not deter him from going after the economic saboteurs.

The governor, spoke at the 2nd edition of the Delta State Oil and Gas Industry Stakeholders’ conference, in Warri, where the Flag Officer Commanding, FOC, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral S. Alade, accused International Oil Companies, IOCs, of crude oil theft.

Alade said “Most of the crude oil theft is perpetuated from the loading point and so, oil companies cannot claim ignorance of oil theft.”

Responding, Manager, Ogoni Restoration Project, Mr. Augustine Igbuku, who represented the Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Nigeria, Mr. Mutiu Sumonu, Shell Petroleum Development Company, said that the IOC recently discovered that a line was welded to its Forcados Terminal export line, where export quality crude oil was being stolen.

He said “Such an underwater operation does not come easy to us in the industry, but some criminals were able to install a theft point without detection. Investigations are on-going to understand how

this was done.”

Igbuku denied that IOCs were involved in oil theft, noting that contractors and their workers should not be misconstrued for staffers of oil companies.

On his part, Chairman, Delta Wateways Security Committee, DWSC, Chief Ayiri Emami, said oil companies, security agencies and host communities were involved in crude oil theft in the state.

The conference, organised by the Ministry of Oil and Gas, Delta State, according to the

Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Mr. Omamofe Pirah, was on how to collectively curb crude oil theft in the state and prepare the minds of host communities on environmental impact of oil pollution.

Governor Uduaghan, said: “We have made a lot of moves to reduce the level of oil theft. Last year, there was an alarm in which it was estimated that about 400,000 barrels of crude was lost in one day. What that meant

was that there was a shut in of two main Shell pipelines in the East and it was in those shut in, revenue wise, that we were losing about 300,000 to 320,000 barrels per day.

“It was not as if the oil was being stolen, but because of the challenges we had with the main pipelines, that quantify of crude was not being exported, but what was being stolen at that time was about 80,000 to 100,000 barrels per day."

B

ENIN—PUBLIC primary and secondary school teachers in Edo State have initiated contempt proceedings against officials of Edo State Government before the Enugu Division of the National Industrial Court, following an alleged disobedience to an order by the President of the court, Justice B. Adejumo, restraining the state government from going ahead with the competency test for teachers in the state.

Counsel to Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, the umbrella association of public primary and secondary school teachers in the state, Mr. Olayiwola Afolabi, who initiated the contempt proceedings, said in Benin, yesterday that Form 48, (notice of consequences of disobedience to the order of the court)

A

MEMBER of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and governorship aspirant in the 2015 election in Delta State, Ambassador Gabriel Oyibode, has commended the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, for initiating his economic policy centred on “Delta-beyond-oil.”

Oyibode, yesterday in Warri, after consultative meetings with opinion leaders in the state, said the benefit of “Delta-beyondoil” has opened the potentials of other sectors, which will help grow the economy of the state.

He said: “Globally, a state economy grows on macrosector economic framework.

Uduaghan's initiative on such policy is laudable and needs to be sustained. Before the advent of oil in Nigeria, our main stay was agriculture which has gone bad now."

Madam Okome passes on

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CONFERENCE: From right: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State; Rear Admiral S.I. Alade, Chairman, House Committee on Oil and Gas; Mr. Daniel Yingi and the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM Emmanuel Sideso, during the Delta State Annual Oil and Gas Conference in Warri, yesterday. Photo: Henry Unini .

Edo teachers file contempt proceedings against state govt officials

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

Oyibode lauds Uduaghan on Delta-beyondoil

had been served on the said officials of the state government.

The alleged contemnor include the chairman of the committee saddled with the conduct of the competency test, Prof.

Dennis Agbonlahor, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Edo State, Commissioner for Higher Education and Commissioner for Basic Education, Head of Service of Edo State, Head of Information Communication Technology Agency, ICTA, Edo State, Permanent Secretary Post Primary Education Board and Mrs. I. J. Iyamu, of Post Primary Education Board.

It will be recalled that the teachers

approached the NIC, challenging the competency test, which also restrained the state government from going ahead with the test.

The court had also ordered that the status quo ante be maintained pending the

HE families of late Mr. Elijah Okome and late Jimmy Sideso, have announced the death of their wife, daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother. Mrs Susannah Okome (nee Sideso), who passed on,March 16, 2014 in Maryland USA, aged 83.

Burial arrangement will be announced later.

She is survived by sisters, children and grandchildren, including Roli Okome and Titi Adenuga.

hearing and determination of the suit by the teachers, while the case was assigned to Justice Auwal Irahim of the Enugu Division, but the state government allegedly went ahead with the test.

Late Mrs. S. Okome

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014—13

Rivers 2015: Group flays First Lady's alleged endorsement of Wike as next gov

BY GBENGA OKE

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AN Rivers Alliance, the umbrella body of Rivers State socio-political organisations, has condemned the statement credited to the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, endorsing Supervising Minister of Education, Mr Nyesom Wike, as next governor of the state.

The group said that the next Rivers State governor must come from the riverine area of the state, adding that Wike was not qualified to lead the state since he is from the upland, the area which has been ruling the state since inception noting that in the spirit of fairness, the riverrine area must produce the next governor of the state.

The statement read: “The Pan Rivers Alliance insists that the ongoing debate about which ethnic group should produce the next Rivers State governor in 2015, is a testimony to the fact that most Rivers people accept the need for equitable rotation of political offices in the state.

“We want to remind the people that many communities in Rivers State have over the years adopted zoning as a method of selecting their people for elective positions and this has helped to maintain fairness and cordial co-existence.

“We recall that in keeping with the spirit of zoning and fairness, Rivers people, with the overwhelming support of the riverine areas, massively voted for

Dr Peter Odili from a minority upland community of Ndoni in 1999 and 2003. The governorship shifted to Ikwerre ethnic group of the upland area in 2007 due to the insistence of former Governor Odili and the massive support of Rivers people."

On the alleged endorsement of Wike, the group said: “We consider as an aberration, the description of

Wike as the leader of PDP in River State and it is worrisome that a junior minister should be accorded the leadership of PDP in a state where there are well-meaning founding leaders such as Dr Odili, Dr Ombo Isokrari, Chief Victor Odili, Prince Uche Secondus (Deputy National Chairman of PDP) and Dr. Tammy Danagogo, the Minister of Sports.”

Nembe indigenes shun Shell’s JIV tour

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA—AGGRIEVED indigenes of 20 communities and fishing settlements in Nembe Kingdom, Bayelsa State, have shunned a planned Joint Investigation Visit, JIV, tour of the massive oil spillage sites along the Nembe Creek area in Nembe Local Government Area of the state in protest over alleged refusal of Shell Petroleum Development Company to conduct clean up exercise in the area and pay com-

pensation to the people.

The aggrieved indigenes, through their representatives on the Oil and Gas Committee of the Kingdom, said though they had attended several JIV meetings on oil spillages in the area, the meetings have not yielded positive results in terms of clean-up and compensation to affected communities.

Chairman of the Oil and Gas Committee of Nembe Kingdom, Chief Nengi

James, who spoke in Yenagoa on the development, said the decision to boycott the JIV meeting was based on alleged divisive conduct of the management of Shell.

James said though the last JIV was called due to last Thursday's oil spillage from the pipeline belonging to the Shell flow station along the Nembe Creek, “they have sat with the communities over six other spillages and claim that it is sabotage.”

Gbaramatu leader assures on devt

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HE chairman of Eg bema Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation, Chief Micheal Johnny, has reiterated the foundation’s commitment to peace, human and infrastructure development of the area.

Johnny, who resumed office, yesterday, assured that the foundation was focused, determined and committed to its mandate which include protection of Chevron's facilities and stoppage of illegal bunkering and vandalism.

He commended the executives of the foundation for being supportive and implored them to continue to work in oneness to achieve the purpose for which the foundation was established.

He thanked the people of Egbema and Gbaramatu oil communities for their cooperation and prayers.

14—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014

N500bn NDDC suit: Why we are in court — Niger Delta monarchs

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

A

BUJA — Twenty-one traditional rulers from the oil producing areas of the Niger Delta, yesterday, besieged the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, asking for an expeditious hearing of a N500billion suit they filed against the Federal Government.

The plaintiffs maintained that the amount in question, meant for disbursement to the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, between 2001 and 2009, was withheld when President Olusegun Obasanjo was in power.

The monarchs, who commenced the legal action on behalf of themselves and their communities under the platform of the Traditional Rulers of the Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria, TROMPCON, alleged that the Federal Government frustrated hearing on the matter “through its futile out-ofcourt settlement pledge.”

The case which was earlier fixed for hearing, yesterday, could not go on as the court did not seat, though the Chief Judge of the High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, said a new date would be given.

Listed as defendants in the suit were the Attorney General of the Federation, Minister of Finance, the Finance Ministry and NDDC. In a writ of summons filed by their lawyer Dr. Alex Izinyon, SAN, the plaintiffs were praying the court for “a declaration that the acts of the 2nd and 3rd defendants in non-disbursement of the sum of N484, 450, 551, 137.91 from the Federation Account, being part of the statutory contribution to the Niger Delta Development Commission between 2001 and 2009.

Obiano condoles Nyanya bomb blast victims’ families

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

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WKA — ANAMBRA State governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has called for integrated intelligence gathering approach to

the threat posed to the country by terrorism.

In a condolence statement, yesterday, to the families of Monday’s bomb blast at Nyanya, near Abuja, Obiano suggested intensified intelligence monitoring

and analyses of every link in the conception and execution of possible terror attacks, saying it would go a long way in containing the threat.

The governor expressed "deep regrets" on the incident, describ-

...APGA validly nominated him — Umeh

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA — CHIEF Victor Umeh of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, yesterday, in Awka, told the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal that his party validly nominated Chief Willie Obiano for the November 16, 2013, governorship election in the state.

Testifying at the tribunal, Umeh said that as the national chairman of APGA, with Alhaji Sani Shinkafi as the national secretary of the party at the time of the election, they duly signed the nomination form and forwarded the name of Obiano and Dr. Nkem Okeke as the governorship and deputy governorship candidates respectively to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as required by the guideline provided by the commission.

According to him, APGA conducted only one primary for the governorship election, which is the one monitored by INEC. He said: “Apart from the fact that the primary was conducted by the lawful leadership of APGA and the executive recognised by INEC, the primary was also monitored by the electoral body in compliance with section 84 of the Electoral Act which requires INEC to monitor any

primary conducted by any political party.”

Umeh also said he was the valid national chairman of APGA at the time Obiano was selected, adding that it was on that basis that INEC monitored the primary.

Asked if he was aware that

Chief Maxi Okwu was validly elected national chairman of APGA based on the judgment of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, Umeh said the judgment he (Okwu) relied on could be taken as never existed as it had been overtaken by the Court of Appeal ruling in his favour.

FLAG-OFF: Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano (in gloves), and Chief Emeka Ojukwu Jnr, Chairman, Nnewi North LGA (clapping), during the flag-off of the Operation Zero-tolerance of Potholes in Anambra State, at Nnewi, yesterday.

Again, APC shifts LG congress in Anambra

BY NWABUEZE OKONKWO

O

NITSHA— FOR the sec ond time, the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Anambra State, has postponed its proposed local government congress to tomorrow due to

logistic reasons.

The congress had been scheduled to hold last Saturday but was postponed to yesterday, Tuesday, on the directive of the national executives of the party.

However, the party discov-

ered that sensitive materials had not been adequately distributed to all the council areas and decided to postpone it again.

The state party leader, Senator Chris Ngige, who disclosed this to newsmen in a

Ojukwu's son promises open-door policy at Nnewi LGA

BY NWABUEZE OKONKWO

O

NITSHA— CHIEF Eme ka Ojukwu (Jnr.), son of the late Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka OdumegwuOjukwu, has pledged to run an open-door policy administration throughout his tenure as the sole administrator of Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

ing it as a national tragedy, adding that the incident was particularly painful, coming at a time the Federal Government was making great efforts to secure the lives and property of Nigerians.

He said: “I am personally saddened by this heinous crime. To all our brothers and sisters who lost loved ones in this ugly chapter of our national life, I say, ‘You are not alone! Your grief is our grief. It could have been anybody.'”

He urged Nigerians to rise to the challenge of the present security situation, noting that the imperative of socio- economic stability necessitated the state’s recent security summit.

Ojukwu also noted that he saw his appointment by Governor Willie Obiano as an opportunity to serve his people in the grassroots, adding that it would be a period of reconciliation..

He also called for total support for his administration, irrespective of party affiliations.

Ojukwu, who bowed before his father’s grave side to invoke his spirit, during a brief ceremony in his father’s compound at Nnewi,

declared: “Nnewi belongs to all of us. My task is to reconcile all aggrieved parties.

“Even though I’m a product of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, I’m an Nnewi man in the first place. I will represent all shades of opinion and carry everybody along with truth and honesty. Mine will be an open door policy.”

Ojukwu said he would talk to

the stakeholders in the local government area, including the church and interest groups, to ascertain the areas of need, adding that he would equally focus on youth empowerment, creation of education opportunities, creation of enabling environment for the evolution of small and medium scale industries, as well as sanitation.

telephone chat, yesterday, said to ensure that all the sensitive materials were adequately distributed to all the areas, the congress had to be postponed to tomorrow.

Ngige also noted that there was need to ensure that all the logistic arrangements were made to enhance smooth and peaceful conduct of the congress in the state, as executed during last Tuesday’s ward congress.

He disclosed that the party had already finished the harmonisation process and was now waiting to come to the field to showcase the peaceful coexistence of members tomorrow.

Meanwhile, APC interim national women leader, Lady Sharia Ikeazor, and the national deputy youth leader, Uzoma Igwenwa, had predicted a peaceful conduct of the congress.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014—15

Bomb scare at NASS ...as Tambuwal donates blood to survivors of Nyanya bomb blast

BY EMMAN OVUAKPORIE & LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

A

BUJA — BARELY 24 hours after the Nyanya bomb blast, there was pandemonium, yesterday, at the National Assembly as staff abandoned their duty-posts as early as 1.30p.m. to avoid being killed by a bomb allegedly planted in the complex.

Some workers, who spoke to Vanguard, claimed that there was an order that they should vacate the complex for security reasons.

Commercial banks operating

within the complex closed shop at about 1p.m., claiming that there was an order that they should vacate the complex.

Attempts to get clarifications from the civil servants proved abortive as most of them declared that they were on their way home.

The bomb scare story started at about 11a.m. when it was rumoured that there was a bomb planted in the complex and that an order from an unidentified source said that all commercial food vendors should vacate the complex im-

mediately.

By 2.30p.m., all staff of NASS had left the complex.

But a senior security aide to the Clerk of the House of Representatives, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Vanguard that “there was no instruction to that effect that they should vacate the complex. ”It is all rumour and you know how our staff behave; they just want to go home, it is unfortunate.”

Meanwhile, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, also yester-

day, promised to donate blood to survivors of Nyanya bomb blast.

Tambuwal made this disclosure when he visited survivors of the blast at the National Hospital.

Fielding questions from journalists, Tambuwal said Nigerians should stop paying lip service to the issue of insecurity in the country.

Accompanied by the Deputy Minority Leader, Abdulraman Kawu, and chairmen of the House Committees on Defence and the Police, Bashir Adamu and Usman Kumo respective-

ly, the Speaker said: “As leaders in this country, we must all come together and support the government in addressing this challenge of insecurity.

"We should stop playing politics, we should address the issue and it is not about any religion. It is unfortunate; we must rise to the challenge and address this challenge. ”I will go to the National Blood Transfusion Centre and donate some blood for the victims. And I call on well meaning Nigerians who have the capacity to donate blood to please come out and donate blood and whatever is required for the survival of the victims.”

On his motivation to donate blood to the victims, the Speaker said he was moved by the humanity in him.

2015: INEC to integrate gender issues in electoral programmes

.Develops gender draft policy

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

T

HE INDEPENDENT National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said that it would integrate gender issues in all electoral programmes, in order to achieve gender inclusiveness in the 2015 general elections and subsequent polls.

The commission also noted that its newly developed gender policy, would complement Nigeria’s National Gender Policy.

This was was disclosed, yesterday, in Lagos at a two-day Review of the INEC Draft Gender Policy by a National Commissioner of the commission, Dr. Ishmael Igbani.

His words: ‘’It is our view that INEC’s internal and external activities must reflect the gender composition of the Nigerian society.

"Some of the steps taken by the commission include, the development of the draft INEC gender policy.

"The draft gender policy provides a diagonistic outlook on the situation and context of women in Nigeria as well as responsive approaches and implementation strategies that seek to improve lot of women, particularly in the spheres of political participation.

16—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014

Bomb blast victims in hospital in Abuja

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014 — 17

T

HREE well-worn parties in Nigeria, the ACN, CPC and a wing of the APGA, had a makeover; refashioning themselves as the APC (All Progressives Congress). But the question remains: what exactly is progressive about this new alliance? Is it not like the cosmetic name-changing of NEPA to PHCN with no improvement in electricity?

Regressive alliance: Rather than being a progressive party, the APC is regressive. Indeed, it is a cruel joke to describe it as progressive. A party led by a former military dictator and a civilian dictator cannot be progressive. Can any right-thinking person actually mistake Buhari for a progressive? Would a progressive truncate a democratic government? Would a progressive muzzle the press? Would a progressive arrest and jail people without trial? Would a progressive call for rioting and bloodletting if he loses an election? Certainly not!

Whatever Buhari might be, he is not progressive. Instead, he is a dyed-in-the-wool antediluvian politician. At 71, Buhari belongs to the old-school of Nigerian leaders that see the country through black/ white, North/South, Muslim/Christian spectacles. A progressive politician does not champion ethnically chauvinistic tendencies in a delicately-balanced and highly-incendiary country like Nigeria. Buhari is on record asking Northern Muslims not to vote for Christian candidates. He also claimed, in the most mischievous fashion, that Boko Haram is a Southern conspiracy against the North. These are not the tokens of a progressive politician. A progressive seeks to unite the country; not to divide it along primordial lines.

On his part, Buhari’s partner, Bola

There is nothing progressive about the APC is also questionable. He was arraigned before the Code of Conduct Tribunal on charges of maintaining several foreign bank accounts while serving as Lagos State Governor, in contravention of the law. However, the trial judge dismissed the case on technical grounds. Nuhu Ribadu, who prepared the brief against Tinubu as the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, later changed his mind when he became ACN presidential candidate. With their new romance, many were surprised to hear Ribadu deny ever saying Tinubu was corrupt.

Anti-democratic party: The partners in the APC alliance are hostages of their past. At their marriage ceremony, they declared their resolve: “to form a political party committed to the principles of internal democracy.” However, only the gullible and those suffering from amnesia will believe this. ACN is unapologetically antidemocratic. Its leader, Tinubu, describes his politics as “Godfatherism,” claiming: “(this is) why Christians refer to God as their father.” Tinubu’s “Godfatherism” is anathema to democratic

,

APC’s definition of “progressive” is one where it is, to all intents and purposes, a Muslim party

Tinubu, is anything but progressive. There is nothing progressive aboutamanwhochoosesACNcandidates capriciously in his bedroom, installs his wife as Senator for Lagos State, and foists his daughter on hapless market-women as the Iyaloja of Lagos State. The biggest indictment of Tinubu as a non-progressive is the difference between what he achieved as two-term Lagos State governor and what his successor Babatunde Fashola has achieved. Undoubtedly, Fashola has put Tinubu’s record to shame.

APC is not an anti-corruption party. On the contrary, it is an allcomers’ party that welcomes every Jack, Jill and Harry into its ranks, including defecting PDP members. As head-of-state, APC leader Buhari built a palatial guest-house in his home-town of Daura. He had no qualms serving a corrupt Abacha regime as chairman of the juiciest portfolio of all: the Petroleum Trust Fund. That became a citadel of corruption for Buhari’s subordinates. Worse still, over 90 per cent of PTF activities were concentrated in the North.

Tinubu’s anti-corruption posture

,

principles. It gave him the latitude to impose Ribadu as ACN presidential candidate in 2011, and then ditch him at the last moment through back-room deals.

Bisi Akande has been the party chairman of the ACN “forever.”

The same goes for party spokesman, Lai Mohammed. The ACN avoids national conventions like the plague. Primaries are not held to determine its candidates for elective offices. They are selected, as opposed to elected, and then imposed on the party.

Indeed, in a moment of exuberance, Akande declared that democracy has no place in the internal arrangements of the ACN. Hear him: “Anyone that is not comfortable with that should go and contest in another political party.”

Why should anyone now believe that these same dictators have suddenly turned democratic, simply because it is now convenient for them to sing a different tune?

Similarly, Buhari’s democratic credentials are non-existent. As self-imposed Head of State, Buhari had no regard for human rights. Immediately he seized power, he announced that he

•Buhari would “tamper with” the press.

Soon, the infamous Decree Number 4 was promulgated which made even the publication of the truth a punishable offence. Under this cover, Buhari jailed innocent journalists, including Tunde Thompson and Nduka Irabor. He abolished civil liberties, promulgated retroactive decrees enabling him to kill Nigerians through jungle justice, proscribed civil society organisations and professional groups and exercised “absolute” power illegally.

APC leaders burnished their “progressive” credentials by threatening to throw the entire country into chaos if INEC did not register their party. Once registered, they proclaimed their unique definition of progressive by calling on their members in the National Assembly to block the passage of the 2014 national budget.

Mayhem party Presumably, this would have really made Nigeria progress even faster. The party made the grandiloquent promise to: “offer our beleaguered people a recipe for peace and prosperity.” However, their jaundiced way of achieving this was by undermining the nation’s security by asking that new service chiefs should not be confirmed in the Senate.

Buhari’s strange recipe for promoting national peace and prosperity is by ensuring that: “the dog and the baboon would all be soaked in blood” if APC loses the 2015 election. That would really be progressive. When he lost in 2011, his “progressive supporters” went on a rampage, looting and killing. Today, this APC party of peace and prosperity cannot seem to conduct simple ward congresses without violence. In Ondo State, one Bosun Adegorola was

shot dead and 15 others seriously injured during the APC ward congresses in the state. In Ogun State, two separate APC factions held parallel congresses, leading to two different executives in all the wards in the state.

The APC is a ticking time-bomb waiting to explode. It has imported the trouble-makers of the PDP into its ranks, and they have promptly become trouble-makers in the APC. They are now engaged in a battle for supremacy with the older APC members. In Kwara State, for example, older members of the APC are engaged in guerrilla warfare with PDP defector Bukola Saraki. In Kano State, daggers were drawn between former Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, and PDP defector, Musa Kwankwaso.

The upshot of this was the defection of Shekarau to the PDP. These fights in APC ranks are duplicated right across the country. Almost everywhere, the APC is engulfed in brush-fires as these so-called progressives are engaged in a free-for-all. Of course, the biggest of these ridiculously progressive fights is yet to come.

When it is time to choose its presidential and gubernatorial candidates, this coalition of strange bedfellows can be expected to implode.

Muslim party: Nigeria is a secular state. The polity maintains a delicate balance between Christians, predominantly in the South; and Moslems, predominantly in the North. This has led to the convention whereby if the president of Nigeria is Christian, the vice-president is Muslim; and vice-versa.

The formation of political parties on religious lines is proscribed in Nigeria. Nevertheless, APC’s definition of “progressive” is one where it is, to all intents and purposes, a Muslim party.

All the “timber and caliber” of the APC, occupying the key positions

of the party, are Muslims. Muhammadu Buhari, the party’s leader from the North, is Muslim. So is Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the party leader from the South. Bisi Akande, the National Chairman is Muslim. Aminu Bello Masari, the Deputy National Chairman, is Muslim. Tijani Musa Tumsah, the National Secretary, is Muslim.

Nasir el-Rufai, the Deputy National Secretary, is Muslim. Lai Mohammed, the National Publicity Secretary, is Muslim. Sadiya Umar Faruq, the National Treasurer, is Muslim. Shaibu Musa, the National Financial Secretary, is Muslim. Abubakar Ledo, the National Youth Leader, is Muslim.

Muiz Banire, the National Legal Adviser, is Muslim. Bala Jubrin, the Deputy National Auditor, is Muslim. Sharia Ikeazor, the National Women Leader, is Muslim.

In the multi-ethnic, multi-religion Nigeria of today, there is nothing progressive about this. As a matter of fact, it is downright retrogressive. There is no single Christian holding a national office in the APC. Christians are relegated to the zonal offices.

For example, Tom Ikimi is the National Vice-Chairman, SouthSouth; while Otumba Niyi Adebayo is National Vice-Chairman, South-West.

Muslim/Muslim ticket When Buhari conducted his “progressive coup d’état” in 1983, overthrowing an elected democratic government to become head of state, his deputy, Tunde Idiagbon was also a Muslim. Worse still, both of them were Fulani given the fact that Idiagbon’s mother was Fulani.

This fake progressive agenda is yet again in the offing. The party is testing the water and is already in crisis because of the determination to field Buhari as presidential candidate and Tinubu as vicepresidential candidate.

This kite of a Muslim/Muslim ticket will not fly in the Nigeria of today. People argue that it worked in 1993, when a Muslim/Muslim Abiola/Kingibe ticket prevailed.

However, 2015 is not 1993 and Buhari is not Abiola. Abiola was educated in Christian schools and he endeared himself to virtually all strands of Nigerian society with his generosity.

Buhari, on the other hand, is known to be a narrow-minded Muslim who is essentially a Northern champion. That credential cannot suddenly disappear now that it has become imperative for him to seek Christian and Southern votes in the quest for political power.

The mere notion of a Muslim/ Muslim ticket is already tearing the makeshift fabric of the APC apart. Should the party remain bullish in this regard, the Christian hewers of wood and drawers of water within its ranks can be expected to declare: “To your tents O Israel!” Already, turncoats like Femi Fani-Kayode are already making plans to ditch the new-fangled party over this very issue.

18 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014 WASILA Umar, 14, has hit fame: she allegedly killed her husband, his three friends, and injured many others. What is she doing with a husband at 14? The wise men in her community in Gaya Local Government Area of Kano State said she was ripe for marriage. Their word is law. What is a 14-year-old’s word worth when the elders have spoken?

Seventeen days into her forced marriage, Wasila took her decision. She poisoned the food she served her husband – she wanted her freedom. She did not reckon with the camaraderie her community shares during meal times. Her husband’s friends who shared his meal also became victims of the poison she intended for her husband.

Her story is pathetic and reflects a revolt of children being forced into early marriages. Their guardians think children have no opinion. Wasila wanted to be educated, nobody listened to her.

“I have never enjoyed the opportunity of going to Islamic school or acquiring Western education. My father forced me into this mess by stubbornly forcing me into a

A Child, A Bride, A Killer? relationship I was not prepared to live in,” she said of the marriage to her 35-yearold husband, Sani.

Kano State Police Command Public Relations Officer, ASP Magaji Musa Majia, said, “The case has been referred to appropriate authorities for the next line of action. I am assuring you that Wasila would appear in court soon because we have limitation on the number of days we can keep a suspect no matter the perceived weakness of the case or the personality involved”. Millions of children like her have been denied opportunities to im-

prove their lives and make meaningful contributions to society.

Wasila should not be charged to court without those whose disobedience of our laws resulted in this tragedy. Section 29.

(4) (a) of the 1999 Constitution, states, “full age” means the age of eighteen years and above; (b) any woman who is married shall be deemed to be of full age.”

Those who married off Wasila at 14 broke the law. Will the law punish them? Will the law support their lawlessness?

The Child’s Rights Act of 2003 prohibits child marriages and betrothals. In Section 21, any marriage contracted by anyone under 18 years is invalid. Under Section 22: “(1) No parent, guardian or any other person shall betroth a child to any person.

(2) A betrothal in contravention of subsection (1) of this section is null and void”. Both provisions are in the Criminal and Penal Codes, though they are hardly enforced.

Where the law would stand on Wasila is crucial to the hopes and aspirations of other endangered children who her action has granted voices. They are waiting.

OPINION

BY JOHN KUFUOR

I

N Nigeria and across Africa, neglect ed tropical diseases, NTDs, are a daily reality for many children, families and communities. Despite efforts to control and eliminate them, trachoma, human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), lymphatic filariasis, leprosy, onchocerciasis (river blindness), soil-transmitted helminths and schistosomiasis continue to threaten Nigeria’s citizens. NTDs disable and disfigure more than one billion people around the world. Beyond the lives impacted, NTDs also limit economic productivity and development, helping to perpetuate a vicious cycle of poverty.

However, I believe we have an immense opportunity to break this cycle and addressthese diseases in the near future.Indeed, in recent years we have made tremendous gains against NTDs. Much of this progress was catalyzed by the 2012 London Declaration on NTDs, which united international pharmaceutical companies, global health organisations, private foundations and governments from donor and endemic countries behind the goal of controlling and eliminating10 of these diseases by the end of the deC M Y K

Together, we can make progress against neglected tropical diseases cade.

This partnership was a turning point for NTDs. Shortly after, I made NTD control a personal priority and joined the Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases as a Special Envoy to help raise awareness of the urgent need to combat these diseases and improve the health of our citizens.

In Paris this week, global leaders gathered to discuss the gains made since the launch of this partnership. I was pleased to hear African country leadership heralded as a crucial force on progress against NTDs.Much of this progress was highlighted in the "Uniting to Combat NTDs:Delivering on Promises and Driving Progress" report released this week.

Globally, 74 countries —including Nigeria— now have national plans to guide their NTD efforts. Last year, all 47 Ministers of Health in the WHO Africa Regional Office endorsed a regional plan to eliminate lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis in Africa and strengthen efforts to eliminate other NTDs. Governments around the world passed a resolution at the 2013 World Health Assembly to hold them-

selves accountable on progress against NTDs. Most importantly, these frameworks are not just symbolic documents that have been signed and forgotten.

Countries are taking ownership of the issue because they recognise that NTDs cause needless suffering across families, communities and countries.

This is translating to progress on the ground. Nigeria has become a model for other countries on NTD efforts, launching its national plan for NTD control, making strong progress in mapping disease prevalence and successfully verifying its elimination of Guinea worm.

Around the world, efforts to combat NTDs are being scaled up. US$2.7 billion has been committed to the effort.

Pharmaceutical companies have donated 100 percent of drugs needed and are working together to develop more effective drugs and diagnostics. Global health organisations and enterprises are working to ensure treatments reach those in need, and new partners are joining the effort.

As we look to 2020, we cannot allow our successes to make us complacent.

While significant progress has been made, challenges remain in reaching our targets against NTDs. Only with sustained leadership of endemic governments and strategic partner collaboration can we fully eliminate NTDs from the African continent and world.

As a former President of Ghana, I encourage Heads of State and Ministers to join the global effort against NTDs and work hand in hand with the global community to ensure every child and person who needs treatments receives them. Collectively, we can spur the development and implementation of integrated NTD plans, incorporate NTDs into our existing health efforts and build the capacity needed to address these diseases. By doing this, we can provide comprehensive care to all of our citizens.

Investing in NTDs is an investment in a healthy and prosperous future for Africa.Each dollar not only improves health, but also gives individuals the abilityto rise out of poverty and contribute productively to society.Together, we can and will reach our goals and give our communities new hope for the future. *Mr Kufuor, former president of Ghana (2001-2009) and former chairperson of the African Union Commission (2007-2008), is currently the NTD Special Envoy for the Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014— —19

, I

N the last two months, Nigerians have groaned under the pain of fuel scarcity. Since February they have been wondering if and when solution would be found to the persistent scarcity.

Their wondering has turned into fear that this scarcity is another ploy by government to increase the pump price of fuel. This fear was first expressed soon after the scarcity became evident across the country. The reason for this was simply because of the speculation which began towards the end of last year that government planned to increase the price of fuel. The planned strike of oil workers early this year to protest against the privatisation of refineries, many thought, was aimed at thwarting the increment in fuel prices that was seen as the expected outcome of privatisation. There were assurances thereafter that the refineries would not be privatised and for which reason the strike was called off.

But the drum of privatisation is being heard again from no less a person than the Petroleum Minister, Diezani AllisonMadueke, who believes that is the

only route towards making fuel available to Nigerians without the pain of scarcity. Since February the price of fuel has ranged between N120 to N250 per litre depending on which part of the country is involved. It would seem like Nigerians have come to accept pump price increment by default in spite of their refusal to accept government explanation for any increment. Yet the scarcity persists. Petrol is still being sold at N97 per litre at NNPC fuel stations and some others in urban areas like Lagos while officials of the Corporation have had reasons to close down private fuel stations that have failed to comply with the approved price of fuel. But such steps only provide cover for the corruption beneath the surface.

Attendants in fuel stations selling at N97 demand and take bribes from buyers not willing to buy unwanted fuel products offered for sale at these stations or are left unattended.

This leaves one with the conclusion that no fuel station, including those run by the NNPC, sell fuel at the approved pump rate of N97 per litre except where they

,

fear they are being watched. Who then is fooling who? How do we explain that two months after officials of the free-spending and corruption-prone NNPC told Nigerians that the scarcity caused by panicked buying should ease up in a matter of days- how come that the scarcity has so far defied solution many weeks after? Where are the panicky Nigerians at deserted fuel stations selling fuel at between N120 and N150 per litre at irregular hours of the day? These fuel stations either do their business in the early hours of the morning or late in the evening where they cannot be monitored. That is if we must take seriously the halfhearted checks at fuel stations

by NNPC officials.

T

he reality today is that Nigerians pay almost twice of what they used to pay to get a litre of fuel. Surely government cannot be blind to this. And if it is not doing anything about it, this can only be because it does not see the need to.

This may in fact be its own way of proving to itself that Nigerians can afford to pay more for fuel contrary

When a Finance Minister turns money-doubler

I

COULDN'T help it. As soon as the new figures conjured by Dr Okonjo-Iweala out of Nigeria’s “rebased” Gross Domestic Product exercise came out, I shoutedabracadabra! Then I chanted, “Come and see Ah-meri-ka wonder! Come and see Ah-meri-ka wonder!” I promptly substituted “Nigerian” for America in that spell-casting ditty of itinerant tricksters that used to haunt the busy bus terminals of our major cities. I completed the expression of my wonder by crying out loud, “The more you look, the less you see!” Enthralled by Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala’s fiscal miracle—Nigeria being a nation of miracle-seekers forever praying for the doubling of their portion of blessings—I remembered Professor Chandus, the money-doubler in Chinua Achebe’s classic of children’s literature, Chike and the River.

In that story, Chike, a starry-eyed village boy, dreams day and night of going to Asaba, a poor man’s Lagos that is in turn the-less-poor-man’s London. He comes very close to realising his dream when he goes to live with his uncle in Onitsha. But not even the seductions of Onitsha, a far bigger city with a fabled market, can quench his burning desire to cross the great River Niger. Yet, how to find the fare for the trip by ferry across the river and back? Several times, he thinks of asking his uncle, an unsmiling man, for it but perishes the thought. And the longer he waits to cross the river, the more restless he becomes. So one day he damns the consequences and asks. Chike is coldly denied and sternly rebuked. As luck would have it, however, he kicks up a

six-pence coin one day as he is returning home from one of his many trips to gaze at the river and imagine what lies on its other side. His booty is only half the fare, so his problem is only half-solved. Then his good friend, Samuel, alias SMOG— Save Me Oh God—comes up with the bright idea of visiting a money-doubler. But first, SMOG persuades Chike to spend half of the money on treats with the argument that once the change of three pence had been doubled to the original six pence, then it would be doubled again to make a shilling, the exact fare Chike needs.I don’t believe I need to tell you that Chike lost his money.

A children’s tale, all right, but I submit that there’s nothing juvenile about the moral of the money-doubling episode. You only need to reflect for a moment to see in Dr Okonjo-Iweala, our Finance Minister, a Professor Chandus unbounded by the need to actually show us the doubled money. You would also see an uncanny resemblance to the eponymous hero of the tale. Like Chike, Okonjo-Iweala is hamstrung by poverty and driven by desire. Poverty: the inability of the economy of the country over which she wrested for herself the designation of its “co-ordinating minister” to afford even the most basic needs (food and fuel, for instance). Desire: Okonjo-Iweala must have always gazed enviously at South Africa, the continent’s richest economy.And always been reminded that much of the blame for the parlous state of Nigeria is attributable to her. Indeed, the similarity grows somewhat eerie as this is her second coming to the Finance

has been revealed in some key ministries in the country in the last six months has been mindboggling. From the Aviation Ministry to the Finance Ministry and the Petroleum Resources Ministry, not leaving out parastatals and agencies under the supervision of these ministries, it has been tales of infamy all the way. While these ministries have appeared ugly in the sight of Nigerians, the Presidency has itself been complicit in the less than holy activities of the ministries and their heads.

Moreover, the Presidency is haunted by its own ghost of ineptitude and lack of transparency. All of this seems to have depleted its moral capital, making it vulnerable even in terms of how it goes about disciplining erring state officials.

Perhaps this is also the reason why it’s been unable to make the Petroleum Resources Ministry provide credible explanation for the fuel scarcity that has grounded the country for about eight weeks nonstop.

A quick solution to the problem of fuel scarcity is what Nigerians need right now. Enough of this trick to introduce fuel price increment through the back door. If Nigerians have been steadfast in their rejection of government attempt to make them pay more for fuel, if many have died in the January 2012 uprising to reject any increment in fuel price, any further attempt to go along the same direction would sooner than later bring about just one outcome: disaster. That surely cannot be the desire of the Goodluck Jonathan Administration just when it is getting set to launch its campaign to remain in office beyond 2015.

Ministry—the first doubling act! Yet, with no hope of overtaking South Africa when Nigeria cannot even generate e n o u g h electricity to light up our homes, never mind for industry and manufacturing, there was nothing for it but to play money-doubler as a last resort. And she had the perfect excuse.

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Is it scarcity of fuel or pump price increment?

A quick solution to the problem of fuel scarcity is what Nigerians need right now; enough of this trick to introduce fuel price increment through the back door

to their claim. The pain, the loss of business hours on long queues at the few fuel stations selling at approved rate, indeed at stations selling all, is never taken into consideration by the pain artists undergo at the Petroleum Ministry.

This is the same ministry that cannot account for billions of dollars, common patrimony of Nigerians, which went missing without a trace.

This is the same NNPC and Ministry of Petroleum whose officials live the lifestyle of the rich and famous at the expense of Nigerians.

Is it not about time that Abuja halts the drift in the oil industry and rescue Nigerians from the murderous grip of paid officials? Or must the present administration continue in its slumbering way that suggests that it has lost its control of the levers of governance? There is a lot happening in the country that gives the impression that this country is bleeding from the stab wounds inflicted on it by different groups and individuals operating at different levels, all with the aim of snuffing life out of it. There are the well known villains, the terrorists and criminal hoodlums fighting behind the veneer of religion and sectarian strife to perpetrate evil. They are succeeding in no small measure, having decimated farms, sacked villages, destroyed educational institutions and sent many of our soldiers and other security personnel to their untimely death. They break jails with impunity and set their fellow terrorists free to continue their onslaught against society.

These are the usual and wellknown villains whose activities are reported in the international media with lavish coverage. But no less dangerous or, perhaps, even more so are the paid officials, appointed or elected whose activities continue to threaten the survival of the county. The level of corruption and misuse of power that

Another miracle is urgently needed: the overnight transformation of Nigeria’s stone-age infrastructure

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or 23 years, Nigeria had not rebased its GDP. Yet the International Monetary Fund, an institutional deity whom Okonjo-Iweala—as a former managing director of the World Bank— serves as a monetary high-priest, recommends that countries rebase their GDP at least every five years. True, the Nigerian economy has seen considerable growth since 1990 in the telecommunications sector and with the advent of Nollywood.

The stage was set for Dr Okonjo-Iweala

to play Professor Chandus. But while fiction may imitate life and make us wiser, often while also entertaining us, only the ridiculous may be expected when life imitates fiction. In Achebe’s fiction, money-doubling is quickly exposed as the scam that it is. In Okonjonomics, however, fiction proves more anchored on reality than the supposedly real world of the total worth of all a nation produces.

Chike learns quickly that he is the proverbial fool soon parted from his money. So if Nigerians went to bed in the night of Saturday, April 5, 2014, with N42.4 trillion in their collective pocket, and woke up the next day to their statistician-general’s revelation that they had grown richer by N37.8 trillion while they slept, wouldn’t they be fools to believe it if they remain as hungry and angry, homeless and jobless, as they were when they closed their eyes the night before?

Mind you, statistician rhymes well with magician! The real reason for this moneydoubling miracle, we are told, is to position Nigeria as an investors’ paradise. If so, another miracle is urgently needed: the overnight transformation of Nigeria’s stone-age infrastructure. And don’t forget about the ravening monster called corruption while you are at it! Bearing in mind, also, that Chike is finally able to cross the river with real money earned from earnest labour.

20 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16 , 2014

ABUJA BOMB BLAST:

My close shave with death—bus driver

BY BEN AGANDE, Abuja

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IMOTHY Eze Okorie was aware that driving under the influence of alcohol was a crime that could earn him either imprisonment or a fine if caught by law enforcement agents. But he is today grateful for his decision to buy a bottle of Alomo, a bitter alcoholic beverage produced in Ghana but popular with artisans and commercial vehicle drivers across the country, before beginning his job as a commercial bus driver.

That singular decision saved his life when a huge car bomb went off in a crowded bus terminus in Nyanya, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory, killing more than 70 commuters and wounded over one hundred others, with several cars torched.

Nyanya bus terminal Narrating his experience to Vanguard Metro at the scene of the incident, Mr. Okorie who was visibly shaken said •Timothy Eze Okorie ...Escaped death by whiskers he could not explain why he took the decision to buy the though the decision to indulge decision saved my life!” he said.

Alomo Bitters rather than go in alcoholic drink so early in the He said it was just as he back to Masaka to bring back morning, especially as a comparked his bus and was about passengers to the bus terminus. mercial bus driver, was to disembark, that he heard a According to him: “I Left my something he would not have deafening explosion that threw house at about six in the been proud of in normal his bus high in the air before morning to bring passengers circumstance, the fact that slamming it to the ground. from Masaka, Mararaba, One decision alone saved him from According to the bus driver, the Man Village and Ado to the certain death has made other first thing that came to his mind was that a reckless driver had rammed into his bus from the People started running helter-skelter; cars back but when he looked up, he and buses suddenly exploded into flame; there saw a huge black smoke billowing to the sky from the bus was loud wailing from the direction of the bus park where he had passed less park; I was too dazed to move than three minutes ago!

“People started r unning Nyanya bus Terminus where considerations to pale into inhelter-skelter. Cars and buses they will board El-Rufai Bus to significance. suddenly exploded into flame. the city centre. I dropped the last There was loud wailing from According to the excited but passenger under the Nyanya shaken bus driver, God the direction of the bus park. I Bridge and was supposed to intervened, using a most unwas too dazed to move; but after enter the park to carry passen- likely avenue to save his life: a a few minutes, I gathered gers back to Masaka. Strangely, place where cheap alcohol and courage and moved close to the I had this sudden and strong Marijuana are sold. place. feeling to take Alomo before beMy colleagues who less than “I should not be proud ginning the day’s job. So rather ordinarily to be saying this but ten minutes ago I exchanged than enter the park, I took the God has saved me this morning pleasantries with were stone next turn, went round the bridge using the most unlikely place. dead! I couldn’t believe my and headed towards Jukwoyi to I had no reason to go there this eyes. That spur of the moment buy a bottle of Alomo”. decision to make a detour to buy morning because it was a rush That decision turned out to be hour and every driver knows Alomo Bitters saved my life. his saving grace as less than that Monday mornings are the God saved me using the most three minutes after he left the best time to get passengers. unusual place. I thank God,” he bus park, the huge explosion But I could not resist the urge said almost at the verge of tears. occurred. Mr Okorie said to go and buy the drink. That

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Abuja blast: Why security must be tightened

BY EBELE ORAKPO ‘OH my God!!

How could people be so wicked? This is in a world where people profess to know God. Imagine what would have been happening if there was no God at all.

At least the fear of God is restraining some people," sighed Ebuka in the Apapa-bound commuter bus as the Nyanya, Abuja bombing photos were displayed by newspaper vendors.

"Government and the security agencies should wake up to their responsibilities. The bomb used in that blast is no toy; it's not something that was manufactured at the backyard by these evil-minded people. It must have been a heavy duty bomb for it to have created such crater at the scene. I am sure it was imported into the country through our borders.

There should be tighter security at our ports and borders," said Mabel.

Weeping for this country "Na today?" sneered Obi. "If you see what goes on at the ports and border posts, you will weep for this country.

Some of these things come in containers and they easily go into town without being inspected by the guys whose job it is to do so before releasing them."

"Then such people should be sanctioned.

For God's sake, if you take bribe and refuse to do your job, you should be kicked out. We must return sanity to this nation. Enough is enough! Soon, they will start bringing in chemical weapons," said Ebuka, really angry.

"Easy my brother. It is not as simple as that," counselled Obi. "It goes beyond that. Some shipment will come in and before you know it, calls are coming in from left, right and centre; from the ogas, telling the subordinate in charge to release the cargo without delay

because the consignment belongs to one state government or the other, especially in the North. So the subordinate has no option than to obey the order from above. It's that bad and if the subordinate suspects something and wants to do a proper job, he may lose his job as well as his life. It's that bad. So it is a complicated issue. " "So what you are insinuating is that some of those in the corridors of power know what is going on?" asked Ebuka.

"Absolutely!" replied Obi. "Honestly, they will never go unpunished. No way! There is no peace for the wicked. Just imagine all the tears, death, pains and blood they have caused. For how long shall we continue like this? What has the poor tea seller, petty trader or civil servant looking for their daily bread done to deserve this?" asked Mabel rhetorically.

"These are no doubt, the last days the Bible talked about," said Ebuka. "The devil is on rampage. A friend told me how she is finding it almost impossible now to get sponsorship to international conferences because she is not homosexual. Can you imagine that? Homosexuals are preferred now. An American football player got shoutouts from the White House for declaring that he is gay. 'You're an inspiration to all of us. We couldn't be prouder of your courage both on and off the field,' tweeted Michel Obama and the Vice-President followed with: "…Your courage is an inspiration to all of us.' Now tell me, how many times have these people given shout-outs to hundreds of ordinary Americans out there doing extraordinary things to improve the lives of others? How will his being gay improve lives?

That's to tell you the kind of world we are living in; so my advice is for everyone to get real close to God, get to know Him one-on-one before it's too late."

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014 — 21

From left: Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State; Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State Summit; Group Chairman, FBN Holdings Plc, Dr. Oba Otudeko; Chairman, Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr. Folusho Phillips and Executive Director, Public Sector South, FirstBank of Nigeria Ltd, Mr. U.K. Eke at Day One of the Oyo State Summit, in Ibadan.

FG pledges support for gas production companies to boost power

By PETER EGWUATU & NKIRUKA NNOROM

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he Federal Govern m e n t h a s pledged continuous support for indigenous companies in gas production in order to boost power supply in the country.

The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, stated this at the ‘Facts behind the listing of Seplat Plc ‘on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE. Seplat is an indigenous upstream petroleum company and the first Nigerian company with dual listing on the London Stock Exchange, LSE, and NSE. The listing also represents the first Initial Public Offer, IPO, to be undertaken by any company since 2008 capital market meltdown.

The company listed 543 million ordinary shares of 50kobo each at N576 per share and was simultaneously listed at 210 pence per share on the LSE main board.

Alison-Madueke also assured that the federal government would create enabling environment in the oil and gas sector that would attract more companies in the sector to list on the NSE in order to create wealth for investors and boost revenue generation for the country.

She noted that Seplat’s listing was a major milestone in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, saying that it was clear testament of government’s support for companies in oil and gas.

She said, “I have always heard, even in the media, that the government does nothing to support indigenous companies. We are going to support any indigenous company that has the wherewithal to produce gas that would in turn support the power sector in

line with the federal government objective.”

She further stated that government is committed towards enhancing the economy by encouraging companies to list on the NSE as it is part of government’s deliberate policy of stimulating local

companies for growth, while encouraging other oil and gas companies to seek listing, not just in Nigeria, but on international scale. Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Seplat, Mr. ABC Orjiakor, noted that the listing was the outcome of reform agenda of

President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

He affirmed that despite a challenging market for oil and gas stocks, the response towards the IPO was excellent and demonstrated strong demand in both London and NSE for a leading Nigerian indigenous E&P player. Austin Avuru, CEO, Seplat, added, “We are already a leading indigenous independent oil and gas company in our home market, but the opportunities opening up in Nigeria for companies like ours are quite significant.”

In his remark, Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema said “ The NSE made a commitment to facilitate durable wealth creation by listing and nurturing the next group of “African Champions”. That is companies with over $1billlion in market capitalization with operations across the continent. We view the listing today, as a major step in your journey to becoming an African Champion.

“Today we celebrate many milestones with this listing, Seplat becomes the 1st Nigerian company listed on the main market of the LSE and the first pure play upstream listing on the NSE. The recent rebasing of the Nigerian GDP further highlighted the low market cap of listed companies-to-GDP ratio, and your listing today will boost the NSE’s market capitalisation by $1.9billion, bringing the ratio to 15.86%. This ratio indicates the significant opportunity for growth in the capital market in the country.”

Local production should determine size of economy — Micro entrepreneurs

BY PROVIDENCE OBUH

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ssociation of Micro En trepreneurs of Nigeria (AMEN) has said that the amount of locally manufactured goods consumed in a country should determine the real size of its economy.

President of the Association, Prince Saviour Iche, said this at an interactive session with Vanguard in Lagos. He said the size of GDP is not the problem of the country at the moment adding that, at least 65 percent of the consumption requirements of a country should be met by local production.

“To rebase the Nigerian Economy, the stakeholders should be carried along because you cannot claim your GDP is rising where you import most of your consumable items. Before you can say your economy is growing, you must be a producer, at least 65 percent of what your country men and women are consuming, before you can claim that your

economy is growing.

“In Nigeria, the manufacturing sector which ought to be the backbone of the economy is decaying, the multinational companies are folding up due to some factors ranging from power. Let the economic team of Nigeria go to Owode and see where they are dismantling machines owned by multinational companies who were doing well before, but now relocating to nearby countries due to poor power supply. The local manufacturers, SMEs, small business owners, whom countries that understand their roles, see as the backbone of the economy are not captured in the scheme of things. For instance, the billions and millions BOI is supposed to give to SMEs have not been given to us. The Nigerian Government should take cue from Japan, China and other countries, whose strength lies in the small business owners. Their government knows their role as ma-

jor employers of labour in the Olusegun Aganga, is trying but he should look inward to economy.

“Imagine the immigration see how to revive the manurecruitment stampede, I stand facturing industry. tall to state that it is not all Nigerians that want to enroll into immigration, let the Army and -6.00 200.10 Police call for their own recruitment, you will 2,982.00 +12.00 see millions of youth jumping to enroll, because there are no jobs 16.82 -0.26 to sustain the millions of student graduating every year. If the government fails to do 107.72 +0.50 what they are supposed to do in terms of 104.07 +0.26 job creation which is our key target as micro entrepreneurs, I pray CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL SELLING that what is happening 155.24 155.74 in the north will not DOLLAR 154.74 POUNDS 258.8955 259.732 260.5686 spread to other parts of 214.7636 215.4576 216.1515 the country. As a mat- EURO FRANC 176.5247 177.0933 177.6637 ter of urgency, I call on YEN 1.5247 1.5296 1.5345 the government to pro- CFA 0.3082 0.3182 0.3282 vide employment be- WAUA 239.3962 240.1698 240.9433 cause the northern cri- RENMINBI 24.9106 24.9915 25.0724 41.2607 41.394 41.5273 sis is as a result of un- RIYA KRONA 28.7573 28.8502 28.9431 employment.

240.2493 241.0256 241.8019 “Minister of Trade SDR and Investment, Dr. CBN Exchange rate as at 15/04/2014

22 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014

BRIEF

Climate report predicts stark future

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new United Nations report warns that Australia faces severe damage from increased flooding, rising sea levels and bushfires as the regional climate continues to heat up this century.

Extreme rainfall will increase across Australia and New Zealand, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says.

“In many locations, continued reliance on increased flood protection alone would become progressively less feasible.” Deaths from heatwaves will rise and drier conditions will lead to more destructive wildfires.

There are also “increasing risks to coastal infrastructure and lowlying ecosystems, from continuing sea level rise, with widespread damage towards the upper end of projected changes”.

However, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) says its monitoring of catastrophes shows any climate change effect is overwhelmed by losses attributable to population changes, building costs and codes, and land-use planning.

“It is not so much that there are more frequent storms or more violent storms in Australia, but that far more infrastructure has been built in coastal regions that are vulnerable to storms,” a spokesman said.

ICA believes it is the role of governments to protect communities from natural hazards. It says four key concerns must be tackled: a systemic failure to mitigate preventable hazards such as flood; building codes that do not protect buildings; planning regimes that allow risk-inappropriate development; and a taxation system that penalises those who insure.

“Prevention is better than cure and money invested in a permanent levee to protect an at-risk community from floods before a disaster would be recouped many times over during the life of that levee,” the spokesman said.

“Recently, there have been a number of positive outcomes in Queensland following investment in mitigation works that have significantly reduced flood risk, with a flow-on effect to premiums, such as in Charleville, St George and Roma.”

Small business owners now benefit from insurance Stories by ROSEMARY ONUOHA

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rtisans, petty traders and operators of small businesses can now benefit from insurance, as Mutual Benefits Insurance Plc has put various schemes in place to assist in the growth of such businesses in the country.

Where some insurance companies are only interested in collecting premium from small business owners,

Mutual Benefits has designed products that can grant loans to these business owners to grow their businesses.

A typical example is the registration of over five million motorcyclists and tricyclists under the microinsurance scheme of Mutual Benefits.

Attesting to the benefits his Association has derived from such partnership with Mutual Benefits, President, National Motorcycle and Tricycle Riders Association, Mr. Babangida Maihula, said that the microinsurance

product was peculiar to the needs of motorcycle and tricycle riders.

Maihula said that the premium payment depends on the insurance package a member took, adding that the riders could pay the premium weekly when they are done with work for the week.

According to him, “Before now, we do not benefit from insurance policy whether third party or comprehensive. The story is different since we have micro insurance product and is designed for our specific needs. A member is settled almost immediately when he

has the problem insured against. All the members need to do is to get in touch with his unit head at the park or nearest branch office. Once they ascertain the fact that the risk occurred the member will be indemnified immediately.

Our members are enjoying the insurance package.”

Maihula noted that a member who applies for comprehensive insurance could pay up to N150 weekly or N450 monthly as premium.

As members benefit from this scheme, he said they tell others which increases enrolment on daily basis.

Custodian & Allied records N45bn asset base in 2013

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ustodian & Allied Plc, an investment holding company has recorded asset base of N45.6 billion for the operating year ended December 31, 2013.

The Group made the statement when it released its consolidated audited annual results for the year.

The company recorded profit before tax and profit after tax of N4.3 billion and N3.6 billion respectively during the year. The result was achieved on the back of the robust insurance subsidiaries whose Gross Premium Written rose to N22.9 billion and Gross Premium Earned was N18.7 billion. Also, notable fees and investment income contributions from the pension fund administration subsidiary and the holding company added to the result.

A Director of Custodian, Mr. Wole Oshin has said that “Our performance demonstrates Custodian’s commitment to its clients and shareholders. We will always endeavour to remain one of the most attractive stock options in the financial sector, through innovative services, expanded product portfolio, improved operational efficiencies and stronger financial capacity. The merger exercise we concluded last year is yielding favourable results and we will not rest on this performance. We have expanded services offered from general insurance to life business, pensions and trusteeship and remain committed to upholding the best standards and practices in the financial sector in Nigeria”.

From left: Mr. Sunday Thomas, Director General, Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA); Osita Chidoka, Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission and Chief Jackie Umoru, Board Member, FRSC during the official presentation of some units of HP Elite Pad 900 by the NIA to the commission, in Abuja.

Premium pension to manage Niger State benefit fund

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remium Pension Limited and the Niger State Government have signed a portfolio management agreement which confers on the former the authority and responsibility of managing the state’s benefits fund named “Retirement Redemption Bond Fund.”

This fund was established by the Niger State Government through the Niger State Pension Board. The agreement which has the endorsement of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) emphasizes, among others, that the funds and assets held in them must be managed in accordance with the guidelines issued pursuant to the Pension Reform Act 2004. The agreement also accords Premium Pension the responsibility of the lead PFA in the state.

The agreement which was consummated at a ceremony held recently at the corporate headquarters of Premium Pension Limited in Abuja had key stakeholders on both sides in attendance. While Mr. Wilson Ideva, the

Managing Director of Premium Pension Limited and Mr. Adamu Mele, Executive Director, Business Development and Investment signed on behalf of the company, the Director-General of the Niger State Pension Board, Alhaji Benu Yahaya Ahmed signed on behalf of the Niger State Government.

“This is a practical demonstration of mutual trust and highly productive partnership required to drive the contributory pension scheme in the country” said Mr. ideva “We must continue to justify the confidence reposed in us by the Niger State Government as a leading PFA in the country through the rendition of quality service marked by high level of professionalism”, he added.

The agreement states that “The appointment of Premium Pension shall be of a fiduciary nature consistent with the requirements of the law and that Premium Pension shall exercise utmost duty of care and good faith in all their undertakings under the terms of this agreement.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014 — 23

BRIEFS

Stories by ROSEMARY ONUOHA

Cyclone Ita declared a catastrophe

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utual Benefits Assurance Plc has introduced 36 new products into the market to specifically meet the needs of generality of Nigerians.

Speaking during the launch of the products in Lagos, Group Managing Director of the company, Mr. Akin Ogunbiyi said that the products were designed to cater for specific needs of Nigerians unlike the generic insurance products that have lots of clauses to the disadvantage of the public.

He listed the products as motor dealers complimentary insurance, mega comprehensive insurance, event centre insurance, advertising agency insurance, corporate office insurance, sales office insurance, hair salon insurance, law firm insurance, accounting firm insurance, hotel insurance, school insurance, hospital insurance, fast food restaurant and nollywood insurance.

Others are church insurance, mosque insurance, estate managers insurance, landlord tenants insurance, travel and tour agency insurance, market and shopping complex

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From left: Dr M. O. Ajaja, Director; Mr. Akin Opeodu, Vice Chairman; Chief Chamberlain Oyibo, Chairman; and Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, Group Managing Director, all of Mutual Benefits Insurance Plc during the unveiling of 36 new products by the company.

Mutual Benefits introduces 36 new products into market insurance, sales shop and super market insurance, laundery and cleaning services insurance, microfinance bank insurance, SME comprehensive insurance, oil and gas supply insurance, and politician comprehensive insurance.

According to Ogunbiyi, Mutual Benefits has over 7000 agents nationwide with over 60 branches all over the country.

He said that the new products have been designed with simple names so that they can easily be identified.

“Generic insurance products have lots of clauses that are not relevant to the needs of the people, but with the new products that we have launched into the market, the specific needs of the people have been addressed,” Ogunbiyi said.

NAICOM commences review of insurance accounts for last financial year

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mong the seven insurance companies that have submitted their 2013 financial accounts complaint to the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) to the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), four of them are currently undergoing review.

According to a submission status on NAICOM website, three underwriting firms have their accounts approved, while the results of the remaining four insurance companies are undergoing review. The Commission is to ensure that the financials meet the required standard, before they are finally approved.

The companies whose accounts are undergoing review include; Zenith Life Insurance Limited, NSIA Insurance Limited, FBN Life Assurance Limited and Cornerstone Insurance Plc. The accounts of Custodian Life Assurance Limited, Custodian General Insurance Limited and Mansard Assurance Plc have been approved by NAICOM.

Accordingly, these companies are free to hold their Annual General Meeting any time, where shareholders would have the opportunity to assess the performance of the company in the current financial year and state their observations.

Experts consider this

development an improvement to what obtained last year, where majority of insurance companies submitted their 2012 financial accounts late, as they struggled to adopt the IFRS. It will be recalled that NAICOM carried out series of trainings on IFRS for

insurance operators penultimate year as well as last year and as it appears, operators seem ready to put what they had learnt into practice.

However, a couple of insurers are still lagging behind and experts are hopeful that they too will soon catch up.

Texas hailstorm caused an estimated $300m in damage

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HE thunderstorms that pounded Denton and other parts of North Texas with large hail and then spawned three tornadoes on April 3 caused an estimated $300 million in insured losses.

The Insurance Council of Texas estimates approximately 24,000 vehicles and 12,000 homes were damaged by the storm system that erupted over Denton and then moved eastward, causing damage along a nearly 100-mile path.

Denton was hit by two separate storms packing large hail, up to the size of softballs, that caused widespread damage to autos, homes, businesses, the University of North

Texas and Texas Woman’s University.

The $300 million in losses would make the storm the 21st most costly in Texas since 1978, according to the insurance council. The most damaging hailstorm in Texas caused $1.62 billion in damage across North Texas on May 5, 1995.

The National Weather Service confirmed three tornadoes in Collin, Hunt and Hopkins counties.

An EF-O tornado in Princeton with 85 mph winds was on the ground for 1.2 miles, causing one minor injury, according to a preliminary report by the weather service.

An EF-1 tornado near Merit packed winds up to 105 mph and caused five more injuries.

On the ground for 1.8 miles, the 200-yard-wide twister damaged several metal buildings. Another EF-1 tornado touched down near Birthright, causing minor damage over a half-mile-long path.

There’s the possibility of another round of severe storms in Dallas-Fort Worth Sunday night through Monday morning. The storms are likely to develop along a cold front as it moves across Oklahoma and into Texas, said Joe Harris, a meteorologist in the weather service’s Fort Worth office.

he Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has declared Cyclone Ita a catastrophe for areas of north Queensland, meaning insurers will give priority to cyclone claims.

ICA opened its claims information hotline on the weekend as Ita struck Cooktown, and set up a taskforce to help co-ordinate the recovery process.

By this morning 510 claims had been lodged for estimated losses of $7.6 million, a spokesman said.

Although the Category 4 cyclone made landfall in an area of relatively low population on Friday night, it then moved down the coastline and caused power outages and flooding.

Cairns is considered to have escaped with limited damage.

As news of the impending disaster reached US financial markets on Friday, speculators moved into the catastrophe bond market, making low offers for three bonds exposed to Australian cyclone risk. Munich Re has two such bonds and QBE has one, although commentary from the markets says losses are unlikely to be triggered.

Cape Verde joins AFC

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APE Verde has signed the Instrument of Accession and Acceptance, making it the newest member of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

Speaking during the formal signing ceremony at the inaugural Infrastructure Investment Summit of the AFC – AFC Live, Ms Cristina Duarte, Minister of Economy and Finance, Cape Verde, on behalf of the Government of the country, said, “I am very pleased to formalise Cape Verde’s membership of the Africa Finance Corporation. Cape Verde and the AFC have enjoyed a very productive and collaborative relationship over the last few years. As the lead investor in Cabeolica, our award winning US$90 million 26MW commercial wind farm, we have first-hand experience of the expertise the corporation can bring to innovative projects.

Welcoming Cape Verde as the ninth member of the leading African Infrastructure finance institution, the AFC’s President & Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Andrew Alli, expressed AFC’s appreciation to The Republic of Cape Verde for acceding to membership of the Corporation.

“AFC is delighted to have Cape Verde as the first Island State member of the Corporation.

24 — Vanguard,WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014

Do our laws support our economic well-being? (2)

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GTBank shareholders approve N1.70 dividend payout

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By PETER EGWUATU

hareholders of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTB) have given their approval to the company’s Board of Directors proposal to pay a dividend of N1.70 per share for the financial year, 2013.

The shareholders also approved all other resolutions put before them and commended the company for declaring good returns despite the harsh operating environment in the country.

The National Coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, ISAN, Mr. Sunny Nwosu, said that the company usually comes up with policies that were customer friendly, adding that this had attracted more business to the company. He noted that various investment decisions undertaken by the company in the year under consideration had paid off considering the amount of N1.70 it was giving to shareholders, adding that the company should not rest on its oars.

The Chairman, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, PSAN, Mr. Boniface Okezie urged the bank to undertake good investment projects, adding that this would help to boost its profitability and create more

income for shareholders.

Details of the company’s result showed that its gross earnings for the year under review grew by 8.8 per cent from the N223.06 billion recorded in 2012 to N242.67 billion, while it posted a profit before tax of N107.09 billion, 3.94 per cent higher than the N103.03 billion reported for the previous year. Total assets and contingents rose by 21.21 per cent from N1.6 trillion to N2.1 trillion, while the shareholders’ fund grew from N281.83 billion in 2012 to N332.35 billion in 2013.

The Managing Director of GTBank, Mr, Segun Agbaje said that the bank considered its shareholders as one of its greatest assets, adding that the bank was doing all it could to build on its achievements in the last few years.

He said: “At the onset of the 2013 Financial Year, our commitment was to continue our business in a manner that would beneficial to all our stakeholders. This , we planned to do by paying critical attention to service delivery, instituting innovative alternative channels that would enhance our customer experiences, expand our share of available business opportunities and grow our regional footprint in Africa.”

Stanbic IBTC assures funding support for haulage, logistics operators

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By NKIRUKA NNOROM

tanbic IBTC Bank Plc has restated commitment to providing funding support to operators in the haulage and logistic business of the economy.

The Managing Director/CEO of the bank, Sola David-Borha, gave the assurance at the 2014 Haulage and Logistics conference organised by the bank in Lagos.

Speaking on the theme of the conference, tagged, “Developing Sustainable Relationship with our Clients”, David-Borha said that the forum was the first in the series designed to interact with operators in haulage and logistics sector with a view to finding lasting solutions to their funding needs.

She assured that the bank could go an extra mile of restructuring haulers’ loans in order to keep them in business.

Represented by Obinna Abajue, Executive Director, Personal and Business Banking, she noted that the bank through its various subsidiaries is committed to providing end-

to-end financial services to its customers without conflict, while enjoining the haulers to take advantage of opportunity derivable from the forum to seek support from the bank.“We are here to partner with our clients. If it is to go to your clients with you, if it is to restructure your loans in a way it will be suitable to both parties, we will do it to ensure that haulage continues to fly in this country,” she said.

In his presentation on haulage operations, Mr. Emmanuel Usiakpo, Managing Director/CEO, Joza Global, said: “Day by day, haulage business is going down. I believe it is a collective problem arising from banks, insurance companies and the clients we serve.”

Highlighting some of the crippling challenges facing operators in the sector, he said unfavourable government policy, multiple taxation, charges on emblems and tickets, as well as bad road constitute big problem to them.

,

From left: Second Vice President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Mr. Oluwaseyi Abe; First Vice President, Mr. Emmanuel Ohanwusi; President, Mr. Ariyo Olushekun and Group Chief Executive Officer, BGL Plc/Chairman, 2014 stockbrokers annual national workshop, Mr. Albert Okumagba, during a press conference on the 2014 stockbrokers annual national workshop, in Lagos.

he previous week, we men tioned the possibility of failure in respect of the electricity distribution companies if the core investors in these companies are unable to meet the terms of the loans with which the core investors acquired majority shareholding in the electricity distribution companies. It was suggested that the electricity distribution companies could avoid failure by having appropriate investment programmes for improving their networks and for provision of power from outside the national grid.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, is the regulator and co-ordinator of a troubled power sector and NERC should come up with strategies and plans that would bring better performance to the power sector. The public interfaces with the power sector through the electricity distribution companies and it is important that the electricity distribution companies do not fail. The only sanction that NERC could apply under the Electric Power Sector Reform, EPSR, Act 2005 is the withdrawal of the licence of an operator and application of this

NERC should, therefore, appreciate that there is a substantial depth of feeling about the performance of the power sector

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sanction means failure of the operator.

The EPSR Act has provisions for NERC to make quarterly reports to the President and the National Assembly. If the electricity distribution companies are unable to carry out the required investment programmes in the short term, NERC should report to the authorities as stipulated in the Act. NERC should also consider inviting some of the state governments who had previously indicated interest in the electricity distribution companies for discussions leading to the acquisition of shareholding interests in the electricity distribution companies by the state governments. Any new investors in the electricity distribution companies should acquire shares additional to the existing shares thereby making funds avail-

able for new projects to be executed by the companies.

There is the possibility that more groups would come forward, as the Benin Forum has done, to express their dissatisfaction with the activities of the electricity distribution companies. About 12 years ago, a television programme asked the public to choose which was more important, water or regular power supply. Although it was acknowledged that water was a primary requirement for human existence, most of the people interviewed chose regular power supply as the more important of the two. NERC should therefore appreciate that there is a substantial depth of feeling about the performance of the power sector and in carrying out its mandate, NERC should not allow itself to be captured by those it is supposed to be regulating.

A major reflection of the economic well-being of the population is the availability of social infrastructure at an affordable price to the population. The most important law passed each year by the National Assembly and each State House of Assembly is the national budget and state budget respectively. These budgets have not brought about much change in available social infrastructure because of inadequacies in the content of and limited execution of the budgets. The other law we should look at is the Nigerian constitution which stipulates that there should be a national budget and state budgets each year. The constitution only makes it advisory and not compulsory for government to provide social infrastructure.

The first of our constitutions marking transition from military rule to civilian rule was in 1979.

At that time, the prevailing opinion was that if it was compulsory for government to provide social infrastructure, government would have too much litigation at its door step. When the executive and legislative arms of government were in place from October 1979, one of the first events was that the legislative arm indicated that the accommodation provided for its members at Amuwo Odofin in Lagos was inappropriate and got itself allocated accommodation at 1004 Flats, Victoria Island. Both the legislative and the executive arms of government have learnt from then to care more for themselves and less for the population. Any constitution at this time must make it compulsory for government to provide social infrastructure for the population.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014 — 25

Behold the kid Centenarian

DIARY Select ICT events

My artistry takes root from ICT

zTelecom CEM World Congress 2014 April 2014, Venue TBC, London zHong Kong ICT Expo 13 – 16 April 2014 Hong Kong. z Cards & payment Asia holds in Singapore 23-24 April 2014.

ambassador.

However, a shocking revelation from the kid, herself, was that her artistry was inspired by the knowledge of ICT which her school made compulsory to every pupil.

“Inspiration is not scarce in this computer age. Even in my school, the introduction of digital learning is having big impacts on everything we do. All it takes is to embrace it.

“Besides that, I was particularly inspired to do that painting by the challenges we are facing in the country. I decided to put everything together in one painting. Today, I feel great and excited and I also think it’s a privilege for me to be an ambassador. I thank God and I also thank my parents and teachers for supporting me.

zTransport Networks for Mobile Operators 2014 13 – 14 May 2014 London. zCritical Communications World 27-29 May 2014 BITEC, Bangkok, Thailand

Preview

New inventions shaping life and living

Journey to centenary award

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ndoor air quality (IAQ) influences the health and well-being of people but for the last 20 years there has been a growing concern about pollutants in closed environments, the difficulty in identifying them and their critical levels.

Now, the EU-funded IAQSENSE project aims to develop new nanotechnology-based sensor systems that will precisely monitor the composition of the air in terms of both chemical and bio contaminants.

This system is designed to be miniaturised, low cost and adapted to mass production.

I N S I D E

BY PRINCE OSUAGWU & JULIET EBIRIM

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AST week, drums rolled in celebration of a 'centenarian'.

The venue was Queensland Academy, a private school located around Okota Lagos.

With the calibre of dignitaries at the event, one would ordinarily expect an octogenarian, who would tell the story of the merger of northern and southern protectorates in 1914 to become what is today called Nigeria. Or at least a scholar who had researched on the merger and made contributions that would continue keeping these protectorates together.

NITDA gets new DG

But, when the curtains unveiled, a 10 year old, primary six student, Miss Ayomikun Omoyiola emerged.

It was amazing to behold a primary school pupil as a centenary ambassador. Miss Omoyiola was one of those recently decorated by President Goodluck Jonathan for outstanding achievements, as the country celebrated 100 years of existence.

The Kwara state born kid of Queensland Academy, Lagos, caught the attention of the federal government when she put up a painting that depicted peace and

Unlocking Nigeria’s SmartKid makes potentials in maths easy on education, Nokia devices agriculture

Even in my school, the introduction of digital learning is having big impacts on everything we do unity of the country. Her painting was viewed as an advocacy for peace and she was so named as

'There’re creative ways to overcome Nigeria’s infrastructure challenge'

Little Ayomikun, through her amazing painting, titled “Peace in the midst of the storm” was able to show patriotic zeal and strong desire to bring peace to Nigeria by painting the picture of a white dove, flying with the Nigerian flag in a stormy weather. She presented it during the centenary celebration to the Secretary to the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim. This earned her a recommendation among the 100 people that were given awards.

Gradually becoming a celebrity, she also declared the centenary celebration open in Bayelsa State.

The climax of her ingenuity however manifested at the grand finale of the centenary celebration in February, when she presented an advanced version of her painting to the president, with a different title, ‘United We Stand’ At the point, the government felt justified to declare her a Centenary Peace Ambassador She deserves Scholarship Expressing the school’s appreciation to have produced a centenary Ambassador, Head of Queensland School’s Primary

Continues on page 28

26 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014

NITDA gets new DG

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

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EDERAL Government Monday, approved the appointment of Mr Peter Jack as the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA. His appointment, which took effect from the April 7, 2014, was for a first term of four years.

Jack holds a BSc. in Chemical Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, a Masters Degree in Chemical Engineering and an MBA, both from the University of Lagos.

Jack attended the International Information Technology Policy Programme, College of Engineering, Seoul National University, South Korea in 2007.

Mr Jack designed and implemented the Niger Delta Youth Computer Training Program for Niger Delta Development Commission in 2003.

Jack started as a T r a i n i n g Consultant with NITDA on 1st August, 2001, and later became the Technical Assistant to the then Director General, Prof.

Cleopas Angaye in January 2006 on t e m p o r a r y appointment.

•Mr Peter Jack

Global InfoSwift, TechXact to engage stakeholders on Data Centre

SmartKid makes maths easy on Nokia devices K

IDS in Nigeria, particularly those who crave to be smart can now challenge the dreaded mathematics subject, all on their mobile phones. This is as global phone manufacturer, Nokia has introduced a learning application tagged SmartKid Maths app, for children in primary schools in Nigeria.

Available for free download on the Windows Store, SmartKid Maths is an educational game created by Finnish digital company, SkillPixels which contains complete preschool, 1st and 2nd grade mathematics with three years worth of curriculum-based math exercises.

The app has over ten thousand exercises in hundred progressive levels, corresponding to major international and United States of America core curriculum requirements for preschool, 1st and 2nd grades.

According to the Managing Director, Nokia West and Central Africa, Nick Imudia, SmartKid

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dren learn the concept of numbers, counting, order, distance, numbering system, place value and fractions.

Through this app parents and teachers can help children identify their personal strengths and pinpoint individual bottlenecks in learning and help correct it.

Nigeria mus ec mustt impr improove on TTec echh compe compettence —Woherem

BY RICHARD UDOFIA Y May this year, all stakeholders who businesses are directly or indirectly affected by the bolstering data centre services in the country would gather at the Lagos Oriental Hotels to discuss how best to maximize benefits of the development.

The improving connectivity and increase in businesses done online is spurring the need for data centres. These infrastructures are expected to provide reliable Internet access and host information for clients such as banks, phone companies, government bodies, and a growing number of dot-com businesses.

Spearheading the seminar is Global InfoSwift, an indigenous Information & Communications Technology (ICT) firm, in strategic partnership with TechXact Group, a leader in designing, developing, implementing and supporting Data Center and Infrastructure Solutions.

The event is billed to hold May 5 to 9, 2014 in Lagos. Meanwhile, Deputy Director, Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, Mr Chidi Umeano, will deliver the keynote address while Solomon Edun, Managing Director, Global InfoSwift, is the chief host.

The training seminar will focus on the fundamentals as well as essentials in order to evaluate, design, build, and manage advanced data centres at the optimum efficiency and cost effectiveness President, TechXact Group Corporation, USA, Mehdi Paryavi, said the main challenge in data centres today is that issues are not being handled by the right people. Adding that “Unfortunately, the challenges today are mostly being addressed by vendors which are not the ideally the right set of people to do so in the Information Technology industry”, TechXact provides the most unique and comprehensive data centre training programmes worldwide, Global InfoSwift Limited is an independent business entity founded in 2004.

Maths is the first learning game app featuring Learning Analytics which shows users their progress as they move to the next stage. The game shows users how quickly or slowly they learned concepts; it identifies their strengths while also helping them get better in their weak areas amongst others exciting features.

“This app will help build a strong foundation for children in the area of Mathematics and get them acquainted with the subject before starting with the basics in school simply by teaching them about shapes, coordinates, numbers, time, addition, subtraction, equations, money, multiplication, division, fraction, and much more. It is a simple, easy and fun app that we are really proud of and believe will impact immensely in children, making school work easy for the parents and teachers to teach” he added.

SmartKid Maths enables chil-

BY LAJU ARENYEKA

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he Chairman, Digital Africa Global Consults Dr. Evans Woherem, has said that Nigeria must improve its technological competence to boost development and economic buoyancy.

Speaking at a press conference to launch the 2nd Annual Digital Africa Conference last week, he said: Africa lags behind other continents of the world in technology acquisition. Other continents, especially the Americas, Europe and Asia seem to be on steroids in acquiring and adopting new technologies.

However, in Africa, there is no sense of urgency in this regard at all.

“As at today, the most exciting ICT business opportunities lie in Africa and the Middle East. To get to the level of technological competence of the rest of the world, African countries need to run faster than they are doing so far. This requires for our leaders to comprehend that reality and develop a sense of urgency for the development of technology and the economy. Continuing, Woherem argued that “there is a difference between using technologies invented and innovated by another country and actually being the inventing country. It is more rewarding to be one of the key inventing and innovating countries of the world in technology. This is what I mean as technological competence. In other words, it is not the mere purchase and use of technologies invented from abroad or technological diffusion.

Although Africa had traditionally lagged behind in certain critical

economic sectors, ICT is clearly a bright spot for the continent that must be seized to move the continent ahead confidently.”

Digital Africa Conference & Exhibition, slated for May 2022, 2014, is a 3-day annual conference & exhibition for Africa’s technology sector. The event is conceived as an integral part of the vision to move Africa from being a passive consumer to a dominant innovator and producer of digital technologies.

Digital Africa Conference & Exhibition 2014, which is the second edition, will also host the 19th World Electronic Forum. WEF is the global and high profile gathering of CEOs and Directors of Electronic Industry Associations worldwide. The theme of the event is “Towards Digital Singularity in Africa” and deliberations at the conference will proffer solutions that would enable Africa make significant advancement towards competing strongly in the global digital market.

E-Government: Anambra embarks on resident identification programme

BY RICHARD UDOFIA

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o improve public service delivery to her citizens in the areas of health, welfare and transportation, among others, the government of Anambra State is investing in residents’ identification programme. The project being executed by Chams PLC will enable the government of Anambra State to provide better public services at less cost to residents across rural and urban areas of the state.

Commenting on the project, Mr. Demola Aladekomo, Managing Director, Chams PLC said “the utilisation of information and communication technology to improve service delivery in the public sector in Nigeria will make governance inclusive – bringing it closer to the people. It implies improved access to public service and drastic reduction in the high incidence of fraud and wastage often associated with public sector welfare programmes”.

Aladekomo noted that, globally, governments are investing in meeting the identity management needs at city, state and regional levels. Because it provides exceptional opportunity to cut capital and recurrent administrative costs, while also protecting citizens such as pensioners by making it difficult for dishonest persons to steal their benefits. He added that, “It is a welcome development that Anambra is at the forefront of heralding access to improved public services through e-government channels”.

Mr. Olufemi Williams, Deputy Managing Director, Chams Plc said, “The ongoing implementation of residents’ identity management programmes by Anambra State will enhance the ability of the state government to make short, medium and long term plans for the benefit of their people.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014—27

G-TIDE to introduce five Android phones

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From left: Odo Effiong, Special Adviser to the Government of Cross River State on ICT; Nneka Eze, Dalber Global Development Advisors; Uwem Asomugha, Deputy Director, ICT, Federal Ministry of Education; Senator Liyel Imoke, Governor, Cross River State; Kabelo Makwane, General Manager, Microsoft Nigeria and Mrs. Moni Udoh, Director, Federal Ministry of Communication Technology, during Nigeria Innovation forum 2014 organised by Dalberg, Microsoft and Nokia and hosted by the Cross River State Government. Photo: Emeka Aginam.

Innovation for National Vision 20:2020:

By EMEKA AGINAM

ne of the leading mobile phone man ufacturers, G-TiDE, has announced plans to introduce five new Android devices in Nigeria to advance its mission to deliver userfriendly, high quality and competitively-priced communications tools to end users.

“G-TiDE has been operating in the Nigerian market for the past six years with cutting edge feature phones that have been highly accepted by the market because of its strong quality, battery strength, very attractive designs and good multimedia features” the Country Sales Director for Nigeria at G-TiDE, Mr. Pan Duliang said . Adding that the new products will compete in feature richness, pricing and durability, he said that the launch of the new Android phones into Nigeria, which will be available from leading retail stores and dealers network, will further consolidate the position of G-TiDE as a mobile phone integrator and supplier of mobile devices of choice for end users in the country and across the West African market.

Unlocking Nigeria’s potentials in education, agriculture

BY EMEKA AGINAM

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Y the time the just concluded Nigerian Innovation forum 2014 was drawing to a close, there were positive signals from discussants that ICT led innovations have the potentials of driving Nigeria’s competitiveness in education and agriculture for global competitiveness.

The Nigeria Innovation Forum 2014 was focused on creating a crossindustry business alliance to support and harness innovation in Africa to increase the continent’s competitiveness, as well as the national competitiveness of Nigeria specifically.

The forum was organised by Microsoft, Nokia, Dalber and hosted by the Cross River State Government.

Accordingly, the forum which attracted capacity audience from both public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy including NGOs provided an overview of the link between ICT, innovation and competitiveness; gave clear view of the current situation in the focus sectors of education and agriculture; outlined the potential of ICT to drive innovation in key sectors to increase Nigeria’s competitiveness, among others.

Key themes for the Nigeria Innovation forum 2014 reflected two of the key areas the forum’s partners believe ICT can play a critical role in driving innovation and competitiveness, including Agriculture Entrepreneurship and ‘Education for Employment’ with Power as a key enabler for both focus areas and sectors.

Time for paradigm shift t the panel discussion on education that attracted stakeholders from both private and public sectors of the Nigerian economy, speaker after speaker strongly believe that it was time for paradigm shift from traditional to elearning classroom environment for global competitiveness.

Although African teachers may have the challenge of accessing digital tools as a result of poor funding and remuneration, the panelists further noted that teachers who are preparing

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students for life in the 21st century should be digitally literate. Exploring areas of intervention, ICT, the panelists further noted was an essential tool for quality education, and quality education ultimately leads to a better future for students and their countries.

Requirements for Students: According to the forum, students of today may require a new and different way of thinking and interacting with information, and a different approach to the education system overall to be competitive.

Concerns of the Forum

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art of the concerns raised by the forum participants was that except issues around poor infrastructure, lack of skills among teachers, poor funding, lack of information of farm produce among others were resolved, Nigeria may not attain vision 20: 2020.

Part of the concerns is that the quality of education received in the traditional public and private schools does not prepare the students for the future which for the majority does not include university placements.

In order to take advantage of the 21st century, the youth population need to be properly equipped with education and opportunities to do so.

Pay attention to innovation: eanwhile, the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke in his opening remarks emphasized the need for the country to pay attention to innovation for national development.

“The earlier we adopt technology as a government, the better we will be in position to deliver services to people in an efficient way. Education and agriculture are the two sectors to apply technology for wealth creation. Cross River State is a destination for using technology to create wealth. With technology, there is opportunity for students and entrepreneurs. Young people should see opportunity in technology and embrace it”, he explained.

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Use Technology to Prepare Students: or the new Microsoft General Manager, Kabelo Makwane, he assured that the global software giant

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was committed to working with governments, communities, schools and educators to use the power of information technology to prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s job.

Student Advantage t would be recalled that in an effort to help prepare students for the technology skills required in the workforce, Microsoft had recently announced Student Advantage, a new benefit to qualifying institutions that brings Microsoft Office 365 Education to more students worldwide.

While commending the government of Cross River State for inclusive and participatory approach to governance, Makwane said, “We believe that by helping people reach their full potential, our business will naturally benefit their

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ICT can play a critical role in driving innovation and competitiveness economic prosperity”.

At the forum, there were plenary sessions both on education and agriculture which discussed among other things, how best to use innovation solutions to improve education and agriculture.

Up-Skill Teachers for 21st Learning: or Chinenye Mba-Uzokwu, Director/CEO of InfoGraphics Nigeria Limited, teachers must be upskilled so as to adapt to the 21st century learning to enable them prepare the students for workplace readiness.

According to him, those teachers who are no more trainable can be given a time frame to learn or withdraw.

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Use Technology to facilitate teaching: lso speaking, the Commissioner of Education, Cross River State Government, Prof. Offiong E. Offiong, said that for Nigeria to attain vision 20: 2020, imperative, e-learning is critical,

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noting that Nigeria must give every child education opportunity, adding that Nigeria must use technology to facilitate teaching and learning.

Similarly, the Deputy Director , (ICT) Nigeria Federal Ministry of Education, Uwem Asomugha said innovative educators who creatively and effectively use technology in their classroom to engage students and provide them with 21st century skills were urgently needed as an intervention in the Nigerian educational system.

According to her, there should be data gathering and sharing in education sector so as to know the number of students enrolled in schools.

Panel’s Summary on Education: ccordingly, the panel’s summary was that the current efforts to re-build the Nigerian education system will only result in repairing obsolete and dysfunctional structures.

According to the panel, Nigeria should not waste time trying to patch up and white-wash the collapsed structures - what is needed is to take the opportunity to quantum leapfrog by transforming our thinking about what a 21st century education system should look like and build it.

Taking advantage of technology, according to the panel was the only way to create a 21st century education system that is relevant to the socioeconomic challenges of today, and yet remain scalable, lower cost, high quality, equitable, accessible to the greatest number and responsive to the diversity of our population.

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Agriculture should be seen as business: or the panellists during a session on agricultural productivity through innovation, farmers must be given adequate information about prices of products otherwise the middlemen will be eating the large share of the proceeds.

In the opinion of Nnaemeka Ikegwuonu, a Farmer and Social Entrepreneur, agricultural extension services were not effective, adding that sending information and getting feedback through SMS to farmers was necessary.

“Farmers cannot do well without extension workers. Farmers need to know the prices of farm produce across the nation otherwise the middlemen will take the whole gain. Information is critical to farmers. There is need to have more applications in local languages that can address the challenges of farmers”, he explained.

Summarizing the panel discussion on agriculture, Nneka Eze of Dalberg who facilitated the session noted that flows of information are constricted and are severely affecting the agriculture sector in Nigeria. Extension services which are meant to deploy some of this information to the farm level, she said were not being properly managed. Extension officers and their managers often do not receive budgets to travel to the farm level.

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28—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014

THE sing song among operators in the country, from telecommunications to banking or oil and gas, is the dearth of necessary infrastructure to operate optimally here. Most often, this has formed the subterfuge for poor service delivery. But telecom equipment vendors and managed service operators, Ericsson has deflated the argument. In a recent interview with the company’s country Manager, Mr Kamar Abass, he tells HiTech that Ericsson has creatively designed strategies which overcome the shortcomings of Nigeria’s business environment.

He speaks so authoritatively, apparently relying on over fifty years' experience of his company’s existence in Nigeria.

Some of his revelations could also help new entrants in the market.

Behold the kid centenarian Continues from page 25

By PRINCE OSUAGWU

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OU are an expert in managed services. Let’s tap from your experience, what network sharing truly represents?

Well, there is passive sharing. Today, networks in Nigeria are shared at the passive level. By this I mean that operators share towers, and power at the towers. They may share transmission but generally speaking it is the towers, physical infrastructure and the power that they share.

It’s however very essential because all operators need towers and it makes absolutely no sense to have towers built literally next door to one another, it will be a blight on the landscape, waste of resources, and frankly it is also bad for the radio performance .

Another level of sharing that goes beyond the passive category is active sharing. With active sharing, both the physical and electronic components of the cell sites are shared. So you are sharing the radio and the antenna in this situation and that produces significant benefits because record that we have. Again, I think, it means that all of the operating costs we were able to reach a common at that particular tower are halved, in ground with the client with regard the situation where two service to cost of service.

The third factor is that MTN providers are utilizing the tower. If it’s knows that Ericsson is ...In a matter of weeks, we will committed to inherit, from MTN, new staff this market and is here for the members to the Ericsson family long-run.

Is three, it’s a third each, and really that MTN going to do business with is absolutely what the doctor any organization that will probably recommended for the telecoms be here for maybe two years and industry in Nigeria. not much longer? Probably not.

You recently signed a managed This managed services thing has services contract with MTN. What always fueled fears of job loss. does it entail, what are the benefits?

Are we going to see that in this The contract that we have agreed transaction? with MTN is for full passive and active In relation to this project, No! In maintenance of MTN’s cell sites in five fact, in a matter of weeks, we will of seven MTN geographical regions. inherit, from MTN, new staff This means that we will be members to the Ericsson family. responsible for making sure that This exercise, known as a transition each and every MTN site is correctly project specifically manages the maintained and help MTN improve transfer of people and tasks from their quality of service which will be MTN to Ericsson in such a way as a test of our effectiveness. I look to absolutely ensure full continuity forward to being able to confirm that of operations. Staff will be it has happened in three to six transferred on their substantive months’ time. terms and conditions, meaning The impact of improved they are paid the same salary and operational availability of individual they get the same sets of benefits. sites: the length of time the site is Generally, they are doing the same able to provide voice and data job but, over time, more and more services to customers, how the sites in the Ericsson way. So, there are can be kept running for much longer no job losses. and faulty components replaced or Indeed going forward, our repaired much faster; can aggregate expectations are that MTN’s number benefits for MTN and its subscribers. of sites will grow. As their site number How did you emerge favorites to grows, more people will be required the MTN deal ahead of other to manage them. If you look at the competitors. Is there a South states, by 2050 Nigeria could be the African connection because we second most populous nation in the know you also play big there? world. My thinking is that demand for No. I will rather say, track record. telecom to-telecom services will We have bid many times for continue to grow quite appreciably. managed services projects. What is Overall, I can anticipate jobs growing of utmost importance to our in the telecoms sector. customers is knowing that they can You are speaking with such zeal as trust in our ability to deliver the if you don’t share the general belief service that they need and that is that inadequate support structures, reflected in the experience and track especially power infrastructure, is a

'There’re creative ways to overcome Nigeria’s infrastructure challenge' major challenge to growth here?

It is true Nigeria and its telecoms market, are both growing at a fast rate. It is also true that there are significant challenges in this market: as there are in others. However, it is the case that we have found many creative ways of overcoming those challenges: And some challenges, such as the lack of a legacy fixed infrastructure, are partly responsible for the meteoric rise of our telecoms market. But it’s not all bad!

The key challenge that remains is the ability to maintain a staff strength that is well trained, motivated and properly equipped to do the key jobs in our industry. In managed services, much of the work needs to be done by people on the ground, we need to make sure that these people can readily access cell sites, can work safely and effectively. This is where we will pay most attention to. We know about power, we know about fuel and these need to be managed, no one can neglect these issues but they are not unpredictable. We know how much fuel they need, the quantity that needs to be stored, the alternative sources of power and how we need to get all that working properly. I mean it’s not trivial but it’s not unpredictable. I think the human element is what we need to watch out for.

Ordinarily, you operate a business-to-business B2B model.

Now delving into running the network on a day-to-day basis, you will face stakeholders such as communities, touts that have not been your experience before. Are you prepared for the challenge?

We have an enormous number of partners, who will work with us, and with those partners we have ways of working which are very clear, ranging from definitions of what is required, guidelines on how work should be done, through to what the results should be. We have our own means of checking and controlling that work is properly done and we pay a

reasonable price for the work we need to have done.

education, Mrs. Ogunkoya Christiana declared that the school’s tradition of rewarding excellent students must also manifest. “We are proud of Ayomikun, our primary six pupil who happens to be the youngest centenary award recipient among the 100 people that got awards from the president. She has done lovely works of art. Her talent and inspiration was built up by her art teacher. Ayomikun is a hardworking pupil, very unassuming and faithful. She is highly talented in the arts and once she starts working, you can be sure to get a beautiful work within three hours.

She is also very good academically and cooperative. I feel glad that my school has produced the youngest centenary award recipient. This is the best thing that has happened to us as a school and I’m very happy. That’s why in our own little way of supporting and encouraging her, she has been given a scholarship that will see her through secondary school. She is in her last year in primary school, after which she’ll proceed to the secondary school on scholarship” She didn’t surprise me -Mother Ironically, her excited mother, Kemisola Omoyiola said the feat did not surprise her.

“Ayomikun is a very special child. Right from when she could hold a pencil I discovered that she could draw. It got to a point her teacher sent for me, he commented that she was different from her peers and there was something unique about her. He advised that it will be necessary for her to take private lessons and I agreed. When she began the lessons at home, her talent surfaced immensely. She could analyze colours with ease and each time we went out, she will point out the names of colours and all that. So I am not surprised that her painting got her this award”.

How she was honed

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n his part, Mr. Adekunle Adewale, the art teacher, gave account of how Ayomikun passed through the furnace to become great artist.

For him, both the celebration and the attention the young kid is now getting are all deserved.

“She stood out among the other pupils I encountered in her class. At first, I realised that she wasn’t bringing out her best and I knew she would need extra time to develop herself more.

So with the consent of her parents, I started giving her extra arts lessons, which was how she picked up. She initially started by using A4 paper and crayons to paint and she grew to use acrylic which is used by professional artists. Now she can work independently.

“However, she needs more push to fully maximize her potentials. Àyomikun uses what happens in her environment to tell the world a story. She saw possibilities even in the midst of difficulties. It was a great privilege for her to meet with the president of the country and to be made an ambassador”.

Ayomikun has represented her school in several arts competitions locally and internationally and has won many awards. She has had the privilege of meeting icons in contemporary Nigerian artists of international repute, including Chief Mrs. Nike Okundaye, Kolade Oshinowo, Dr. Kunle Filani, Bisi Fakeye, Prof. Bruce Onabrakepya and Dr. Kunle Adeyemi among many others.

She has about 30 large paintings to her credit with diverse themes on Culture, Beauty, Environment, Entertainment, Health, Motherhood, Womanhood, Love, Fashion and Religion. The amazing kid has exhibited a high level of continuous commitment which reflects in her personal development in creative arts, especially paintings.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014 — 29

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30—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014

Protecting children from the scourge of homosexuality

By BENEDICT HART

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Medical experts Moreover, medical experts have confirmed that anal intercourse which homosexuals practise tends to stretch and greatly weaken the anal sphincter muscles, leading to serious digestive problems, constipation, irregularity (of bowel movements), and ultimately to cancer of the rectum. Many homosexual men have to wear diaper-like products.

We need to point out however that some mischievous and unscrupulous persons have been recruiting innocent young ones into these habits. And some having been lured in, find it difficult to break away. It is vital therefore that parents and guardians should be vigilant so that they could take quick remedial actions in case their children and wards are nursing homosexual tendencies.

Some of the common habits of homosexuals as stated by experts include: They walk, talk and dress in a feminine or lady-like manner.

They are often very gifted in the arts and so attract people to themselves.

There is an unnecessary touching of hands, arms and shoulders.

The elbow grip is a well-known sign. They like to hug, or hold the person by the waist, holding hands while walking, etc.

They are often given to moods.

Youths should therefore avoid: Men they meet for the first time telling them; “you look like the person I have known before”, which is merely a way of starting

Effeminate mannerisms

a conversation with the person they admire; *Men who call them frequently without any serious matter to discuss other than just wanting them to come over to stay with them. *Men who pose awkward questions to you, such as “how will you feel if homosexual advances are made to you” or “would you tolerate a homosexual as a friend?” *Those who offer them gifts and favours more than is normal, including invitations to fast food centres and offers of jobs and so on. *Youths should quickly draw the attention of their parents or guardians whenever they face any pressure or enticement to homosexuality for parental advice.

Role of parents in reventing homosexual tendencies in children Parents should: Inculcate in their children the wholesome attitude of godliness as enjoined in the Bible. For the Scriptures

say: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

(Proverbs 22:6) The need for parents to instil discipline in their children cannot be over-stressed. The falling standard of discipline in many homes makes it easy for many with a predisposition toward homosexuality to take up the practice at the first opportunity, and it is largely the reason they find it so difficult to free themselves from it. *Look at the friends their children/wards keep. Are any of these friends exhibiting the traces of gays or lesbians as discoursed above? In some cases, this may be an indication of homosexual tendenci-es. *Observe if their son or daughter keeps quiet or feels uncomfortable when homosexuality is being condemned? Note that you cannot know the mind of those under you unless you discuss with them frequently. Parents

But when mother and father cannot preserve a love relationship and she makes the child number one, he is in trouble. He may begin to identify with her, take an interest in feminine things, and develop effeminate mannerisms.

It should be stated that a father's most precious gift to his son/daughter is not food, shelter, and education, but love---and he must prove that love by spending time with his child. When the father is frequently absent from the home, the mother turns to the boy as an outlet for her emotional needs. If the home is an unhappy one, where fighting and hatred abound between the parents, perhaps leading to a divorce, that may be a breeding ground for a

approval of his manhood is very important to any boy, particularly one who manifests other tendencies which may develop a predisposition toward homosexuality.

Dr. Irvin Bieber, a psychiatrist believes that, "Homosexuals are not born that way; they are made that way largely by their parents."

Whether one believes that homosexuals are born or made, the fact is that homosexuality is at the instance of the devil and those who want to be freed from it must flee from its captivity by the power of God. (Romans 6:16; II Timothy 2:26).

The defence of homosexuality on the ground that "Some people come into this world with affections ordered toward other people of the same gender" and that “Bible passages relating to homosexuality are written in a different historical context” are spurious. Tho-se who have abnormal orient-ations at the instance of the devil have to prayerfully seek God’s help from such enslavement in order to serve God acceptably. The laws of God as amended by Jesus Christ ARE FOR ALL TIME, hence the specific command in Revelation 22:18-19 that no one should add or subtract from it.

Open rallies: The Bible states clearly that homosexuality is an abomination to God. The Creator so hates homosexuality and its modern variant of lesbianism and similar vices that he gave the people of Sodom exemplary punishment and decreed that “no man…abide there, neither…a son of man dwell in it”. (Jeremiah 49:18) Unfortunately, the practice has

,

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has largely been commended by a cross section of Nigerians for the government’s firm stand against homosexuality. Though political leaders and civil society groups in Europe and America have been up in arms since the bill was signed into law, many Nigerians know better: a number of these world leaders are only supporting same-sex unions for the sake of “political correctness”, to win elections.

Apart from the grave spirit-ual dangers of sexual liaisons among people of the same gender, homosexuals expose themselves to fatal health hazards. It is a well-established fact that the HIV/AIDS virus thrives more among homosexuals. It is curious that despite the restraints that should have been imposed by the AIDS disease, which has swept off millions of victims, many are still involved in same-sex unions.

should learn to have honest, open conversations with their children so that they will learn about them. It is when a son or daughter opens up to the parents that they will find out about their sexual preferences.

Parents should also note that every child needs love, but few things are worse than an overprotective, smothering affection that is showered on an infant, not for his benefit but for the mother's.

According to Dr. Howard Hendricks "whenever a mother makes her son number one in her life, she begins to raise a pervert.” In other words, it is normal for a boy to be number two in the heart of his mother, for he doesn't feel threatened when he knows father is number one.

The Creator so hates homosexuality and its modern variant of lesbianism and similar vices that he gave the people of Sodom exemplary punishment and decreed that “no man … abide there, neither…a son of man dwell in it"

homosexual.

Father's Love: A boy needs to identify with his father's masculinity; we need to bring Father back into the home, and the father and son must spend time together. The father should avoid telling his son he should have been a girl because he cannot do a man’s work. Father's love and

,

become fashionable and is legalized in many countries. They hold rallies openly and politicians are compelled to seek offices with promises of giving more and more liberty to homosexuals. *Brother Hart is the publicity secretary of God’s Kingdom Society (GKS), Warri.

Easter: Muoka tasks Nigerians on love, peace

T

HE Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries has concluded plan to hold this year’s annual two-day power packed Easter programme entitled, "God’s covenant of peace and blessing."

The event which is schduled for April 19 and 20, 2014 will take place at the Chosen Revival Ground, along Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, by Ijesha, Bus Stop, Lagos by 8am daily.

According to the General Overseer of the church, Pastor Lazaus Muoka, "this programme is so special because, it is divinely inspired to help us bring to mind the significant of Easter which symbolizes the victory of Jesus

over death and which by extension is the victory over hopelessness and anarchy, for Christ’s resurrection ushered us a new hope for peace and blessing.

"We advise the nation through this medium to use the opportunity avail to us in the occasion of this year’s Easter to foster peace and love in the country, as this is the only way we can acknowledge and appreciate what Jesus has done for humanity.

"The resurrection of Jesus Christ which is what Easter stands for is the bedrock of mankind’s reconciliation with his Creator. Without our Lord Jesus

Christ resurrecting from death, there would not have been any hope of restoration of the peaceful relationship we had with God before our fore-parents severed it through sin.

"It is at Easter that we are reminded of how God sent His son to die as a sacrifice for all our sins in order to rescue us from the impending destruction that has been earmarked for us as a result of the sin of Adam and Eve. Thus, by His death and resurrection, the covenant of peace and blessing which mankind originally had with God at creation was restored.

"So, the concept of Easter is inextricably tied to hope, peace

and blessing, and these are the intangible chords that help people to get beyond the sad and sordid situations that might bog them down and give them a sense of hopelessness.

"Easter, therefore, brings that optimism that no matter how difficult or how challenging your situation or condition may be, knowing the resurrection will remind you that if Jesus could defeat death, then all things are possible. It also suggests that as bad as the prevailing situation might appear, there is the expectation that things will get better if we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour."

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014 — 31

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32 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014

COPA DEL REY No more mist Barca, An C

arlo Ancelotti hopes Real Madrid will cut out the errors of last month’s home loss to B a r c e l o n a when they contest the Copa del Rey final.

Barca completed a league double over Real at the Bernabeu last month in an enthralling game that finished 4-3 in the Catalan club’s favour.

A hat-trick from Lionel Messi sealed the points in a game which Real had twice led, but finished with 10 men after Sergio Ramos was sent off in conceding the first of two penalties for the Argentina star.

City boss eyes three points from Sunderland M

ANCHESTER City manager Manuel Pellegrini is convinced his side are still firmly in the Barclays Premier League title race.

Pellegrini insists little has changed as a result of Sunday’s defeat to leaders Liverpool.

The loss left third-placed City trailing the Reds by seven points and Chelsea by five but, with two games in hand, Pellegrini claims the battle could still be too close to call.

The Chilean said: “I think the team knows perfectly what they have to do.

“We lost that game but we have still to play six games more and we will fight to the end to win the title.

“If we don’t do it, it is because Liverpool will win their four games, but I don’t think some things change after the game on Sunday.

“Of course, the fans believe that we can do it.

“The two games postponed – if we win both we are just one point behind Liverpool.

“If you don’t believe (when you are) just one point behind the leader, nobody can believe anything.

“We have had a very good season

so far and we hope we finish in the last six games in the same way.”

City’s title destiny may be out of their hands but they will look to apply pressure as they play the first of their games in hand at home to Sunderland today.

“The important thing is that we win our games,” Pellegrini said.

“We can do nothing about the other teams but we can do a lot of things here.

Coleman eyes in-form Eagles S eaman Coleman is confident Everton can maintain their topfour charge today by disrupting the momentum of in-form Crystal Palace.

The Eagles have won their last three games without conceding a goal, recording vital victories against Chelsea, Cardiff City and Aston Villa in their battle against the drop.

Now sitting 12th in the table, Tony Pulis’ side have a seven-point cushion above the relegation places and travel to Merseyside to face an Everton team looking for an eighth successive victory and 10th in a row at Goodison Park.

And according to right-back Coleman, home advantage can aid the Blues as they look to strengthen their grip on fourth spot.

However, An chance for reve day as Real look ment of 2011 by Barca to win th confident in hi “We played v beu but we ma said. “We did w tomorrow we h “Barcelona h in the last few m them from doin “We’ve worke we made at the to play with ou worked all yea tomorrow.

Pulis doe who wins survival T

ony Pulis is determin Palace’s survival as matter whose title dream way.

Three straight wins ha points clear of the bottom to play, three of them ag the top four.

Today’s trip to Everton West Ham and then back against Liverpool and M meaning Palace are like influence on the destina fourth Champions Leagu But Pulis’ only concern safety and then plannin squad for next season.

“It’s as exciting a seas League as there has bee “That goes for a lot of th the line to stay in the lea and for those clubs tryin

Can Atletico Madrid win

EPL Matches Today Everton v Crystal Palace 7:45pm Man City v Sunderland 7:45pm

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014 — 33

FINAL takes against ncelotti vows

Ronaldo out of Copa del Rey final

R

eal Madrid have confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will miss his side’s Copa del Rey final clash with Barcelona today.

The Portuguese star limped off during the 3-0 Champions League quarter-final first-leg win over Borussia Dortmund earlier this month.

He subsequently missed the league meetings with Real Sociedad and Almeria and was an unused substitute in the return game with Jurgen Klopp’s side.

And coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that the 29-year-old will not be risked against the Catalans at Mestalla on Wednesday.

“We won’t risk it with Cristiano so he won’t play.

He will train tomorrow then travel to Valencia to see the game,” he said at his press conference.

“I found out that I can’t count on Cristiano this morning. We can do well tomorrow despite the absence of some players.”

Real Madrid lost twice to Barcelona in La Liga this season but Ancelotti is confident that his side can respond.

ncelotti’s side have the enge at the Mestalla tok to repeat their achievey overcoming arch rivals he Copa and the coach is is side’s abilities. very well at the Bernaade some mistakes,” he well during 30 minutes; have 90. ad more ball possession matches. We have to stop ng that in order to win. ed to avoid the mistakes e Bernabeu. We will try ur style and identity. We r long to be able to do it

esn’t care s title but

Barca train with rugb or R eal rugbyy ball ffor Real B

arcelona took a different approach to training a day before their Clasico with Real Madrid to decide where the Copa del Rey trophy will be heading.

Neymar for one looked very excited and even Andres Iniesta and Xavi were throwing themselves around the pitch chasing after a rugby ball. Lionel Messi, on the other hand, didn’t appear quite as enthusiastic.

Tato Martino knows his job may hang on whether Barcelona pick up any silverware in the next few weeks, and today’s final may be their biggest chance.

The Catalans are four points behind leaders Atletico Madrid in the league and are now out of the Europe after Diego Simeone’s men produced two masterful performances.

Real Madrid will be fired up as they aim to put last season’s final behind them where an extra-time winner from defender Miranda won Atletico the cup.

Meanwhile, Messi’s apparent lack of efforts in Barcelona’s defeat to Atletico was in protest against being played on the wing, according to former club coach Radomir Antic.

ned to secure Crystal soon as possible - no ms he destroys on the

ave left Palace seven m three with five games gainst teams currently in

n is followed by a visit to k-to-back home games Manchester City, ely to have a big ation of the title and the ue place. ns are getting Palace to g the make-up of his

on in the Premier en for years,” he said. he clubs trying to get over ague for next season, ng to win the league.

it all?

CASILLAS: We want to put the icing on the cake

A

tletico Madrid are having an extraordinary season that no one really could have predicted. In fact, it seemed like they would struggle after losing Radamel Falcao.

This however, led to Diego Costa being moved from midfielder to striker, which has turned out to be one of the best decisions in recent football history.

Costa is tied in second place for most goals scored in La Liga BBVA with Lionel Messi at 25. Atletico’s keeper Thibaut Courtois is also ranked fourth in La Liga’s best goal keeper list, with his save percentage at 73.3%.

They are in the Champions League semi-finals after defeating favourites Barcelona, proving that they are the real deal.

With only a few games left in La Liga they sit top with 82 points. Just below them are Real Madrid with 79 points and Barcelona with 78 points. They look to be in great shape to win the Spanish title, and have a good chance at reaching the Champions League final.

I

ker Casillas has said that noting Real Madrid’s desire to put the seal on an unblemished cup campaign: “We want to put the icing on the cake today in Valencia, because we’ve had a fantastic run”.

“We know it’s not going to be easy. I expect an exciting match against some great players, but we are confident of our chances and believe we are going to win the cup”, the goalkeeper noted.

The Real captain feels the club is firmly on the right track: “The team has to keep doing what it’s done up to this point.

Eight months ago what we wanted was for it to be in our hands and that’s the case.

We’re in the cup final, in the Champions League semi-finals and will fight until the very end to finish on top of the league.

But for now, tomorrow’s final is the priority. The cup is what matters right now and we’re going to fight to try to win our first trophy of the season”.

34—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014

Patience Jonathan

I

Gumsu Abacha

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HE daughter of the late dictator General Sani Abacha certainly did not take after her mild mannered and quiet mother, Maryam, as she has taken it upon herself to spew out all her family’s bitterness against Nigeria and all its perceived enemies.

It was not too long ago that Gumsu took on Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, returning fire-forfire as the septuagenarian criticized her late dictator father. This week on twitter, she is seen returning fire-for-fire to Nigerians in general, who have criticized

Faith Sakwe

B

Y far the most newswor thy item on blogosphere is the protracted wedding of the adopted daughter of the president. The outrageously good looks of the lucky groom is ap-

Afghan Women

T

HE last frontier of the glo bal oppression of women appears to be crumbling, as elections hold in Afghanistan. Women in the war-torn state have defied threats from the Taliban to vote in the country’s elections,

her brother Mohammed on the basis of his being accused of unlawfully taking N446.3billion stolen from government’s treasury between 1995 and 1998.

According to her tweets: “They always strive (sic) on antagonizing a particular family … meanwhile even a dog knows they are most corrupt of all time…”

The latest lawsuit follows a decision by the Nigerian Supreme Court in January ordering the Nigerian government to file fresh charges against the dictator’s son. Also, the US Government recently froze assets belonging to the late dictator. parently not the only reason observers are green with envy, though that counts as well. It is difficult to decipher which is truth and which is fiction, but there was talk last week of 80 “stateof-the-art” vehicles being amongst the innumerable gifts received by the happy couple. As the wedding proceeds, so does the outrage, the latest cause for this being gifts of customized gold-plated iphones from Mr. President himself, com-

saying they have to show the enemies they are not afraid. They turned out in large numbers to vote in several cities while under the Taliban, they were not allowed to work or study, let alone cast their ballot.

Many went with babies, while

T appears the Jonathan girls are trend ing on more than one level, as the First Lady herself, who has been quiet for quite a while, has got the mills running as Nigeria prepares for elections next year. The gist has it that five governors are in a “cold war” with First Lady Patience Jonathan over her alleged moves to impose their successor including Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Bauchi, and Kwara states, where the First Lady is believed to have anointed some aspirants for the governorship tickets.Our South-south brothers and sisters are passionately discussing the fact that in her home Rivers State, Mrs. Jonathan is alleged to be interested in installing Senator George Thompson Sekibo, her kinsman from Okrika, as governor, solidifying fears that the First Lady may dump Minister of Education Nyesom Wike.

Many stakeholders are not happy that Wike, an Ikwere man like Amaechi, might be sacrificed in the end after leading the anti-Amaechi battle.

In Delta the First Lady is believed to have sympathy for a woman as Uduaghan’s successor following a plan to use Delta State for the experiment to produce the first woman governor.

The anointed candidate is Dr. Ngozi Olejeme. Fingers crossed.

Sandra Anazor

A

plete with the Nigerian emblem.

The aso ebi was said to cost a mere 550,000 naira only per head and a gold-plated device costs between £3000 and £50,000 (N750,000 to 12.5 million) Faith Sakwe Elizabeth and her beau Prince Osim Godswill Edward had been completely unknown until gist of their “good luck” went viral last week, and has continued to trend.

One of the prominent guests who may have taken home an iphone was former president Olusegun Obasanjo, who appears to have mended fences with the benevolent father of the bride. Meanwhile a stampede has begun amongst children of those in government circles to speed up wedding plans before the tide of elections can come and sweep their parents out of office.

many were casting firstever vote, ignoring the threat to attack the polls from Taliban insurgents. Many also declared they would vote, even if the Taliban attacked. They formed long queues even before polls opened and of the eight presidential candidates, all men, three chose a woman among their running mates, including Zalmai Rassoul, one of the favourites.

The whole world is watching their tweets every minute, watching for results as Afghan women bring new meaning to the term “girl power”.

NAMBRARIANS are proudly and frantically sharing the fact that one of their own got Nigeria’s highest score at the last Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) A student from Anambra State, Sandra Anazor, who went to school in the state, will be studying Medicine at the premier university in Ibadan, and has got a scholarship from the state covering the six years she will be in school. Another Akunyili?

Regina Askia

B

EAUTY queen, actress and erstwhile TV presenter Regina Askia faded into obscurity some years back, but she

announced her re-entrance back into the countryand into our consciousness- last week via her facebook page.

Apparently, she was invited by the government of her home Akwa Ibom state, in recognition of her being an indigene in the diaspora doing the state proud.

Meanwhile, she shares pictures of her d a u g h t e r, Stephanie, now 22, whom she had with a French man.

Grandbabies in view? Just asking.

Vanguard, APRIL 16, 2014— 35

I delegate to my workers while I supervise —Ibifuro Tatua, multiple award-winning entrepreneur …narrates how she struck gold selling ice block

AFRICA’s Emerging Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2014 is a young mother and that’s Mrs.Ibufuro Tatua Furobel, one entrepreneur that has demonstrated excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation and personal commitment. From an ‘ordinary’ ice block supply business which she started with her refrigerator at home five years ago, the University of Port Harcourt graduate has proven herself a success extraordinaire, branching into other businesses. Now, Ibifuro is the CEO of Boss Pan African Limited, an oil and gas contracting and servicing firm; Publisher of Boss African Magazine, a general interest magazine; CEO of Zamoor Potential Venture, an event management outfit; CEO of BossDrinks, a chain of stores solely into the sales of wines, liquor, energy drinks and fruit juice and an emerging property manager. In 2013, Ibifuro was named Young Performing Personality of the Year at the 4th Niger Delta Achievers Merit Awards. Her voluntary efforts at inspiring many into greatness earned her Outstanding Woman Achiever Award. She was also an awardee at the 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Award in New York and winner of Doris Fred Book Award. Ibifuro speaks on her journey into business and her strategies.

BY JOSEPHINE IGBINOVIA

Y

OU’RE into oil and gas, publishing and events

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management; where did you get such enterprising spirit from?

My grandmother has always Ibifuro Tatua

At what point did you decide to venture into publishing?

My journey into publishing started in 2008 when I first published my own magazine for kids, Master and Little Miss Africa. It was followed by a culture and talent pageant for kids.

Talent pageant The magazine was actually given out for free to kids in different schools, but after two years, I had to venture into other line of businesses as the magazine and cultural show weren’t for money-making but avenues for inculcating the fast diminishing African culture. By 2010 and 2011 I had changed platform to social media, particularly Facebook, where I talk about national, political and social issues. I went into TV production but after the first episode, I realised I was a behind the

,

Ibifuro Tatua

been very industrious and my mum is a contractor in Shell as well. Each time I went to the village on holiday as a child, I assisted my grandmother in her chains of businesses and that grew my love for business despite my health field of study. She always encouraged me as a child.

Which was the first business you ventured into?

I began with ice block production a little over five years ago. At that time, I had just relocated with my husband from Port Harcourt where I worked with a construction equipment supply firm to Victoria Island in Lagos, where we had constant power supply in the service quarter we lived in. I started with m y refrigerator at home and my husband didn’t like it because he felt the business was too poor. I was eventually able to buy a local made machine and was producing a hundred ice blocks a day.

In two months, I bought ten machines because there was so much money in that business. I was practically supplying a thousand ice blocks per day.

always start big. Remember how I ventured into ice block production. I don’t do the business anymore because of where I live now, but trust me, in three months, you can buy as many machines as you wish.

When leaving Victoria Island, I actually gave out all my machines free of charge because I had made my money already.

So, like I always tell women, there’s nothing you cannot do.

Just look at your environment because there is always something that is needed there. Look at what people consume every day. I was telling a woman and she said her husband does not give her money.

So I said when you buy a bag of rice, you can decide to sell some cups of those rice in your neighbourhood and that way, the next time you’re going to the market, you’re buying an extra half bag and that way you’re growing. Except your

Just look at your environment because there is always something needed there. Look at what people consume every day

scene person. I then decided to write again. That was how Boss Africa Magazine came to be and so far, it has been interesting.

You effortlessly went into ice block production but how come many still claim capital is key to starting any business?

I do not agree because one can always start from somewhere. You mustn’t

,

man says you shouldn’t.

What were those lifestyles you exterminated to succeed in business?

I cut down drastically on my TV time. The truth is that a lot of us have to cut down on those soap operas, TV shows and gossip. Some women would drop their kids in school and sit down to start talking about their husbands and other people with friends in the school premises. That time is enough to do something productive.

How do you blend businesses with family life?

I have a lot of workers I delegate work to while I supervise. That enables me achieve quite alot because I tell my staff everything extra they need to know about the job.

I let them represent me most times except in cases where I have to be directly involved.

More importantly, I ensure my children’s school is close to my office. This allows me enough room to bond with them.

36—Vanguard , WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY,, APRIL 16 16,, 2014

Diaspora Nigerians break stereotypes O

VER the years, Nigerians who scaled through the hurdle of strenuous visa processing and travelled out of the country have been ill treated by their hosts both at the airports and when they eventually settle down in their choice countries because they were perceived as criminally minded people. It has been discovered that the situation was informed by the level of corruption rocking the socio-economic as well as the political sectors of the nation.

The emergence of a group of Nigerians in the Diaspora who seem determined to erase the stereotypes of Nigerians is heart warming as they have engaged themselves with a host of clean and transparent international business transactions with many foreign countries. In proving their authenticity, and interests to maintain a progressive business related operations, with foreign countries, a group of Diaspora Nigerians from The Peoples

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Republic of China, under the aegis of China African Investment Club (CAIC) recently, succeeded in wooing reputable Chinese investors into Nigeria to explore areas of investment across the country.

The team of investors, who were among China Fortune 500 selected organizations, was led by the President of Good Governance Initiative, GGI, and Chairman, Blue Diamond Logistics China, Mr. Uzoma Festus Mbisiogu. The

states visited in their areas of interest. The leader of the Diaspora team, Mr. Festus Mbisiogu, told VCA that the country ’s progressive administration in the key areas of the economy gingered the move to woo the investors into the country. Mbisiogu also disclosed the extent to which he went with many concerned Nigerian nationals resident in Asian countries to ensure that the investors bring their investments to Nigeria, as Three out of the over 15 investors well as other A f r i c a n who visited the country have countries. He stressed the indicated their interest in the need for the country’s power sector F e d e r a l team of investors who toured government of Nigeria to ensure round the country, alongside other there is constant power supply, Nigerian government dignitaries, which he identified as the most beginning from Ogun State, to needed encouragement for more Abuja, Imo etc, also visited investors into the country.

Shanghai Engineering Mbisiogu said, “It is interesting Construction Nig. Ltd, near to know that many of these Ubomiri Owerri, Imo State after companies already have strong which each of the companies’ foundation in many other African delegates signed a Memorandum countries, and it would be best to Of Understand (MOU) with the have them partner Nigeria to

,

BYVERASAMUELANYAGAFU & PRISCA SAM-DURU

,

•Gov. Ibikunle Amosun (C) flanked by delegates from Asia and Nigerians in diaspora

create jobs for the many unemployed youths in the country.

“I am optimistic to state here that, the positive multiplier effect of their presence in the country’s economy would be unimaginable, hence, the need for the Federal government of Nigeria to quickly resolve the issue of inconsistent power supply,” said Mbisiogu, adding that, “that three out of the over 15 investors who visited the country have indicated their interest in the country’s power sector, which constitutes over 70 per cent of Nigeria’s problem.

With the support of the Federal Government, the issue of epileptic power generation, which is overly responsible for low productivity in the country, would be a thing of the past. CAIC, would continue to follow up and ensure that investors who signed MOUs with the Federal Government respectively, would be glad they did.”Disclosing the team’s interest in partnering with

Nigeria in several business interests, leader of the Chinese team, Mr. William Wang, told Vanguard Consular Advisory at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos on arrival that the visit was to partner both federal and state governments in various sectors of the Nigerian economy. William who acknowledged Nigeria as one of the African countries endowed with unequaled human capacity, natural and mineral resources, also stressed the need to explore many untapped business potentials in the country.

He said, “Nigeria is blessed with natural and human resources, which have not been really explored and we are interested in partnering the Federal Government of Nigeria to grow investments in the areas of agriculture, aviation, transport, solid minerals, electricity generation, housing, railway, oil and gas among others.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014 — 37 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

AQUARIUS; Continue to be more careful about proposals having to do with joint ventures. Yet that is not to say you can not take good advice. Prepare to work harder.

PISCES; You stand good chance to extend recent favourable events both at work and on matters-of-theheart. Watch what you sign before 5.36pm.

ARIES; Young-at-heart will be willing to give priority attention to sentimental related issues probably because of your recent success.

TAURUS; Refuse to become mentally arrogant or else you would be working against your own interest. Your love life will continue to enjoy favourable aspects.

GEMINI; Financial success is within your reach, especially if you back your old plans early in the day. The more family minded you are the better for you.

By Richard Eromosele

A

GIP here means – ‘Any Government In Power’. The acronym is meant to describe persons of easy virtues who have remained common

Are You An A.G.I.P Person? denominator in every succeeding government/administration. It is used here as a metaphor for lack of principle.

If I may ask you

TERROR MUDA

– what do you stand for? What do people know you for? Can people trust you to do the common good?

What cause do you be-

in “Never say goodbye”

lieve in? Can you fight for the cause?

Don’t be an A.G.I.P. Person.

Don’t fall for everything. Dedicate your life to a worthy cause.

Fight for honour.

By Lanre Kehinde

CANCER; It is important you don’t allow others to mislead you in the name of giving you good advice before 5.36pm. Those travelling or moving around in search of love may be in for both an exciting and pleasurable day.

LEO; You will be in better position to consolidate on progress made recently. And it is wrong to take people for granted today……

VIRGO; Many people may be disappointed because of broken promises, therefore you will need to prepare your mind accordingly and refuse to take others for granted LIBRA; . You can make it a good day as both career advancement and financial success are closer to you.

Secret lovers are in for an exciting day.

SCORPIO; Although there will be challenges here is a day when things will eventually go according to your plans. Don’t take friends for granted.

SAGITTARIUS; From now until next few days you will need to be as practical as possible along your career line; this is the wrong time to experiment with new ideas.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

CAPRICORN; You may not be in total control of your mind till around 5.36pm. That is to say you will need practical approach in all you do today. Be more co-operative.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

Should I marry her?

Dear Joshua, I want you to please tell me the home truth about a lady I have been going out with for the past four years.

Suddenly she says if I am not ready to marry her I should be a man enough to let her go so that she will not be frustrated much. I think she loves me but, there are other girls around trying showing green light.

Do not publish our data but be bunt enough to tell me if she is good for me so that I will know what to do.

Akpan. Lagos.

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

Dear Akpan, If you will continue to look into directions of so many ladies you may be seen as non-serious minded man.

And I think at your age you are not getting younger; meaning that it is important you take the needed decision. Here-under I will analyse both of you (strength and weakness of the relationship and allow you to make your choice.

Good luck.

BRIEF ANALYSIS OF THE LADY To a lay man this lady will go for just another lady next door and/or an ordinary person. However, even a Beginner-Astrologer/Beginner-Psychic will know that here is a person with rare talents as indicated by both the Sun, the Light and Planetary lined up when she was born.

If she decides to become a Spiritual person she will be great. And if she takes to the academics she can become a Professor either along Scientific studies, Art lines and other professional callings. The level of her intelligence is phenomenon. Certainly she is a beautiful lady by all standard. A GREAT WRITER and a KIND HEARTED PERSON; although her kindness/ generosity can affect her ability to hold on to money, but it is for a while.

Whoever want to marry this lady should know that here is a loyal and sensitive soul that must be taken care of in a special way or else the man would break her to the detriment of everybody. Like every other lady she is jealous and prank-playing in marital relationship will easily break her.

HOME & ABROAD

By Lawrence Akapa

38—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014

We need confederalism or loose federation — Tunji Braithwaite •Says 1999 Constitution is Decree 24 and must be thrown out

F

”Let us briefly consider the record and antecedent of Dr. Jonathan: here is a man who became Governor of Bayelsa State by default. Few years thereafter, he was yet again, by default, catapulted to the pinnacle of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as president. A man, who is now in the saddle at the 100th Anniversary in 2014, of the one-time British Colonial country Nigeria like many other countries in the world.

BY HENRY UMORU

OUNDER of the Nigerian Advance Party, NAP and a delegate at the on- going National Conference, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, has canvassed for a Confederal Constitution to replace the 1999 Constitution Braithwaite, who is at the conference as an elder statesman, spoke on Monday, on the floor of the Conference.

The former Presidential Candidate who described the 1999 Constitution as Decree 24 which was presently destroying Nigeria and Nigerians, stressed that it should be thrown out and be replaced with either a Confederal constitution, with Nigeria operating confederalism or a very loose federation.

Also, Braithwaite disagreed with President Goodluck Jonathan on 100 years celebration, saying that the President got it wrong as Nigeria was only 54 years old, adding that Nigeria was still work in progress.

He said: “Let the word go forth that there are a number of brave, honest nationalistic persons in this Conference that, hopefully would be able to reconstruct Nigeria in a way that the blessings, peace and prosperity rightly deserved by the peoples of this country would be guaranteed by a New Confederal Constitution.

Development conference ”The existing six geopolitical zones are uniquely different developmental problems for which a single ‘’one-size-fitsall ‘solution can never work in the reality of Nigeria’s diversity.

The present 1999 Constitution or Decree 24 is enforcing a country that is destroying its own people, and should be rejected outright. ”This Conference must therefore be as much a development conference as a constitutional one. It is our firm conviction that only a Confederal Constitution or a very loose federation is best suited for Nigeria. I say this because I know that no part of Nigeria is desert.”

Braithwaite, a Second Republic politician and a doctorate degree holder in Law, said he is speaking from experience because he has been part of the “Project Nigeria” journey.

“Before I make my few remarks which may be very strong, but certainly relevant to

Work in progress

•Braithwaite the purpose of this 2014 National Conference, let me say that I align myself with many delegates in their commendation of President Jonathan’s inaugural address to this conference. But my

position in all this is that, Dr. Jonathan is acting a “Divine Script”, and to that extent, it is God Himself who has intervened at this point in time, in the affairs of the artificially created geographical territory called Nigeria.

”But even Dr. Jonathan is in error believing that “Nigeria as a nation is already 100 years (see pages 5 and 18 of his Address)”. No, Nigeria - still work in progress - is only 54 years as a nation. Up till October 1st 1960, Nigeria, like other colonised communities in the world, was a British Colony. Not a nation.

The recent Centenary Celebrations by the Nigerian Government, was unfortunately a misplaced celebration, unworthy of champagne-glass clinking. ”However, you cannot do

Confab: Nigeria is better off united— Irikefe DR Benjamin Onoriode Irikefe, National Patron of the National Coalition for Jonathan and Sambo Presidency, a political association that encompasses over 698 other groups rooting for the president’s re-election, in this interview speaks on a wide-range of issues. Excerpts:

BY JOSEPH ERUNKE

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HY are you rooting for Jonathan and Sambo?

We decided to root for these two gentlemen because we have looked at their track records and performance and we have looked at the entire polity and people who want to contest for the presidency in 2015 presidential election and we feel that they are the most qualified.

We feel that based on the complexities on the ground and the manner Jonathan has been handling the various sectors of the economy, he is the right man for the job.

For Instance, if he had responded by removing the state governors through state of emergency in the North East, he would have been described as a dictator. But he has been very systematic and the thing is working. I must tell you with all sense of responsibility that if you conduct an election

today, President Jonathan would win.

The challenges in the country today were not caused by President Jonathan. These problems have been there.

Because of his leadership style which has won the heart of the people, he will triumph over others.

There are people who just woke up and think that they will get popularity by making unfounded criticisms against the president.

This is the only country where people will just wake up and begin to abuse the president. And these people were made by the system. I don’t have any doubt President Jonathan will win.

What happens if Jonathan does not win?

If Jonathan does not win, heavens will not fall but his track record will speak for him at the election. Out of 100 percent, he has scored 59 percent. The fact that Nigeria has celebrated its

•Irikefe centenary shows that it will not break up. I am not saying that if President Jonathan did not win the election, people will riot. A man cannot go to party A, party B, and party C and you see such a man as someone you can entrust the destiny of the country into his hands.

What can you say about the recent defection of some

justice to a process of constitution-making, review or charting a course for the regulation and the administration of human societies without recourse to histories; because histories with past and present lifeexperiences, together constitute the compass needed to navigate and chart a safe course for present and future generations. ”Barely five years into Nigeria’s flag Independence, the then Lt. Colonel Yakubu Gowon in 1966, Head of a military Junta ruling over the new nation asserted and I paraphrase him that ‘ ...the basis for one country in Nigeria was not there ?...’

The young man was immediately advised by some conservative Nigerians along with elements of the British Government to retract his belief, expressed from his appraisal of the prevailing situation. Due to time and space, I will skip the tragic story of the ultimate civil war, albeit its relevance for our present task. ”Permit me briefly, to mention the pre-independence Constitutional Conferences of 1953, 1957 and 1959 without delving into details, and the fact that the country had British Governors right up to the eve of independence in 1960. Then, there was the 1963 Constitution, which made Nigeria a Republic. ”However, there was another agenda that motivated and influenced the 1963 Constitution.

governors and other chieftains of the PDP to the APC? I am not bothered about that.

As far as I am concerned, that grouping will not last. If you travel to Lagos and suddenly become friends with someone at Ojuelegba, you don’t know what will happen tomorrow. You know the antecedents of some of these people. APC is not a threat to the PDP. What is your take on the National Conference and what issue do you think should be given topmost attention?

The National Conference is a thing we have been agitating for a very long time and people thought that government was running away from it. Strange enough, some people who call themselves elder statesmen, who were at the forefront of demanding for the conference, now that the thing has come, they have started running away, to the extent of even saying that they don’t have hands in it. Nigeria as a country is better united.

Every portion of Nigeria is important, every ethnic group is important but what people are talking about is how do people live together?

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014—39

Why UK is interested in this election — British High Commission

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

T

HE Head of Politics, British High Commission in Nigeria, Mr. Paul Edward, has given reasons the British Government is showing more interest in the conduct of free and fair election in Nigeria and other parts of the world.

Edward who was with the gubernatorial aspirant of the Labour Party (LP) in Ekiti State, Hon Opeyemi Bamidele at his Iyin-Ekiti country home, on Sunday, said the British Government wants a peaceful election, devoid of rancor especially in Nigeria and other parts of the world.

According to him, only a

•Bamidele government that is constituted by the collective desire of the

people at the polls can muster the legitimacy to deliver on its

electioneering promises to the people.

The diplomat said his visit to Ekiti is not only to ensure the success of the governorship polls but also to strengthen his country ’s bilateral relations with Nigeria.

His words,”The international community, particularly the British government is interested in the growth of democracy across the globe. So, that is why I am in Ekiti State to meet with all the stake holders on the need to embrace peace for the success of the governorship polls. It is always very desirable to allow the governed to elect who

governs them.

They should be allowed to dictate who leads the government. That was why great leaders around the world like Mahatma Gandhi were popular among the masses. .

Speaking earlier, Bamidele, acknowledged the role of the British Government in the survival of democracy in Nigeria and lamented that Nigeria is still operating a nascent democracy after over 50 years of independence.

The LP candidate noted that conduct of election by the Independent National Electoral Commission had always been a source of worry to Nigerian citizens. He, however, expressed optimism that the Commission will not dash the hope of Ekiti citizenry in the June 21 election.

Old people to Fayemi: Our prayers ‘ll keep you in office STORIES BY DAPO AKINREFON

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ENEFICIARIES of the monthly stipends to old people under the Fayemi administration’s Social Security Scheme have pledged to vote for Dr Kayode Fayemi for a second term.

Also, members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Ekiti West Local Government Area, under the chairmanship of Mr. Fatai Oluyede, said teachers are solidly behind Fayemi because of the various incentives they have enjoyed under his administration.

Oluyede identified special allowances for teachers in the rural areas and those teaching core subjects, distribution of laptops to teachers and regular payment of leave bonuses and salaries to teachers as those areas that their welfare have been taken care of.

Special allowances He also hailed Fayemi for giving new cars to teachers, stressing that the governor remains the only candidate that teachers will give their votes at the poll.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries of the scheme at the rally held in Ikogosi, Mrs. Beatrice Kolawole said “it is only if Fayemi withdraws from the race that he will not come back to office because of the prayers of the old people for his success at the election”.

•Fayemi ”We shall all vote for you and I want you to be assured of our votes. If the law of the land permits you, we want you to be there for as long as possible. ”We appreciate you and we pray that God will keep you there for us,”Mrs. Kolawole said.

The communities visited by the All Progressives Congress (APC) standard-bearer are Ipole-Iloro, Ikogosi and Erijiyan.

Dr Fayemi harped on the need for the people to be vigilant on election day and protect their votes from being stolen.

Fayemi expressed confidence that the various projects executed in the communities would motivate the electorate to re-elect the APC administration for the development being witnessed to continue.

Ogunkuade assured Fayemi of not less than 90 per cent of votes in the community in gratitude of Fayemi’s wonder in Ikogosi.

The governor urged the electorate to be vigilant and never underestimate those he referred to as election-riggers and vote-

•Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) gubernatorial flagbearer, Mr Ayo Fayose and Nollywood actor, Ebun Oloyede at a campaign in Ikere-Ekiti

We‘ll professionalize civil service— Ajayi

T

HE governorship candidate of Accord Party, Mr Kole Ajayi has promised to professionalize the civil service and enhance its capacity to deliver if voted into office.

Mr Ajayi said his administration will enhance the capacity of civil servants to deliver dividends of democracy to the people of Ekiti state.

He, however, stated that all adhoc agencies like Bureau of Infrastructure, Cooperate Communication Bureau, Council of Arts and Culture and other Extra Ordinary

Agencies that were constituted to interfere and impede the normal duties of civil servants will be abolished by his administration.

He also assured that civil servants would be promoted as at when due while all their welfare packages shall be improved upon.

PDP to use stadium

B

ARRING any last minute change, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, will be making use of the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium for its flagoff campaign rally.

Vanguard was reliably informed that the management of the stadium has requested that the PDP re-apply for its

use.

The PDP in Ekiti State had chided the All Progressives Congress, APC and the state government for refusing to allow the party hold its rally.

When contacted, media aide to the PDP candidate, Mr Idowu Adelusi described the development as a good one.

40— VANGU ARD, ANGUARD,

WEDNESD A Y, APRIL 16, 2014 WEDNESDA

Does he still care?

Dear Bunmi, I’m just over 30 and have a high sex drive. I want it every day if I could get it, but my wife is happy with two or three times a week. Once in a while, she humours me by letting me have more. But I always have the feeling she does it for peace.

A few weeks back, her father had a stroke. He’s lived alone since he lost his wife three years ago and my wife had to go to the family house every evening from work. By the time she came back home, love making was

the last thing on her mind.

In the meantime, our neighbour, who we’re very good friends with, is a single mother of three. She often jokingly complained of abstaining from sex due to no fault of hers. So when she came around one evening and discovered I was alone, she went back to bring me something to eat. I provided the booze.

One thing led to the other and we found ourselves making amazing love! She’s in her forties, but sexy and very athletic. Afterwards, she

This teacher turns me on!

Dear Bunmi, I’m 19 and I’ve just started at a polytechnic. I really enjoy my studies but currently have a crush on one of my teachers. Even though he’s in his 40s, he looks really sexy. Every time I have lectures with him, I get excited.

When he comes up to me in class, I get really shy. I’m normally a loud girl but I’m very quiet during his lessons.

I’m sure he has realised that something is wrong. All this is making me disorientated with my studies.

Can you help?

Agnes, by e-mail.

Dear Agnes, As you’ve already observed, when you become attracted to the opposite sex, you think and dream of little other than the person who

has suddenly become the object of your attention. And because you don’t know the person well, you’re able to fantasise that he’s a desirable and perfect person you’ll fall in for. It is often inappropriate and not someone that would make a satisfactory mate.

So enjoy your crush while it lasts. Believe me, the thrilling feelings you now sense will soon pass. One day not so far from now, your teacher will seem like just another middle-aged man. You’ll wonder what you ever saw in him.

To end your crush more quickly, focus on all the sensible and down-to-earth things that tell you this teacher could never be your boyfriend.

In time, you’ll be able to give the love that you now feel to some nice young man who catches your eye.

suggested I call in at her place from time to time for no strings intimacy. She said it would solve both our problems and my wife need never know.

I’ve taken her up on her offer a few times and the nice arrangement is working for both of us. I mean what could be simpler and where’s the harm?

I love my wife and our beautiful children, but not getting enough intimacy is driving me up the wall.

Could this be a way of solving my problem— and my neighbour’s?

Donald, by e-mail.

Dear Donald, You might think you’re on to a good thing and so is your neighbour. She might claim she’s only after no strings affair, but don’t be fooled. Once she’s got her claws into you, she won’t let you go in a hurry.

She’s likely to start making emotional demands on you.

She may even let something slip to your wife. If she doesn’t, your wife is bound to pick up tell-tale signs that you’re having it off with her so-called friend.

You’re happy with your marriage and need to talk to your wife about your libido.

Twice or thrice a week is okay for married couple. She even allows you to have more once in a while. For the sake of your marriage, you need to control your urges or be prepared to throw away a good marriage for cheap thrills.

We’re both pregnant for him Dear Bunmi, Two months ago, I called it quits with my boyfriend who constantly embarrassed me with his excessive jealousy and violence. Unfortunately, I discovered that I was pregnant.

In the meantime, my ex has found a new girlfriend who is also pregnant. I’ve had a word with her about my pregnancy and she agreed that our man should take responsibility for our pregnancies.

The snag is, I want him to settle with me instead of her.

How do I go about this?

Uju, by e-mail.

Dear Uju, It’s vitally important for a baby to have a father around.

But in this situation, you and the other woman shouldn’t be fighting to keep this Jackthe-lad of yours. Because, by the sound of it, anything would be better than life with him.

He’s no good and violent.

The speed with which he got another girl pregnant within weeks of leaving you is mindboggling.

Even if you could make a relationship with him work, it would be harmful for your child to be around such a person. Let his new woman know what she’s letting herself in for and if she wants him in spite of that, it’s no skin off your nose.

You need to walk away now before you get into deeper emotional problems.

Dear Amina, There is no foolproof way to tell if someone has stopped loving you. But these are clues I came across lately to help you check the state of your relationship: (a) Does he still have happy memories of when you first met? (b) Does he flinch away when you go to kiss or hug him? (c) Does he talk positively

,

My kind neighbour gives me what my wife can't

Dear Bunmi, I’ve been in a relationship with a man I greatly adore for close to a year. It used to be a passionate relationship, but he’s been acting very withdrawn lately.

I don’t think there’s anyone else. It just seems as if the magic has gone and I’m terrified he has stopped loving me. Is there a way I could tell if he still cares?

Amina, by e-mail.

about you to other people? ;

(d) Have you actual proof that he has recently lied to you or deceived you? (e) Is he still talking enthusiastically about a future together? (f) Has he started to refuse to do things that you want him to do?

If you said ‘yes’ to questions A, C, or E, score one point for each. If you said ‘no’ to questions B, D, or F, score one point for each. If you scored a total of six, it’s unlikely your partner has fallen out of love with you. So relax and be happy.

The lower the score, the more likely it is he has fallen out of love. You need to sit down and think. If he’s prepared to talk— particularly if he is willing to try to get things back on track— then there is still hope.

One day not so far from now, your teacher will seem like just another middle-aged man

,

He said all we were having was fun!

Dear Bunmi, I am in my mid-forties and run a clinic in the heart of Lagos.

I have been in love with the MD of one of the companies that use my services for years. I am a seemingly happily married woman but I fell out of love with my husband ages ago.

He was very nasty to me in the first few years of our marriage.

He had a couple of affairs and has two illegitimate children to show for it.

My lover is married too. I worked late at the clinic one day when one of the nurses confided in me that she was pregnant and that my lover was responsible.

Unfortunately, she didn’t know about our relationship and wanted me to have a word with him against the termination of the pregnancy.

When I confronted him on the nurse’s allegations, he didn’t deny it. He was actually surprised I took it as a betrayal.

He said we never promised each other anything besides the good times we were having as we were both married.

I have since ended the relationship but was

unprepared for the depth of the heartache I felt and still feel. I snap at my husband and children at the slightest provocation. My husband has asked me what was wrong and how he could help, but I can’t tell him anything of course. How could I get over this betrayal and will I find love again?

Ann, by e-mail.

Dear Ann, What sort of love are you looking for when you obviously have a husband who cares enough for you to want to make you happy? He has hurt you in the past but the hurt was obviously not deep enough to make you leave.

Since you have decided to stay with him, you should find it in your heart to forget the past and move on.

Infidelity seldom works and brings a lot of heartache in its wake. In an attempt to pay back the hurt your husband caused you, you’ve brought nothing but misery on yourself.

Forget this man and look inwards into your marriage for a happiness that lasts.

Share your problems and release your burden. Write now to Dear Bunmi, Vanguard Newspapers, P.M.B 1007, Apapa, Lagos. or bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014 — 41

42 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014 Edited by: Emma Nnadozie emmadozie@hotmail.com 08023145281, 08111813021

Cleric docked over stealing N500m for spiritual cleansing

By ONOZURE DANIA

A

40- year- old Islamic cleric, Lawal Osefa, who allegedly stole N500million for spiritual cleansing that will make his victim, one Abimbola Johnson, to be at peace with her children was recently arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court. The defendant who resides at number 6, Igbehin Village, Ota in IkosiKetu, a suburb of Lagos state was docked before Magistrate Eniola Fabamwo. He is facing a threecount charge of conspiracy and stealing preferred against him by the police.

The prosecutor, ASP Samson Ekikere, told the court that the defendant and others at large conspired to commit the alleged offense. He said the incident took place at number 123, Akin Olugbade Street, Victoria Island, Lagos at about 2pm on March 31,2014.Ekikere said that the money that was stolen by the defendant belongs to one Abimbola Johnson.

He also alleged that the defendant fraudulently obtained the said sum from his victim on the pretense that he will help her make peace with her children.

According to the prosecutor, the defendant took the victim to Agowua in Ikorodu area of the state where they were to do the spiritual cleansing and prayer for her, after which she would be at peace with her children.

Liberal term The offence, he continued, contravened section 323 (1) and is punishable under section 278 (b) and 312 (1) (a) of the criminal laws of Lagos state of Nigeria 2011.

The defendant earlier pleaded not guilty to the three- count charges against him.

The defendant’s counsel, Momoh who pleaded with the court to grant the defendant bail in a very liberal term told the court that the defendant is only a victim of circumstance.

He said that the defendant was found in the compound immediately after the incident and he was arrested as the main person had absconded. Magistrate Fabomwo, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two responsible sureties in like sum after listening to the plea of the defendant’s counsel.

She adjourned the matter to June 9, 2014, for mention.

Police parade ex-semina •My hands are clean — suspect

By DAUD OLATUNJI, Abeokuta

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26-year-old Enugu-born exseminarian, Ndubuisi Ignatius, was part of the suspected criminals paraded by the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly defrauding a man identified as James Nwosu of N3.7 million.

It was shocking when the Commissioner of Police, Ikemefuna Okoye, told newsmen the offence of a young man who claimed to be a man of God after he was expelled from Bigard Memorial Seminary in Enugu State.

Crime Alert learnt that the so-called man of God was a half-baked seminarian because he was reported to have been expelled from the seminary following the discovery by the authorities that he was a bad influence on other students. Findings revealed that, the suspect had travelled from Enugu to Lagos state after his expulsion from the Seminary and began his ‘evangelism’.

In the process, he met with his latest victim; Nwosu and stayed with him and his family for two years. During the period, he was painstaking and committed to the work of God which endeared him to most members of the family. He was subsequently made the official spiritual father of the family whose duties among others were; to pray for the family and guide them spiritually.

Deception through prayer According to Nwosu , the boy has been praying along with us and he has done some wonders, like when my in-law had a pregnancy that overstayed for six months, she carried the baby for 15 months, but this boy came and prayed with the woman and declared that the pregnancy will be born within three weeks and it happened.

I never knew him, it was this incident that made me go closer.

“I am not disappointed, I think he got me because of prayer, he wouldn’t have got me if not for God, although he used prayer to deceive me but, I am not disappointed at all, this will not make me not to pray again but, I will prefer going to my Church and pray,” Nwosu said.

While disclosing how the suspect was arrested, the state Police Commissioner said, “On the 25th of February, at Agbara, somebody who was pretending to be a spiritual father to a family held hostage a man who is the head of the family. He was pretending to be praying for them but on this faithful day, what he did was to hold this man hostage at gun point. The self-acclaimed man of God told the family members that he foresaw a danger that the man should be prayerful; that danger is looming and then they were talking on phone, the man was equally

•The ex-seminarian (4th right) and other suspects listening to him.

“Then on the 24th, he now called again that he (the victim) should move all the family out of the house, the man complied because of the fear. They continued praying, manipulating him, tell-

ing him what to do. He told the victim to make sure nobody should be in the house except him that they wanted to have special prayer, so nobody should be around.

“He started praying for the man, he was telling him what to do, he will tell him to

How 33-yr-old bricklayer rap •‘It’s a lie, I am a virgin’— suspect

By ESTHER ONYEGBULA

A

N 11-year old primary five pupil, (names with held) has been allegedly raped by a 33 -year-old bricklayer, Solomon Adigwe Dada, a neighbour who resides in the next compound. The unfortunate incident occurred at No 4, Omoyele close, Iyanera, Ijanikin area in Lagos on March 29, 2014, at about 5pm.

The unsuspecting teenager had gone outside the parent’s house to carry the mattress the family uses to sleep when she was attacked by the suspect.

Victim’s chilling account According to the victim (names with held), “That day, I went outside to carry the mattress that I and my kid sister use to sleep at night, hanged at the back of the house, when somebody held my neck and forcefully carried me. As I tried to shout, I could not because he held my throat.

When he dragged me into his house and started removing my clothes, I started shouting. That was when he began to threaten me that if I shout, he will kill me and burn down our house while we were sleeping at night. I stopped shouting and began to struggle with him but could not as he over powered me and had his way.

“After raping me, he said that if I should

•The suspect

•The victim

tell anybody about what transpired, he would kill me and members of my family. I became very scared and could not tell my grandmother,” she added.

Investigations carried out by Crime Alert revealed that although the victim, out of fear of being killed, refused to tell her grandma, Iya Calabar about her ordeal, her grandma noticed the unusual movement and attitude of her daughter.

According to Iya Calabar, “When the incident occurred, my granddaughter did not

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014 — 43 Edited by: Emma Nnadozie emmadozie@hotmail.com 08023145281, 08111813021

arian over N3m fraud in Ogun

move up and down the building and also to do all sorts of things.

He told him to bring water, put salt inside the water and go and sprinkle the water at the gate of the house, come back then go

round the vehicles in the compound , sprinkle water on them to cast away the impending danger.

“While this was going on, he now asked him (victim) to go into

ped a minor in Lagos

•Suspect's house

tell me that she has been sexually abused by one of our neighbours who lived at the back of our compound. But as a mother, I noticed that there was something wrong with the way she was walking, it was very unusual. On closer examination, I noticed that she couldn’t sit or stand properly without pressing her feet on the ground. Initially, I felt it was the bare floor that was irritating her, but when she continued to act funny, I took her inside and asked her why she was walking that way.

She said nothing was wrong with her, that it was the cloth she was wearing that prevented her from

walking properly. But I felt something was fishy, so I took her to a nurse who lives close-by when I was going to check my blood pressure because I have serious health issues.

“When we got to the nurse, I explained to her what I had noticed with my granddaughter and she asked her what happened, still she refused to open up. When she realized that we were not making headway, the nurse advised that I should be patient and calm with her, that she will open up.

Still I wasn’t satisfied with the outcome, So, I took her to an Alagbo in the neighborhood who ex-

amined her and noticed the injuries in her private part asking her who did this to her. Still she refused to speak. When my husband came back from work later in the night, I told him what had happened and he was furious. I pleaded with him to be calm so that she will open up. After my husband, her grandfather persuaded her to open up, she disclosed the identity of the person who raped her. It turned out to be our neighbour. When I heard it, I collapsed because it never crossed my mind that a neighbour like him would be abusing a little girl, as he usually comes around to play with my children in front of our house, I didn’t know he had been up to something.

Medical report “The next morning after she opened up, my husband decided that he should be arrested.

We came to the station to lay complains, thereafter the police accompanied us to effect the arrest that Sunday. But, he was nowhere to be found. Luckily for us, on Monday morning, the police were able to apprehend him.

The police then instructed us to go to Badagry General Hospital to enable doctors investigate and provide medical report. After the doctor finished examining her, the

Okokomaiko. He got the N700, 000 and the man was asked to lie down inside the vehicle.

While this was happening, he collected the money and then disappeared. Then he got up.

In the process, investigation started when the report got to the police and we were able to arrest the suspect called Ndubuisi, the so-called spiritualist and he confessed to the crime,” the commissioner said.

When asked to defend himself over the allegation, Ignatius denied all allegations against him, saying that he was at the house of the victim to pray for them on the day of the armed robbery incident.

,

•IGP, MD Abubakar

the house, he went up to his room.

When he got there, the next thing the man saw in his room was somebody masked, and at a gun point compelling him (victim) to bring some amount of money and the man said he needs N15 million asking him to get across to his banker and get the money because he told him he had no money.

“The victim told him that he couldn’t get all the money but, he could only get N3million as a corporate body. While this was going on, the kidnapper lit some candles right in the bedroom of the man and started doing all sorts of things. The man had to contact the banker that they should quickly get him N3 million, they brought the money and he collected the N3 million saying he needed more. The victim said there was no money again out of fear or not, only God knows.

The gunman still maintained that he brings more money while they drove out to an unknown destination.

“He told the person to bring N1.5 million but unfortunately, the person could not bring N1.5million so he was able to get N700, 000 which they stopped somewhere along the road at

of the incident, I was calling him on phone and that the people in question collected my number.

“After the robbery, those people were keen in calling me because they collected the man’s phone and promised to get it back to him so I got the people, two boys, they gave me his phone. I called the man and I told him that it is possible to inform the police and arrest the two boys because I was coming from Enugu to Lagos and he said that he doesn’t have anything to do with the police.

“So, I came unarmed, the two didn’t do anything , they gave me the phone. I told them that I would be coming back to Lagos

He started praying for the man, he was telling him what to do, he will tell him to move up and down the building and also to do all sort of things

“I am at this station because I had a problem with a family friend I went to pray for. On the day I went there, that was when they had an incident of armed robbery and they made me to know that they were attacked by armed robbers. I assured them that I would help because the man told me that during the cause result revealed that she had been sexually abused severally and there were severe bruises in her virgina and mucus were coming out,” she lamented.

Doctor’s report Crime Alert gathered that although the victim was not taken to the hospital immediately the incident occurred, all the test done in Badagry General Hospital revealed that the victim was abused severally and have been infected with STD. According to one of the neighbours, who spoke to Crime Alert on the condition of anonymity, the suspect lives in one of the uncompleted buildings where hoodlums usually gather at night to smoke Indian hemp. “Solomon is a danger to the people living in this area, that kiosk where he lives is a criminal den, his presence in this community endangers the lives of other residents because at night, his fellow partners in crime come there to smoke and commit all sorts of crime. To allow the suspect to be roaming the community aimlessly is a threat to the peaceful co-existence of residents, it would be a huge mistake. Since he doesn’t have anything doing or a place to live, government should find a suitable place for him in the prison where he will not be able to abuse and defile little children.”

,

to give them the phone. They arranged with the police to arrest me, that I am a suspect since I am the one who recovered the phone. That’s the reason why I am here,” he said.

Crime Alert however, gathered that the suspect had confessed to the crime but when confronted with the statement, he denied, despite that some exhibits recovered from him which included N3.19 million were displayed before him. “I did not confess to anything to the police. They did not recover anything from me, they went to my account and took my statement of account and the police is still with it.

“I am a seminarian from Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu. The police went to confirm from my school when I was still in their custody and my school confirmed that I am not that kind of person.

“The family didn’t accuse me of duping them but, the police said since the phones were found in my custody that they are still going on with their investigation that I have a link.

“I told them that the phones I collected were collected at Maryland under the bridge. It was a day after the incident that they called me that they were with him but actually they were not with him the moment they told me so. He said he didn’t want anything to do with the police, that was why I did not call the police,” he maintained.

44—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014

Bayelsa law students hail Lokpobiri

Rivers moves to ease pension payment

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

P

ORT HARCOURT— RIVERS State Government, yesterday, said it had put measures in place to ensure that pensioners process their benefits with ease.

Director Pensions, Rivers State, Mr. T. Douglas, who made this known in Port Harcourt at the South-South zonal meeting of pensioners, said processing of pension benefits was devoid of bottlenecks, adding that the Head of Service in the state had set up a one-stop shop to handle retiree files.

He said those whose files had been processed had been issued their gratuity cheques by the office of the Accountant General.

The state Chairman of Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Mr Edward Abibo, meanwhile, said pensioners were going through hard times in the country due to none payment of their entitlements.

Kumuyi lauds FUTA mgt

T

HE General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi, has said that the Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA, will continue to be unique and achieve great success because the management, staff and students have continued to rely on God for sustenance.

The cleric spoke at a special programme at the university, where he admonished the principal officers, staff and students of the institution to continue with their devotion to God, who has the power to grant success to those who seek and rely on Him. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebiyi Daramola, concurred with Pastor Kumuyi that the event was by divine arrangement and that the programme will mark the beginning of better things at the institution.

BY OKEY NDIRIBE

I ROTARY: From left— Mr. Richard Giwa-Osagie, District Foundation Chair; Rtn. Olugbemiga Olowu, District Governor, and Mr. Dong Kurn Lee, past Rotary International President, at an interactive session with Rotarians and the media in Lagos. PHOTO: Akeem Salau.

Host communities shut gas pipeline firm in Edo

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

B

ENIN— OPERATIONS at the Obayanto operational office of Zakhem Construction Nigeria Limited in Edo State were shut down, yesterday, by members of the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas over what they described as the company’s neglect and violation of their fundamental rights.

Zakhem Construction is the company responsible for the laying of the West African Gas Pipelines from Oben, in Edo State, to Lagos.

Amidst dancing and singing, the protesters, who laid siege to the premises of the company as early as 8a.m., prevented workers that had closed shift from coming out and also stopped those that were outside, including those that came to do business, from

entering.

Addressing the protesters, Chairman of the group, Dr. Sam Igbineweka, who was flanked by other members of the executive, said that they decided to picket the company after all legitimate means adopted by them to bring about a meaningful dialogue failed.

‘Our case’

He said: “We are not opposed to the development and progress of our communities. We urge the management of Zakhem Construction to tow the path of honour, genuine dialogue and reconciliation. We love peace, progress and development, but we shall not accept oppression and intimidation.”

He explained that a meeting called by the company in Lagos to iron out issues bordering on their complaints was a smokescreen calculated to intimidate them into total

submission as the company sent its legal representatives to meet with them instead of its management team.

He said: “We consider the decision by the management of the company to engage its solicitors, rather than face the challenges themselves, as very disgusting and appalling.

“We knew that nothing meaningful would come out of the meeting when lawyers were engaged to handle communities’ affairs with a company that had failed in its responsibility.

“While we appreciate the desire by Zakhem to initiate community projects in tandem with the principles of corporate social responsibilities, we also observed that the meeting was designed to downplay the legitimacy of our association, which oversight responsibilities it is to see that companies operating in our environment are alive to their social responsibilities.”

NDIGENES of Bayelsa West senatorial district, Bayelsa State, at the Nigeria Law Schools, have called on prominent indigenes of the state to emulate the kindness of Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who has been financially supporting them in the last six years.

The students, in a statement by Ofoni Ofoni and others, said that the payment of N50,000 each to 56 law school students from the senatorial district for the current academic session was an example of display of support and philanthropy, which Lokpobiri, who is the Senate Committee Chairman on Water Resources, has been exhibiting since 2008.

The students said: “This display of support and philanthropy is unparalleled in the history of representation in our senatorial district and a huge source of inspiration and financial relief to us.”

The group said that it was aware of several other landmark capital and human development projects attracted by Lokpobiri to the senatorial district.

Transition

BOKO HARAM: Close N-East borders, Ekiyor urges FG South, South-East and SouthBorno states as war zone.

BY FESTUS AHON

U

G H E L L I — TRANSITION Committee Chairman of Patani Local Government Area, Delta State, Dr. Chris Ekiyor, yesterday, called on the Federal Government to close all boarders in the North-East as a way of addressing the problem of insecurity posed by the Boko Haram Islamic sect.

He also enjoined South-

West people to be vigilant, adding “these Fulani herdsmen terrorising communities in the middle belt are not just cattle herdsmen, but terrorists group that unleash mayhem.”

Reacting to the Monday Nyanya motor park blast in Abuja, Ekiyor stressed the need for the government to take a more drastic step towards addressing the Boko Haram insurgence by declaring Adamawa, Yobe and

He said: “Until the Federal Government stop treating the Boko Haram group with kid gloves, Nigerians will continue to perish in the hands of these terrorists and their activities.”

Describing the Nyanya motor park bombing as inhuman, he urged the terrorist group to have a rethink and stop the killings of innocent Nigerians, adding “this is not about Christians or Moslems, it is about Nigeria’s security.”

C

HIEF Jim Osagie, 78, is dead. He died January 9. Next Friday is service of songs at his Idumodin, Igbanke, Edo State, compound by 4p.m.

Next day is interment at his compound by 10a.m.

Reception follows immediately.

Sunday is thanksgiving service at the Truth Church of God, Idomodin at 9a.m.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014 — 45

Boko Haram: Ogbemudia tasks security agencies on intelligence

Group unveils ICT empowerment scheme

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

E N A G O A — BAYELSA Restoration Accelerated ICT Development Scheme, B-RAIDS, has unveiled free information technology programme for unemployed youths in the eight local government areas of the state.

Leading officer of the group, Mr. Bright Igrubia, who briefed newsmen in Yenagoa, said that the free ICT scheme was designed to tackle the state's frightening unemployment index, which currently stands at 36.6 per cent.

He described the unemployment situation as a time bomb.

Garden of Life holds convention

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HE Garden of Life Assembly holds its Easter National Convention from April 18 to 20, with the theme: Commitment with Faithfulness, at the Church premises, No. 7, All Saint Lane, off Okere/Ugborikoko Rd, Effurun, Delta State.

Ministering Bishop Orovwuje Edward and other ministers of God will be in attendance.

FCA now Devt Africa

F

AMILY Care Association, FCA, an international non-governmental organisation, has announced a name change and will henceforth operate under the name, Development Africa, DA. In a statement in Lagos, Country Director of Development Africa, Mr. Joshua Kempeneer, said that the organisation was also expanding the scope of its intervention initiatives in the health and education sector while continuing with its charity work.

He said: “Going forward, we will be known by and carry out our charity and humanitarian work under the new name, Development Africa. This is in line with our strategic focus to provide development and economic empowerment opportunities.”

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

INAUGURATION: From left: Mr. Nsima Ekere, former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State; Mr. Umana Umana, former Secretary to the State Government; and Mr. Ahmed Gulak, Political Adviser to the President, during the inauguration of the South-South Zonal Office of the Goodluck Support Group, in Uyo.

Six suspected kidnappers of Clark’s son arraigned, remanded

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

A

SABA—SIX accused persons, alleged to be involved in the kidnap of the son of Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, Mr. Ebikeme Clark, were yesterday, arraigned before an Asaba Chief Magistrate’s court in Delta State.

The suspects were brought to the court premises amidst tight security.

Arraigned were Melsore Prince, 21; Bosin Kevwe, 25; Arhavwarian Pius (no age indicated); David Emevor, 27; Sylvester Dio, 31 and Oghofa Joshua, 26 years.

No plea was taken and the court ordered that the accused persons be remanded in prison custody and adjourned till May 27, 2014 for mention.

The charge against the accused persons, read: “That you Prince, Kevwe, Pius, Emevor, Dio and Joshua, and others now at large, sometime in the month of March, 2014 at Little Paradise Hotel, Effurun in the Effurun magisterial district, did conspire among yourselves to commit felony, to wit: kidnapping, and thereby, committed an offence punishable under section 516(a) of the Criminal Code Cap C21 Vol. 1 Laws of Delta State of Nigeria 2006. *That you, Prince, Kevwe, Pius, Emevor, Dio and Joshua and others now at large, sometime in the month of March at Aladja in the Aladja magisterial district, did imprison one Mrs. Rose, in such a manner as to prevent any person entitled to have access to her from discovering the place she was

imprisoned and demanded and received from her relation the sum of N1.8 million before her release and thereby committed an offence under Section 3 (1) of the Delta State Anti-kidnapping/Anti Terrorism Laws No 8 of 2013. *That you Prince, Kevwe, Pius, Emevor, Dio and Joshua and others now at large April 2, 2014 at Kaigbodo town in the Ogbe-Ijoh magisterial district did imprison one Ebikeme Clark in such a manner as to prevent those entitled to have access to him form discovering the place he was imprisoned and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 3 (1) of the Delta State Anti-kidnapping and Anti-Terrorism Laws No 8 of 2013.”

Blackout in Delta community: Why we can’t reopen service now —BEDC

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI & AKPOKONA OMAFUAIRE

W

ARRI—THE Warri Business District of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC, has said it was unwise to reopen its services in Aladja community, Udu Local Government Area of Delta State, without assurance for the safety of its men and equipment following residents’ protest last week against epileptic power supply and outrageous bills.

Gbiwen Edmund, Corporate

Affairs Officer to the Warri District of BEDC, said this yesterday, while reacting to complains by the edgy Aladja residents, who see the current total blackout in the community as a punitive action by BEDC over the protest last week Wednesday.

Denying the allegation, Gbiwen said the action by residents endangered the lives of his personnel who he said were taken unawares by the action.

He said: “The real issue which most residents and their leaders were aware of was that of a weak and overloaded transform-

er. The wisest option was to do load shedding in the absence of immediate replacement, to prevent it from packing up.

“We have a customer complaints office, but without any formal complaints, some angry persons invaded our Aladja office with dangerous weapons. They destroyed office appliances and documents. Members of staff were robbed, threatened and chased out, making the reopening the office a risky decision.”

ENIN—FORMER governor of old Bendel State, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, yesterday, called on security agencies in the country to strengthen their intelligence units and also focus on the propaganda strategy of the Boko Haram sect.

Ogbemudia, who described Monday's bombing in Abuja as senseless and wicked, urged the Federal Government and security agencies to pay more attention to other strategies being adopted by the sect members apart from the mayhem they are unleashing on Nigerians.

“Every Nigerian must open their ears and eyes to any information that might lead to the operations of the sect members,” he solicited.

He said: “I want to sympathise with President Goodluck Jonathan and the families of the victims because what happened was most unfortunate.

The authorities should look more into other damages that the sect is causing the country such as propaganda, which is doing more damage than what they are showing now."

Pa Akpan for burial

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HE remains of Pa Jim Benson Akpan, aged 102, will be laid to rest on April 19, at Ikot Inyang in Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

He is survived by many children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and other relatives including Godwin Umanah of Vanguard Media Ltd.

Late Pa Benson Akpan

46—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014

Group tasks FG on standard of primary education

BY CHINEYE OZOR

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Okorocha, Anglican Bishop, don condemn Nyanya bombing

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

O

peace than people were killed during the civil war, if the situation is not brought under control,” Okorocha said.

In his own reaction, Bishop Onuoha lamented that innocent victims had been at the receiving end of bad economic policies.

“They are not the architects of the political problem in the nation. They are equally not the architects of the country’s economic problem,” Bishop Onuoha said.

The cleric wondered why the dead should be made victims

of problems they never initiated, stressing that the ugly incident saddened the hearts of true patriots.

“Nigeria placed the official casualty figure at 71 but you can be sure that the actual number must be much higher,” Onuoha said.

He appealed to those who masterminded the wicked act to have a rethink in the spirit of Easter.

In his own reaction, the Dean, School of Post Graduate Studies, Imo State University, Owerri, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba, expressed regret that people being

SUKKA—A group, Advocacy Task Committee on Education Sector, ATCES, has called on government to improve qualitative education in primary schools in the state.

The group made the call during a one-day public dialogue on primary education, tagged “Quality Primary Education, an imperative for dynamic and peaceful nation building” in Enugu.

While addressing participants at the dialogue, the group identified problems plaguing primary education in the state to include inadequate teachers, outdated annual school census template, imbalance in spread of teachers, poor basic social amenities in rural areas and lack of operational inspectorate unit.

However, the Commissioner for Education, Prof.

Chukwuemeka Okoro, assured the group that government had modified the template for annual schools census, which would gradually correct the imbalance in spread of teachers in the state.

WERRI—GOVER NOR Rochas Okorocha of Imo State and the Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Okigwe South, Rt. Rev. David Onuoha, have described Monday ’s bombing of a busy bus terminus at Nyanya, Abuja, as a complete waste of innocent lives by blood thirsty terrorists.

“With the rate innocent Nigerians are being slaughtered in recent time, more Nigerians could be killed at a period the country is believed to be at

Medical expert seeks law establishing blood transfusion services

NIGERIAN IDOL: From left —Nigerian Idol Top 12 finalist, Obed, Nigerian Idol Season 3 alumni, Safeeyat, Nigerian Idol Top 12 finalists, Nyro Love and Beebee Bassey at the recent result show of Nigerian Idol Season 4 at Dream Studio, Lagos.

Orient Progressive Social Forum holds activation party

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Umeh asks court to stay execution of judgment sacking him as APGA chair According to them, “unless by

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

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ITH the World Health Organisation, WHO report revealing that Nigeria needed no less than 1.5 million units of blood to take care of estimated 170 million Nigerians annually, Country Director, Safe Blood for Africa, Dr. Idris Saliu, has called for the enactment of a law establishing Blood Transfusion Services in the c o u n t r y .

Saliu, who spoke at a 2-day training workshop for private and public laboratory scientists in Lagos, lamented that the World Health Organisation, WHO, recommended 100 percent voluntary blood donation, where Nigeria could only boast of 10 per cent.

He explained that the law would specify policies, operational guidelines and other documents that would help to take blood transfusion service to a greater height.

killed in Nigeria were not new.

“Starting from the target against the Igbo in Kano in 1945, people have been killed in Northern Nigeria and no one gets punished,” Nwajiuba said.

He lamented that the country had had more than two generations of murderers, some of whom had been honoured by the same country, and wondered what message was being passed on to younger generations.

“Change will not come without resistance as no privileged group willingly gives up. While we continue to be optimistic, the technical indicators are that Nigeria may be in for very challenging times,” Professor Nwajiuba said.

BY INNOCENTANABA

S

ACKED National Chair man of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, has asked the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja to stay the execution of the judgment of a Federal High Court, Abuja, which ousted him as chairman of the party.

In the application by his counsel, Mr Patrick Ikwueto, SAN, Umeh and the National Secretary, Alhaji Sani Shinkafi are asking the appellate court to stay the execution on the decision of the Federal High Court, pending the hearing and determination of their appeal, which had been adjourned till April 29, for hearing.

The appellants are contending in the application, that “unless an order of the Court of Appeal staying the execution of the orders of the lower court is made, irreversible damage will be done to them.”

They also argued in the application that “by the judgment of the court below, the court

overreached and rendered negatory the binding decision of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No:CA/E/84/2013 Umeh V Ejike, dated July 15, 2013, which restored Umeh as the national chairman of APGA.

an order of this court, the administration and management of the political party, APGA, will be halted and irreparable damage done to them and APGA before the hearing and determination of the pending appeal by the Court of Appeal.”

Court orders man to pay 100 defrauded tenants N30m

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS—JUSTICE Candide Johnson of a Lagos High Court, sitting at Igbosere, has ordered Alhaji Ishola Salaudeen, who defrauded over 100 prospective tenants of N30 million at Ketu Alapere to pay all the complainants their money.

Justice Johnson, who gave the order at the resumed trial of the matter, also ordered the defendant to pay all the complainants 21 percent interest on their money, starting from the day they paid him the money until everything was paid.

Johnson also ruled that N1.1m

should be awarded to the 101 claimants, being expenses used for filing and transportation to court over the case.

At the last sitting, the judge had adjourned the ruling to March 28, 2014, and again adjourned the case April 11, 2014, to enable him study the case file before giving his ruling,on the new date.

Salaudeen had been facing a 211count charge of obtaining money under false pretence and stealing preferred against him by the state.

He defrauded prospective tenants seeking accommodation at a new building located at 59, Oriola Street, Alapere, Ketu area of Lagos State.

HE activation programme of Orient Progressive Social Forum holds in Enugu on April 20, 2014.

The programme comes with a special seminar and luncheon at Golden Royal Hotel, Enugu and a reception party at Tru Lounge, GRA, Enugu.

Enugu State Commissioner for Tourism, Joe Mamel, and brand ambassador to the Forum, Zack Orji, a Nollywood veteran and other dignitaries are expected to grace the event.

President of the Forum, Mr. Felix Chika, said that they are ready to thrill guests with the best of knowledge sharing.

Passage

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HE death has occurred of Chief Mrs. Sabina Ohuejiofor, nee Nworguji, Iyom Nneora. She was aged 74 years. The deceased was a renowned community and church leader, who dedicated the better part of her life to uplifting and empowering women and the less-privileged in her community.

Funeral programme released by her family indicates that a vigil mass will be held in her honour on April 30, 2014, burial service and interment will hold at St. Francis Catholic Church Enugwu Ukwu, Anambra State, on Friday May 1, 2014.

She is survived by her husband and only son, Chief Austin Oguejiofor, Chairman/CEO, First Rotech Group of Companies.

.Late Chief (Mrs.) Ohuejiofor

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014—47

AGM: From left, Segun Agbaje, MD/CEO, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc; Egbert Imomoh, Chairman, and Olutola Omotola, Executive Director/Company Secretary, at the 24th Annual General Meeting of GTBank, in Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele

SYNOD: From left, Senior Circuit Steward, Wesley Church, Araromi Circuit, Lagos, Dame Tunde Adenuga; former Lay President, Diocese of Lagos Mainland, Methodist Church Nigeria, Sir Emmanuel Akintan; former Lagos Archdiocesan Lay President, Elder Ayo Oni; former Lay President, Lagos Mainland, Sir David Oderinde, current host Lay President, Sir Olatunde Okesola, and a past chairman, Council of Knights of the church, Dame Hilda Adewusi, during Sunday synod services, at the Hoares Memorial Cathedral, Yaba.

AWARDS: From left, Mr. Murtala Olushekun,President/Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers; Mr. Oscar Onyema, Managing Director, Nigeria Stock Exechange, and Mr. Ladi Balogun, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, First City Monument Bank Limited, during 2014 Annual Dinner and Awards of Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, at Shell Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos. Photo: Akeem Salau

MEETING: From left, Mr. Mike Dada, MD/CEO, PRM Africa; Mr. Waheed Olagunju, Acting MD/CEO, Bank of Industry, and Ms Matlou Tsotetsi, Director, Brands Communication and Sponsorship, All African Musc Awards, during a meeting of BOI with All African Music Award Committee, at BOI head office, in Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele

FORUM: From left, Deborah Shepard, Head of Marketing, Nokia, West and Central Africa, Kabelo Makwane, Microsoft General Manager, and Olayinka Oni, Chief Technology Officer, Microsoft Nigeria, at the background, during the just concluded innovation forum, in Tinapa Lake Side Hotel, Calabar, Cross River State.

UNVEILING: From left, International Draught Master, Franck Evers; Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Walter Drenth, and the Senior Brand Manager, Heineken, Ngozi Nkwoji, at the unveiling of Heineken Draught Beer Innovation, the first of its kind in Nigeria, at Heineken House, Lagos.

SYNOD: From left, former chairman, Council of Knights, Methodist Church Nigeria, Sir Kehinde Smith, and Lagos State ex-Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Engr.

Adelana Odutola, during the 2014 annual 20th synod, Diocese of Lagos Mainland, at Yaba circuit, Lagos.

AGENDA: From left, Mrs. Abiola Akiyode, Executive Director, Gender and Constitution Reform Network, GECORN; Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, Guest Speaker, and Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Women Arise, during one -day National Stakeholders' Forum for 2014 National Confab, entitled, 'Towards a people-oriented agenda for the National Confab,' organised by Campaign for Democracy, CD, and GECORN, at Ikeja, Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi

VISIT: From left, Mrs. Bisola Longe, PTA Chairperson; Mrs. Tope Ogunlela, PTA Vice Chairperson, presenting a gift to Mr. Jide Animasaun, Vice Principal, and Mr. Ege Olusegun, both of Special Correctional Centre for Boys, Oregun, during the visit of pupils, Parents/Teachers Association of SunnyDale School and teachers, to the centre, Oregun, in Lagos. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye

48—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014

Kaduna govt to review revenue rates upward

Kogi teachers protest non payment of salary

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By BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO

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OKOJA — PRIMARY school teachers in Kogi State, yesterday, protested the non payment of February and March salaries as well as leave allowances in the last three years.

The teachers under the Basic Education Staff Association of Nigeria, BESAN, later converged on the gate of the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, which was under lock and key.

Addressing newsmen later, the state Chairman of BESAN, Adomu Sule, said the teachers had not been paid their February and March salaries, adding that payment of leave allowances had been stopped since 2001.

According to Sule, teachers who were also promoted since 2009 had not received the cash backing even as they had been undergoing different kinds of screening since 2011 without any positive results. ”There was an agreement between the teachers and SUBEB lastDecember, that the minimum wage which was being implemented at 60 per cent level would be fully implemented by March this year.

But till now we are yet to receive the February and March salaries while still waiting for full implementation of the new minimum wage,” Sule added.

Fayrouz searches for best style team with N3.1m

F

AYROUZ, a non alcoholic drink from the stable of Nigerian Breweries, has set aside $20,000 (N3.120,000 million) for the best fashion and lifestyle team in Nigeria, courtesy of its L’Original Expression show.

The Fayrouz show has been put together to discover and promote young and talented fashion-forward undergraduates in universities across Nigeria.

The competition, which will see teams of four young creative including a fashion designer, make-up artiste, photographer and a model, come together to create original ensembles. These teams will battle for the prize money of $20,000 and fashion opportunities of a lifetime.

The competition, which kicked off registration this month will feature various prominent Nigerians who have over the years carved a niche for themselves in the fashion, beauty and lifestyle industry.

C M Y K

From left: Registrar, Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN), Mr. Rotimi Omotosho; immediate past president, ICAN, Mr. Adedoyin Owolabi; Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State and President, ICAN, Alhaji Kabir Alkali Mohammed at the 9th Northern Zonal Districts' Conference of ICAN, in Ilorin, yesterday.

World Economic Forum: FG to deploy 6,000 policemen, soldiers

BY NDAHI MARAMA with agency report

M

AIDUGURI — THE Fed eral Government, yesterday, pledged to deploy more than 6,000 police and soldiers to protect a World Economic Forum on Africa in Abuja next month, a day after a bomb attack by suspected Islamist militants on the capital’s outskirts killed dozens.

African heads of state and business leaders are due to attend the May 7-9 WEF event — based on the flagship gatherings in Davos, Switzerland — where Nigeria’s government wants to showcase the top oil producer’s newly acquired status as the largest economy on the continent.

Monday ’s bombing at a crowded bus station killed more than 100 people, the deadliest ever attack on Abuja, and has raised questions about the government’s ability to protect the capital from Boko Haram’s bloody insurgency that risks spreading from the Islamist group’s heartland in the northeast.

Ahead of elections in February, President Goodluck Jonathan is under intense pressure to contain the five-year insurrection.

Boko Haram says it wants to carve an Islamic state out of a country split between Muslims living largely in the north and Christians mostly in the south, and its fighters have shown that they can strike further south and in the central zone.

Local businesswoman, Dorothy Ajunobi, referring to accusations that some politicians are manipulating the vio-

lence to try to damage their enemies and serve their own narrow interests, said: “If government can protect adequately participants to a forum, they should be able to protect Nigerian citizens or otherwise it will now be clear this insecurity in Nigeria is political.”

Security planning for WEF well under way —Okonjo-Iweala Calling Monday’s attack a “suspected act of terrorism”, Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said security agencies were “currently in the middle of a robust and thorough investigation to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. ”Our security planning for the World Economic Forum on Africa is already well under way and will be the largest security operation ever mounted in this country for an international summit,” she said in a statement to participants seen by Reuters.

She noted that security personnel would secure an area of 250 square kms (100 square miles) around the event.

The note assuring participants they would be safe was also signed by Nwanze Okidegbe, Jonathan’s chief economic adviser.

Last year’s World Economic Forum on Africa was held in Cape Town, South Africa, which Nigeria overtook as Africa’s largest economy this month through a rebasing exercise that expanded its GDP to nearly $510 billion in 2013.

Protect us first —Abuja residents

Angry Abuja residents questioned why the government should give priority to ensuring no harm came to high-profile visitors while it was failing to guarantee daily security for Nigerians. ”They should protect us first and people will be attracted to come to Nigeria,” Ajayi Ademola, a computer operator in a local business centre, told Reuters.

Borno has been drawn 20 years back —Minister Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Power, Mohammed Wakil has said that his home state, Borno had been drawn back in civilization by over 20 years as a result of the activities of the Boko Haram insurgency.

Speaking with the newsmen on his impression of Borno State during his visit , Wakil said:” The Borno which I know as the home of peace has now become a battle zone and I feel pained. ”I visited the hospitals and all security outfits and I nearly broke down when I saw some of the victims of attacks. This place has been turned into something else; it is worse than Afghanistan. ”I am, however, happy with the assurance which the GOC of 7 Division of the Nigerian Army has given that the issue of Boko Haram will be over soon.”

Wakil further said the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, had also shown that it had enough relief materials to cater for all victims of insurgency in the state, even as he praised the people of Borno for their resilience and urged them to continue to pray for divine intervention so that the situation could be brought under control soon.

ADUNA — THE Kaduna State Government, yesterday, said it would review its revenue rates upward to enable the state meet up with its development projects.

The state Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Garba Madami, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Kaduna that the state should be able to generate more than the N1 billion it was generating from tax monthly.

Madami said the projected budget estimates could only be achieved when the projected revenue was realised through reviewed laws.

He said: ”In 2013, the state lost N18 billion of its revenue due to its unrealistic nature.”

Madami said the ministry had taken measures to boost its revenue generation, adding that the state government would reinvigorate its revenue machinery to improve generation.

He said: “We will also work with the legislators to ensure that relevant laws are initiated to replace obsolete ones to enhance revenue generation.

We will enhance revenue collections at various levels to enable the state government to implement the budget as planned.”

Don't allow terrorists to run down Nigeria, Mark tells Nigerians

K

ANO — THE Senate President, David Mark, has called for concerted efforts among Nigerians to end the incessant terrorist attacks in the country.

He made the call, yesterday, in Kano during a rally organised by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to receive former governor of Kano state, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, into the party.

Mark said that Nigerians “must not allow terrorists to run down Nigeria” and its people.

He said the PDP-led administration was already achieving the strategies put in place to end insurgency in the country and the sub-region as a whole.

Earlier, Mr Labaran Maku, Minister of Information, said the present administration had fulfilled its campaign promises to the state.

He said the development undertaken by the Federal Government included the reconstruction of the KanoMaiduguri road.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014 — 49

50 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014—51

Kwankwaso's a fraudster — Jonathan The President, his vice're sustaining corruption in Nigeria, Kwankwaso fires back

BY ABDULSALAM MUHAMMAD

K

ANO — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, in Kano at a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, rally described Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as a fraudster for embezzling allowances meant for party delegates during the 2010 PDP presidential primaries.

The President, who reacted to newspaper reports which quoted Kwankwaso as saying he regretted voting for him in 2011 general elections, described Kwankwaso’s outburst as a lie, pointing out that Kwankwaso never identified with him politically.

Governor Kwankwaso, however, immediately fired back, accusing the President of sustaining corruption in his government and being insensitive to the mood of Nigerians by embarking on ‘merry-making trips’ when the nation was mourning those who died in Abuja bomb blast, last Monday.

Jonathan, who was in Kano for PDP rally, told a multitude of party faithful that converged on the Polo Ground that Kwankwaso had been busy making noise, “but we talk less and this is the time to expose him.”

He said: “I could vividly remember that the Kano State governor, Kwankwaso, did not vote for me during the primary and secondary elections in 2011. He was part of those who worked against me during that period and did not celebrate with me after the victory.

“The allowances sent by my party campaign office for election purposes were taken away by Kwankwaso without giving anybody a kobo. How can he say he voted for me?”

Jonathan, who wore his native Ijaw attire, disclosed that Kwankwaso should explain the whereabouts of over N255 billion disbursed to local government councils between 2011 and now, stressing that this, perhaps, explained the absence of development at the 44 local government areas of Kano State.

Federal Govt projects “Some of you would be asking questions why the President did not wear PDP dress in the rally; I decided to appear this way because there is somebody here in Kano that said anybody that wears hat is a devil and I would explain in detail the Federal Government projects here in Kano. I will leave Kano people to judge me” President Jonathan disclosed that his administration had awarded N14 billion dual carriageway that would link Kano and Katsina, noting that this was in addition to two major fly-overs being constructed at strategic locations in the city to aid smooth vehicular movement.

He said: “Kwankwaso collected N255 billion local government federal allocation from June 2011 to date but nothing was done in the local government areas in the state.

“Despite all sorts of bad names Kwankwaso called me, including devil, Kano is one of the major beneficiaries of Federal Government projects since we assumed office.”

Commenting on the upsurge in insurgency, President Jonathan declared that “terrorists cannot stop this country from growing from strength to strength and I must assure you it would soon be a thing of the past.

“Terrorists will not stop Nigerians from moving and we must unite to fight them and we would continue to encourage the security agencies to redouble their efforts at dismantling the insurgents.”

On the 2015 general elections, the President declared that “Kano must return to the PDP, and the stolen mandate of our party to the other party must be reclaimed.”

In his address, National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Ahmad Adamu Mu’azu, said Kano was a PDP state and would return to the mainstream of the party in 2015.

Mu’azu said: “Everything possible would be put on the ground to bring back the party into Government House, in Kano.

Some of the party chieftains present at the rally include Ibrahim Shehu Shema, Katsina State; Saidu Dakin Gari, Senate President, David Mark; Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo; Deputy Speaker, House of Reps, ministers, Hajiya Jamila Salik and other state Assembly members.

The unity rally formally welcomed into the party former governors of Kano State, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau, and his supporters.

Kwankwaso fires back Meanwhile, Gov. Rabi’u Musa Kwanwaso, in his response, accused President Goodluck Jonathan of being insensitive to the yearnings of Nigerians, lamenting that at a time when the nation should be mourning the Nyanya bomb explosion that left many either dead or injured, the President decided to embark on what he described as “merry-making trips.”

A statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Halilu Ibrahim Dantiye, quoted Governor Kwankwaso as saying, “at a time when several innocent lives have been lost, when many of the victims are in hospital seeking blood donations to survive, the President is gallivanting the country in the name of PDP Unity Rally.”

The governor, who was said to have spoken in Hausa during the matriculation ceremony of students of Northwest University, Kano, at the Government House, “wondered why the President should be travelling aimlessly with taxpayers’ money, while the common man is being killed daily because of failure of the Federal Government to adequately protect lives and property.”

Governor Kwankwaso chided the President for justifying, promoting, and sustaining corruption, pointing out that despite the allegation of corruption against the Minister of Aviation and the missing 20 billion USD oil funds, for instance, the President remained silent on such issues during his insensitive campaign visit to Kano.

According to Kwankwaso: “The man came to Kano to smear our image, but thank God, the man gave me free publicity by mentioning my name over 50 times in a 15 minute address.

“The President, his Vice and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation are vultures. They want the PDP to die and feast on its carcass, but personally their present disposition is fertiliser to my future political aspiration.

“Supposing I decide to contest for the number one seat in this country, I will beg APC, APGA and Labour Party not cast their votes for me. I want to assure you that with the PDP votes that I will garner, definitely I will defeat the incumbent President hands down,” the governor maintained.

He said the Federal Government, under Jonathan has failed the people of Kano State and indeed other Nigerians by not doing what is expected of a responsible government to better their lives He addwed that in Kano State, for instance, the Jonathan administration can only boast of constructing one bridge of not more than N2 billion.

52 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014

Chime: 55 garlands for a silent achiever (2) This is the concluding part of this tribute. The first part was published in our Friday edition.

BY CHUKS UGWUOKE

R

ATHER than talk about the mega projects like the ultra-modern new secretariat and Governor’s office at advanced stages of completion and the Polo Park Shopping Mall, the biggest in the country built under a Public Private Partnership arrangement between the government and a private concern, the governor prefers to pursue the sustenance of the prevailing peace and security of lives and property in the State via his collaboration with the security agencies.

It is such support which comes in the form of provision of security vehicles and other communication gadgets to the security agencies that has helped to combat crime, necessitating the InspectorGeneral of Police, Mohammed Dikko Abubakar to rate Enugu as the State with the lowest crime rate in the country.

Rather than climb the rooftop to proclaim his invincibility or monopoly of knowledge, he would pursue inclusiveness in governance by the process of consultation and negotiation as opposed to confrontation in the resolution of whatever conflicts, political or otherwise, even if he insists that mutual agreements reached by parties and/or persons must be respected.

At the outset of his government, Governor Chime inaugurated a special committee known as Visit Every Community which, as the name implies, visited

the 260 communities of Enugu State to ask and document the key developmental needs of the people as chosen by them. It is a novel initiative worthy of emulation because numerous projects have been executed in line with the priorities of the communities. It serves as a useful guide for the successor government to continue to address the needs of the people.

Legacies to bequeath Such are the legacies he will bequeath to the coming generation and the proud inheritors of the solid foundations he has laid. By his next birthday, he will have just 49 days to regain his freedom from what he sees as one self-imposed imprisonment. But when that time comes, Chime, this workaholic governor with legendary patience and uncommon capacity to listen, will be bowing out gracefully.

As for his birthday, it did not matter if champagne glasses clinked in the celebration of his birthday or not. What is certain is that this day, as in many decades to come, the people will continue to have the fondest memories of this proverbial cat with nine lives who made huge personal sacrifices for the overall wellbeing of his people who will long remember him for what he did in the State than what we write on the pages of newspapers. Happy Birthday Your Excellency! •Ugwoke is the Enugu State Commissioner for Information

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014—53

54—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014

2015: Akwa Ibom PDP elders ask Jonathan to run

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

E

LDERS and stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, yesterday, asked President Goodluck Jonathan to declare his re-election ambition immediately, assuring him of their backing. Drawn from the 10 federal constituencies of the state, the elders, which included founders of the party in the state, the three serving senators, spoke on a day they opposed Governor Godswill Akpabio’s alleged plan to impose his anointed candidate on the party in the name of zoning or power shift.

They congregated on the banner of Akwa Ibom State PDP and elders and stakeholders meeting in Uyo. Chaired by former Environment Minister, Dr Imeh Okopido, other leaders at the event, who also spoke included Senator Effiong Bob, who was represented by Dr. Chris Ekong; Sen. Ita Enang, who was represented by Engr. Uwem Umoh; Otuekong Sunny Jackson; former Member House of Representatives, Bernard Udoh; former Member House of Reps, Emmanuel Obot; wife of former Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Imo Isemin.

Others are former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Victor Iyanam; former Deputy Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Uwem Udoma; Chief Ukata Akpan; Obong Okon Uwah; Enefiok Ekefre; former Speaker Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Nelson Effiong; and Chief Sunny Udom.

Four issues were on the lips of every speaker at the well-attended event. These were: President Goodluck Jonathan should contest the 2015 Presidential polls, the 2015 governorship contest in Akwa Ibom State should be an open to all aspirants, PDP primaries must be open, free and fair where every vote must count and the PDP state executives in the state should be re-structured to return power the people.

Returning power to the people Opposing zoning in strong terms, which they argued had never existed in the state, the elders and stakeholders urged the national leadership of the PDP to caution the governor against destabilizing the state and the PDP further because governorship election in the state has always been an open contest.

Speaking at the parley, the senator representing Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, Sen. Aloysius Etok, said he believed that the PDP national leadership would not deny the people the power to choose their leaders, recalling that the national chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Mua’zu on assumption of office promised that primaries across the state would be free and fair.

He said: “I have come today to say that this town hall meeting of elders and stakeholders is a necessity and is timely. I have come today to say that the cries of Akwa Ibom people are heard.

I have come today to say that Abuja will not deny Akwa Ibom people what is rightfully theirs. I have come today to tell you that your will is stronger than AK47.

I have come today to tell you that even if this assembly is scattered now, your will not be scattered. I have come to tell you that heaven and earth will pass away but the word of God will not pass away: that power belongs to God. “Never again will elections be done out of accredited venues. I have come to set your minds free, that there is absolutely freedom of expression. Once again, you must play politics with no foul language. You people have come today because you are troubled the way things have turned in Akwa Ibom.

"We now have politics of people who sit as a family to decide for the entire state. I am glad that you have come today to get power back. My only regret is that I have not seen all the (governorship) aspirants here. I said one day to my friend the governor, have you noticed that all of us who started the party are no longer entering government house?

Please let us not allow more people to come and destroy our party any more.”

Also speaking, former Secretary to State Government, SSG, Umana Umana, charged other aspirants who are presently in government to stop hiding under the governor’s shadow and come out openly to tell the people that they are interested in the 2015 governorship polls and their plans for the state, if elected. Umana said: “I am contesting for the office of the governor in 2015 and I have come out to tell the people of Akwa Ibom State that I am interested. Other people should also come out whether they are in government or not, to tell Akwa Ibom people they are contesting.

“They should not hide under the back of the governor because the governor is not a candidate.

So why has the governor become an issue? Why is it that it is the governor that is campaigning for zoning? Why? If the people of Akwa Ibom State want zoning they will demonstrate that in their voting pattern. Why are they afraid of open contest? Who is afraid of open contest? I want to say that we should go back to our glorious past. I was a commissioner in the administration of Obong Victor Attah and we never met as a college of commissioners to decide for the people of Akwa Ibom state who should be the governor. Even if the governor then had a preference for a particular candidate he did not come out to harass or intimidate the people of Akwa Ibom state."

L-r: Judges, British Airways Leaders of Tomorrow Initiative, Wole Shadare, Simon Tumba; Manager, Trade Sales, British Airways, Mr. Ademola Sanya and another judge, British Airways Leaders of Tomorrow Initiative, Tunde Arogunmati, at the British Airways Leaders of Tomorrow, Judges Unveil and Review Session, held at Ikoyi, Lagos, today, 10th April.

Confab: Stormy Session looms as Delegates discuss list of committees •Secretariat roll out list of names 20 member- standing Committees Delegates adjourn to resume 4 pm today •Adebanjo, Jubril, Mantu, Yakasai, Braithwaite, 23 others in Devolution of powers Committee •Jimeta, Nyiam, Akinrinade, Useni, Gani Adams, Omu, Ejiga, 22 others in Security Committee •Falae, Ohaneze, Nwachuku, Nduka Obaigbena, Tunde Bakare, 23 others in Political restructuring •Clark not on the list •As Civil Society Group, some delegates kick

BY HENRY UMORU & LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

A

BUJA—STRONG indi cations emerged yesterday that crisis looms as Delegates at the on - going National conference will today look at the composition of membership of the twenty standing Committees, just as Delegates were seen to be complaining that their names appeared outside where they indicated to serve.

Delegates had at the commencement of the Conference, asked to submit their names and three committees they would love to serve according to areas of specialisation, interest and experience.

The list was however not discussed yesterday as plenary was adjourned till today.

A source told Vanguard that some delegates on the platform of Civil Society Organisations were already set for a stormy session today over what they termed, misplacement in committees and placed in not too relevant committees.

According to the list of Committee members made available yesterday to the delegates, two had twenty- eight members; one eighteen; while others had twenty- four.

The 20 Committees are Devolution of Power; Political Re-

structuring and forms of Government; National Security; Environment; Politics and Governsnce; Law, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Reform; Social Welfare; Transportation; Science, Technology and Development; and Agriculture.

Others are Committees on Civil Society, Labour and Sports; Public Service; Electoral Matters; Foreign Policy and Diaspora; Land Tenure Matters and National Boundary; Economy, Trade and Investment; Energy; Religion; Public Finance and Revenue Generation and Immigration.

Elder statesmen Some names of Elders Statesmen like former Federal Commissioner for information and Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark was missing on the list of Committees.

But a source told Vanguard that Chief Clark deliberately decided to opt out of the committee as a sign of national unity and to provide the needed fatherly encouragement to them.

Though there was no Committee Chairman or Vice indicated on the list as the Secretariat left that may be there was a change of mind that Dele-

gates should select their chairmen and Deputies.

Devolution of Power Committee has names like Chief Ayo Adebanjo; Dr. Ahmadu Ali; Obong Victor Attah; Prof, Jubril Aminu; Senator Ken Nnamani; Tanko Yakasai, Gbemi Saraki, Jack Tilley- Gyado, Ibrahim Mantu; others as members.

Committee on Political Restructuring and forms of Government has Prof. Anya O. Anya; Pastor Tunde Bakare; Tokunboh Awolowo- Dosunmu; Benjamin Elue; Chief Gary Eneo- Igariwey; Dr. Abubakar Saddique; Nduka Obaigbena; Chief Olu Falae, Air. Cdre Idongesit, Senator Saidu Kumo, Abdulkadir Kure, others as members.

Committee on National Security has as members, Gani Adams; Gen. Alani Akinrinade; AIG Bashir Albasu; Gen. Geoffrey Ejiga; Chief Albert Horsfall; Gen. Jerry Useni; Olusola Obada; IGP Gambo Jimeta rtd; Gen. Zamani Lekwot; Gen. Idada Ikponmwen; Gen. Alex Mshelbwala, others as members.

Committee on Environment as Esu Bwari ; Ledun Mitee; Bukar Madara; Festus Okoye, others as members.

Committee on Politics and Governance has the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Adamu Muazu; Senator Florence Ita- Giwa; Dr. Haliru Bello Mohammed; Senator Aniete Okon; Senator Adolphus Wabara; Senator Femi Okunrounmu; Ray Ekpu; Prof. Jerry Gana; Amb. Hassan Adamu ; Dan Nwanyanwu; Prince Chibudom Nwuche; Mike Ahamba, others as members.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014 —55

Malaria: Stopping a moving target with nets

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

‘N

O more malaria. My children will no longer be at the mercy of mosquitoes at night,” remarked Saidat Ismail, 31, mother of six including two sets of twins.

“Insecticide Treated Nets all the way!”

Chorused Sikirat Akindele, 38, also a mother of six. Saidat and Sikirat, of 2, and 18, Akindele Street, respectively, in Ijora Oloye area of Lagos are nursing mothers.

They just received Long-Lasting Insecticide-treated Nets, LLINs, donated as part of the social mobilisation campaign for proper and sustained use of Insecticide Treated Nets in Nigeria.

The duo were part of the group of residents targeted in the four Senatorial Districts of the Ijora Local Government Friday under the social mobilisation campaign spearheaded by Malaria No More and its partners, for proper and sustained use of Insecticide Treated Nets.

to ensure that families dont just own the nets, but actually use them.

Although still the biggest killer of Nigerian children under five years of age, despite efforts of the Federal government and all the Roll Back Malaria, RBM, partners, with such initiatives, hopes of controlling and even eradicating the vector-borne disease is gradually being rekindled.

This is the situation even as the global malaria eradication campaign inches

towards the 2015 Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, target, In a chat, Country Director, Malaria No More, Mrs Dayo Oluwole said the drive was in line with the stepped up malaria prevention efforts as well as treatment. “About 200 nets were given out to carefully selected households and priority was given to those households with pregnant women and children.”

Simple, cost-effective preventive mea-

GSK promotes oral health

G

Insecticide treated nets Hundreds of residents in the four Senatorial Districts of the Ijora Local Government, were engaged in what was dubbed the “Nets For Life” campaign.

The distributed ITNs were properly hung in each household by volunteer teams.

During the exercise, beneficiaries were taught to hang, fold, remove, wash and generally preserve the nets. The nets distribution was the highpoint of the sustained social mobilisation in the Lagos community, was part of the drive

sures, such as consistent use of the ITNs and anti-malaria treatment for pregnant women are recommended by the RBM partners as part of moves to translate in the reduction of childhood and maternal deaths due to malaria.

The goal is to make sure every child and pregnant woman in a household has an ITN t o sleep under every night and also to encourage all the pregnant women to seek antenatal care and ask about anti-malaria treatment.

•A nursing mother watches over her baby sleeping under an ITN.

LAXOSMITHKLINE Consumer Nigeria Plc. as part of its advocacy campaign for good oral hygiene amongst Nigerians, has reiterated the essence of brushing twice daily as one simple step to maintaining good oral hygiene.

Speaking during a free dental check up outreach held at Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company’s, SNEPCo, office in Marina, Lagos, Brand Manager, Sensodyne & Parodontax, GSK Consumer Nigeria Plc, Dr. Davis Iyoha, said oral hygiene awareness among Nigerians is still low, hence the need to create awareness and make the campaign accessible.

“Statistically, 1 in 3 people suffer from sensitive teeth and 52 percent of patients with tooth sensitivity fail to seek dental advice. For this reason, we decided to sponsor free dental checks to enlighten people on the condition of sensitive teeth and encourage them to improve their oral hygiene habits”, Iyoha said.

Head of Marketing, GSK Consumer Nigeria Plc, Winston Ailemoh, said over 75 percent of people with sensitive teeth have never used any desensitising toothpaste.

The Good, the Bad, the Ugly (3) L

AST TIME, we looked at Articles 23 - 39 and concluded that Article 39 was an “ugly” disappointment because it did not address the availability of and access to pain medication in Nigeria.

Part V covers human resources for health. While its suggestions are welcome, it does not go far enough to correct or reverse the “brain drain”, nor does it tackle the living and working conditions of healthcare personnel in the country which has been underlying to many conflicts and strikes. Regarding brain drain, many know that Indian Government leaders went to the USA and UK to meet with their indigenes who have succeeded in those countries. They asked what it would take to bring them back home; the leaders listened, went back and created plans to attract these indigenes back home.

What they did was no rocket science. They provided subsidies, housing assistance, low interest loans, duty waivers for medical equipment, government guaranteed loans, land and

buildings. The brain drain reversal was enough to jump start he Indian healthcare system to what Nigerians patronize today.

What do we have here? An office for Nigerians in diaspora that is fluent with statistics of Nigerians in prisons worldwide but not of its immensely successful healthcare personnel in these same countries. How so often we hear public repeated cliches encouraging medical personnel to return home....with no active support!

Article 46 is also welcome as it finally addresses this issue of medical overseas travel. But it still leaves room for abuse, especially at high levels of public office.

There should be NO exceptions.

While a case can be made for payment exemption at facilities within the country, public officers should travel overseas for treatment at their OWN expense.

This aggressive approach is important for the development of our health system in Nigeria.

Perhaps the MOST UGLY disappointment in the Bill is Article 48:1(b). The patient’s

“consent clause” CANNOT be waived! People should be encouraged to make a decision about organ donation (or not) BEFORE an emergency situation occurs.

This subsection MUST be removed. I have already addressed the fact that the Bill does not define what it refers to as an “emergency” medical situation.

It is worth noting also that a provider may choose NOT to treat an “emergency” patient in a circumstance of “harassment” by the patient.

Article 48:2 is puzzling: Articles 48-49 outlines prison terms galore. This is a good thing though, as, I am certain, perpetrators would not likely be reputable providers anyway.

Article 54:3(b) covers a responsibility that may be better done by, or together with, the “Ethics Committee” instead.

Article 55a (iii) offers a chance for preauthorization (or not) for organ donation. The Bill misses the significant point that donating “body ” is not the same as donating “organ(s)”.

doctor@lagospainclinic.com Am I misreading Article 57? A dead person shall rise and revoke his donation? Perhaps a rewording is necessary.

In Article 58(a) one must remember that there are sometimes legal grounds for post mortems....death within 24 hours of surgery or anaesthesia (in some countries), in the very young and in suspicious circumstances.

Article 60:1 empowers the Minister, after “consultation” with the National Council, to establish as many advisory and technical committees as he believes “necessary”.

In Article 62 we find that officials don’t have to do what this Bill says - they can delegate someone else to do it! Under what circumstances, we don’t know.

And finally in Article 64, the use of the term “brain death” is

welcomed. However the Bill should elucidate the set criteria, tests and standards needed to establish “brain death”.

The Bill has failed to install independent audit and outcomes monitoring bodies and has no internal checks for safeguarding patient advocacy.

Also significantly absent is direct plans for “lifestyle” diseases like hypertension, diabetes, cancers, obesity and heart disease. These are growing fast in Nigeria?

There is also no direct emphasis on the deaths of pregnant mothers and children under 5. Finally have we given up the fight, funding and research on aids, malaria and sickle cell?

The National Health Bill 2014 is nothing a good start ; the first step of a long journey.

56 —

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014

Nyanya park during the explosion

Photos: Olugbenga Olamikan

Abuja Explosion: The stream of tears that keeps flowing G

ORY, horrific and bizarre. That was the sight that unsettled everyone.

Those who arrived the scene before the evacuation exercise would, at first glance, think it was an abattoir.

There, they littered the ground. They were bodies of human beings; the remains those who met their tragic end now covered in the pool of their own blood.

As you looked further around the perimeter, bits and pieces of human parts severed from the body trunks littered the entire landscape. They were victims of the dastardly

bomb attack at Nyanyan bus terminal in Abuja.

Then there is the odious stench at the scene, a tell-tale of the putrifying blood of the innocent Nigerians whose crime was that they made out very early in the morning to catch a bus to their offices and other destinations.

Of course, time was 6 am that Monday and you can imagine the rush on Abuja- Nyanyan Keffi road.

On any other day, it can be frustrating being on a traffic on that road let alone on Monday morning. Believe this, half of those who work and do busi-

ness in Abuja metropolis reside along that area, being a suburb with relatively cheap accommodation.

And so, the best way to beat the traffic jam is always to wake up at the first cock row and leave for the business of the day. The drive, without traffic hiccups could arguably be 15 minutes.

Of course, it was a blast, a resounding blast that created a hole in the middle of the park where the evil red Volkswagen-Sharon bus which was used by the dare- devil bombers to smuggle the bombs parked.

Dare-devil bombers With a sound that shook many houses within, 71 persons got killed while a total 124 persons were left critically injured. This was the police official figure. But eyewitnesses

disagreed with the figure. In their estimation, it was over 150 persons.

Now, there was this 15-yearold boy whose legs were shattered by the gruesome explosion. The boy had cried: “Mummy! mummy!!, don’t let me die” as he held on to his mother in the midst of the me-

,

Tears, tears and tears have continued to flow ceaselessly following the bomb blast at Nyanyan, Abuja. Indeed, it was an unsettling experience for Vanguard Features LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU and Victoria Ojeme as they compiled this report from the scene of the tragedy.

er of NEMA, Mr. Manzo Ezekiel, who spoke to Vanguard Features VF on Monday, the victims were distributed as follows: ”In Abuja Clinic, we have four injured people, Nyanya Hospital 11 injured, Nigerian Customs Service Hospital, 14 injured and one person dead, Asokoro General Hospital, we have 25 injured , 27 dead, Maitama 27 injured, 14 dead, Wuse 10 injured, 15 dead, National Hospital 25 injured, 14 dead, Garki Hospital one injured, Mararaba General Hospital, we have seven injured.

So, by and large, Asokoro has the largest death figure,” he said.

The moment the bus driver started the engine, I heard this loud cry and the next thing I saw was fire all over the park

lee that ensued.

Also, an eyewitness who simply identified himself as Romanus said human parts and pieces of flesh were thrown to different parts of the garage and beyond. Bodies upon bodies were picked. The injured were taken to different hospitals within and around Abuja.

According to the Press Offic-

,

But as at yesterday, the figure has risen to 75 for the dead, while 216 were injured. This is, according to the Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu who briefed Journalists at the National Hospital in Abuja.

Meanwhile, there is a string of damage. In all, 16 luxuriContinues on page 57

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014

— 57

The stream of tears that keeps flowing Continues from page 56 ous buses otherwise called ElRufia buses whose capacity could be put at 70, including those standing, were either smashed or burnt. Similarly, 24 other types of vehicles were equally damaged. Several motor cycles and a tricycle were also burnt.

How the act was carried out: Eye witnesses said a man

drove a red Volkswagen Space Bus into the premises of the big capacity bus terminus popularly called El Rufai Buses and parked in front of two of the buses which were loaded ready to leave for town.

Vanguard Features gathered that upon protest from drivers of the buses that he was obstructing their exit, the driver who allegedly came with four other passengers, reportedly said he was going “to get change” to settle his ‘passengers’.

About five minutes of their hurried departure, the explosion followed, destroying everything, both animate and inanimate that was near the bus.

As we speak, I do not know the where about of my bicycle “My advise to the government is that they should assist those who lost their loved ones. The government should also ensure adequate security at the parks; they should not only be collecting money for ticket but they should consider the life of the people first.

Rekia Suleiman : “I had bought my ticket and all the passengers were in the vehicle waiting for the bus to move. The moment the bus driver started the engine, I heard this loud cry and the next thing I saw was fire all over the park. All I can say is thank God for keeping me alive”.

Saidu : “I sell eye glasses and wallet. I was in one of the El-Rufai Buses doing my normal business; the only thing I remembered was that I felt something lifting me up and I found myself in the hospital. I thank God

An eyewitness said human parts and pieces of flesh were thrown to different parts of the garage and beyond; bodies upon bodies were picked

,

When the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, alongside some journalists on Tuesday, visited hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory to assess the well-being of the affected persons, some of of the victims decried the security situation in Nigeria.

Mr Audu Joseph: “I was only standing and trying to move my bike which I normally use to work every day and the next thing I heard was a very loud noise. Immediately I ran away.

,

for being alive”.

Nasiru : “I am a wheelbarrow pusher. I was sitting by the road side when I heard the noise. I thought it was a tyre that exploded.

I did not even know when I was brought to the hospital”.

Said Ainde: “I am a taxi driver, I was going to Wuse to pick my car. As I was waiting for a bus, I remember I heard a loud noise and everywhere became dark.

“What I will tell the gov-

Survivors on hospital beds...They lived to tell the tale ernment is that they should expand that park; it is too tight”.

The Minister who spoke on the need for expansion of trauma capacity in the country, said: “We are going to increase the capacity for receiving trauma cases because with what is happening in Nigeria we are beginning to have more physical trauma than ever before. For now the capacity is 60 and it will gradually reach to 100.

to hear deafening sound of a blast and rushed to the scene.

She said it took quite some time before she could locate her nephew’s charred body with the cloth he wore.

At the Asokoro General Hospital, Miss Adigun Bidemi who was looking for her brother, Mr. Gbenga Oladele an architect, said her mother called her and told her of the blast and that her brother used to join the high capacity bus to work.

A relative of one of the dead victims, Sadiat, who could not hold back her tears, told VF that his nephew was to travel to Taraba and left home about to 5 am in spite of the fact they live not far away from the park, just for him to catch the first bus since Taraba is far only

Ihedioha condemns Nyanya blast, condoles with victims

Relatives recount losses:

Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Emeka Ihedioha has condemned in strong terms Monday morn-

ing’s bomb blast. The Deputy Speaker said perpetrators of the blast have committed “a mindless, heinous and unwarranted wickedness against innocent lives that have been cut short in another unexplainable orgy of bloodletting”.

Security agencies He urged security agencies to go the extra mile to bring those behind the dastardly act to book while offering deep condolences to the families that have lost loved ones and those injured in the unfortunate incident.

According to him, Nigerians of goodwill join those affected in this national moment of grief as they are not alone in this trying time of violence and insurgency plaguing the country. He called for prayers for Nigeria and urged members of the public to be extra vigilant and offer necessary cooperation to security agents as they strive to tackle insecurity in the land.

•First lady too

....Two other survivors

The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan has also expressed shock at the dastardly act of terrorism perpetrated in the early hours of Monday at Nyanya Motor Park in Abuja, saying it is unwarranted wickedness to fellow Nigerians.

A statement signed by Ayo Adewuyi quoted the first lady as describing the killing of innocent souls as a crime against humanity, which must be condemned by all Nigerians.

While commiserating with the families of those who lost their loved ones, she prayed that God Almighty will continue to console them and grant them enduring fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.

58—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014

NAMES OF NYANYA BLAST VICTIMS:

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014 — 59

Copa del Rey: Bale must justify his record fee T

IME to step up.

Gareth Bale’s numbers since moving from Tottenham to Real Madrid in a record deal last summer may make pleasant reading for fans of Los Blancos, but his performances in the two Clasico clashes this season tell another tale.

He hasn’t been good enough.

Bale has hit 19 goals from his first 38 games since his summer switch and added 15 assists so far, but disappointing displays from the Welsh winger in the league defeats home and away to Barcelona mean the 24-year-old now has a point to prove in Wednesday night’s Copa del Rey final against the Catalan club.

The likely absence of Cristiano Ronaldo at Mestalla means more pressure will also be placed on Bale to deliver in his biggest game yet since signing in a €100 million move in August.

With the Portuguese set to miss out because of a knee injury, the role of Bale now assumes added importance.

“Cristiano will always be missed,” coach Carlo Ancelotti said. “But it’s not as if the players are saying ‘Oh my God! What will we do without him?’

They’re confident and they’ve shown they can win without him. It’s a great opportunity for them to take the spotlight in a final.”

As he spoke those words, the Italian will have been thinking first and foremost about Bale.

After losing twice to Barca this season, Ancelotti’s side will look to make it third time lucky against the Catalan club today and the Welshman is key to their hopes of success.

I

A

C Milan are r e p o r t e d l y interested in Chelsea duo John Obi Mikel and Ashley Cole, who lost their places in club’s starting line-up.

AC Milan manager Clarence Seedorf expressed his desire to strengthen the team in summer following victory over Catania on Sunday, and according to goal.com he is interested in John Obi Mikel. According to

Ogba leads Team Nigeria to N Mt. Sac Relays P

RESIDENT of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Evang.

Solomon Ogba will lead the Nigerian track and field team to Mt.Sac Relays in Walnut, California, USA. Tagged ‘the meet where the world best compete’ the Mt. Sac Relays is part of the AFN build up for the IAAF World Relays in Bahamas next month and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland in July.

The meet starts on Thursday with the nation’s best and captain of Team Nigeria track and field team, Blessing Okagbare among those that will represent Nigeria. Okag-

bare, a double world champion medalist is likely to compete in the individual event and also anchor the 4x100m women relay team.

Gloria Asumnu who made the final of the 60m at the Sopot 2014 IAAF World Indoor Championships is also in the team. Obinna Metu

emerged. They will enjoy an all expense paid trip to the Stadium of Light in Lisbon Portugal courtesy of Heineken the international premium lager beer.

It was conducted by the

Samuel Eto (r) ready to take Chelsea to Lisbon.

sources, Milan would make a move for Mikel, if Seedorf decides not to buy out loanees Adil Rami and Adel Taarabt, who will leave the club in the summer.

Other Milan-based side, Inter are also heavily interested in Mikel, so Chelsea might stall the transfer talks until they receive an offer close to the £16m they paid for Mikel in 2006.

Nestle to Unveil Plans for Milo U-13 African Championship

•Bale

who won the 100m over the weekend at the Abuja Golden League is also in Walnut.

Ditto Amaechi Morton whose blistering anchor ensured the Nigeria 4x400m quartet set a new Africa record at the Sopot 2014 World Indoor.

ESTLE Plc will today unveil plans for the Milo U-13 African Championship, which is a football competition for U-13 boys in Africa.

Mrs Doja Ekeruche, Category Business Manager, Beverages, Nestle Nigeria PLC, said the Media Briefing scheduled to hold at the Protea Hotel, Maryland will kick-start a month long build-up to the

tournament which is holding in Nigeria for the first time.

“On the occasion, we will be presenting the Team Nigeria to the Media and flag-off the official communication to engage a crosssection of our consumers and football stakeholders in this championship which is being hosted in Nigeria for the first time”, Ekeruche explained.

Peak backs Eagles for Brazil W/Cup

BY SOLOMON NWOKE

P •Ogba

Heineken picks ‘lucky’ winners for UEFA Champions League final T was excitement galore last Wednesday night at the Heineken House Lagos, as two of the final five lucky consumers who will watch the UEFA Champions League final

AC Milan join race for Mikel

Managing Director CEO Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr.Nicolaas A. Vervelde.

Jayne Nelson Uzuegbu, a banker and Manchester United fan, was the first winner out of the 790 participants of the Heineken ‘Match Your Half Ticket’ promotion in Lagos.

The second winner, Sopuluchukwu Benjamin Ezugorie, a banker and Chelsea fan, claimed his ticket.

“I still don’t know if I am in dreamland. I count myself extremely lucky having won an invite to be part of this premium viewing experience at the Heineken House Lagos Ezugorie remarked on Wednesday night.''

EAK, the official milk of the senior national team has launched a campaign to galvanize support for the team tagged ‘World Class Nutrition, World Class

Team’ to ensure that the Super Eagles do not lack the much required nutrient to execute their 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign in Brazil in June.

Speaking yesterday at their Corporate Headquarters in Lagos, the Public and Regulatory Affairs Manager,

Keshi Continues from BP support for the team ahead of the World Cup. Nigeria and Argentina arguably remain the two teams to pick the tickets in a group that has debutantes BosniaHerzogovina and Iran.

But the Eagles meeting with Argentina has become the talk of the town in a seeming confrontation between the two sides, led by Lionel Messi and John Obi Mikel, who have faced off three times in major events at different age levels: the final of the FIFA U-20 World Cup- Netherlands 2005, the group phase at South Africa 2010 and the

friendly between Argentina and Nigeria in Bangladesh. On all three occasions Argentina won. When Eagles won in Abuja, Messi did not play. ‘’Afraid? I’m not afraid of Argentina or any team in the World Cup’’, Keshi reacted to a question that his Argentine counterpart, Alejandro Sabella said that other teams in their group should be afraid of them. ‘’I’m not afraid of Argentina. I’m not afraid of any team’’, he said as many other questions were asked at the same time and photographers and TV camera men jostled for vintage positions.

Frieslandn Campina WAMCO Nigeria plc, Ore Famurewa said the launch for the campaign was necessitated by their belief that Super Eagles require super nutrition to support their performance at the World Cup.

Part of the fear factor that Keshi did not address yesterday remained that so many Nigerian players are not getting enough playing time in their various clubs while star-studded Argentine players play regularly in their own clubs.

Players like Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Fernando Gago, Di Maria etc are regulars in their clubs.

Top Nigerian players – Mikel Obi, Victor Moses, Elderson Echiejile, Victor Obinna have become bench warmers in their clubs thereby heightening the blood pressures of Nigerian fans.

60 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014

IOC President condemns senseless killings in Abuja

I

NTERNATIONAL Olympic Committee, IOC, President, Thomas Bach yesterday condemned the senseless bomb blast that killed hundreds of people and left many more hundreds injured at the busy Nyanya Mass Transit Park, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria on Monday.

In a condolence letter addressed to the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee(NOC), Engr Sani M. Ndanusa and signed by Sarah Friberg(Executive Assistant to the President), President Bach extended his heart-felt sympathy to all Nigerians describing the bombings as a cowardly attack.

Part of the letter reads; “On behalf of the Olympic Movement, please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of so many innocent lives in the tragic and senseless bombing in Abuja yesterday(Monday).

As you know, the Olympic Movement works on daily basis to promote peace and unify peoples of all backgrounds through sport. We therefore strongly condemn this cowardly attack.

On-behalf of the entire sports world, we convey our sincerest condolences to all the people of Nigeria.

Our thoughts are with the families of those killed and injured”, President Bach wrote in the letter to the NOC President.

W/Cup: Eagles must go beyond 2nd round – Green

N

IGERIA Football Federation executive committee member and chairman of the technical committee, Barrister Chris Green says Nigeria’s target in Brazil 2014 World Cup is to surpass their previous record in the quadrennial football showpiece. And Green believes Nigeria has the team to achieve that target.

Nigeria’s best efforts have been second round placings in 1994 and 1998, but Green says that is no longer good enough.

“We don’t want to take anything for granted.

Our target in Brazil is to surpass our previous records at the World

Super Eagles striker, Emmanuel Emenike out-jumps his Ethiopian markers during the World Cup qualifier in Calabar. Nigeria won 2-0.

Cup,” he said.

To do so, Green said the NFF are doing everything they can to help Stephen Keshi in his preparations.

“We have the team to achieve our objective, and we are committed to giving the coach all the support he needs to help him succeed.

“As a federation, we have worked hard to improve the position and status of Nigerian football from the days when everything that could go wrong always

have won the Olympics, why not the World Cup now?”

The Sivasspor of Turkey striker urged the team to have self belief and determined in Brazil. “We have to be optimistic and push forward.

“We were not rated to win the 1996 Olympics, but we did, beating the likes of Brazil and Argentina on the way.”

Utaka recalled the exploits of fellow West Africans, Ghana in South Africa 2010 World Cup

N20m for grabs A

TOTAL prize purse of about N20M will be paid by the organisers of the Okpekpe 10km Road Race when the second edition holds on Saturday May 3,2014 in Okpekpe,Edo state.

According to Pamodzi Sports Marketing,financial prizes will be given to the first eight finishers in the men’s race while the first seven finishers will have a share of the prize money in the women’s race.

The winner of the men’s race will pocket $25,000 while the first and the second runners-up will get $15,000 and $10,000

HE Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF has fined the Police Batons Basketball Club and slammed a five-match suspension on one of its coaches and players for their conduct in a Week 5 game in Ilorin between them and the Kwara Falcons.

Those affected are Coach

Dominic Dike and Malu Williams, a player who spots jersey number 9, whose overall conduct and behaviour during the said game the federation views as “short of the standard expected in our fast growing league.”

According to a press statement from the NBBF, coach Dike and Williams

r e s p e c t i v e l y.

For the women,the winner will get $15,000;the second placed athlete will get $10,000 while the third placed athlete will go home with $8,000.

There are also cash prizes for the first eighthplaced Edo state indigenes (men and women).

The first man will pocket N100,000 while the second and third placed finishers will get N75,000 and N50,000

and believes the Nigerian team could go places if well motivated. “Ghana came very close to getting to the semi-finals at the last World Cup in South Africa, but for a missed penalty against Uruguay.

We too can make it.”

are each suspended for five league matches with immediate effect and with a warning that they use the suspension period to improve their behaviour.

The team was also fined N50,000, part of which will be used to replace the damaged plastic chairs in the Ilorin Sports Hall.

respectively.In the women’s category,the first three finishers will get N70,000,N50,000 and N25,000 respectively.

•Oshiomhole

Rufai hails Lagos lawmaker on grassroots soccer

BY EBUN SESSOU

NBBF hammer falls on Police Batons

T

•Green

2nd Okpekpe race

Utaka: Eagles can win 2014 World Cup N

I G E R I A international, John Utaka has said he will not be surprised if Nigeria make history and become the first African team to win the World Cup in Brazil.

Utaka who also spoke on his goal-filled return from injury and his sojourn in Turkey after spells in France and England said that “The Super Eagles did well to win the Africa Cup of Nations and they will do well at the World Cup also.”

In an interview with Africanfootball.com Utaka said, “They could reach the semi-final and even win the World Cup. We

seemed to do so.

“Now, there are no more cases of friendlies on the pages of newspapers, or cancelled friendlies, or picking players from the streets to play matches in obscure places.

“We have also secured a very good, world-class base for the team in Brazil that everyone is happy about, and we are working even harder behind the scenes to make sure this team does well at the World Cup.”

F

ORMER Super Eagles’ goal keeper, Peter Rufai has applauded a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Olusegun Olulade for promoting football at the grassroots level in his constituency.

Rufai who spoke with newsmen after the final match of the first edition of the Hon. Olusegun Olulade JSS football competition which held at the Government College, Ketu area of Epe, Lagos State, said, he was impressed with the way the event was conducted.

The final edition of the competition took place between Government College, Ketu and Okemagba High School,

Ejirin, Epe, Lagos.

Rufai who among the dignitaries at the event said, there is no concern for youth development from the grassroots level to move football forward. Adding that, “One of the things that can move our football forward is to promote grassroots soccer.

• Rufai

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014 — 61

C M Y K

62 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014 — 63

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014

•Copa del Rey: Bale must justify his record fee — P.59 •AC Milan join race for Mikel — P.59 EPL: TODAY’S MATCHES Man City vs Sunderland 7:45 PM Everton vs Crystal Palace 7:45 PM COPA DE REY Barcelona vs Real Madrid 8:30 PM

Keshi not afraid of Argentina

BY TONY UBANI

F

OR the umpteenth time yesterday, Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi said that he was not afraid of his Super Eagles confronting a-Lionloaded team of Argentina at the World Cup in Brazil.

Keshi spoke yesterday in Ikeja as Peak, the official milk of the Super Eagles launched a campaign to galvanize

•Sabella

Continues on Page 59

•Keshi

IOC President condemns senseless killings in Abuja —P. 60

UNSTOPPABLE: Messi moves against Haruna Lukman in 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Argentina won 1-0.

Ogba leads Team Nigeria to Mt. Sac Relays — P.59

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Edit (6) 5 Hired (6) 9 Unfastened (5) 10 Invoiced (6) 11 Hand-gun (6) 12 Principle (5) 14 Ran off (4) 17 Lair (3) 18 Yield (4) 20 Foul (5) 22 Managed (5) 23 Meaner (7) 24 Loose (5) 26 Rot (5) 29 Friend (4) 30 Couch (3) 32 Challenge (4) 33 Enciphered (5) 35 Venerate (6) 36 Human (6) 37 Broom (5) 38 Considered (6) 39 Approached (6)

DOWN 1 Snub (6) 2 Fabric (6) 3 Fat (4) 4 Finished (5) 5 Mature (5) 6 Revise (4) 7 Tie up (6) 8 Dug (6) 13 Snuggled (7)] 15 Lawful (5) 16 Drab (5) 18 Troubled (5) 19 Prevent (5) 21 Age (3) 22 Nourished (3) 24 Swam (6) 25 Look (6) 27 Guard (6) 28 Shouted (6) 30 Drilled (5) 31 Devil (5) 33 Die (4) 34 Cupola (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 4, Batch 7, Lurked 9, Cab 10, Era 12, Sabre 13, Crop 15, Amass 17, Vulgar 19, Hole 20, There 22, Zip 24, Receded 27, Sum 28, Erase 31, Diva 33, Regret 35 Scene 37, Wood 38, Quota 39, Tap 41, Err 42, Region 43, Alert.

DOWN: 1, Elicit 2, Groove 3, Bee 4, Bass 5, Abash 6, Careless 8, Drag 11, Amazement 14, Purr 16, Arid 18, Lees 21, Habitual 23, Peer 25, Cure 26, Drew 29, Atomic 30, Ending 32, Aster 34, Gear 36, Cart 40, Peg.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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