Badeh took N558.2m from NAF monthly - WITNESS

...towards a better life for the people

**

VOL. 25: NO. 62806

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

You're wrong, NNPC tells AuGF We're owing N326 bn, not N3.24 trn; adds it has N1.4trn claims against FG •P.9

Twin suicide bombers strike at Borno mosque, 22 killed

•P. 35

N150

MONEYGRAM: From left Grant Lines, Executive Vice President, Africa, Middle East, Asia Pacific, Russia and CIS; Alex Holmes, Chief Executive Officer; Kemi Okusanya, Regional Director, Anglophone West Africa and Herve Chomel, Vice President, Africa, China all of MoneyGram at MoneyGram Agents event in Lagos on Wednesday.

Photo Lamidi Bamidele

ALLEGED N3.9bn FRAUD:

Badeh took N558.2m from NAF monthly—WITNESS

By Ikechukwu

Nnochiri •Explains how he acquired properties with the money •Says he personally took money in dollar equivalent to Badeh A EBR SUT WJ HAI L—E Director of Finance and Accounts at the Nigerian •Badeh's son, Alex Jnr, on the run — EFCC Air Force, NAF, Air

Commodore Salisu Abdullahi, retd, yesterday, disclosed how former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh (retd), within one year, siphoned over N3.9billion from the accounts of the Force.

Abdullahi, who testified

Continues on Page 5

House of Reps gets bigger share of NASS budget •P.8

Mr & Mrs OBAS' RATING SAGA—The Awujale Ijebu, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona; Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, after a meeting at the Governor's Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, yesterday.

Ogun Govt House Photo. SEE STORY ON PAGE 7.

WEF names Nigerian, Umar-Sadiq, 2016 Young Global Leader •P.21 COLUMNISTS:

Our very lucrative prayers •P.17 economy C M Y K

Naira's flop is

Are emirs above doomsday the law? •P.19 foretold

•P.19

Mile 12 market leaders agree on relocation, okada ban •P. 6

2 —Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016— 3

C M Y K

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016—5

POCKET CARTOON

SWEARING-IN—Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (left)

in full Made-In-Aba attire; exchanging greetings in the Igbo traditional style with Senator Mao Ohuabunwa after swearing-in the Senator representing Abia North in Abuja, yesterday.

Badeh took N558.2m from NAF monthly—WITNESS Continues from Page 1 before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, disclosed that Badeh, who is facing a 10-count criminal charge preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, monthly diverted N558.2million, meant for the payment of salaries of NAF officials, for his personal use.

Testifying as the first prosecution witness, PW1, Abdullahi told the court that Badeh instructed that the money must always be converted to its dollar equivalent and brought to him at his official residence at Niger Barracks, in Abuja.

He said the former Defence chief never signed any document to confirm his monthly receipt of the fund.

“I enlisted in the military as a member of the 29

Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy on January 3, 1981 and I was commissioned into the officers corps of the Nigerian Air Force on January 3, 1984.

“I was the Director of Finance & Accounts of the Nigerian Air Force from 2010 to December 2013, before I was retired from service.

“I was the Adviser to the Chief of Air Staff on financial matters and at the same time, liaised with the Ministry of Finance & Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation. I directed the funds appropriated to the Nigerian Air Force through the annual appropriation.

“I also directed the disbursement of such funds to Air Force formations as authorised

IT'S UP TO YOU

BY AYO ADIO T is respect for individual differences and diversity that ensures peace and prosperity.

People don’t have to look or think like you to earn your love and respect. It’s up to you.

I

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want —Zig Ziglar

I

F you’re living a balanced life, you feel an infinte connection of divine love all around you, and it is easy to understand what it means to give beauty and postitive energy just like the rose gives off its fragrance to all in the ether. Strive all you want to attain your heart desires but be mindful, life is more than material possessions and achievements. Let your life have meaning that lights the way for others.

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE He who boasts that it would never rain should not travel with an umbrella.

by the Chief of Air Staff, supervised and ensured the audit of accounts of NAF by officers of the Accountant-General and the Auditor-General of the Federation.

“I carried out any other job assigned to me by the Chief of Air Staff who is the chief accounting officer of the NAF.

How NAF is funded “The NAF is funded through the general appropriation under three main vote heads. First is the capital projects. The account was domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria in Lagos.

“The second vote head is the overhead, which is meant for general administration of the NAF. The account was domiciled at Zenith Bank also in Lagos.

“The third vote is for personnel emoluments.

The account was domiciled in UBA also in Lagos. This account caters for salaries and allowances of all NAF personnel and all temporary staff. It also caters for non-regular allowances of NAF officers.

“We receive a little above N4 billlion monthly for the payment of salaries.

However, our total wage bill as at that time was above N2bn monthly. The balance of the money was usually about N1.6bn or N1.7 bn.

“Out of this amount, the sum of N558. 2m is usually earmarked for personal expenditures of the Chief of Air Staff. The balance was returned to the Chief of Air Staff for disbursement to commands & Direct Reporting Units, for priority purpose and

training.

“The Chief usually authorised disbursement and expenditure from the fund through the procurement and planning committee.

“All the funds are under complete control of the Chief of Air Staff.

Sometimes he may give approval for some things to be done, but in most cases, the amount was exchanged into US dollars by the finance officer in the headquarters NAF camp, Abuja.

“When this money is exchanged, it is brought to me and I take it to the Chief of Air Force at his official residence in Niger Barracks. As military officers, in such situation, we don’t request for any acknowledgment.

However, in some cases, I do tell the finance officer to meet me at the Air House in Niger Barracks with the money so that he can see when I hand over the money to the Chief of Air Staff.

“The instruction for the conversion of the money from the Chief of Air Staff was usually verbal. The over N558.2m was retired every month as salaries by B&Accounting group.

“I cannot remember exactly the figure for the salary and allowances of the Chief of Air Staff, but I do know that the salary is above N2m every month. I never got anything from the N558.2m.

“When I came to office, I discovered that the sum of N120m was allocated to my office monthly.

According to the brief I was given, it was for my office to liaise with relevant government agencies of the National Assembly.

“But I rejected that money which was withdrawn from the personnel emolument fund. I did not see any reason the money should be placed under me, so I directed that the money be kept for tours and other reasons as may be approved by the Chief of Air Force.”

The witness, however, admitted that Badeh helped him to complete a mansion at Wuse district in Abuja, which he eventually sold, used the proceeds and bought two houses in Kaduna.

He told the court that all the houses had been sealed by the EFCC, adding that he served under two Chiefs of Air Staff.

“The first was Air Chief Marshal M.D.Umar, from October 2010 to October 2012, and Air Chief Badeh from September 2012 to December.

“I am aware that M.D. Umar is also under investigation. I met him at EFCC office where I made additional statements in respect of the case against him,” he

added.

How Badeh spent N3.9bn Narrating how the former CDS allegedly spent the N3.9billion, the witness said: “Sometimes in January 2013, the then Chief of Air Staff, Badeh, requested me to get a house for him in Maitama, where he said he would wish to return after service.

“I have a friend who is into properties, he is a legal practitioner, by name Useni Umar. I contacted him; after some days, he called me back and said that he had some properties he would like us to come and inspect.

“The following day, I called the 1st defendant.

He said I should come and pick him in the evening so we can go and inspect the properties.

“We inspected three properties that day and selected the one at OgunRiver Street. He directed that I should find out the prices and tell him. But a day or two later, Useni Umar came and told me that the house was about N1.1bn.

“The following day, I called the Chief of Air Staff, Badeh, and he agreed to pay the amount and asked me to tell Umar to carry out the necessary search to commence the preparation for the purchase.

“Sometimes in that January 2013, when I was taking the normal amount we used to take to him in dollars, he directed that we should pay for the house. He brought the balance in dollars and made up the equivalent of the N1.1bn”.

The witness said in a bid to conceal his ownership of the property, Badeh directed that the name of a company, Iyalikam Nigerian Limited (2nd defendant), be used to prepare the title deeds.

Abdullahi told the court that in the same 2013, Badeh said he should help him acquire a plot where he could build an office. He said the contract was handed to one Engineer Mustapha Yerima, who was then the contractor building the NAF

conference centre at Kado, who eventually located a plot that Badeh bought for the sum of N650m.

“One evening when I was taking the normal monthly money to him, he brought the balance from his house and instructed that we should pay.

“I can’t remember the exact dollar amount, but it is equivalent to N650m.

After he completed the N650m, he asked that the property should not be purchased in his name.

So the documents were prepared in the name of Engr.

Mustapha Yerima’s company.”

The witness told the court that Badeh used N900m to develop the property into a plaza, saying he personally took the dollar equivalent of N3m to Engr. Mustapha. The remaining part of the money, according to him, was produced by the finance officer at headquarters of NAF, Group Captain M.L. Sini, on the instruction of the defendant.

“It was when I came to EFCC that I saw from the records that Sini transferred about N880m to Engr. Yerima,” the witness added.

However, he said that Badeh’s son, Alex Jnr. insisted that he must use the upper floor of the plaza to operate a restaurant and hotel.

“Actually, I didn’t even know initially that Alex Jnr. knew anything about the construction until Engr. Yerima continued to complain about his involvement in their job.

That was how I got to know and on two occasions, I had reason to take their complaints to the Chief of Air Staff to explain the problem they were facing in the hands of Alex Jnr. “Alex wanted to use the upper floor as a restaurant and hotel”.

More so, the witness told the court that Badeh ordered him to give one Engr. Kabiru Sallau N260m to purchase a house for his son, adding that whereas N60m was used to renovate the house, N90m

Continues on Page 11

6 — Vanguard, THURSDAY MARCH 17 , 2016

$2.1BN CASH: Return home or be humiliated, EFCC warns fleeing corrupt ex-officials …Mulls arrest warrants for ex-gov, minister, customs boss, AGF, others in hiding abroad

By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor

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BUJA—THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, went tough last night, with a final warning to top officials implicated in the stealing of huge sums of public funds to come out of their hiding and face its interrogating teams once and for all.

The warning, Vanguard gathered, was borne out of the refusal by many of the key players of the Jonathan’s administration to honour several invitations extended to them by the commission to clear their names against huge sums of money traced to them and their cronies ahead of the last general elections.

Top on the list of those on the run, who are being expected by the EFCC to return and account for huge sums of money traced to them are two former ministers of finance and justice, a former northern governor and PDP chieftain and a one-time Comptroller General of Customs.

Apart from the former customs officer, who is said to have made away with funds belonging to the agency, the rest have been fingered in the mismanagement of the $2.1billion cash meant for the procurement of arms to fight insurgents in the Northeast.

Vanguard learnt that one of the former ministers is hiding away in Dubai while two others are believed to be holing away in the Scandinavian region under the guise of studying in order to evade prosecution for depriving the federal government of a huge sum of oil-related funds.

One of the former ministers, who reportedly coordinated the sharing of a huge sum of N3.1 billion ahead of the last election, sneaked out of Nigeria at the weekend apparently to avoid being arrested and questioned for her role in the looting.

The EFCC, Vanguard learnt yesterday, was working round the clock to secure the arrest of the fleeing suspects through the involvement of Interpol and the American Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI.

Mile 12 market leaders agree on relocation, Okada ban

By Olasukanmi Akoni & Monsur Olowoopejo

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AGOS—COMMUNITY leaders and traders in the popular Mile 12 Market, which erupted in an orgy of violence two weeks ago have agreed with the plan of the Lagos State Government to relocate the market to another suitable and more convenient location within the state.

The leaders and traders yesterday, also consented to the ban on the use of commercial motorcycle, popularly called Okada, as a means of commercial transportation in the area.

The community leaders said the decision became imperative owing to the fact that the Mile 12 Market, which had been in existence for decades, has outgrown its present location and available infrastructure, hence the need to reason with government.

Addressing a press conference at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, the traders and community leaders said they were in total support of the ban on okada because of the flagrant disobedience to traffic laws by the riders and the frequent road accidents, leading to many deaths and many hospitalized.

The Financial Secretary of Mile 12 Market, Alhaji Shehu Usman, who addressed the briefing alongside other leaders of the market, said contrary to widespread assertion that the recent civil disturbance in the area, which led to the loss of lives and property, was a fight between Yoruba and Hausa Communities, the truth was that both tribes, including Igbos and other ethnic groups have been living and doing business together in the area in peace before the ugly incident.

Usman said: “This mayhem is highly regrettable and we wish to extend our condolences to those that lost their loved ones and properties in the fracas. We wish to reiterate here that we the joint leaders of the affected communities and our members outrightly condemn this kind of barbaric acts in the strongest possible terms.

“We also wish to express our gratitude to the State Government

PROTEST: Members of Ekiti State House of Assembly protesting the arrest and detention of some of their colleagues by the Department of State Securiy, DSS, during a courtesy visit to Vanguard newspaper's Head Office in Apapa, Lagos, yesterday. Photo by Bunmi Azeez. under the able leadership of His Excellency, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, for his prompt response in dispatching the men of the State Rapid Response Squad and other security agencies to quell the mayhem and bring the situation under control.”

Usman added that the joint leaders of the area specifically agreed with government on four measures to be adopted going forward, which included ban on okada operations in the area, relocation of Mile 12 Market, peaceful co-existence amongst all ethnic groups and removal of all shanties and blighted areas within the area which may be harbouring miscreants and

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AGOS—ACADEMIC Staff Union of Universities, ASUU and Coalition of civil society groups yesterday barricaded the entrance of Lagos House, Office of the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, protesting over the erratic power supply, continued fuel scarcity and activities of public office holders to

Baales and community leaders from Agiliti and Maidan, as well as all the Mile 12 Market leaders, and government officials led by the Secretary to the State Government, Tunji Bello.

Also speaking, Bello warned that government would deal decisively with any group or persons bent on disturbing public peace in the area and all parts of the state, just as he urged the leaders to talk to their people to be law abiding and maintain peace.

On the relocation of the market, Bello said government will finalise on the new location and time frame when the traders will be relocated, adding that the public will be notified in due course.

FUEL SCARCITY: Lagos Fire Service warns against fuel storage ...Says 78 fire cases recorded in March

By Evelyn Usman

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AGOS—DIRECTOR of the Lagos State Fire Service, Mr Rasaq Fadipe, yesterday , warned Lagosians especially motorists, to desist from indiscriminate storage of the Premium Motor Spirit otherwise called petrol.

This warning followed the record 78 fire incidents recorded in the month alone, some of which were reportedly caused by petrol stored, to beat the recent scarcity of the product.

Giving this warning in a

ASUU, others protest over erratic power supply, fuel scarcity

By Monsur Olowoopejo

eliminate their illegal activities.

He said: “These shanties are illegal structures which are unsuitable for human habitation and are prone to landslides and other environmental problems (e.g flooding). ''The removal of the shanties will greatly enhance the security of lives and properties in the neighbourhood.”

Besides, Usman said the market executives would dialogue with the state government on the relocation programme, which would help increase the economic growth and development, provide better infrastructure and reduce traffic congestion.

The briefing was attended by

frustrate President Muhammadu Buhari’s Anti-graft war.

The civil society groups include: Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Coalition against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL), Movement against Corruption and Injustice, Committee for Protection of People’s Mandate (CPPM) and United Action Committee (UAC).

statement signed by the agency’s commercial bus drivers not to Public Affairs Officer, Mrs Bola store petrol in their booths.

Ajao, Fadipe noted that; “Since the advent of the artificial fuel scarcity, some people have devised various illegal means to store the product such as back of their vehicles, under the staircase at home or within the premise’s of their work places. All these are factors responsible for rise in the number of fire outbreaks which have led to

By Abdulwahab Abdulah loss of lives and properties, as RRANGEMENT has witnessed recently in the State.” been concluded on how Expressing worry over the spate of fire in the state, he disclosed that the Presidency will partner the 355 emergency calls were National Assembly on a new effectively responded to between policy meant to carter for the January and February this year, a needs and inclusiveness of development he said prompted the Nigerians in Diaspora.

This was disclosed yesterday by agency to extend its safety enlightenment campaign to all the Senior Special Assistant to the local government areas in the state President on Diaspora and as well as hospitals, schools and Foreign Relations, Mrs Abike grassroots ,with a view to curbing Dabiri-Erewa, when she led a the tide of incident managements delegation to visit the Chairman, Senate Committee on Diaspora, associated with fire outbreaks.

To avoid more fire incidents, he Senator Rose Oko in Abuja.

Dabiri-Erewa said that it will be warned members of the public to avoid using Jerry cans that had difficult to tap the potentials of been used for petrol to store Nigerians in the diaspora without Kerosene or any other flammable solid diaspora policy backed up liquid,even as he further by a commission to carter for the admonished motorists, especially Nigerians in the Diaspora.

DIASPORA: NASS, Presidency to create new policy

A

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 — 7

AIG advocates community participation in policing

RANKING OF OBAS: Amosun wades into Alake, Awujale row

By Daud Olatunji

By Angela Okpe

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TA—ASSISTANT Inspector General of Police in charge of zone 2, Onikan, comprising Lagos and Ogun state Police commands, Mr Bala Hassan has called on the need for community participation in ensuring a secured environment.

Hassan, who made this call during the second security and safety town hall meeting organised by the Area Commander, Ota, Ogun State said the call became necessary, owing to the strategic location of the state.

Noting that Ota was alternative hideout for fleeing robbers from Lagos state because of its closeness to Lagos, he however stated that the police was ready to make the area difficult for criminals to use as hideout.

A

B E O K U T A — GOVERNOR Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, yesterday, met with the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, in a bid to broker peace between the two top Yoruba traditional rulers.

The two monarchs have been at loggerheads since Alake was alleged to have listed five top traditional rulers which put Awujale at the rear.

Alake placed Ooni of Ife as number one, followed by Alaafin of Oyo, Oba of Benin, himself as number four and Awujale last.

He had based his grading on the classification provided by the colonial masters based on their remuneration. But Awujale responded at an event in Lagos where he described Alake as a junior traditional ruler in Yorubaland.

The governor and the two monarchs emerged from the

meeting held at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan at 3:45 pm.

The meeting, which was reportedly at the instance of the governor lasted for three hours.

The closed door meeting was held by the governor, Awujale and Alake while those who accompanied them were not allowed at the meeting.

Vanguard reliably gathered that the meeting was stormy as the Awujale reportedly came with some newspapers which carried the latest Alake’s vituperation to express his anger.

It was further gathered that the Alake also expressed his disappointment over the Awujale’s comment on the ranking and the allegations levelled against him.

A top government official told Vanguard that the Awujale brought out a copy of Vanguard newspaper which carried the recent Alake reaction to his comment in Lagos.

Fielding questions from newsmen, the governor said the

EKITI ASSEMBLY SAGA: NASS team visits Fayose, DSS Director, others ...As lawmakers say they are being intimidated to impeach gov

By Gbenga Oke & Rotimi Ojomoyela

T

HE National Assembly fact-finding committee on the alleged invasion of Ekiti State House of Assembly by operatives of Department of State Services, DSS, yesterday visited the state to ascertain the veracity of the claim.

The committee co-chaired by the Chairman, Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Shabba Lafiagi and his counterpart in the House of Representatives, Mr. Aminu Jaji, promised to unravel the contentious issues and come up with a report.

This came as the state legislators demanded for the release of their colleagues, describing their detention and circumstances under which they are being detained as an affront of the sanctity of the Assembly.

The legislators, who were on a courtesy visit to Vanguard Headquarters yesterday in Lagos, said they cannot be stampeded by the DSS into impeaching Governor Fayose, who they described as the conscience of the opposition in Nigeria.

However, the NASS team visited the state governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose, Speaker of the House, Mr Kola Oluwawole, Director of DSS, Mr. Andrew Lorkay, and Commissioner of Police, Mr Etop James.

Briefing newsmen, Lafiagi said the National Assembly was deeply concerned about the event and the image it had created for the country.

He said; “To let you know the level of our concerns, the two chambers simultaneously passed resolutions that we have to probe the alleged invasion of the House by DSS to unravel what actually

transpired. We immediately set up a joint committee to visit Ekiti and that is why we are here.

On his part, Fayose commended the NASS team for its swift action to resolve the crisis, noting that they should ensure that justice is done in the interest of the nation.

We won’t impeach Fayose – Ekiti lawmakers

Also speaking on the matter, leader of the team that visited Vanguard, Dr. S.I.B Omotosho, described the action of the DSS as unfortunate, adding that it should not be encouraged in Nigeria.

His words: “If there is need for the DSS to come into the Assembly, they should have come in a normal way and not invading our assembly and carting our members away in a commando style.''

“After the invasion, we reported the matter to the governor. We thought it was going to end, but that did not happen. We sent a lawyer to the DSS office in Abuja to see one of our members who was taken there, but the DSS did not allow the lawyer to see him.

“We are not happy with what is happening and we became apprehensive.

We had no option than to go to court to seek redress to enforce our fundamental human rights. The DSS were served court papers, they refused to show up and we got a judgement last week Friday that our member, Afolabi Akanni should be released immediately. This is the 13th day and they are yet to obey the court order. We went to court to give us substituted service, the bailiff, who was sent to paste the document, was not allowed to do so. When he wanted to drop the documents, they threatened to shoot him. So the bailiff ran away.”

presence of the two monarchs had nothing to do with the current crisis between them.

The governor when asked about the outcome of the meeting with the Obas, said; “I don’t want you to go and write anything out of context. Yes, we are here, our fathers are here to see me. Of course, we deliberated on so many things. I’m sure you want to say what is happening. Indeed nothing is happening.

“They came here to see the possibility of how to make sure we have peace in the state, among so many other things that we

discussed.

When asked about what transpired at the meeting, he said; “Don’t just sit somewhere and write. But for this matter, there is nothing like ranking of Obas. We know ourselves.''

When asked why he was at the governor’s office, Awujale said “I want to say hello to you....there is no problem gentlemen, please.

Thank you. There is no crisis between us, thank you.”

In his response, Alake said he was at the Government’s House to brief him on the ongoing strike action by the state workers.

Ogun workers suspend strike for two weeks Ambali explained that the

By Daud Olatunji

A

BEOKUTA—STRIKING workers in Ogun State last night suspended their indefinite strike for two weeks to allow Governor Ibikunle Amosun to address their demands.

The state chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Akeem Ambali, who confirmed the development on telephone with Vanguard, said all workers under the employ of the state should resume at their duty posts today.

suspension of the industrial action became imperative following intervention from well-meaning personalities, including members of the state House of Assembly and foremost traditional rulers.

When asked whether the workers have suspended their strike, Ambali said , “Yes, we have suspended the strike. But it is for two weeks to enable the state government look into our demands. It followed the intervention of well-meaning people in the state.''

8 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

Accumulated interests raise AMCON’s indebtedness to N6.6trn —CBN As Reps probe failed commercialisation, privatisation agreements

By Babajide Kimolafe, Emman Ovuakporie & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

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BUJA — THE Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, yesterday, admitted before an investigative panel of the House of Representatives that its debt profile had risen to N6.6 trillion courtesy of accumulated interest payment of N2.1 trillion.

This was disclosed by the Director of Banking Operations, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mrs Tokunbo Martins, at the House of Representatives public hearing on the sale of banks by AMCON. The House ad-hoc committee, headed by Albert Abiodun Adeogun, investigating the sale of banks by AMCON, had raised eyebrows at the rise in liabilities, particularly as AMCON owed the CBN N4.5 trillion.

The committee stated that it heard that the CBN was closely monitoring and supervising AMCON to ensure that its liabilities were cleared by the time the corporation was expected to be wound down in 2024.

Chairman of the committee, Adeogun, queried the amount of liabilities, saying: “About two months ago, when we met, you said the liabilities of AMCON stood at N4.5 trillion; today you say it's N6.6 trillion. What are the components of this liability? Who are your creditors?"

Director of Banking Operations, CBN, Tokunbo Martins, however, explained to the committee that while the debt to the CBN stood at N4.5 trillion, the N6.6 trillion included calculated interest which would have accrued to the debt by 2024.

“AMCON looks at its cash flow periodically... and the banks generate N250 billion annually to AMCON, they have assets that can pay off their liabilities and by 2024, when AMCON is expected to be wound down, the liabilities would have been extinguished,” she said.

She added that due diligence and due process were followed in the sale of Mainstreet and Enterprise Banks.

She explained that the buyers, Skye Bank and Heritage Banks, were not permitted to use depositors funds, "rather, shareholders funds or external funds that would not be called in, in a short while...the fact that we have not withdrawn their licences is a testament that the buyers are fit and proper.”

Takeover of Aero Contractors

The committee also queried why AMCON deemed it fit to takeover Aero Contractors for its significant debts, and did not do same to Arik Air. The Managing Director of AMCON, Mr. Ahmed Kuru, explained that Aero showed weak

corporate governance, because from a fleet of 15 planes at the start of 2015 to three planes by the end of the second quarter.

“If we did not intervene, there would be no airline called Aero by 2016. AMCON owns 60 per cent equity in Aero in addition to a debt of N12 billion. So, we also needed to save our money.

Arik is a good airline, and they have not shown any weakness in what they are doing,” he said.

The AMCON boss, however, added that in the next two weeks, AMCON would release its resolution on Arik Air.

Reps to probe sale

of govt companies

In another development, the House of Representatives, yesterday, mandated its Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation to probe all failed concessions and the terms of outright sales of government own companies.

It also mandated the committee to determine why some of the agreements failed and proffer solutions on how to avoid further failures and enhance the productivity and profitability of the affected enterprises.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the Rep Gabriel Kolawole (Ondo APC),

who noted that non conformity to the terms of some of the agreements had caused enormous financial losses to the country, due to non remittances of appropriate taxes and other financial commitments.

Kolawole noted that there had been uproar by individuals, staff and unions of privatised/ partially privatised and conceded government-owned enterprises due to concerns on the non-conformity to the terms of sales and/or agreements by the concessionaires of the enterprises.

The committee is expected to report back to the House in eight weeks.

SEMINAR: From left, Mr Sola Oladipo, Executive Director, Zenith Bank Plc; Andreas Voss, Chief Country Representative, Global Transaction Banking, Deutsche Bank; Mrs Adeola Azeez, Deputy Country Representative, Global Transaction Banking, Deutsche Bank and Mr Ebenezer Onyeagwu, Executive Director, Zenith Bank Plc at Zenith Bank Plc International Trade Seminar, in Lagos yesterday. Photo: Akeem Salau

FG may amend CCT charges against Saraki tomorrow

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

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A G O S — S E N AT E President, Dr Bukola Saraki, is likely to face amended charges at the resumption of his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal tomorrow, Vanguard has learned.

The amendment of the charges at the CCT, it was learned, was upon fresh revelations that the Express Card allegedly owned by the Senate President for which he was being prosecuted at the CCT, is not tied to a bank account.

The prosecution team, it was learned, may have got wind of the fact that the card was tied to American Express Services Europe Limited, which is different from the American Express Bank, a credit/debit card services company which provides cards without necessarily being tied to bank accounts.

Saraki is charged under charges 11 and 12 at the CCT of operating bank accounts with the evidence of the cards from the American Express Services Europe Limited as evidence.

The fact that the transfers were to a non-deposit financial card company, Vanguard learned, yesterday, may have caused the prosecuting team to employ fresh strategies in the case against Saraki.

NASS budget: House of Reps gets larger share

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BUJA — THE House of Representatives is to receive higher allocation in National Assembly’s N115 billion budget for 2016.

The public release of specific allocations to the various arms of the assembly will be the first time in five years.

In the budget President Muhammadu Buhari presented to the joint sitting of the Senate and House of Representatives on December 22, N115 billion was allocated to the National Assembly without breaking down the details of the allocations to its arms.

The bulk allocation to the National Assembly began in 2011 and since then, the legislature has resisted demands for a breakdown of allocations to its arms and had rebuffed calls for transparency in its annual spending.

The draft budgetary allocations to the National Assembly shows that of the N115 billion allocated to the

legislature, N105.4 billion had been set aside as recurrent expenditure, while N9.6 billion is for capital projects.

The draft breakdown, expected to be adopted by the Senate and House of Representatives at plenary today, barring any last minute change, also shows that the 360-member House of Representatives will get N47.2 billion.

Of that figure, proposed recurrent expenditure is N44. 6 billion, while the capital expenditure is N2.7 billion.

Similarly, the personnel cost for the lower chamber is N4.9 billion, while the overhead cost is N39.6 billion.

The proposed allocation to the Senate is N30. 2 billion and the breakdown shows that the upper house would spend N3.3 billion on capital projects and N26.97 billion on recurrent, as its personnel and overhead cost are put at N1,856,510,517 and N25,111,332,147 respectively.

The Public Accounts

Committee of the Senate was allocated N115,008,000, while its House counterpart got N138,009,000.

The management arm has a total allocation of N11,625,392,906, with N10,048,616,823 as recurrent expenditure and N1,576,776,083 as capital votes. Its personnel cost is N6,372,434,997 and overhead cost N3,676,181,826.

The sum of N9458,800,803 was allocated for General Services, and when broken down, the recurrent profile is N,669,079,143, while the capital expenditure profile stands at N789,721,660.

Other arms of the federal legislature that received allocations are National Assembly Service Commission and the National Assembly Legislative Institute.

The NASC got N1,971,833,327 with N1,858,033,532 as recurrent expenditure and N113,799,795 for capital projects, while

personnel cost is N810,084,566 and overhead, N1,047,950,966.

On its part, the NALI secured a total of N4,208,813,051 with N3,844,990,172 as capital and N363,822,879 as recurrent. A further breakdown shows that its personnel cost is 363,522,879 while overhead is N3,019,355,811.

A total of N9,668,983,512 has been set aside for the legislative aides of the lawmakers, while the Service Order Vote is N374,405,631.

Past assurances

The expected release of the detailed budgetary allocations to the various arms of the National Assembly will be the first since 2011.

Until that year, allocations to the arms had been detailed in the budget presented by the past Presidents to the legislature.

The budgets prepared by the Goodluck Jonathan administration for the National Assembly between 2011 and 2015 did not provide specifics.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 — 9

NNPC faults Auditor-General, says it's owing N326bn, not N3.24trn

Clarifications

Says it has N1.4trn claims against federation

By Michael Eboh

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BUJA— THE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, yesterday, described as erroneous claims by the Auditor-General of the Federation (AuGF) that it failed to remit N3.235 trillion to the Federation Account for the period ended December 31, 2014.

The NNPC, in a statement in Abuja, signed by its Group Executive Director/Chief Financial Officer (Finance & Accounts), Mr. Isiaka Abdulrazaq, disclosed that contrary to the reports by the AuGF, the amount owed the Federation Account by the NNPC, as at January 2015, was N326.14 billion, noting, however, that the amount was still being reconciled.

The NNPC also stated that it had a claim of N1.375 trillion against the federation as at 2009, which is currently being reviewed by the Federal Ministry of Finance’s appointed forensic auditors at the instance of the Minister of Finance.

The NNPC further denied transferring $235 million to an undisclosed escrow account, stating that it did not have any secret escrow account.

According to the NNPC, the

alleged $235 million represents proceeds from the sale of gas feed stock to Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) that was used to repay part of the Modified Carry Agreement (MCA) loans, applicable royalty to Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and tax to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

MCA loan

The NNPC said the MCA loan was contracted specifically to fund the development of upstream oil and gas projects which transactions were regularly reported to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) as part of the reconciliation of the revenues to NNPC, FIRS and DPR. It said the MCA and all other alternative funding arrangements were annually appropriated by the National Assembly and were, therefore, fully disclosed to FAAC on monthly basis.

The NNPC also accused the Auditor-General of failing to abide by the established process of audit, by refusing to meet with it after the audit and for also failing to furnish it with draft

copies of the report.

It said: “The best practice and established due process is that after any audit, there should be an exit meeting between the auditor and the auditee, where any outstanding issues are finally discussed and explained before the issuance of the audit report. There was no such meeting and NNPC did not receive any draft report from the AuGF’s office for comments.

“The NNPC wishes to state that in carrying out its statutory duties, it will continue to maintain the highest level of transparency and accountability.

Please be assured that NNPC remains available at all times to provide clarifications on these issues or any other matter relating to our responsibility to the Federation and the Nigerian people.”

The NNPC disclosed that the clarifications became necessary as it deemed it fit and important to correct any misinformation about the activities of the corporation as this will adversely affect its current and future financial and operational plans, if not corrected.

However, the NNPC explained that the declaration by the AuGF might have been borne out of misunderstanding of how revenues from crude oil and gas sales were remitted into the Federation Account.

Giving further clarifications of the amount, the NNPC said: “As part of its responsibilities, NNPC is allocated 445,000 barrels per day for processing into petroleum products for distribution to the nation. Any unprocessed crude is sold and the proceeds is used to pay for importation of petroleum products.

“The proceeds from the sale of these products are remitted to the federation account after deducting the cost associated with the supply and distribution.

“The total amount of subsidy that has been approved and certified by PPPRA for the period of January 2012 to December 2014 was N2.34 trillion. An additional N7.96 billion subsidy claim is still under reconciliation.

“Losses from crude oil and petroleum products, as a result of vandalism on its network of pipelines for the period of January 2012 to December 2014 were N202.68 billion. Petroleum Product Strategic Holding Cost and Pipeline Repairs and Maintenance Cost for the period of January 2012 to December 2014, amounted to N358.88 billion.

“Consequently, the figure owed to the Federation Account as at January 2015 Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting report was N326.142 billion, which is still being reconciled and not the N3.23 trillion alleged by the AuGF.”

Senate defers passage of 2016 budget to Tuesday  As Appropriation C'ttee fails to lay report  We'll transmit budget to Buhari before Easter break—Ndume

By Joseph Erunke

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BUJA — CONTRARY to its earlier promise to pass the 2016 budget today, the Senate, yesterday, gave next Tuesday as the day the document would be passed.

The Red Chamber, which had also earlier assured that its Committee on Appropriation would lay the various reports of committees collated before it during yesterday’s plenary, could not adhere to the promise.

Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, told newsmen that the budget would be formally laid before Senate during today’s plenary, adding that the 2016 fiscal document would be deliberated and passed next Tuesday.

He added that after passage, the National Assembly would subsequently transmit the budget to President Muhammadu Buhari before proceeding on Easter break for onward presidential assent.

Ndume did not, however, disclose the day the two chambers of the legislature would begin the Easter break.

Vanguard gathered that the two chambers have agreed on next Tuesday as day to proceed on the break.

Also speaking to newsmen on the

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issue, Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Publicity Affairs, Abdullahi Sabi, assured that the budget would be laid today, even as he evaded question on when it will be passed.

He said: “I want to assure Nigerians that the 2016 budget will be laid in the Senate chamber as promised by the Chairman of Appropriation Committee.

“We are not unmindful of the date set for the passage, but we want to give Nigerians a budget that is acceptable, implementable, and that will actually drive the key policies of this government with respect to the change agenda.

“All is almost set for the laying of the 2016 budget tomorrow (today) in the Senate. As we had promised Nigerians and with that, one or two processes that are required will take place and we will have our budget as promised.

“This has put to rest any suspicion of what is happening. I am here to inform you that tomorrow (today), God sparing our lives, the 2016 budget would be laid by the Chairman of the Appropriation Committee."

Stakeholders disagree on 11 yrs for medical students Say it’s expensive, will discourage students

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By Dayo Adesulu

A G O S — STAKEHOLDERS in education sector have reacted to plans by the National Universities Commission, NUC, to increase duration of medical students from six to 11 years, saying the development was expensive, discouraging and will lead to dearth of medical doctors in Nigeria.

Reacting to this, Deputy Director, Distance Learning Institute, DLI, University of Ibadan, Professor Oyesoji Aremu, said: “The announcement of NUC that medical students would have to spend 11 years for medical education appears too much a year to be spent in medical schools.”

Explaining the negative impact on the students, parents, profession and the nation, Aremu said it would affect the number of candidates that would henceforth seek to study medicine.

He said the health sector might witness a dearth of medical personnel in the country which would have serious effects on Nigerians.

According to him, it will take an average of 29 years for an individual to be a medical student, provided he/she enters university at the age of 17.

Also reacting, Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar, UNICAL, Professor Florence Banku-Obi, said: "NUC just made a statement that has not been backed up by any policy. No policy or curriculum to guide them on that."

She said what the NUC could have done was to break the 11 years into two, adding that students should be given the opportunity to graduate in the first phase and continue after their first degree to read medicine.

Using Ghana as a case study, Banku-Obi said: “In Ghana, for you to read medicine, you must have your first degree and get matured. If it is the maturity the NUC is looking at, they should draw a plan of a first degree, which could be terminal to enable them look for job if they want to discontinue. Also, if anyone wants to continue medical studies, he can now continue to read medicine."

10—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

Thrill-seeking students die in okada crash

By Perez Brisibe

U

GHELLI—THREE persons where, yesterday, confirmed dead while two others sustained life-threatening injuries in a motorcycle accident along Ughelli township road, also called Isoko Road.

Two of the dead victims were identified as students of Basic Health School, Ughelli, who had embarked on a speed thrill on the commercial motorcycle, popularly known as Pillae.

The students, it was gathered, had left school, which was celebrating its inter-house sports competition, to embark on the thrill journey.

According to eyewitnesses, the accident involved two commercial motorcycles, which were speeding. The riders were said to have lost control, leading to the crash.

A staff of the Central Hospital, Ughelli, where the victims were rushed to, stated that the dead victims included a male and female passengers, and the motorcycle rider.

The staff added that “owing to the gravity of their injuries, two other victims were later referred to Delta State University Teaching Hospital, DELSUTH, Oghara.”

Fake recharge card dealers arrested

By Tom Moses

U

YO—POLICE in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, yesterday, paraded two members of a syndicate that sell fake mobile phones recharge cards.

While parading the suspects, Mr. Eti-Ini Solomon, 21, and Itohowo Donald, 22, at the state police headquarters, the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Murtala Mani, said they were arrested with various fake network recharge cards worth N253,200, following a tipoff.

Mani said: “Our team has been on the trail of members of this syndicate for some time now before luck run out of two of them yesterday and they were arrested.”

Notorious Arepo vandal nabbed

By Esther Onyegbula

S

OLDIERS attached to 174 Battalion, Ikorodu, Lagos, yesterday, arrested a notorious pipeline vandal at Arepo creeks, Ogun State, while he was with some girls.

The suspect, according to the Commanding Officer of the battalion, Lt. Colonel Julius Ogbobe, is a member of the notorious gang involved in vandalising pipelines within Arepo and its environs in Lagos State.

Ogbobe said: “The suspect, identified as General F, and his concubines were arrested early this morning (yesterday) in the creeks around Arepo in Ikorodu.”

It was learned that General F was shot while attempting to escape during the early morning encounter. Items recovered from him include one AK-47 riffle, three magazines and 60 rounds of ammunition.

A

General F

My wife denies me sex, 77-yr-old tells court Says he's scared of death by prostate cancer

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77-year-old retiree, yesterday pleaded with an Agboyi-Ketu Customary Court in Lagos to dissolve his 23-yearold marriage, alleging that his wife often starved him of sex.

The complainant, Mr. Kola Fagbule, told the court that his 51-year-old wife, Beatrice, “always starves me of sex whenever I am in the mood and I do not want to have prostate cancer.

Tears, as judges hold valedictory session for Ocholi

“At my age, I am supposed to be enjoying sex and not when I am gone; I do not want to die before my time.”

He also accused Beatrice, principal of a school, of not caring for his welfare and that there was no more love between them, adding “I am tired of her.”

He pleaded that the court should dissolve the union, saying he could no longer

tolerate Beatrice’s conduct.

The respondent, Beatrice, did not deny the allegations, but told the court that her husband was a womaniser, “party-type” and jobless.

She asked the court to dissolve the union which had produced a child, an undergraduate.

The Court President, Mr. O. T. Williams, adjourned the case to April 4 for “review of facts of the matter.”

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

BUJA—EMOTIONS ran high yesterday at a special valedictory court session held in honour of late Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Chief James Ocholi (SAN), at the headquarters of the National Industrial Court, NIC, in Abuja.

Among eminent jurists that found it difficult to contain their emotion yesterday was the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed.

Ocholi died in a motor accident along KadunaAbuja Expressway way on March 6, along with his wife and son.

The session kick-started series of activities lined up for his burial at his home town, Idah, Kogi State.

The President of NIC, Justice Adejumo said Ocholi’s brilliance and hard work in the advancement of law and legal jurisprudence earned him SAN in 2007.

The Attorney General of Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), and President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mr. Augustine Alegeh (SAN) also spoke highly of Ocholi.

10 die, 6 injured in Ogun road accident

By Daud Olatunji

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BEOKUTA—NO fewer than 10 persons reportedly lost their lives, while six others sustained injuries in an auto crash yesterday at the Ajebo end of Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.

An eyewitness said the accident involved a fullyloaded Mazda commercial bus with number plates Lagos APP 912 XH and Iveco truck, marked Agege GGE 338 XL at about 2.10p.m.

Confirming the accident, Head of Operations, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Ogun State Command, Deputy Corps Commander Divis Ogiamiem, said the accident was caused by wrongful overtaking by the bus driver.

He said the bus, travelling from Ibadan to Lagos, overtook another vehicle at a section of the road where there was traffic diversion, and rammed into the oncoming truck.

Ogiamiem said the corpses had been deposited in the mortuary of Olabisi Onabanjo

University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu.

He added that the six

injured passengers were also receiving treatment in the same hospital.

Fulani herdsmen kill 2, sack 25 villages in Benue

By Peter Duru

M

AKURDI—DESPITE the outcry that trailed the killings and sacking of Agatu communities by suspected Fulani militia, the marauders have, again, laid siege to Logo Local Government Area of the state, killing two and sacking over 25 villages.

The attackers also rendered close to 3,000 homeless after several houses and huts were razed in the affected villages.

Vanguard learned that the invaders have taken over the affected villages in an incursion that reportedly started about four days ago at Ukemberegya, Bwarer, Mbawar, Gov and Gambe Tiev communities.

A victim of the attack, Mrs.

Terungwa Torhemba, who spoke to Vanguard yesterday in Makurdi, through an interpreter, said the armed herdsmen had completely occupied Abiam Koya, Iordye, Nyakoo and Mkpikpa.

Others are Afom, Uzaagir, Ugbende Mue, Dam, Shaausu, Ukme, Chenbe, Anwen, Sebungen Ubosha, Chia, Asemngoroko and Inderkar.

According to Torhemba, “they attacked us four days ago, killing our people. So many cannot be located at the moment; we have also lost all of our belongings, farm produce and farmland to the well-armed herdsmen who have completely taken over our villages.

“At the moment we have no source of livelihood because they have also converted our

farm land to grazing settlements for their cattle.”

Caretaker Chairman of the council, Simon Ugba, said two person had been confirmed dead in the attack, adding that his administration was overwhelmed by the number of displaced persons.

Ugba, who asserted that no designated camp had been created for the displaced persons, said the council was working in close collaboration with the state government to provide succour to victims and sued for assistance from public spirited individuals and organisations.

When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent Moses Yamu, said he was yet to get full details of the attack.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016—11

Badeh took N558.2m from NAF monthly—WITNESS Continues from Page 5 was used to furnish it.

Abdullahi said in the same 2013, Badeh told him to look for a befitting property for him to purchase for his second son who was simply identified as “Kam”.

He said he later got a house owned by one Isiaka Rabiu. “Then I told my Chief the price which was about N240m, and he directed that I should pay.

“I paid Isiaka the money in the dollar equivalent from the money I usually take to the Chief every month. However, when Kam saw the house, he didn’t like it. So my Chief requested that we look for another place.

“One evening I was sitting in my house when one Hon. Bature, a member of the House of Reps called and requested that I see him.

“He was then living in a house adjacent to No 19 Kumasi Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja, which we earlier bought for Badeh Jnr”.

He said when Badeh learned that Hon. Bature

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wanted to sell the property, he expressed intention to acquire it for his second son, but directed that it should be purchased through a proxy.

“What he told me was that Hon. Bature was very close to Gen. Aliyu Gusau and also a member of the defence committee of the House of Reps as at that time. I cannot remember whether General Gusau was the NSA or Minister of Defence then”.

He said that Barr. Umar was eventually used to acquire the house for the sum of N330m, and the title deed handed to Badeh’s lawyer who was identified as Barr.

Timothy along with the document for the initial property that Kam rejected.

The witness equally told the court that the same year, Badeh bought a parcel of land in Yola, Adamawa State with N150m he collected from NAF account.

He said one Engr. Joe was engaged to develop the land.

“Actually at the time I was at the EFCC writing my statement, I had completely forgotten about the house in Yola.

It was when I met Engr.

Joe that he narrated how he negotiated with the Chief to build the house for the cost of N150m”, Abdullahi added.

Meantime, trial Justice Okon Abang has adjourned the matter till March 23 to enable Badeh’s lawyer to crossexamine the witness.

Earlier, the court refused Badeh’s application that sought to stop further hearing on the charge against him.

The defendant had through his lawyer, Mr. Samuel Zibiri, SAN, challenged the jurisdiction of the court to try him on the basis of the charge which he said was grossly defective.

In his application dated March 15, Badeh argued that the charge did not disclose any offence known to money laundering Act, insisting that the charge lacked legal validity.

Relying on section 220 of the Administration of the Criminal Justice Act, 2015, he urged the court to hear and determine the application first before delving into full-blown hearing of the substantive charge against him.

The application was opposed by EFCC lawyer, M r.

Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, who described it as a deliberate ploy by the defendant to stall his trial.

In his ruling, Justice Abang, said there were laid down procedures for the prosecution of criminal cases under the ACJA. He relied on sections 221 and 396(2) of the ACJA, and held that the application would be considered alongside the substantive issue and ruling delivered along with judgment on the matter.

The judge, however, gave the prosecution seven days to respond to Badeh’s objection to the trial.

Badeh in court from prison

Meantime, Badeh came to court from prison, yesterday, following his

inability to perfect the bail conditions that were earlier granted to him.

Badeh was in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/ CR/46/2016, alleged to have used the looted funds to purchase choice properties within the highbrow areas in Abuja.

According to the antigraft agency, Badeh had between January and December, 2013, used dollar equivalent of N650m, to purchase a commercial plot of land situate at plot 1386, Oda Crescent, Cadastral Zone, A07, Wuse II, Abuja.

Badeh was said to have between March 28 and December 5, 2013, paid t N878, 362, 732, 94 (Eight Hundred and SeventyEight Million, Three Hundred and Sixty Two Thousand, Seven Hundred and Thirty-Two Naira, Ninety-Four Kobo) which he removed from the account of the Nigerian Air Force, into the account of R y t e b u i l d e r s Technologies Limited with Zenith Bank Plc, for the construction of a shopping mall on the plot.

He was also alleged to have diverted another dollar equivalent of N304m to the firm, R y t e b u i l d e r s

Technologies Limited, for the completion of the shopping mall.

Whereas EFCC, in count five of the charge, alleged that Badeh used dollar equivalent of the sum of N260m which he removed from the accounts of the Nigerian Air Force and paid to one Oluwatoyin Oke through Platinum Universal Project and Construction to purchase a duplex for his son, Alex Badeh Jnr, it said the defendant further used N60m to renovate the property situated at No 19 Kumasi Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja.

The prosecution alleged in count-seven of the charge that Badeh used N90m to furnish the said duplex he bought for his son.

The commission told the court that Badeh Jnr. was on the run.

Besides, EFCC, in count-eight of the charge, alleged that the defendant used the sum of $2m, equivalent of the sum of N330m, which he removed from the coffers of the Nigerian Air Force, and paid one honourable Bature to purchase another duplex for him at No. 14 Adzope Crescent, Off Kumasi Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja.

12—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

Rivers violence: Fayose, Rep flay Buhari Buhari didn't consult me on crisis —Wike

By Soni Daniel, Henry Umoru, Ben Agande & Gbenga Oke

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KITI State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, yesterday, faulted what he described as President Muhammadu Buhari’s double faced reaction to violence in the country, saying that the President was quick to react to the situation in Rivers State, a far cry from the violent exploits of Fulani herdsmen in Benue State.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on its part, welcomed the president’s assertion of swift action on perpetrators of violence, saying that the declaration could only be directed at members of the president’s All Progressives Congress, APC, who it claimed were bent on winning the elections in Rivers State by all means.

Buhari's threat unfortunate —Wike

Also, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, has described as unfortunate, the threat by President Buhari to deal decisively and ruthlessly with the perpetrators of violence in the state without consulting him on the state of affairs.

Wike, who spoke with one of our correspondents, said he had expected Buhari, as the Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria, to consult him as the Chief Security Officer of Rivers State on matters relating to security, before commenting.

Wike said that he would not make any comment on the development until he meets with Buhari.

Assuring that he was ready to cooperate with security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to ensure a successful re-run in the state this weekend, Wike warned that he will not tolerate any attempt to rig the elections.

Agbedi faults Buhari

Meanwhile, Fred Agbedi of the House of Representatives, Sagbama/Ekeremor, Bayelsa State, yesterday, said that President Buhari was insincere in his actions concerning the violence in Rivers State.

According to him, President Buhari kept mum on the killings

by Fulani herdsmen in Agatu, Benue State, as well as the

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violence which took place in Bayelsa State during the last governorship election, adding that what happened in Rivers State was a lesser evil.

He said, “Better still, does it not show an emotional bias that Mr President chose to ignore the wanton, criminal ethnic cleansing going on in Benue State and rather spoke about a lesser evil?

“I must say that not many Nigerians are happy that the President kept quiet over the Agatu and Nasarawa killings that have reached genocide heights but chose to internationalise a local political heat in Rivers State. Until Mr President speaks on the killings perpetrated by herdsmen in Benue and Nasarawa States, I do not consider him a sincere leader. Mr President must speak out.”

APC expresses worries

In another development, the National Secretariat of the APC has expressed worries over the alleged fresh death threats issued by Governor Wike on INEC, especially on Mrs. Amina Zakari, a National INEC Commissioner, who it said has a record of supervising some of the most credible, free and fair elections by INEC in the past.

The APC also said that the Rivers State governor also issued dangerous threats on the Nigerian Army.

It will be recalled that President Buhari had, on Tuesday, while addressing members of the Nigerian community in Equatorial Guinea, vowed to deal with perpetrators of election violence in Rivers State.

Fayose slams Buhari

Reacting to the affirmation, Fayose, while also condemning the spate of violence in Rivers State said: “Only a president with ulterior political motives will elevate political violence above the kind of genocide carried out

by Fulani herdsmen in Benue State.”

Fayose, who spoke through

As PDP says declaration directed at APC

MEETING: From left; AIG in charge of Zone 6, Calabar, Baba Bolanta; DIG Operation, Sotonye Wakama and Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Musa Kimo, during a meeting with politicians and candidates for the March 19, re-run elections in Rivers State. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke. his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said that it was strange that the same President Buhari who did not utter a word until over 400 Agatu people of Benue State were murdered, swiftly reacted to the reported political violence in Rivers State from faraway Malabo in Equatorial Guinea.

The governor said: “In Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, Fulani herdsmen allegedly killed over 400 people, including children and pregnant women, destroyed more than 10 villages.

President Buhari did not raise his voice against this genocide until I condemned his silence.

“Also in Mile 12, Lagos, when 15 persons, including two children, were killed with property worth several millions of naira destroyed during a clash between Hausa and Yoruba traders, President Buhari did not give the security services any clear directives to deal decisively with anyone.

“Even though one is not against any action of the government aimed at curbing

violence in whatever form, it is pertinent to ask the President whether or not killing of Nigerians should only attract his attention when it involves elections.

“From all indications, the President’s reaction to the reported violence in Rivers State is part of the grand plot to rig the re-run elections holding in the state on Saturday, but the President must know that the people of Rivers State will not be cowed into allowing Abuja to impose leaders on them.

“Buhari and his APC should be reminded of the level of violence they unleashed on PDP members and supporters during the governorship election in Bayelsa State, in which several souls were lost. Yet, PDP still won and Rivers State will not be an exception.

“Most importantly, if the President is serious about dealing with perpetrators of violence, he should first deal with those Fulani herdsmen who admitted that they murdered children and pregnant women in Agatu villages of Benue State because 10,000 of their cattle were allegedly killed by people of the area.”

The PDP on its part welcomed

the directive, saying it was directed at APC members in Rivers State.

In an interview with Vanguard in Abuja, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Olisah Metuh, said that the president’s directive was directed at members of the APC in the state, who were trying to create crisis because of their imminent defeat in the forthcoming election.

According to him, “Rivers State is a PDP state and will remain so for as long as a conducive atmosphere was created for a free and fair election,” adding that as president of the country, President Buhari should direct all the security agencies to remain neutral and maintain peace during the forthcoming elections.

“As a party, the PDP supports the directive by the President to the security agencies to deal decisively with perpetrators of violence in Rivers State because he was speaking directly to members of the APC, who have been very exuberant."

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016—13

Senators eulogise Ibru, observe one-minute silence As Uduaghan, Dafinone, Akpeki, others pay tribute

By Henry Umoru, Godwin Oghre & Jseph Erunke

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HE Senate, yesterday, paid glowing tribute to the former Delta State governor, Chief Felix Ibru, who died last week at the age of 80.

The Senate, which noted with grief the demise of the politician and business tycoon, said it would send a delegation to condole with the deceased's family, government and people of Delta State on a day it did not mention.

It subsequently observed a oneminute silence in honour of the late Ibru, who served as a senator, representing Delta Central, in the 5th Senate, between 2003 and 2007, adding that he served the country with pride “as a quintessential legislator, bridge builder and a great force for national development, unity and peace.”

Eminent Deltans eulogise Ibru

Meanwhile, more Deltans yesterday continued to extol the quality and life of the late Ibru.

Immediate past governor of the state, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, in a statement, described the late former senator as, “a worthy Deltan who built the foundation on which the continuous good governance in the state is laid,” adding: “Deltans will miss Ibru as a hero who spent his time and resources for the well being of Deltans and Nigerians in general.”

Chief Ede Dafinone also appreciated the good qualities of the late Felix Ibru, saying, “He was a gentleman whose government ushered in peace and harmony to the state. He worked for the well being of humanity, particularly Deltans and Nigerians in general.

He will be greatly missed by all Nigerians.”

On his part, the Ugo of Okpe Kingdom, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, said: “The news of the death of Chief Ibru came to me as a rude shock. He was an elder statesman and at a time like this in our state and country, we needed his wise counsel. He was a man of honour who ensured that he fulfilled whatever he said. He excelled in various walks of life, particularly in businesses and politics. We shall all miss him.”

Others who eulogized the life of the late former governor, included, Delta State All Progressives Congress, APC, stalwart and the party’s candidate in the 2015 Sapele constituency House of Assembly election, Chief Felix Anirah. Chief Anirah said: “He was a man of integrity who stood firm for the people in his life time.

We shall all miss his candour.”

The member representing Itsekiri nation in Delta State House C M Y K

of Assembly, Dr Michael Diden, the Chairman of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Dr Godwin Ebosa, the commission’s Managing Director, Chief Williams Makinde, and the Chairman of Warri North LGA, Mr Francis Eyituoyor-Maku, also condoled with the Ibrus, the President General of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, Chief Gabriel Ofotokun and the entire people of Urhobo nation, saying, “May God grant them the fortitude to bear the exit of the Urhobo icon.”

Eyituoyor-Maku extolled the late Chief Ibru, saying: “The late Chief Ibru was an elder statesman, a man of uncommon honour and integrity. The incident is painful as it happened at a time when Deltans and Nigerians in general need his wise counsel.

I wish that not only the state but the Federal Government shall immortalize him.”

Omo-Agege sponsors motion

The Senate action was sequel to a motion, sponsored by

Senator Ovie Omo-Agege (Labour Party- Delta Central) and co-sponsored by senators James Manager (PDP, Delta South) and Peter Nwaoboshi (PDP, Delta North), which was presented for consideration during plenary.

In the motion, the sponsors noted that the late Senator Ibru, the first democratically elected governor of Delta State, was a revered illustrious leader and Olorogun of Urhobo ethnic nationality of Delta State.

They further noted that as the first executive governor of Delta State, precisely from 1991 to 1993, Senator Ibru laid the developmental foundations of the democratic Delta State ‘’we all know today."

The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, while speaking, paid glowing tribute to the late Ibru.

He said: “It is with heavy heart that I join the rest of us in mourning our friend and our colleague, Olorogun Ibru.”

Senator Manager, said that the late Ibru, in his time, was the Chairman of Senate Committee on Establishment,

noting that under his watch, many executive bills were passed.

In his contribution, Senator Gbenga Ashafa (APC, Lagos East), said: “I join my brother, James Manager, a ranking senator to mourn with the people of Delta state and indeed Nigeria. However, we are mourning in Lagos because inadvertently, the late Ibru contributed in so many ways in the development of Lagos State.”

On his part, Senator Adullahi Gumel (APC, Jigawa North), said: “I met Senator Ibru during the Constituents Assembly days from 1988 to 1989.

“He impressed me very well because at that Assembly, we had a problem of Sharia and that controversy was about to divide the Assembly. Fortunately, Senator Ibru and some other Nigerians, about 10 of them, together with the chairman, Justice Onyiagulu, met with the then Head of State, Gen Ibrahim Babaginda and the following week, the Sharia discussions were taken away from the Assembly and became a no go area.”

Boko Haram desperately seeking relevance —Buratai

By Simon Ebegbulem

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ENIN—THE Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai, said, yesterday, that Wednesday’s bomb attack which killed 22 persons at a mosque in Borno State was another desperate move by the Boko Haram sect to create the impression that its killer instinct still exists.

Buratai, who stated this during his maiden visit to the 4 Brigade Command in Benin, Edo State, following his earlier visit to 2 Division in Ibadan, Oyo State, explained that although it was unfortunate that young and innocent girls were being used by the terrorists to perpetrate their crime, the attack was “not unexpected because they (insurgents) are struggling to survive” with their dwindling membership.

Dismissing reports that the insurgency had come to an end, he said, “That report talking about the end of insurgency was not properly carried in the media. I did mention that insurgency is a very difficult situation. It is a global phenomenon and we will continue to struggle to ensure that it comes to an end very soon. This does not mean that insurgency will just disappear."

Rev Alapa for burial

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2016 APPROPRATION BILL: From left: Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon Onofiok Luke; Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Uwemedimo Nwoko and Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akan Okon, during the signing of 2016 Appropration Bill by the governor at the Executive Council Chambers, Governor's Office, Uyo.

Kokori to Tompolo: I stand by what I said

By Godwin Oghre

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V U — F o r m e r Secretary-General of the National Union of Petroleum Energy and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, Chief Frank Kokori, yesterday, reiterated his call on ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, aka, Tompolo, to come out of hiding and face the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, saying, “I stand by what I said.”

Chief Kokori, who spoke yesterday, in his Ovu country home, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, said: “Let him clear himself of culpability in the sundry charges of financial crime preferred against him in court by the anti-graft commission. At 72, I should not be afraid of Tompolo. Before now, Niger Delta militancy was for a good purpose, until some racketeers came in and hijacked it for

selfish reasons.

“Before his (Tompolo) alleged fraud saga, I used to respect him just like Tom Atake and other faithful Niger Delta activists. I am shocked to read what he said about me. Why not come out of hiding and do the needful with EFCC. I’ve risen above primordial and mundane sentiments. He ought to know this is a democratic era and he is lucky, so he should not be afraid to come out."

EV William Alapa of Ogbe Quarters in Ekpon, Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State is dead, aged 73.

A Christian wake keep was held March 11, 2016 in his compound, Plot 7, Road 1, 7th Avenue, Rofo Estate, Odoguyan in Ikorodu, Lagos State while his remains would be interred on March 18, 2016 at his residence in Ekpon.

He is survived by his widow, Mrs Mary Alapa, four children, five grandchildren and other relatives.

Late Rev William Alapa

14—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016—15

LICENCE FOR PREACHERS: PFN asks President

to caution El-Rufai

By Francis Igata

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NUGU—THE Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, has sent a warning to President Muhammadu Buhari over the bill seeking to license religious preachers in Kaduna State.

In a statement yesterday in Enugu, Chairman of the PFN in the State, Rev. Dr. Godwin Madu, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to call Governor Nasir El-Rufai to order as such move was capable of throwing the country into chaos.

According to Madu, “the situation in Kaduna State today calls for caution because this religious issue may bring problem in other states if not properly checked.

“The licensing of preachers is not in the best interest of the nation and it is contrary to the constitution of the country.

“Are we being forced to have two countries in Nigeria or two constitutions? Mr President should intervene in this matter.

Let there be caution and proper understanding between government, leaders and religious leaders; let us stop anything that will not make for peace.”

On the planned establishment of grazing reserves across the 36 States of the Federation, the PFN said it was a veiled plan to Islamize the country.

He said, “We frown at the impending doom that may befall the nation if Mr. President fails to check the incessant

attempts to Islamize the states.

“We request the National Assembly not to consider such bill; let the sponsors of such bill desist from it.

“The nature of attacks on the host communities of the Fulani herdsmen is so damaging; how can a grazing field be given to them whereas it is the cause of

crisis in several cities across the country.”

The group while decrying the cases of rape, murder and arson linked to herdsmen, called on security agencies to rise in defence of helpless citizens, “whose farms are being damaged, their wives and daughters raped and murdered”.

AWARD: From left: Mr. Mark Rutten, Finance Director, NB Plc; Mr. Oscar Onyeama, Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, presenting The NSE 2015 CEO’s Award for the Most Compliant Listed Firm on the NSE to Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde, MD/CEO, NB Plc; Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri, Executive Director, Capital Markets Division and Mr. Kufre Ekanem, Corporate Affairs Adviser, NB Plc, at the award's presentation in Lagos.

BIAFRA: IPOB accuses Buhari of breaching

constitution

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By Emeka Mamah

NUGU—THE Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has accused President Muhammadu Buhari of breaching the 1999 Constitution, which he swore to protect by allegedly approving the killing of unarmed Igbo who were agitating for Biafran Republic.

IPOB also frowned at the confiscation of newspapers that carried Biafran stories by armed soldiers in Aba, Abia State Tuesday, wondering what part of the constitution the publishers of the newspapers had infringed.

This was contained in a statement jointly signed by Mr Emma Nmezu and Dr. Clifford Chukwuemeka Iroanya, who are spokespersons for IPOB yesterday.

The statement read, “Retired Major General Muhammadu Buhari, the man who overthrew a democratically elected government in Nigeria on December 31, 1983 … has never hidden his orgy for the extermination of Biafrans.

“Buhari was among the army officers who led the Britishbacked Nigerian military to massacre over two million Igbo at Owerri in 1968. Since his forced entry into the presidency of Nigeria in May 2015, Buhari has supervised the massacre of Biafrans in their thousands.

"When his government is not

snuffing lives out of unarmed and peaceful Biafrans, he is incarcerating them and denying them access to basic information platforms.

"Today (Tuesday) March 15, 2016, Buhari ordered his soldiers from 144 Battalion, Asa, Ukwa West Local Government Council, Abia state to seize newspapers that have captions or stories related to Biafra.

“We are wondering how much low and absurd Buhari could get just to show that he

relishes killing Biafrans and intimidating those who are lucky not to have been felled by his gun-toting killer squads.

“What does Buhari want to achieve by seizing newspapers that published Biafra stories?

Which part of the 1999 Constitution is Buhari enforcing by this dastardly act?

“Is Buhari aware that what he did today violates every aspect of Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria? Does Buhari know that what he did

today (Tuesday) is in contravention of the Seventh Schedule of the 1999 Constitution and is a ground for impeachment? When will Buhari’s inspired (action) come to an end?

“By confiscating newspapers, Buhari has taken this madness to another level. His despicable conduct today is another evidence that the International Criminal Court, ICT, shall consider when looking into the various crimes he has been committing. It is possible that Buhari is willingly working himself into the prison yard in The Hague."

EMPLOYMENT: Ebonyi Assembly alleges

marginalization of indigenes in FG agencies

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By Peter Okutu

BONYI—EBONYI State House of Assembly yesterday raised alarm over alleged lopsided employment of Ebonyi indigenes into federal agencies and parastatals in the state.

The House which made the observation during plenary directed the House Committee on Rules and Establishment headed by Hon. Nkemka Onuma representing Afikpo South West constituency of the state to investigate the matter and report to the House.

Moving the motion on matter of urgent public

importance, the member representing Abakaliki south constituency, Hon. Luke Nkwegu called for investigation into the mode of employment of Ebonyians into the Federal University, Ndufu Alike Ikwo and Federal Polytechnic, Unwanna alleging that only a section of the state was favoured in the exercise.

The House also ordered the probe of the projects executed by former Governor Martin Elechi. It further constituted a 9-man adhoc committee headed by the Deputy Speaker,Hon. Odefa Obasi representing Onicha East Constituency.

Setting up the committee, the Speaker of the House, Hon. Francis listed the projects by the former governor for the probe to include; centenary city formerly known as Ochuudo city and the internal roads in the city.

Others are the international market and the internal roads, Sharon/Iboko road, Offerekpe, Ukawu and Ezillo Water Schemes,Kpirikpiri/Nwofe road, Offerekpe/Offenakpa road, World Trade Centre among others.

Nwifuru directed the committee to summon all the contractors that handled the projects and submit report within two weeks.

UBA joins global community to celebrate financial literacy

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E N I N — P A N -A f r i c a n financial services group, United Bank for Africa, UBA, Plc is joining other financial institutions and the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to celebrate the global money week by holding a financial literacy day event for about 500 students at Imaguero College in Benin City on March 17, 2016.

Phillips Oduoza, Group Managing Director and CEO of the UBA Plc will personally tutor the students on “How you can make your money grow” by helping the students understand the concept of money and how to manage money.

The event, which will be hosted at Imaguero College, Benin City, will also have in attendance students from over 20 different secondary schools in Benin City.

The governor and representatives from the ministry of education in Edo State will also be in attendance.

This is the third consecutive year that UBA will be joining the global community and the CBN to celebrate the Global Money Week.

The Global Money Week is a worldwide celebration aimed at creating the next generation of confident, responsible and skilled people with an understanding of the financial system and how it can be tapped into to enhance their welfare.

It brings together; children, youth, parents, organizations and entire communities, to start action to reshape finance, and give young people the tools to shape their own future.

Let's support Buhari to make Nigeria great again —Uzor

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AGOS—A businessman and chieftain of the All Progessive Congress, APC, Dr Obinna Uzoh, has urged Nigerians, irrespective of political leanings to support the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to make Nigeria great again.

According to him, “We should all put our hands together to support President Buhari on his strive to make Nigeria great again. Our individual and collective efforts are the things that would make the difference.

What should be our guiding principle as Nigerians should be 'forward ever, backwards never.'”

Uzor, a lawyer and also a former governorship aspirant in Anambra State who is a firm believer in the great potential of Nigeria, turns 53 today.

16—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17 , 2016

3 monarchs in court over Igwe's stool in Anambra •As court adjourns matter to May 16

By Vincent Ujumadu

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WKA—THREE persons laying claim to the Igweship stool of the oil –bearing Aguleri Otu in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State yesterday appeared at the State High Court sitting in Otuocha, with each accusing the other of being an impostor.

The three claimants to the throne are Igwe Peter Chikwenze Anielutu, Igwe Michael O.N Enemuo and Igwe Peter Ikegbunam Udorji.

At the hearing of the matter before Justice G.C Anulude yesterday, counsel to the three persons namely Chief Benson Nwankwo, SAN, for Igwe Udorji, Sunny Nworie for Enemuo and L. A. Obiorah insisted that their clients were the rightful persons to occupy the throne.

Though the matter had been in court for some time, it took a new twist last Friday when the Anambra State government issued one of them, Igwe Udorji with a certificate of

recognition, a development that angered the lawyers to the other two claimants.

At the court yesterday, Udorji dressed in full royal attire was a cynosure of all eyes, especially from those who were familiar with the matter.

Counsel to Anielutu, Lawrence Obiora said what the Anambra state government did was a slap in the face of the judiciary.

He told the court: “This matter was slated for hearing today (yesterday), but there is a development. As the suit was adjourned, the

defendant went behind and got certificate of recognition from the state government.

Such a conduct will render the decision of the court ineffective.”

He told the court that what the state government did was to embarrass the court by giving certificate of recognition to a party in the matter.

According to him, “our main concern is that Udorji who counter claimed in the suit went to the state government, deceived them and took the certificate of recognition notwithstanding the pendency of the case."

Ex-Gov Peter Obi to reconcile P-Square

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A G O S — E X them separately on G O V E R N O R Monday, including their Peter Obi of Anambra elder brother Jude and State has resolved to advised them not to allow wade into the crisis outsiders come between rocking the P-Square them. He reminded them of the old African adage brothers.

It was gathered that that says, blood is thicker Obi was highly than water,” the source ‘disappointed’ with the said. two brothers and called them separately on Monday to advise them against making a decision that will ruin their career.

B U J A — S E N AT E According to the President,Bukola source, “There’s still Saraki,Wednesday,swore in hope for them to remain together. The former Senator Mao Ohuabunwu,as governor called both of senator representing Abia North Senatorial zone.

Ohuabunwa’s swearing in was sequel to his victory in the March 12 re-run election for the Abia North Senatorial district, where he contested on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, against former Abia State governor, Orji Uzor Kalu of the Progressives Peoples Alliance, PPA, and others.

He ran in the re-run poll, after the March 28 National Assembly election where the Independent National Electoral Commission,INEC, declared him winner, but was later annulled by the Appeal Court.

Saraki swears in Ohuabunwa

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CIPM holds 2016 entrepreneurial fair

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By Tare Youdeowei

AGOS—THE Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, CIPM, is set to hold its 2016 Career & Entrepreneurship Fair, themed Owning Your Future, on Thursday April 7, in Lagos with aim of promoting entrepreneurship by providing a platform for potential entrepreneurs and job seekers to access information, opportunities and resources to start small businesses, become self employed and create jobs.

President and Chairman of Council, CIPM, Mr. Anthony Arabome who spoke to newsmen, said: “The level of unemployment poses a serious national security risk that requires the urgent attention of all stakeholders as it is generally recognized that a vibrant population that is not productively engaged might divert its energy towards criminal and other unsociable activities to the detriment of the society. ‘’Government alone cannot address the grinding unemployment situation in the country, we need all hands on deck and the involvement of every stakeholderintheNigerianproject, so that our f uture would not be jeopardized.Weshouldallriseupto the lingering situation and proffer solutions within our available resources.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016—17 (Please read today’s piece to the accompaniment of Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s classic song, SHUFFERIN’ AND SHMILIN’)

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AST week, former Executive Director of the NNPC, Aminu Baba-Kusa, filed a statement of witness at the High Court in Abuja. He told the court that N2.2 billion had been spent on prayers to hasten the defeat of Boko Haram. The money had been released in two tranches of N1, 450, 000, 000 and N750, 000, 000. Not only was the huge sum of money released, the contract proposal had in fact been verbal.

Baba-Kusa said that he had “approached the former NSA and discussed Boko Haram problems and I suggested there is need for prayers and he considered and accepted… I personally sponsored many people locally and some few to Saudi Arabia.

Some monies were later paid into our companies, which we paid to some of the Malams”.

Baba-Kusa added that: “I then arranged to recover my personal expense which I put into our own businesses”. And just in case Nigerians were wondering how an NNPC Executive Director became a prayer merchant, the man told detectives that he was not an expert, however, he “used some of the Malams to organise in Abuja, Zaria, Kano, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Kaduna and Saudi Arabia covering 2013 to 2015”.

This prayer business obviously consumes a lot of money, the way a worn vehicle engine guzzles fuel. Aminu Baba-Kusa was therefore very generous in the way that he financed the prayer economy: “I give them funds as required from time to time, ranging from N500, 000 to N30million, depending on their needs, travelling, sadaqat and others for local expenses and travels”.

Verbal proposal And it gets even more curious: “The proposal made to the former NSA was not documented by him or myself. The verbal proposal to him was for prayers to overcome Boko Haram within the shortest time. The engagement for prayers by organising some people to be praying was not formally written down. There was no amount of money agreed on.

I said to him, I will start organising, which he agreed and said he will later see what he would give at a later time. But there was an anticipatory element to the demand, because BabaKusa said he had already spent N700million “from our own resources before I started to ask for money from him”.

In the long run, Baba-Kusa’s “spiritual investment” made a major breakthrough and before one could spell spirit, Nigeria’s N2.2billion had disappeared into a black hole of prayers, which obviously did little to stop the rampaging Boko Haram insurgency! But the Baba-Kusa billions were only part of an elaborate spiritual economy, which led directly from the National Security Adviser ’s office, into the pockets of politicians and their prayer C M Y K

Our very lucrative prayers economy warrior allies.

Last December, the former Sokoto state governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, had told EFCC interrogators that the N4.6 billion that he also collected from the former NSA, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, had been for “spiritual purpose”.

Let me start by accepting that Nigerians are a very religious people and some of our most passionate disputes have been located on grounds of faith. The Nigerian ruling classes are past masters at exploiting faith to retain a class project of domination and as a platform of negotiation of cuts of the national cake.

Religious identities And as the access to power and the sites of wealth have become ever more competitive, the exploitation of religious identities has become even more vital in the Nigerian social and political spaces.

On the other hand, the increasing alienation associated with our neocolonial and uncaring form of capitalism, has also deepened the religiosity in our society. Fundamentalist religious groups contest the spaces of spirituality in society with more mainstream religious organisations for the souls of the Nigerian faithful and in the process, a very elaborate “spiritual economy” is booming.

Richest people in Nigeria: The religious clergy have become some of the richest people in

If we do not learn to organise our country and its affairs along rational parameters, we will certainly not earn the kinds of results that can assist the processes of development of our country

Nigeria today. And one of the expressions of the economic power of religious organisations is the way that the deindustrialisation that crept upon Nigeria from the mid-1980s, led to the closure of hundreds of factories around Nigeria. Well, many of these premises have been or are being bought up by very rich religious organisations.

We closed industry owing to the disastrous economic choices that the ruling class made; we lost thousands of industrial jobs but consequently, saw the transformation of old industrial shop floors into spiritual centres manufacturing and selling healing, miracles and prayers plus their accouterments. In that process, the religious orders have not only become fabulously rich, they have also ended up wielding so much power and influence in our society. How positive their power and influence is however open to a debate.

The sinking of N6b: This is the context of existence that conditioned the very outlandish processes which led to the sinking of over N6billion into prayers and “spiritual purpose”, under the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan and his NSA, Colonel Sambo Dasuki.

So far, we have not received the account of monies that went for Christian prayers and spiritual purposes in the same period.

Highlight of the pilgrimage How can we forget the central place occupied by Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), during the Jonathan administration; including the controversy surrounding the ferrying of millions of dollars in Pastor Oritsejafor’s private jet, ostensibly to purchase arms over the counter in South Africa, to fight the Boko Haram insurgency.

But it is important to recall that President Goodluck Jonathan travelled to Jerusalem twice during his tenure. And as Femi Macaulay noted in his column in THE NATION newspaper of Monday, March 14, 2016, “Jonathan’s 2014 itinerary…included a visit to the Wailing Wall, where he reported prayed privately…and other spiritually significant places…The highlight of the pilgrimage was a prayer for Nigeria…with the theme ‘A Day with Jesus for Nigeria in Israel”.

A modern state is built upon some basic rational premises and the application of rational

parameters in the day-to-day processes of governance. There cannot be any process more rational than the decisions that will lead hundreds of soldiers into battle for the defense of their fatherland.

Those who must provide leadership for such a life and death endeavor would be assumed to possess a most rational ability to calculate the logistics of war as well as the strategies to be employed in the theatres of operation. But clearly, the Nigerian administration of Goodluck Jonathan and his NSA, Sambo Dasuki, lived in a spiritual realm of delusions that sent thousands of our soldiers to war; refused to properly arm them but expected that what would help to defeat the enemy are very expensive prayers, bought with billions of Naira!

The prayer merchants increased their earthly wealth while hundreds of soldiers were either killed or wounded. And when they mutinied to protest their handicap, they were courtmartialed and many were sentenced to death.

Not only did the prayer merchants make billions, recent revelations are showing that top military commanders too were busy stealing billions of naira that should have gone to the arming and welfare of their troops!

The remarkably candid witness statement deposed to by Aminu Baba-Kusa this week just shows how unacceptable the heights that mystification has reached at the heart of our country’s governance architecture.

Genuine conviction That our National Security Adviser would have the power as well as the genuine conviction to release billions of Naira for “prayers” and what Bafarawa called “spiritual purpose”, underlines the medieval content of the minds of those who rule our country. As we all now know, these sums were actually taken from monies that ordinarily should have been used to modernize and effectively arm the Nigerian armed forces, in order for them to carry out their constitutional duty of securing our country.

Underbelly of Nigerian security: While Sambo Dasuki was busy sharing billions with his friend, Baba-Kusa, who said of Dasuki: “we grew up together with the former NSA with common friends in ABU”, the ragtag insurgency, was exposing the underbelly of Nigerian

security and putting our soldiers to ridicule. One of the hitherto most highly respected armies in Africa became a shadow of its illustrious history, with hundreds of soldiers running away from battle or “tactically manoeuvring” into neighbouring countries.

Similarly, we don’t even know yet the number of Nigeria’s gallant soldiers that were killed by the Boko Haram terrorists.

They were the worst of times for our country. But for those who were smart enough to exploit the spiritual realm of existence, it was an incredible opportunity to get access to billions of Naira!

Lessons learnt: The evidence from the irresponsible sharing of billions of Naira as well as the realities of the war effort, have shown that we can spend as much on prayers, but if we do not learn to organise our country and its affairs along rational parameters, we will certainly not earn the kinds of results that can assist the processes of development of our country. It does not matter the field of endeavour; either in warfare or the organisation of our economic affairs.

Prayers might have their place in our lives, but they must complement rational choices. This is in fact not a new argument. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), used to tell his followers to believe in Allah, but they must also ensure that they tie their camels! That is an admonishment to do the rational in our affairs, especially in statecraft.

Prayer merchants When the Jonathan administration failed to do rational things, such as properly arming the armed forces, the Nigerian state was exposed to ridicule by Boko Haram. The resulting confusion allowed prayer merchants to step into the chasm. It was a most lucrative opportunity that could not be missed. In the long run, it was Nigeria that suffered.

The disgust that Nigerians felt at the incompetent handling of the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency became one of the main reasons that Goodluck Jonathan was voted out of power.

Nigeria must learn the right lessons into the future. We cannot trust the affairs of our country to the billion Naira prayers of conmen and prayer merchants.

No country on earth in this modern age is run on the basis of entrepreneurial spiritual adventures bought with billions of Naira. It is the height of irresponsibility to even believe that it could be an option in the building of a modern country.

Nigeria cannot defy this historical fact!

On a final note, I have often wondered what would have happened to our country, if President Goodluck Jonathan had been re-elected. Not a word of those scandals would have been in the public space. It would have been more of the same: the unfettered looting of Nigeria. It is a scenario that should not even be imagined now. Thank God that we got the change we now have!

18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 ANOTHER vista was opened in the kidnap saga which the country has been contending with following a nocturnal abduction of three female students from their school recently. The school, Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary, Ikorodu, Lagos, was observing an evening preparatory reading session when armed men stormed one of the classrooms occupied by female students. They seized three of the girls in the ensuing commotion amidst gunshots.

The incident, which was reminiscent of the Chibok school girls kidnap (except for the ransom demanded) has again brought to the front burner, the issue of security consciousness in our school system.

There is an urgent need to overhaul the existing security architecture in all educational institutions, especially primary and secondary schools that appear vulnerable.

Parents blamed the seminary school’s remote location for security lapses. Others blamed the low

No to school girls kidnap perimeter fence which gave the kidnappers easy access to the premises, and inadequate presence of security personnel in the hostel area.

Academic excellence and creativity cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. The young school boys and girls of today are the country’s future, and we cannot afford to toy with their wellbeing.

The Safe School Initiative launched by former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in the wake of the Chibok girls kidnap needs to be implemented.

The funds so far raised by the United Nation’s-driven initiative,

which the former British Prime Minister, Mr Gordon Brown introduced to Nigeria, must be committed to the project without further delay. Provision of a safe school environment should not be limited to Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, which were severely savaged by terrorist attacks. All hands must be on deck to make school environments not only conducive for learning, but equally guarantee students’ safety.

We recommend a deliberate government policy that makes it, as far as possible, mandatory for primary and secondary schools to be located in residential areas and not in

far flung, isolated places that are susceptible to attacks. Owners of existing schools in such locations must be compelled to enhance their internal security structures and link them to agencies charged with national security, such as the Police and Civil Defence. Minimum standards must be set and noncompliance should attract stiff sanctions. Additionally, more security consciousness should be impacted on staff members and students.

Above all, we must commend the efforts of the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Rasheed Owoseni and his men, who worked tirelessly until the girls were safely rescued and the culprits apprehended. No effort should be spared to ensure that their accomplices who are still at large are brought to justice.

This must be the last time such an ugly crime is allowed to happen anywhere in Nigeria.

OPINION Cattle invasion of Niger Delta west bank

By Paul Orie

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INCE January 31, 2016, the atmosphere of several communities of Ndokwa East, Delta State located in the West Bank of River Niger, has been distinctly uncomfortable. This was the day Fulani herdsmen, fully armed with their AK 47 riffles moved in swiftly with their cattle into the farm lands of Abala and Utchi communities including their satellite communities that are in the thick rain forest.

The invasion of these riverine communities has jarring effects on the people, recovery will be an arduous task. With the occupation of these communities by the herdsmen, the panic stricken farmers including women and aged ones hurriedly crossed the River Niger with ‘hired speed boats to Anambra communities of Ogbakuba, Atani, Obeagwe, Ossamala, Akili Ozizo and others. - -The invaders brazenly raped women and wounded several farmers, some are currently being treated at the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba. Further more, all socio-economic activities came to a shuddering halt with the popular Utchi market and schools closed. Painfully, those who fled in large numbers are still taking refuge in those Anambra communities, abandoning their farm work.

This important agricultural belt of Delta State has been reduced to a war tom zone where no human activities are taking place C M Y K

at the peak of the planting season of the new year. In parts of Delta state, the same herdsmen have devastated farms with farmers and other innocent people maimed or killed. The most worrisome of unwholesome activities of these invaders is the mindless burning of farms in Delta State. The case of the entire farm lands of Ndokwa remains a sorry spectacle where the farmers are in hopeless situation, watching their sources of livelihood terminated by unrestrained armed herdsmen.

The five day occupation of these vast farmlands spanning over several hectares of land by the cows under the watch of the armed herdsmen resulted in the destruction of vegetable, cassava, yam, pepper farms planted in November 2015 the beginning of farming season. As if the dislocated socioeconomy of the area was not enough, the numerous streams, ponds and lakes the major sources of drinking water of the people were massively polluted by the rampaging cows. This is an area of Ndokwa East Local Government where Federal Bureau of Statistics says 90% of the people still drink water from unsanitary sources.

The farm products of these communities known as Ogbalu is critical to the vast Eastern states. Their yam called Ogbalu yam will be absent in these Eastern States including Lagos markets during the next harvest.

With these huge losses, the farmers will definitely start replanting by borrowing

money from local money lenders with their exorbitant interest rates to purchase yam seedlings, cassava stems when they have not redeemed the loans lent them by the same creditors. That is the dilemma of those farmers today. This is an unprecedented agony inflicted on them by mindless Fulani herds men and their cattle.

The callous invasion of the farm land of these hapless farmers has thrown them in disarray, not knowing what to do next. They are confronted with numerous problems relating to how to raise funds for the education of their children who are already in the colleges and univerisities, how to rebuild or rehabilitate their homes destroyed by 2012 flood and that of other years. It is worthy to note that these communities are permanently haunted by the spectre of coastal erosion and living next door to Okpai gas plant with unending gas flaring and oil exploration destroying the economic trees and depleting their farm yields. Indeed, their agonies are endless, facing poor 2016 harvest.

Apart from the recent damages the herdsmen and their cows inflicted on these coastal communities of Ndokwa East of Delta state , the number of innocent people killed across the country by the herds men is still ballooning to horrendous proportion without the appropriate authorities, the cattle owners, their state governments raising eye brows.

We should be asking ourselves some pertinent questions. What are the security implications of this to the nation? Who issued licenses to the herdsmen and for what purposes? Does

the law permit” the reckless use of the AK 47 rifles by these privileged herdsmen?

It is baffling that the timely intervention of the Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa who caused the dispatch of police men to the occupied communities did not make them budge, even the policemen deployed to the vast area, strenuously appealed to them to withdraw their cattle and leave the area, they remained adamant, maintaining their obduracy as if their pernicious activities should not be regulated by the law of the land. It is difficult to explain why the herdsmen flagrantly refuse to withdraw from the occupied farms. For them to disobey the police in a Nigerian State where the constitution of the nation clearly spelt that the governor of a State, is the chief Security Officer of the State, means that the Fulani herdsmen are above the law. What a pity!

These are people known to be innocuous in the past. Why the sudden change of their modus oparandi? What is the motivation of wielding their rifles menacingly as they move around the tropical rain forest searching for grazing ground? Why is it that they are the only ones allowed to carry guns in these forests and the streets of the cities and rural areas while the farmers in the forest, their hosts are not armed? These herdsmen appear to be the people allowed to carry guns, why? It is only robbers who unlawfully use guns to execute their evil deeds.

•Mr. Orie, is publicity secretary, Ndosimili Devlopment Union , Delta State.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 –19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

Are emirs above the law?

S the hoopla over the code in the North in 2000 under abduction of 14 year-old Governor Ahmed Yerima.

A Ese Oruru from her parents’ Lucy, an SS1 student of home in Yenagoa, Bayelsa to Kano was dying down, more similar stories have been crawling out of the woods. From the two year-old case of Miss Charity Uzoechina who was abducted from her school in Bida, taken to the palace of Etsu Nupe (Emir of Bida, Niger State) and forced into Islam with Aisha for a new moniker (seems Aisha, also given to Ese, is a favourite name reserved for these Christian captives) to one Miss Ifeoma Ndubuisi, who at the age of 14, disappeared from her parents’ home in Zaria, got forcibly converted to Islam and married off to one Alhaji Shehu Khalil, the list is lengthening.

Another blood-chilling case of savage child snatching happened to one Mr. David Ejeh, a Christian from Kogi State. Their daughter, Miss Lucy Ejeh, was 15 when she was stolen from her parents way back in 2009, meaning she is 22 years-old after seven years in the hands of her captors. She and her parents lived in Talata Mafara in Zamfara State, the first state to forcibly introduce Sharia penal

Government Girls College, Talata Mafara when she was kidnapped, was found after only three days in the lair of an Islamic preacher called Alhaji Awaisu, but her father said he was not allowed to take his daughter home in spite of her open declaration that she wanted to go with him. Lucy was put under guard by Awaisu, who hired some armed youths to follow her wherever she goes. Members of the Ejeh family, who are Catholics, were daily threatened with death because of efforts they were making to retrieve their daughter. Ejeh’s bank where he worked transferred him to Nasarawa State to keep the family safe.

But that also meant putting a huge distance between them and Lucy. In 2012, Ejeh was forced to resign from the bank over his frequent visits to Zamfara to get back his daughter. According to this maddeningly annoying story, the Ejeh family went to the Police for help and met a brick wall. They brandished a petition th dated 28 January, 2010 to the Inspector General of Police, Mr.

Ogbonnaya Onovo, as well as evidence of receipt of the letter rd by the office of the IGP dated 3 February 2010. The Police have NEVER responded to this heinous crime since then!

Instead, Lucy was taken to the palace of the Emir of Talata Mafara, Dr. Bello Mohammed Barmo and hidden there. Please laugh with me – this emir was a member of a so-called “peace delegation” that visited Governor Rochas Okorocha’s Imo State on a “peace mission” after the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB’s) riots of last year resulted in a mosque assault in Onitsha, Anambra State. Peace? What does “peace” really mean?

Back to Lucy Ejeh. The embattled family also

What is it about emirs that Nigerian IGPs cannot send Mobile Policemen to rescue abducted girls and put these agents of wickedness and evil on trial to show that “something happens” to those who break the laws of Nigeria or violate the civil rights of its law-abiding citizens?

Naira’s flop is doomsday foretold

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VERY corruption case in Nigeria has an expiry date. This is one clear area where we shall consistently return to His Eminence, the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who we think can author a bestseller any day on the subject, being one Nigerian who thoroughly understands the Nigerian psyche and knows exactly when to do what.

Truly, from very early in life, we have been indoctrinated into thinking that it is wrong to do any deep narrative on kings and the dead. While the latter must be allowed to rest in peace, the former deserve honour as God’s representatives on earth.

Were these absolutely true, those volumes on the enlightened depots of centuries past would not have appeared. The Bible, which mainly chronicles the activities of the dead would never have been written.

For us, the King deserves deep reverence but he must be talked about. Those of them who have not respected the law must face the law.

It is too soon to forget how Sanusi, as the immediate-past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, turned that body into a Republic within a Republic. Indeed, the collapse of the Naira today is doomsday foretold. We saw it coming. You can’t run the CBN with the type of impunity with which Idi-Amin ran the economy of Uganda and not expect the type of disaster we have in our hands today. Students of history will also easily remember that the Deutschemark suffered the same fate in post World-War II Germany.

Again, Sanusi represents an archetype of the average Nigerian in authority. Space will only permit us to provide a synopsis of some of his deeds: In about 63 “intervention projects” mainly in Northern Nigeria and sparsely in the South, Sanusi turned CBN into a Father Christmas by doling out about N163 billion from the public till without C M Y K

any legislative approval and authorisation in utter defiance of the provisions of Sections 80(1) and 80(2) of our 1999 Constitution, which deal with issues of revenue and expenditure of the Federation.

In August 2009, the CBN, under Sanusi’s watch pumped N400 billion of public fund into bailing out Afribank, Intercontinental Bank, Union Bank, Oceanic Bank and Finbank. The CBN single-handedly decided which of the commercial banks manifested distress signs and how much to give to them, without recourse to any legislative approval.

In the eye of the Financial Reporting Council, FRC, the CBN under Sanusi’s watch embarked on a most reckless spending spree, the type of squander-mania never imagined in the history of the CBN, including N38.23 billion alleged missing in 2013. This amount was alleged to have been paid to the CBN subsidiary, MINT, but it never got to its destination. In 2011, CBN was said to have paid N38 billion to the

Yesterday, it was Sanusi; today, it is Dasuki; but between Sanusi and Dasuki, there are at least a thousand Nigerians who should not be walking our streets in freedom – if we are really serious about fighting corruption

approached the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), whose officials made some efforts to do their job but had to back off when they found out that the abductors had the protection of the Emir of Talata Mafara, Mohammed Barmo. The worst was yet to come.

According to this story published in PUNCH newspaper, Awaisu made up his mind to marry Lucy. He called Lucy’s parents, but not to seek their permission to marry her but to rub insult into their injuries. I quote from the story: “When he called me, I told him never to try it, but he said he would go ahead with the plan and there was nothing we could do to stop it. He said we should do our worst,” Mrs. Ejeh, a mother of seven told SUNDAY PUNCH. Lucy’s father also confirmed that he received a similar call from Awaisu.

“I asked him if he was her biological father, but he said I should do my worst. But, on March 1, he (Awaisu) called me again that the wedding had taken place on Saturday (February 27),” he said.

Look at the common threads in all these gruesome girl-child abduction stories: (a) They are all Christian girls; (b) they were abducted by Muslim men; (c) they were kept in the custody of emirs or Muslim scholars in Arewa North; (d) except for the case of Charity, they were all under-aged children at the time of abduction; (e) they were forcibly converted to Islam by their abductors and kept out of the reach of the families and (f) all efforts by their family members to recover them from

Nigerian Security Printing and M i n t i n g C o m p a n y, NSPMC, for the printing of banknotes, when in the entire year, the total turnover of NSPMC was only N29 billion!

In the same year, 2011, CBN allegedly claimed paying N511 million, N425 million and N1 billion to Emirate, Wing and Associated Airlines respectively, for currency distribution nationwide. While Emirate had no local charter service, Wing Airline was not even registered in Nigeria and Associated Airline had a total turnover of less than N1 billion in that year.

The exhaustive list of rots in the CBN, which cannot be contained here is perhaps an arm-long. Yet, in the process, Sanusi had an avalanche of superior and subordinate officers around him. If we say Sanusi is guilty as charged, it simply follows that those who were paid to supervise him must be ten times guilty!

From a distance, we kept reminding Nigerians that Sanusi was operating a Republic within a Republic. We wrote several articles on the issue, including “Still Celebrating Profligacy” and “Who Is Now the President?” as far back as 2011 and 2013 respectively but Sanusi was evidently untouchable.

If all these could happen in a small CBN, located at the city centre, you can imagine what happened in a bigger and clumsier place like NNPC, located largely in the creeks. And if Sanusi was untouchable as a public servant, who now wants to go to his new giddy heights? Long live the King!

We expressed our initial concern on the Sanusi escapade when we asked in this column, “Who were Sanusi’s Supervisors?”

It takes more than one to be corrupt.

Corruption is a chain, which like any other chain, is only as strong as its weakest link.

the dens of their abductors were rudely and arrogantly rebuffed with threats to life .

And this: (g) the Nigeria Police and other agents of security charged with the responsibility to safeguard the freedom and constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens failed to do their duties (h) In particular, all InspectorsGeneral of Police, from IGP Ogbonnaya Onovo to IGP Solomon Arase, were too lilylivered to effect the rescue of these citizens reduced to slaves in their own country by their supposed countrymen with whom they are bound by the same laws.

Unfortunately, we Nigerians have lost our sense of outrage, humanity and civic consciousness. Is this the same Nigeria that fought the White British colonialist and won their freedom to live in dignity and self-determination? If fellow citizens could do this to their compatriots and boast that “nothing will happen” and nothing actually happens, what manner of free people are Nigerians? Is this not worse than slavery? Was this possible thirty years ago? How did we come to this?

What is it about emirs that Nigerian IGPs cannot send Mobile Policemen to rescue abducted girls and put these agents of wickedness and evil on trial to show that “something happens” to those who break the laws of Nigeria or violate the civil rights of its law-abiding citizens?

When will the President we voted to protect us do his job without first considering the fact that these agents of evil are his kinsmen?

Nigerians, when, when, WHEN?

Sanusi operated under Presidents and Ministers; he operated under a full-fledged National Assembly with its numerous bogus committees; and he operated literally with thousands of Nigerians who saw crime and didn’t call police!

With Sanusi out of the system, the same people who facilitated his deeds are still in the system, doing for other corrupt elements what they did for Sanusi. And so, the chain continues.

In Sanusi’s years, where there was no immediate cash to carry out his escapade, he proceeded to print the banknotes. Who, then, is still wondering why the Naira today is barely worth the paper on which it is printed? For all we know, a nation’s economy is like a fowl – it comes home to roost!

Until we evolve a system where every offender has a taste of his poison through prison experience, we are not fighting any corruption. That system stands on sinking sand, where at the end of tenure, a governor heads for jail and the legislators who consistently gave him his annual appropriations walk our streets in freedom when the approval of this year ’s appropriation presupposes that legislators are satisfied with what the governor did with the previous year’s approval. What else is the essence of the legislative oversight of the administration?

Yesterday, it was Sanusi; today, it is Dasuki; but between Sanusi and Dasuki, there are at least a thousand Nigerians who should not be walking our streets in freedom – if we are really serious about fighting corruption.

20—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016—21

Non-oil export revenue drops by 58% to $4.3bn — CBN

By Babajide Komolafe

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday said that revenue from non-oil exports fell sharply by 58 percent to $4.39 billion in 2015. Meanwhile, Zenith Bank has expressed its readiness to enhance revenue from non oil exports by assisting its clients with financing support needed export. CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele disclosed this in Lagos yesterday while speaking at the Zenth Bank International Trade seminar.

While commending Zenith as the highest ranking bank in terms of facilitating non oil export trade, Emefiele called on stakeholders to evolve strategies to address the sharp fall in the nation’s non oil export revenue.

towards evolving responsive strategies that will expand resources for exports expanding programmes on a complimentary basis.”

Commending Zenith Bank for organising the seminar, he said the seminar will help in identifying the various issues hampering the non oil export in the country. He said, “It is my hope that the outcome of this stakeholders deliberation will assist CBN to formulate policies geared towards enhancing

growth of non-oil exports “It is expected that resolutions of this seminar will lead to increased receipt of foreign exchange from non oil exports and job creation among others”.

In his opening address, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Peter Amangbo, said that Zenith Bank has made it a top priority to enhance the ability of its clients to export.

He said, “ The goal of this year’s Zenith Bank International

Trade Seminar is to escalate the tone of the conversation around non oil exports. Apart from this interactive seminar series, as a bank, we have decided to make it a top priority to improve the conditions that directly affect the ability of our clients to export, such as monetary easing, by assisting with financing that is needed for exports, trade advocacy and export promotion effort, educating our clients about markets and the financing opportunities available.”

Domestic economy Represented by the Deputy Director, Trade and Exchange Department, Mr. Dauda Gotring, said, “ It has been observed that while credit to the non oil sector has been declining and currently at 0.6 percent of total domestic loan to the private sector in the past five years, the credit to the domestic economy has been on the rise.

“The low level of export loan has no doubt contributed to the decline in non oil revenue from $10.53 billion in 2014, $4.39 billion in 2015, which is a very significant drop “The impact of this on the country’s export potentials is quite significant and has become topic for stakeholders’ dialogue

$124.25

VISIT: From left, Chairman, Lagos and District, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, Mr. Joshua Ohioma; Group Executive, Commercial Banking Group, FirstBank, Mr. Popoola Oyefeso; President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Otunba Olufemi Deru and Regional Head, Retail Banking, Lagos & West, FirstBank, Mr. Tunde Owolabi, during a courtesy visit by the ICAN President to FirstBank head office, in Lagos.

0.15

$3,019.00 -34.00 $15. 25

CURRENCY US DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

-0.07

$39.74

1.00

$37.37

1.03

BUYING 196 277. 4968 217. 4816 198. 3806 1.7362 0.3131 272. 8283 30. 0909 52. 3916 28.7761 272. 342

SELLING 196.5 197 278 . 2047 278. 9126 218. 0364 218. 9126 198. 8866 199. 3927 1.7406 1.7451 0.3231 0. 3331 273. 5198 274. 2158 30. 1681 30.2453 52. 3916 52.5249 28.8495 28.923 273. 0368 273. 7315

CBN Exchange rate as at 16/03/2016

C M Y K

FG empowers SON to jail substandard product dealers for 10yrs

T

By Providence Obuh

HE Federal Government has empowered Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to jail dealers in substandard products for ten years.

Based on this, the SON has given a 24 hours ultimatum to tyre dealers in the country to destroy every fake tyre in their stock or face prosecution.

Acting Director General of SON, Dr. Paul Angya, gave the ultimatum at a stakeholder’s forum for tyre dealers in Lagos, stating: “Our new Act 2015 empowered us to jail promoters of sub-standard product up to 10 years and we will not relent to jail any culprit.

Angya who said that the era of seizure and destruction of fake and substandard products was over, made reference to a recent report by the Road Safety Commission stating that out of 8,986 accidents recorded in 2015, 722 were due to tyre bursts, resulting in the death of 446 persons.

He threatened to charge with murder, any dealer of fake tyre caught, saying, ‘’We are

going to stamp out corruption among the tyre dealers, “we are going to set up a taskforce and we will not sleep until we confirm that accidents in the country are not traced to substandard tyres again.”

He said that the agency has the legal backing to shut down any shop displaying fake tyres for at least three months without going to court and that offenders could also bag up to ten years imprisonment without any option of fine He urged the tyre dealers to cooperate with the organization to put an end to importation of sub-standard tyres into the country.

“We are ready to eliminate importation of sub-standard products into Nigeria, because of this we have reached out to other government agencies to ensure that we work together and stop smugglers of fake products into the country.

“If you have fake tyre in your shop make sure you disposed them in the next 24 hours, thereafter our team will visit you and we will charge you for murderer.

•Umar-sadiq

WEF names Umar-Sadiq as 2016 Young Global Leader

A

YOUNG Nigerian, Muntaqa Umar-sadiq, has been announced the 2016 Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (WEF)—an international organization for public-private sector cooperation committed to improving the state of the world, after a rigorous and competitive selection process. By this, Muntaqa joins a community of past Young Global Leaders (YGLs) that include David Cameron, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom; Chelsea Clinton, Board member of Clinton Foundation; Larry Page, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Google, USA; Mark Zuckerberg, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Facebook, among others.

Klaus Schwab and John Dutton, Executive Chairman and Head respectively of the Forum of YGL in a statement explained that the honour bestowed each year by the WEF recognizes and acknowledges the most outstanding young leaders from around the world for their professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world.

Distinguished leaders “This honour is bestowed by the World Economic Forum each year to recognize the most distinguished leaders under the age of 40, nominated from around the world”, they explained further. Umar-sadiq is a graduate of the University of Cambridge, England and Imperial College School of Medicine in London, and also a holder of Chartered Alternatives Investment Analyst (CAIAI) charter. He is currently CEO of the Private Sector Health Alliance, and prior to this, he was Senior Technical Adviser to the former Minister of State for Health in Nigeria, Muhammad Ali Pate.

Alongside business leaders in Nigeria, including Aliko Dangote, Muhammad Ali Pate; Jim Ovia, Aig Imoukhuede, Kelechi Ohiri of HSDF and other corporate leaders, Umarsadiq has led a pioneering work that has developed a Private Sector Health Alliance.

22—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

Your business location tells your prospective buyers a lot about your business standards

,

Things to consider in business location

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ROFIT making is the primary aim of every business, for this reason, the importance of a good business location cannot be over emphasized.

Your business location is a point of contact between you and your prospective customers. There are certain factors to consider in a business location.

Target market Most goods and services are meant for a particular section of the population.

Your business should be located within the environment of your prospective buyers.

Marketing potentials of the area Some areas are known to have high trading potentials. Having your business in such an area is a plus because it increases your chances of patronage.

Visibility/Accessibility An ideal business address should not be difficult to locate, but should be easily seen and accessed. Your prospective buyers don’t want to go through so much stress to find you.

Business image Locations vary according to the different hierarchy of the society. Your business location tells your prospective buyers a lot about your business standards.

Transportation This is very important because it affects the mobility of your prospective customers and suppliers. Your business should be located in an area with good/accessible roads.

Area cost If you are just starting out, you may not want to spend a fortune on getting your office or store. New areas that are still developing are cheaper than already established areas.

Power Supply Almost every business needs electricity for various purposes. You should endeavor to check that there is a decent, if not constant power supply in the area.

Local facilities Certain businesses require the availability of certain facilities such as Banks, Post Offices, etc for the convenience of your customers.

Convergence This refers to locations where different people come together, for different purposes. Having your business in such an area will work to your advantage.

Employees The location of your business has to be favorable to your prospective employees. You should know whether or not you can recruit skilled local hands in that area.

,

BUSINESS

Motivating employees for optimal performance

By Yinka Kolawole, with agency report When considering ways to motivate employees keep in mind that each individual is different and therefore everyone is motivated by different things. While one employee may be motivated by money another may be motivated by working with supportive co-workers.

O

become more motivated when they discover that you care about their concerns and problems.

Reward good work Acknowledge employees who put in the extra effort. You can have an “Employee of the Month” or Certificates of Appreciation.

Employees like to feel that their hard work is being acknowledged. Even a simple ‘thank you’ can improve employee morale.

NE way to find out what motivates y o u r employees is to discover their wants and needs. One way to do this is by performing surveys or questionnaires.

Below are several factors that can motivate employees.

Incentives Incentives are one of the most common ways of motivating employees.

Employee incentives can be money, cards, gifts, vacation trips, etc. The best way to decide what incentive to use to motivate employees is by asking them what they would like.

You may be surprised that it’s not always money that an employee seeks.

Responsibility Show your employees that you trust them by giving t h e m responsibilities.

Employees usually like having some control and m a k i n g choices.

It makes them

feel as if they are a necessary part of the business.

Pleasant environment If an employee is working in an environment where there is a lot of negativity between management and employees, this can diminish his/her motivation. An employee will be more motivated if he/she is working with supportive coworkers and management.

Interesting work Performing the same tasks everyday will become boring and repetitive for employees unless they enjoy what they do.

Find out what tasks your employee is good at and enjoys doing.

Providing your employee with a task he/she enjoys can prove to be an effective method of motivating employees.

Listen Listen to your employee’s concerns and take them seriously. Employees can

Share business success Making employees feel like they are part of a bigger team can be a great tool for motivating employees.

Provide business performance reviews to let the employees know how the business is doing.

Encourage employees to strive to achieve success and growing figures for the

Something as simple as a negative tone in your voice can be enough to reduce employee morale

business. Reward the whole team when the business reaches its goals and beyond. You can reward them with bonuses or a party. The best way to decide on a reward is to ask the employees themselves what they want. Pass out a survey with different reward options and find out what really motivates your employees.

Job security When motivating employees, job security is essential. If employees

feel they might be fired or laid off they are more likely not to put their best efforts into the job.

Growth opportunity Most employees have a natural desire to improve. Everybody has dreams of where they wish to be in the future. If there is no goal or growth to be achieved, there is nothing to motivate them to work harder.

Be flexible Don’t make employees come to work when they are sick. Don’t penalise them for emergency situations. If it’s possible, be flexible with the employee’s schedule. For example give them the option of choosing the day of the week they want off. By doing this you show employees that you care and this will be appreciated.

Be positive A positive attitude can be contagious. As a manager and leader it is important to have a positive attitude. Something as simple as a negative tone in your

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 — 23

Germs in the home

• kitchen-sink germs •Germs

By Anino Aganbi

I

N every home around the globe, mothers always tend to take special care in creating a good hygienic home for their children, with emphasis on toddlers and infants. Yet, no matter how squeaky clean your home may be or how many times you disinfect your floor while cleaning because of babies who are at the crawling stage, facts show that there are still places unknown to humans where germs delight in hiding.

Many hand sanitizers and disinfectants on the market claim that they “kill 99.99% of germs” or “kill germs on contact.” But they fail to explain what really needs to be cleaned and how often.

Some places where germs can be found in the home The kitchen sink: like most places in the home, germs find it easy to breed in kitchen sinks if you are fond of not cleaning up properly.

TV remote and controllers: This object is often held by all and sundry and is easily put in the mouth by any child thereby transferring germs.

Floors: No matter how much you disinfect your floors, there are still some germs that find their way around.

Shoes: You think your shoes are safe?

Germs attach themselves to the insole of shoes especially if you walk about with your bare feet in the office. This germs end up in your home.

Sponges: Sponges tend to absorb a lot of germs unknown to you.

Toilet seats: if your toilet at home is shared by the general public, then the possibility of your toilet being infected

by germs is very high.

Toothbrushes: Germs are spread by toilets being flushed thereby infesting your toothbrush.

Contaminated make up: A lot of people tend to use their hands to apply their make up thereby transferring germs from their hands to the make up and their faces.

•Shoe Germs

IWD: Aisha Buhari, Minister, others advocate gender parity …Seek reorientation for Nigerian women

By Funmi Olasupo

A

S the Nigeria celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, Nigerian women have laid emphasis on the need for urgent action to accelerate gender parity.

Women from all works of life gathered to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD), Nigerian women also maintained that the commemoration of the day provides yet another opportunity to seek for urgent need for a national reorientation for Nigerian women to meet up with current trends and to reflect on the condition of women with a view to improve their lives. st Speaking at the 1 Daily Trust Women Summit/Exhibition and launch of Woman of Power magazine, in Abuja, wife of the President of Nigeria Mrs. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari stated that the welfare of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the country would remain her priority until they get their lives back. According to her, the theme for this year’s celebration

‘Pledge For Parity’ is apt, saying, “it is a challenge to the world leaders to take actions with special emphasis on the role of women leaders as champion of gender parity.” Mrs. Buhari who was represented by wife of the Zamfara State governor and the chairperson, Northern Governors’ Wives Forum, Hajiya Asma’u Abdul’aziz

Yari Abubakar, noted that the International Women’s Day provides yet another opportunity to reflect on the condition of women with the view to improve their lives.

“Let me put on record the achievement

Continues on page 24

Women Summit: Senator Hkairat Abdulrazaq-Gwadabe (left) and Mrs Shareefah Abiola Andu. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan

24—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

Yoruba marriage:

What do the items mean?

Pet projects: A cas

ON 29 July 29, 1981, Charles, Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer married at St Paul’s Cathedral, London, United Kingdom. The ceremony was a traditional Church of England wedding service with several notable figures in attendance including many members of royal families from across the world, republican heads of state, and members of the bride’s and groom’s families. Their marriage was widely billed as a “fairytale wedding” and the “wedding of the century”. It was watched by an estimated global TV audience of 750 million. The United Kingdom had a national holiday on that day to mark the wedding.

Last weekend, Nigeria had her own closest equivalent of a royal wedding when the ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi married now olori Wuraola Zynab Otiti; and though it was not followed on television, the social media- today’s equivalent of television- virtually went bust, exposing widespread ignorance about the traditions guiding marriage in our climes. The following are items brought as gifts from the groom’s to the bride’s family.

HONEY (OYIN) – a bottle of wild honey, the symbolic value of this item is that, couple’s life will be as sweet as honey and be blessed with promising children.

Alligator Pepper (Atare) it comes in a pod with multiple seed, it symbolizes blessing, healthy and prosperous children for the couple.

Ground-nut Cake (Adun) – it is a local cake made from ground nut, it signifies sweetness, blessing and prosperous future for the couple and their children.

Local wine (Ìti-b¹k¹t¹) – this represents water, which is life, treasured for its multiple use. Since no one ever dislikes, hates, and speaks evil of water, so the couple will live a peaceful life, free from hate, and dislike.

KOLA-NUT (Obi-Abata with four halves, 42 or 100 pieces; in some cases it can be more) – Kola-nut has several social and spiritual values in Yorubaland, when it comes to marriage, it symbolizes fertility and protection from evil. The kola-nut brought on this day will be used to pray for the fruit of belly.

BITTER-NUT (Orogbo, 42 pieces; in some cases it can be more) represents old age, prosperity and trouble-free world.

This means, the couple will live a long life in good health and see generations of their children.

Palm oil (Epo-pupa) it has several uses, one of which is the antidotal value. The palm oil suggests that, no evil will befall or over-reach the couple.

Salt (IyÍ) is used as a preservative and as a sweetner, symbolically, salt in the life of the couple will represent joy and trouble-free life.

YAM (between 30 and 100 tubers) this will depend on the status, wealth of the groom’s family.

Prayers are said by families and other well-wishers. The ceremony legitimizes the couple’s relationship, at this point, none of the party without a well-founded reason can back out of the relationship.

•Aisha Buhari

•Maryam Babangida

By Josephine Agbonkhese

W

HETHER for genuine or opportunistic reasons, the ‘pet project’ trend is increasingly becoming widespread with women- celebrities, corporate amazons and wives of top government officals to mention but few.

One launched last year by actress Omotola Jolade-Ekeinde in commemoration of her 20th year on the big screen, I Gat Value’, for example, seeks to inculcate value for self and others into young minds. Virtually every other actress appears to have one too.

Described as a project, activity or goal pursued as a personal favourite, rather than because it is generally accepted as necessary or important, pet projects, though not usually built around ‘personal favourite’ in the Nigerian context, are helping to complements the efforts of government at society development.

But one shouldn’t wonder why

women tend to be obsessed with having personal pet projects though. This cannot be unconnected with their natural instinct to ‘care’ for anything around them. This is not to dismiss the god-given “helpmeet” role to their significant other too, as displayed over the years by wives of top government officials who seem to have taken the trend to a different level entirely.

But beyond every reasonable doubt, women have utilized, to the utmost benefit of the society, the socalled “unconstitutional” office of the First Lady

Memory lane

In Nigeria, pet project idea could be traced to Maryam Babangida’s 1987 Better Life Programme for the Rural Woman, BLP, which was followed by Maryam Abacha’s Family Support Programme, FSP, and Family Economic Advancement Programme , FEAP, in 1994 and Fati Abubakar’s “Women Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative, WRAPA in 1998.

By 1999, Stella Obasanjo introduced the Child Care Trust, Turai Yar’Adua had the Women and Youth Empowerment Programme from 2007 to May 2010, and Patience Jonathan came up with the Women for Change Initiative in 2010. All of these were by no means futile.

That of Mrs Aisha Buhari, Future Assured, a project geared towards providing alternative life line for women and children, is fast gathering momentum by the day.

“The wife of any leader has the responsibility to assist her husband in various ways since he is busy with state affairs. I decided to come up with a project called “Future Assured” to help

IWD: Aisha Buhari, Minister, others Continues from page 23 of my initiative, ‘Future Assured’ through which I undertook to champion, advocate and mobilize the cause of improving and promoting the health status of those vulnerable and marginalized sections of the population. “It has therefore become imperative for all stakeholders and government at all levels to rise to the global challenge by ensuring the attainment of gender parity through the empowerment of women and girls.” Aisha stated.

Delivering her keynote address at the Summit, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Senator Aisha Alhassan stated that globally, the role of women in nation building has received recognition with

intensified effort by World Organizations and political leaders, advocating more women participation in leadership, governance, peace, and global security.

Senator Aisha explained further that women make up half of the community, what affects them affects half the community directly and the whole community indirectly since they are connected to the members of the community as mothers, daughters, sisters, employers and employees of the rest of the population. Chairing the panel discussion at the Summit, wife of the Senate President Mrs. Toyin Saraki, opined that nothing will change in Nigeria unless we change the way we

treat women and girls in Mrs. Saraki who is a the Wellbeing Fou maintained that Nigerian up to take their place i the time for the women battle field, value ourse ourselves, for Nigerian equality, they must get e

Actualising the vision

She explained that th has chosen Planet 50-5 up for Gender Equality have a role to play in act

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 —25

e for First-ladyship

•Toyin Saraki

in reducing maternal and infant mortality rate and support girl-child education.

The project is also to enlighten parents on how to restrain their children from being indoctrinated into social vices,” Aisha reported explained during a recent meeting with the Canadian High Commissioner, Mr. Perry Colderwood, who was on a courtesy visit to the villa.

Naysayers

The efforts of these women at complementing the offices of their husbands notwithstanding, many have argued that the office of the First Lady be disbanded with any existing budgetary allocations to it withdrawn since it isn’t recognized constitutionally. Consequently, some state governors have abolished the offices, saying that their wives be known as “Wife of the Governor” and not “First Lady”.

The value of this to a society where government can barely identify nor meet quarter the needs of its people is however yet to be ascertained.

Apparently taking a cue from President Muhammadu Buhari who first said he will not have an office of the First Lady in his administration, state governors such as the Governors of Kebbi, Katsina, Yobe, Sokoto, Kano and Kaduna states have ditched the title of First Lady.

But beyond every reasonable doubt, women have utilized, to the utmost benefit of the society, the so-called “unconstitutional” office of the First Lady. The immediate past First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs Abimbola Fashola, for example, dramatically turned around primary and secondary education in the state with her pet project, the Lagos Empowerment and Resource Network, LEARN. From summer programmes to afterschool lessons and vocational training, LEARN’s scope of reach was enormous.

Toyin Saraki’s iconic pet project

One other whose achievements

continues to reverberate is Mrs. Toyin Saraki, former First Lady of Kwara State and now wife of the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki Her pet project, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, WBF Africa, now an internationally acclaimed pan-African maternal health and wellbeing charity organization, has become one of the most influential and active organisations in the area of maternal, newborn and child health, MNCH, working across sectors to deliver innovative solutions such as its flagship WBFA IMNCH Personal Health Record and the MamaKit. Apart from influencing the rehabilitation of and equipping some hospitals in Kwara State as First Lady, Mrs Saraki also organised periodical visits to such hospital to donate health items to babies and their mothers. So many a times, she brought succor to indigent nursing mothers through financial assistance and donations of various kinds. The quality health care that nursing mothers and their babies enjoy today at the Children Specialist Hospital, Centre Igboro, Ilorin and the Maternity wing of the Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin is said to be as a result of her efforts.

Beyond aid, this project is dedicated to advocacy and the formation of best practices in health, education, women’s empowerment and social welfare.

This year, WBFA plans to dedicate itself towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria and across the African continent, drawing from its experience in the Millennium Development Goals era, and its global perspective as an awardwinning health and development NGO. Can one still say the office of the First Lady is useless?

advocate gender parity

n the country. also the founder of undation Africa n women must step in the society, “It’s n to step up into the elves and educate n women to enjoy education.”

he United Nations 50 by 2030: Step it y of which women tualising the vision.

Also speaking during the panel discussion, the Chief Executive Officer of Medic Aid and wife of the Kebbi State Governor, Hajiya Zainab Bagudu said despite the neglect of the role of first ladies in Nigeria, they are still pertinent in empowering less privileged women in the country.

She cited that some first ladies have been using their positions to impact lives of vulnerable women and children in their states and immediate communities. “I have been able to empower Kebbi women through my pet projects.” She urged government at all levels to make the International Women’s Day a national holiday, in order to give all stakeholders the

opportunity to go to the grassroots and reach out to women who according to her, should be the main focus of empowerment and emancipation programmes and projects.

Speaking on the girl-child education in Nigeria, a lecturer from the university of Abuja Prof. Hauwa Imam submits that the girl-child education should be given better attention in Nigeria. Prof. Hauwa said girl-child have over the years suffered neglect due to poverty and Nigerian culture which are the biggest cause of discrimination of the girl-child and women in Nigeria. She hinted that the girlchild has always been the first to suffer deprivation as a result of poverty, saying, “She is the first to be withdrawn from school in any case of poor family finance.”

5 Ways to bring back your sexy!

Think Sexy NKNOWN to you, you were born with a seductive, sexy side. If you don’t think you’re sexy there must be a reason why. Find it and get rid of it fast.

U

Become an expert True lovemaking starts with touching the heart of someone else. Sex is an art. You can drive your partner crazy by learning how the body responds. Once you know the science of sex, it becomes much easier to hold conversations about it as well. It’s surprising to someone when they discover you can talk about it because it means you know about what works. Now that is incredibly sexy…

Be confident That sense of knowing who you are and what makes you worth kissing will exude sexiness to everyone around you even if that’s not your intention. Inner confidence attracts (this is not arrogance we are talking about here).It gives you a kind of mystery that tells someone that you would not bring a lot of “drama” into a relationship. Rather, you would make life interesting.

Practice nakedness No matter how unsatisfied you may be with your body, walk around naked – a lot. It’s amazing how sexy you begin to feel. The more you become comfortable in your own skin, the less you care what someone else thinks.

Practice sexy poses in the mirror and forget the sagging tummy or thighs. Remember, it’s all about attitude.

Make eye contact A quick glance communicates interest in a person, and a lingering look moves it a step further,”

26—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

BY JOSEPHINE AGBONKHESE

Woman in Education:

‘Best to do first degree in one’s country’ —AUN president …Law faculty to focus on Gender law THE role of the university in the community cannot be overemphasised. In fact, it is said that any university that does not impact its community positively, is not worth the name. In this chat with Professor Margee Ensign, President of the American University of Nigeria in Yola who is an interviewer’s delight as she speaks with passion, she speaks on how AUN has been impacting their host community/state, security and their new Law faculty. Excerpts:

By Ebele Orakpo

O

UR model: First, we expose the students to the hardest challenges you can imagine because we have lived it. Then they start thinking about solutions; we believe technology is a big solution. The problems facing Nigeria cannot be solved by one department, so we bring the best knowledge and practices to Yola.

“We have joined the Global Liberal Arts Alliance (GLAA) and AAICU and I am on the board representing AUN for both. GLAA has 29 institutions in 17 countries and there are two programmes that our students are a part of. In Global Scholars Programme, students choose a topic to work on and then go to two countries.

So they are out of Nigeria for a year, learning; getting the best education you could get at one eighth the cost in the US but then, we send them out for the same cost to two other countries. AAICU where we hold the vice-presidency is all the American International colleges and universities (25 in 19 countries).

Leaders in the making We signed an agreement with all of them so our students can go to any of them, pay our tuition and pay host country’s housing. So again, this does not exist anywhere in the world. So the whole world is open to Nigerian children and this is really important. We have an agreement now with St. George in the Caribbean for medical and dental degrees.

Leaders:“Our students are real leaders in the making. The question everybody should be asking about AUN is whether the students can really apply their knowledge. We are very proud of our students. Some are in graduate school, some have started their own companies.

Chibok girls: We now have 27

escaped Chibok girls, one just came back from the US. When they escaped, they were 58, 10 went to the US and some of them are unhappy, they want to come home. They are doing well though. They are a model of how education can change lives.

Unique Law faculty:“The Law faculty will do what every other Law faculty does but in addition, we will focus on three areas: Gender, Environment and Humanitarian law, - three important areas that no other law school in the country is doing as far as we know.

Knowledgeable people We are excited especially with the Gender law; no one is doing that systematically. We will be recruiting for the Fall of this year for our first class.”

Diversity: “We have faculty and staff from 37 countries. We live in unbelievably complex time. You have to be able to deal with diversity not just from around Nigeria but from around the world.

So the first two years, students get a really broad knowledge science, history, everything they need to be good knowledgeable

Parents who are sending their children abroad should start thinking of keeping them here because it is better for them from an educational, emotional and intelligence points of view

people. Then, the last two years, they study a specific discipline but we go one more step and this is what is more important, they gain communication and analytical skills and then figure out how to apply the knowledge to solve problems. In my Development course, we talk about some of the problems Nigeria faces as a country Prof Margee Ensign and the students are appalled.

M a n y women die preventable deaths so in class, building on the North campus. we seek solutions and get These programs can be students involved. replicated around the country World class education: to solve illiteracy.

According to Prof. Ensign, Emerging Leaders Academy: parents who are sending their These are the quiet kids, 55 per children abroad should start cent of students chosen for this thinking of keeping them here are female so we are doing because it is better for them from something out there with an educational, emotional and women. One of the boys who intelligence points of view. said he could never stand up I believe that it is better to in front of a group is now a have them at home for the first student government leader so degree. They are better off in it is not just the education; it is their own country and culture applying the knowledge and but you can send them out after becoming a leader so you can the first degree. Our students solve the problems. have everything they need to You have to be able to apply be successful. People don’t knowledge in the real world, realise that the whole world is otherwise, the education is in AUN.” failing you. The students teach the kids and then come back to Fighting the classroom. illiteracy Stellar project: Students Empowered through Feed & Read program: I had Language, Literacy and some young boys selling water Arithmetic STELLAR. Students on my street but now, they are in my research class collect the enrolled in the Feed & Read baseline data; they ask such program. They are getting an question as why can’t a child education and nourishment. read and write? So we have Our students are teaching these amazing conversations them. If these little kids are with about education. their tablets or radios, we can A boy said: ‘I never thought I teach them. will learn Statistics this way by It is not a traditional doing it and trying to classroom. We teach the boys in understand how much that little front of AUN’s big gate while girl can read and write.” The the girls occupy a whole US Government is sponsoring

this project. We have six months to reach 22,000 vulnerable kids in the community – 2,000 by tablets, and 20,000 by radio and then we compare. My students have written the script for the radio program and they are doing the program. It’s like Sesame Street, a drama.

Security team In Yola, there are 750 sites for the radio, 750 volunteers in the community sitting with the 20,000 and our students have done all of the shows. Our model is: Learn it, come find solutions, go out and present and be exposed to the world.”

Security: There is a security issue but Yola is extremely safe at this point. We have a great security team as good, if not better than anybody in the world. I am so proud of what the Assistant Vice-President, Safety & Security, Dr. Lionel Rawlins, has put together.

In fact, one of our board members said he should get a global award for what he has done because look at the university campuses in the US that have been attacked, and we are in the middle of it all and still stay safe! What he did and continues to do is amazing.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 — 27

,

& YOU voice can be enough to reduce employee morale.

Competitive salary Though money is not always an employee’s main motivation, a competitive salary can help an employee feel that they are

receiving what they deserve for their job description. If an employee is under-paid they will often go searching for other jobs that offer competitive salaries. *Culled from Starting a Small Business

How to access BoI loans Access to funds has been the bane of establishing businesses, particularly micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs), in most developing countries such as Nigeria.

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HE Bank of Industry (BOI) was established and mandated to provide financial assistance for the establishment of large, medium and small projects as well as expansion, diversification and modernisation of existing enterprise; and rehabilitation of ailing ones in Nigeria.

BOI is the nation’s oldest, largest and most successful development financial institution. It was restructured in 2001 out of the defunct Nigerian Industrial Development Bank (NIDB) Limited, which was incorporated in 1964.

Qualification Small, medium and large enterprises, excluding cottage industries; New or existing companies seeking expansion and diversification; Credit worthy promoters who will be required to prove their commitment to the project by contributing at least 25 percent of the project cost excluding land; Borrowers whose management capability, financial situation (including availability of collateral and guarantee), character and reputation are incontrovertible; Clients with demonstrable ability to meet loan repayments and; Borrowers with no record of unpaid loans to erstwhile development finance institutions and other banks.

Project selection BOI’s emphasis is on prudent project selection and management accordingly, it supports quality projects with potential developmental impact.

The bank therefore considers industries that meet the following criteria: Capacity to substantially add to industrial output; Project that use largely domestic raw materials; Projects that use largely domestic raw materials; Industry in which Nigeria’s comparative advantages could be converted to competitive one; Ability to promote the expansion of exports through the production of high quality products that are attractive to domestic and

export markets. Others are: Niche projects that produce for worldwide consumption; Projects that create both forward and backward linkages, with the rest of the domestic or regional economy; Ventures that promote inter-state or regional integration; Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) that have linkage with large firms, belong to clusters and under franchise; Enterprises with high employment generation capacity.

The project must be technically feasible, commercially viable and economically desirable; Enterprises that have good management set-up and proper accounting procedures; Enterprises promoted by women entrepreneurs.

The following industrial subsectors are also accorded priority in the project selection: Agroindustries, textile and leather; Polymer-based industries; Solid minerals; Foundries and; Information Communication Technology (ICT) services.

Funds available Funds available to be accessed from BOI include: $500 million AFDB Line of Credit in support of business development of export oriented SMEs; N5 billion Dangote-BOI Fund for the development of MSMEs at 5 percent interest rate; N90 million Business Development Fund for Women (BUDFOW) provides soft loans to women entrepreneurs and; N100 billion Cotton Textile and Garment (CTG) Development Fund initiated by the federal government to revitalise the CTG industry at 6 percent interest rate with a tenor of 5 years.

Others are: N300 billion Power and Aviation Fund (PAIF) for the refinancing of commercial banks’ exposures to companies in the Power and Aviation sectors, at 7 percent interest rate with a tenor up to 15 years; N9.5 billion Cement Fund for the development of the cement sector; N10 billion Rice Intervention Fund set up by the federal government to ensure Nigeria attains self sufficiency in rice production at interest rate of 4 percent per annum; N16.91 billion National Automotive Councils (NAC) Fund to aid development of the automobile industry subsector.

Today, genuine corporate sustainability efforts call for increase in green investment and low carbon technologies

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Greening: Corporate sustainability agenda Corporate sustainability Beyond the government funding of the green GOD’S original intention for man at Lagos initiative, I recently started comparing the creation was for man to live in a garden. social and economic benefits of greening our The biblical first man, Adam’s first home immediate environment and the enormous benefits was a garden, the Garden of Eden. other key stakeholders’ involvement in driving the Though he was later sent out of the garden initiative. It is time we increased corporate but God’s original intention stands. The sustainability efforts and the city greening initiative proof is man’s constant admiration and provides great opportunity for corporations to value for gardens. demonstrate their corporate sustainability commitment.

UT contrary to our admirations Like every other contemporary issues of great for and perceived values for importance, Mr. Ban Ki Moon, the UN Secretary gardens, we are either too busy to plant or General, observed that corporate sustainability is too lazy and unconcerned to sustain a an idea whose time has come. It is assuring that garden. Worst still, we are too quick to business is able and willing to lead the way in jeopardise efforts and passionate transforming our society for better. Today, genuine commitments to return our communities corporate sustainability efforts call for increase in to God’s original intention for man. green investment and low carbon technologies.

LASPARK: Example of such efforts and The ‘green concept’ is becoming important means commitment in recent times is the Lagos to achieve what sustainable development ultimately Park and Garden Agency (LASPARK). aims at – the wellbeing of people while respecting LASPARK is a city the environment. greening agency under the The Lagos bold roadmap on both Lagos State Ministry of Green Investment and Low Carbon Environment. The agency Technology must be commended. currently drives the We must commend this bold We must greening initiatives of the commitment; we also commend Lagos State government. ensure no what other key stakeholders are The city greening initiative doing in their boardrooms and in the tree is cut was conceived by the Lagos investment to support the initiative.

State government not just down We must collectively accept the city to beautify the environment without life greening challenge now, and but as a deliberate effort to scale up effort to extend mitigate the negative effects threatening passionately it to other states to save our of climatic change, protect reasons environment. our future and save the We owe ourselves and indeed environment.

Nigeria a duty to be a part of the I came in close contact initiative. We must ensure no tree is with the agency’s cut down without life threatening Managing Director, reasons. This is because trees Dr.(Mrs.) Titi Anibaba, in improve our physical and October 2015. Before psychological health, strengthen our meeting her, I pride myself communities, and make our cities as a great advocate of a sustainable environment, but all that changed and neighbourhoods more attractive places to when I met this great Amazon of a sustainable live and work.

Passion: For the green revolution to become a environment and she shared her visions and commitment to return the Lagos metropolis reality in Nigeria our complex and multifaceted challenges must be holistically revamped, both to its God’s original intention with me. national and states’ ministries of environment must be manned by people passionate about the City greening environment. Also, an in-depth rethinking of initiative development in all its dimensions is imperative, Without sounding like a mouth-piece of we must learn to measure development beyond government, I commend LASPARK for the GDP. I believe it is time for all of us to act together success so far recorded in the ‘Green Lagos Project’. Especially when we recall that Lagos in the spirit of the shared vision of the future we was the only city in Nigeria that was want. In doing so, we must always recall the mentioned in the Last World and African Confucian saying, “If one undertakes right Green City Index. We may not be things voluntarily, how can others not follow?” commending the agency for grand success we must all work together to forge the path to in the execution of the city greening initiative, greener future we want. And I truly believe that but we sure must commend the agency’s if we make personal commitment to start from leadership and indeed the government for the places we live, we will reap the fruits of the their commitment in sustaining the greening new green nation in one generation.

Most of us may feel we can’t do anything; initiative. after all we don’t have space to plant a garden But a quick survey has shown that a major or a tree.

The most important thing we all can setback to the project implementation is getting grassroots support for the project do is to try wherever possible to engage people implementation. I will recommend increased to support the greening initiative. Whatever we stakeholder’s advocacy to communicate the can do today is so much better than what we do benefits of the project to the grassroots people. tomorrow. Together, we can be the difference The sustainability of the initiative lies in between today and our future. The future needs getting the beneficiaries to accept and drive green economies. The future needs green societies. The green initiative needs your future implementation. support.

By Adile Iroajugh

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C M Y K

28—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016—29

By Dayo Adesulu

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CORES of Joint A d m i s s i o n s Matriculation Board (JAMB) candidates and members of Association of Tutorial School Owners of Nigeria, have protested in Lagos and Ilorin over allegations of shoddy conduct of the recent JAMB examinations which led to the failure of some candidates for no fault of theirs.

"Dibu must go. Dibu must never return to JAMB again.

Dibu give me my result. I don’t want extra 40 marks, Dibu, give me my real result. Dibu, you cannot toy with our future, release my results. You are too old to lead the Board at 71.’’

Those were some of the words written on placards which hundreds of JAMB candidates carried on Tuesday at the State House of Assembly, Alausa, Lagos State.

The frustrated JAMB candidates had gathered in a peaceful protest at Maryland around 8am and marched to the House of Assembly, chanting, ‘’Dibu must go.’’ The protesters said their choice of the House of Assembly as focal point, is to enable the law makers convey their plight to the federal government.

At the protest which was monitored by Vanguard, candidates alleged that the JAMB registrar, Professor Dibu Ojerinde, had added and deducted scores of candidates at his discretion.

Scores before the examination According to them, some candidates who sat for the examination on April 27 and 29 when JAMB was test running the system, had low scores which was later upgraded by adding 40 marks.

They said that despite of the 40 marks, their scores were below 200. Some others complaints that the results they earlier received were withdrawn and replaced with another. While some others have not received their results till date.

One of the protesters added; "He added 40 marks in the first week and deducted 100 marks in the following.” They also alleged that there were cases where some students received scores before writing the examination.

Discrepancies: Reacting during the protest, Kalejaiye Joshua, one of the protesters disclosed that while he was writing the exams, the server went off about three times. He C M Y K

Cross sections of students from different part of Lagos under the, Association of Tutorial College of Nigeria, stage a peaceful protest against the Joint Admission Matriculation Board [JAMB] and its Leadership, at Lagos State House of Assembly over the failure of the Computer Based Test (CBT).

Unending furore over JAMB’s CB tests said: "When the result came out my English was 37, Mathematics, which I am not good at, I got 47. My total score was 220, but when I went to print it out, I saw 164, what happened? It is unfair and not good. I spent eight hours travelling to Igbajo Polythenic, in Osun state from Ketu, Lagos.’’

Bankole Oluwapelumi, who did his exams last Tuesday, is yet to get his results which were supposed to be made available 24 hours after the exam."JAMB initially sent me 170 through text message, but when I went to the cyber cafe to check the the result, it indicated no result.

Even the day I went to my centre at Noble Star, Aga, Ikorodu, we were told that the centre has been changed to Ojokoro, Agric without prior notice."

Long hours of reading Temitayo Akindele, on her part said: "I read very well for this exam. I am an Arts student, and when it comes to English and Government, I am very good but

Maths am not good. However, my result in Maths was the highest, am sure the computer deducted 100 marks from me.

That is what I think.

"Last year, I scored 239, and I didn’t prepare for it. But this year, sleepless night and long hours of reading, I got 194. I’m not dull or daft. I don’t want their 40 marks. I want my real result.’’

Olamide, who wrote her examination on February 27 in Osun State, said: "The score that was sent to my phone on Sunday morning after my examination on Saturday was 159, but when I went to check it on Tuesday, it became 199. ‘’The mark is not mine, because I wrote better than that score.

UNILAG is my first choice and cannot accept less than 200."

Okoro Cherish Chisom said: "Though, I registered in Lagos, I was sent to OAU, Osun state to write the exam without complain. I spent a lot of money for transport, lodging and feeding.While writing the exam, my system went off four times.

As a prospecting law student of UNILAG, I knew what I wrote.

I checked my score on line and I saw 219, for what? When I

Ekiti State varsity in Lagos, not satellite campus — EKSU V-C Page 30

wrote jamb last year, I scored 237, and this year 219. I know my worth and what am capable of doing."

It's

a

sham—

Association of National Tutorial School Operators On his part, National

Public Relations Officer, of Association of National Tutorial School Operators in Nigeria, Prince Adewale Idowu, described the whole JAMB exam as a sham, adding that it is nothing to write home about. ”JAMB cannot be testing system at the expense of future of the students. JAMB told us it would start exams on February 29 and test the systems on February 27. You are testing the system with student’s future?

"As a result, candidates had to write the exams while testing was going on. Later, after the Examinations and poor results released, JAMB added 40 marks. On what parameter or context did they do that?

Professor Ojerinde should be removed, he is too old at 71 to lead the Board."

Different scores: Also, a member of Tutorial School Owners Association of Nigeria based in Ilorin and spokesman for the protesters, Mr Olawuyi Olufemi, told journalists in an interview that to their dismay, complaints from the affected

JAMB added 40 marks in the first week and deducted 100 marks in the following

candidates and their parents indicates that they received different scores in text messages and printout, which reduced in most cases, their scores by at least 40marks.

Olufemi also gave graphic details of how computer malfunctions and poor loading of questions and instructions cheated many candidates of their hard earned success as the questions were not properly loaded,so they could not be answered on time and therefore caused them to fail woefully.

He also said that though their jobs end at training candidates for successful performance in JAMB examinations, they had to join the protest to bring the matter to the attention of the government, more importantly, when they are being asked by the parents to refund money they paid for training the candidates.

Appeal to FG: In view of this development, the protesters urged the Federal Government to wade in and compel JAMB to give affected candidates their real scores to enable them gain admission.

Protest being sponsored —JAMB Meanwhile, having gotten first hand information of the candidates’ protest, the Head of Media, JAMB, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, on Monday night in a release said: "The protests are being sponsored by some proprietors whose examination centres were lacking in all the indices needed for a successful Computer Based Test (CBT) examination.’’

Benjamin, who described the protest as sponsored, said the worst CBT is far better than the best paper and pencil test.

His words: “The attention of the Board has been drawn to a planned protest tomorrow, (Tuesday) in Lagos over the Board’s activities by individuals who call themselves education consultants. JAMB has called for calm and advised candidates to always avail themselves the opportunity provided by the board through its public complaints unit to vent their grievances and not to allow blackmailers use them for selfish interest.

“The Board had approved centres provided by these individuals to be used for the 2016 exercise, but unfortunately couldn’t as the centres were found to be lacking in all the indices needed for a successful CBT examination. This was discussed with these proprietors and they showed understanding as they witnessed the difficulties the Board went through to run even a session in their centres."

30—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

Candidates reject UTME scores, demand scrapping of JAMB

By Amaka Abayomi & Tare Youdeowei

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SCHOLARSHIP: From left; Student of School for the Blind, Glory Kolapo; Director, Lagos State Scholarship Board, Mrs. Omauton Jegede; Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Education, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh; student of School for the Blind, Mr. Samuel Edem; and Principal, Federal Nigerian Society for the Blind, Oshodi, Mr. Sola Ogunsiji, during the presentation of scholarship awards to the students of School for the blind and some athletes in Lagos.

Students debate on inclusion of entrepreneurial studies

By Elizabeth Uwandu

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HE question, should secondary school students undergo entrepreneurial studies?, formed the theme of the interschool literary and debate competition organised by Krisbethel College, Ipaja, Lagos State. Seven schools; Towergate College, Doregos Private School, Bols International College, Gec Comprehensive College, Sound Hope Private School, De-Unique College and Krisbethel, debated the merits and de-merits of students undergoing entrepreneurial studies.

The debate saw Towergate College, which opposed the motion, come tops while Doregos and Krisbethel schools came second and third respectively as they supported the motion.

Speaking on the importance of the chosen topic, Chief Moderator of the debate, Mr Adebisi Adekoya, said the idea of students undergoing entrepreneurial studies in Nigeria is a welcome

development as they will be well equipped academically, technically and professionally in any field they wish to pursue in life, on the condition that government provides a centre or training ground for such.

Delivering her speech at the occasion, the principal, Krisbethel College, Ms Oluwayemi Solarin, advised the students mix with one another, as events such as debate and quiz competitions often form the crux of a life long positive friendship.

Adekoya, while giving prizes

Principals seek better funding

By Marie-therese Nanlong principals of public JOS —schools in Nigeria,

under the aegis of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, ANCOPSS, have lamented the increasing

Ekiti State varsity in Lagos, not satellite campus — EKSU V-C

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By Dayo Adesulu

F you think the National Universities Commission, NUC, law that prohibits satellite campuses in Nigeria affects the Ekiti State University, EKSU, in Lagos, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Oye Bandele who matriculated 862 at the College of Education, Ijanikin, Lagos, has said that EKSU is an affiliate, not a satellite campus.

According to him, an affiliate school is different from a satellite campus as seen in many parts of states. He explained: ‘’There is a difference between satellite and affiliate programme. What you call affiliate exists in an established institution; the colleges of education are already established institutions and they collaborate to run your programme on their campuses. University College, Ibadan affiliating with University of London, is a clear example. US

to the winners, lamented that majority of the debaters used the word ‘undergo’ when they should have used‘study.’

His words, “Undergo and study are different. If entrepreneurial skills are to be acquired in school, is a different ball game altogether. But undergo is a question of learning and staying somewhere. So, undergoing entrepreneurial studies by secondary school students is a good initiative considering the numerous benefits it would bring the students. It is also an avenue to solving unemployment issues on the part of the government."

university can affilliate with our universities in Nigeria to run their programme. They may not come here, all they need do is to give their programme and standard to their affiliate institution. It is acceptable internationally all over the world. It is different from satellite programmes under mushroom building running degree programmes with NUC accreditations."

While addressing the matriculating students, Bandele said: “I particularly congratulate the matriculated students on this special occasion, which marks your full acceptance into the membership of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, for being very fortunate to be part of 862 candidates admitted out of many candidates who struggled for admission into this citadel of learning.”

slow pace of work going on in public schools across the country which they blamed on the introduction of the Treasury Single Account, TSA. The Head teachers equally observed that the inability of the government at all levels to adopt and implement the 26% annual budgetary provision for education as recommended by the United Nation Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO, is an impediment to the realization of educational goals in the country.

They urged government to, as a matter of urgency, improve on its funding roles by implementing the 26% recommended by UNESCO to enable the education sector perform credibly well and compete favourably with its contemporaries in other nations.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its National Executive Council, NEC, meeting held at the Nana Country Home, Jos, Plateau State, and signed by Dr. Fatima Abdulrahman and Livinus Odiong, the body’s National President and National PRO respectively, the Principals also called on government to put in place remedial measures in form of career counselling and family care personnel in schools.

OME candidates who sat for this year ’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, organised by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, have rejected their scores to the examination being sent to their phones, saying the results are beyond their expectations.

Speaking to Vanguard Learning, some candidates said JAMB is intentionally tampering with and failing candidates.

For Anuoluwapo Oni, “I wrote the exam on March 5 but my result was tampered with as another person’s result was sent to me and posted on the JAMB website. Please note that I am not the only one with this problem, and we need a platform to voice our complaints.”

For Joy Ezeani, “2016 UTME candidates, especially those that took their exams on 8th to10th of March 2016, are pleading with JAMB officials to stop scoring us too low. The systems we used were not good as they were

always tripping off and we would have to wait for the server to come up. That really wasted our time.”

In the same vein, Femi Adeoti said “JAMB is intentionally failing candidates and most of my friends and classmates are negatively affected. If you do very well, JAMB will score you 36 or less. I am really pained because I am a distinction student from Yaba College of Technology, so I wonder how I can score 184 in ordinary UTME. Please help us get our messages across."

Calling for the scrapping of JAMB as its objectives have been compromised, 22 years old Umar Ali from Kano State, said this year’s examinations show that JAMB can’t organise credible assessment of students for admission into tertiary institutions.

He said: “The CBT mode of examination is a very good development if there is constant electricity, but this year’s exam was conducted at a time when electricity generation is below 1,570 MW. "

Stakeholders advised to enlighten children on cultures

By Tare Youdeowei D M I N I S T R AT O R , Childville Schools Ogudu, Lagos, Mrs. Jola Alokolaro has advised stakeholders in the education sector to promote culture by enlightening children on culture, that it may not fade away.

Alokolaro made this call at the cultural day celebration of the school, as she explained that the responsibility of every agent of socialization is to stifle cultural imperialism in Nigeria because young ones should be properly acculturated and assimilated to be proud of their culture.

Her words; “You will agree with me that schools, being agents of socialization should not be left behind in immersing students

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into their culture. Childville as a school, wants to be the vanguard of elevating the diverse cultures in Nigeria, hence the school’s passion about its cultural day celebration.”

According to her, no culture is superior to the other but children can develop the illusion that their culture is inferior to others when theirs is hardly ever celebrated or promoted. “As a school, we do not pay lip service to promoting culture, as a result, we shuffle the culture that leads each year. This year the focus is on south-south cultures which can be seen via their food, way of dressing, dance, and other expressions of culture on parade."

NGO tasks students on ‘Read to lead’

By Elizabeth Uwandu ITERANATION ,a literary non-governmental organisation recently organised a reading fiesta tagged “Re awakening the reading habit,” as part of her secondary school development programme. The maiden edition held on 26th February, at Holy Child Secondary, Isuofia Anambra State had the presence of Nigerian writer and finalist 2014 Etisalat prize for literature; Chinua Ezenwa,Mr Okeke Chika Jerry, as guest speaker , among other writers.

The event hosted by Bennet Nwankwo, an upcoming writer and a broadcaster, saw students in the junior and senior levels competing for prizes on book reading, drama, poetry, dance and comedy etc. The winners were

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presented with LiteraNation certificate of excellence and signed books of the guest author.

Speaking on the need for students to imbibe the habit of reading, Okeke said one attribute that distinguish good leadership from bad one is the volume of knowledge each of them has.

His words, “Every good leader is a good reader, so endeavour as students to read for no knowledge acquired is a waste."

The manager and chaplain of the school, Rev. Fr Julian expressed for LiteraNation in coming up with the initiative to improve the reading culture of students. Thanking the teachers and students for their patience, Fr. Julian admonished all the students irrespective of departments to write as much as they can ,arguing that “the best time to write is today.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016—31

24hr Maternity Home opens in Lekki

By Sola Ogundipe

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OWARDS enabling access to comprehensive affordable maternity services for more residents of Lekki and environs, a 24 - hour Maternity Home has opened at the St. Kizito Clinic, in Jakande Housing Estate, Lekki.

The initiative which is a joint-venture of Loving Gaze-St. Kizito Clinic, with support from SNEPCo and NNPC, comprises nine trained and experienced midwives and a gynaecologist. The space exclusively dedicated to the Maternity Home is thought to welcome women in a comfortable, sterilized, warm and professional atmosphere.

The Maternity Home is a well equipped, up-to-date facility, comprising waiting room, delivery room, labour room with a new ultrasound machine, and standby 45KVA generating set for power supply round the clock.

In her view, Medical Director, St Kizito Clinic, Dr Alda Gemmani, noted: "Our Maternity Home wants, first of all, to welcome pregnant women and their new born with love and care. Each is a unique person living a special moment, they deserve the best loving and professional care.

St. Kizito Clinic has provided basic health care for the unprivileged communities in Lagos for the last 25 years, offering daily consultations, treatment of common and communicable diseases among others. But we also always cared for women, with a gynaecologist care, ante and post natal

service, immunisation, pharmacy dispensing and children nutrition centre.

"In all these years we noticed that most of the pregnant women we assisted, opted to give birth either through Traditional Birth Assistance or home birth, and this is the case for most women in the country.

In 2013, the WHO found that only 4 in 10 births were delivered with assistance of a skilled provide, placing Nigeria among the countries with the highest maternity mortality rate.

This evidence, along with the demands of the women we assisted, convinced us to open the Maternity Home. Our objective is to offer professional, caring and loving maternity and delivery services to pregnant women, at an affordable cost. We welcome women with low risk delivery, while women with high-risk delivery are referred.

CVDs: NHF plans food, agric Summit in Lagos

By Chioma Obinna

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ORRIED about the high incidences of non communicable diseases among Nigerians, the Nigerian Heart Foundation, NHF, is researching into the country's foods and agricultural products through a national summit billed to hold in Lagos next month.

The summit entitled: "Lipids and Cardiovascular Health in the Nigerian Population’ is in furtherance to the 2013 World Health Assembly which endorsed the non communicable disease action plan 2013 to 2020 and recommended promotion of healthy diets.

The summit billed to hold 21st April 2016, is also aimed at bridging the gap in knowledge between lipids and cardiovascular health in African population.

Addressing a press conference in

The newly opened Loving Gaze-St Kizito Maternity Home attending to a mother and her infant

Lagos, the Executive Director of NHF, Dr Kingsley Akinroye further disclosed that the summit will define the Foundation's position on cardiovascular health, palm oil and its derivative effect on the population, level of lipid profile in vegetable oil, and what zero cholesterol in vegetable oil means to the health of Nigerians.

He said the summit became necessary following evidence from studies which have shown that heart diseases are now broaden even with cancer. "When you control one risk factor, you are controlling almost all, all connect to diets."

Akinroye was optimistic that the planned summit would also tackle issues surrounding the reduction of non communicable diseases as enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGS by 2030.

Participants expected at the venue include researchers from universities, research institutes, civil society organisations in cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, nutrition, non governmental organisations, policy makers from the Federal Government, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, International organisations, agencies, consumers and manufacturers of vegetable oil.

He noted that the summit will among other things, stair up discussions on best ways to manage the heart, as well as step up efforts on the country’s research drive.

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32—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016—33

Rivers re-run polls: APC chieftain warns against violence

By Tare Youdeowei

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chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Delta State, Chief Michael Johnny, has cautioned against the killings in Rivers State ahead of weekend's rerun elections in the state.

Speaking in Warri, Johnny decried the political killings in the state and urged both parties involved to end same now in the interest of the peace.

Johnny, who is the Chairman of Egbema Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation, noted that he was worried over the unabated politically motivated killings in Rivers State, saying that enough was enough.

According to him, there is no political position worth dying for. He, therefore, appealed to politicians in the state to love one another and go about the re-run elections peacefully.

His words: “I am saddened by the politically motivated killings in Rivers State. The forthcoming re-run elections in that state should not be seen as a do or die affair. There is no political position worth

dying for. The Rivers State people are one people and so they must not allow politics to bring division among them.”

He urged the youths in the state not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence by disgruntled politicians, adding, “Our

VISIT: The Olu of Warri, HRM Ogiame Ikenwoli (left) and Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd), during the monarch's visit to the general in Victoria Island, as part of his thank-you visit to Lagos State.

Rotary battles unemployment in Delta Trains 10 youths on entrepreneurship skills

By Daniel Gumm

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ARRI—AS part of efforts to tackle the growing youth unemployment and encourage diversification from over-dependence on crude oil and gas, the Rotary Club of Warri, District 9140, has trained 10 Delta State youths in cinematography, fashion design, catering services and hair dressing.

Nine graduands out of the 10 that participated in the sevenmonth training under the Youths Entrepreneurship Skill Programme for 2015/2016 Rotary Year, were presented with items such as video cameras, tripod stands, oven and gas cookers, shelving dishes, sewing and weaving machines, blenders and several other valuable starterpacks running into several millions of naira at a ceremony in Warri, in line with the Delta State Government’s S.M.A.R.T. agenda.

In their keynote remarks shortly before the presentation of the starter-packs to the nine graduands, the District Governor of Rotary 9140, Ijeoma Okoro, represented by the Assistant Governor, Blackwell Idiahi, Senior Special Assistant to Delta State Governor on Special Duties as well as President of Rotary Club of Warri, District 9140, Rotarian Griftson Omatsuli, noted that beneficiaries of the programme will be monitored to ensure that the aim which is geared towards strategic wealth and job creation

politicians are busy killing the people in Rivers State and if they should kill everybody, who are they going to rule at the end of the day?”

was achieved.

Enjoining the graduands, who are females not to sell the starterpacks, they emphasised the need for them to put the knowledge/skill gained to good use with a view to becoming largely successful

entrepreneurs.

Third President of Rotary Club of Warri, Rotarian Isaac Jemide, challenged Rotarians to work towards increase in their membership, both in quality and quantity, just as the Vice President of Rotary Club of

Warri, Rotarian Akatakpo Jonathan, said that the next regular immunisation programme against polio by Rotary Club of Warri will take place next month.

Responding on behalf of the graduands, Miss Loveth Etsano, who underwent training in cinematography, thanked Rotary Club of Warri for the privilege and promised that they will put the knowledge to good use.

Edo APC chieftain faults PDP over rowdy session in state Assembly

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By Anozie Egole

chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Edo North, Chief Jasper Olowojoba, has faulted claims by the state Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, that the recent rowdy session in the Edo State House of Assembly that led to a-two week adjournment was because of alleged mismanagement of state resources and abandonment of governance by Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

Olowojoba, an industrialist, expressed concern over perceived misinformation and distortion of the facts by PDP to achieve cheap political points.

In a statement, he said, “The media outing of the PDP is reckless, unfortunate and appalling. It is an attempt to discredit the House of Assembly while

lurking around to benefit from it.”

He said that the governor appreciated the members of the Assembly for their

patience and understanding during the 7th anniversary event and recently, when the 2016 budget was being signed into law.

Urhobo youths in Europe condemn alleged invasion of private residence

By Onozure Dania

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RHOBO youths in different countries abroad, under the aegis of Urhobo Youth Forum in Europe, have condemned the recent invasion of the residence of the Unuevworo of Ekpan, Uvwie Kingdom, Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State, Chief Newton Agbofodoh, by military men in the guise of combing the area for illegal arms and hoodlums.

They described the action as a disregard for the rule of law.

The forum, in a statement by its national chairman,

Emmanuel Sakpakpa, called on Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, leadership of the Urhobo Progress Union and well meaning individuals of Urhobo extraction to call those behind the illegal invasion of Agbofodoh’s residence to order.

Sakpakpa recalled that last week, some military men in their numbers stormed the residence of Agbofodoh without any warrant in the guise that they were looking for arms and hoodlums, destroyed his cars, burglary proofs, windows and other valuables in his absence.

Okowa appoints Omare DG Special Programmes

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By Festus Ahon

SABA—DELTA State governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has appointed Chief Frank Omare as the DirectorGeneral, Special Programme to the state government.

Okowa, in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mr Festus Agas, said that the appointment took effect from February 13, 2016.

Omare, in wake of the democratic dispensation in 1999, was appointed by the then governor of the state, Chief James Ibori, as Senior Special Assistant, Youth Development and later served as Commissioner, Bureau for Special Duties, 2005 to 2007.

In 2007, he was appointed as Chairman, Task Force on Demolition of Illegal Structures in Asaba Capital City and later Commissioner for Housing by Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, the then governor of the state.

Deltans urged to embrace govt's healthcare reforms

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HE Managing Director of a health maintenance organisation and Chief Executive Officer, Salus Trust Limited, Dr Peter Oriavwote, has called on Deltans to key into the Delta State Health Contributory Scheme put in place by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, saying that the state was leading in healthcare reforms in the country.

Dr Oriavwote who led some officials of Salus Trust Limited on a courtesy visit to the management of Delta Broadcasting Service, Asaba, said that Delta State was already making tremendous progress in the health sector.

He said that with the introduction of the contributory health scheme in the state which was a product of the domestication of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Deltans will enjoy affordable and quality healthcare services.

Oriavwote noted that the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme has enormous benefits and would improve health care delivery system, saying that the scheme was well planned and equipped, hence beneficiaries do not need to be afraid of same.

34—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17 , 2016

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 — 35

Twin suicide bombers kill 22 at Borno mosque Attack mindless, godless — BUHARI; reaffirms govt's resolve to secure Nigeria

By Ndahi Marama Levinus Nwabughiogu

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AIDUGURI—NO fewer than 22 worshipers, including the bombers, were killed in yesterday’s early morning twin suicide bombing at MolaiUmarari village, behind the Molai Hospital, on the outskirts of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Molai lies on the fringes of Sambisa Forest on Maiduguri Damboa - Biu Road.

Several other persons were also injured in the blast that occurred less than 24 hours after dozens of terrorists and two soldiers lost their lives in an encounter along Maiduguri - Damboa - Biu road on Tuesday.

Reacting, President Muhammadu Buhari said he was angry over the news of latest cruel attacks on a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, describing the Boko Haram, perpetrators, as a group of mindless and godless people.

A tweet on the handle of the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu yesterday, said the President was “dismayed”.

The president, however, reiterated the resolve of his government to protect the country and its people.

The fresh attack on MolaiUmmarari village was said to have

By John Mkom

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GROUND-BREAKING CEREMONY: From right to left are the General Manager, Kwara State Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Salihu Sulaiman; Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and Chairman, Central Geo-Systems Nig. Ltd. Arc. Razaq Mohammed and others at the ground-breaking ceremony of Maigida Housing Estate Budo-Osho, New GRA, Ilorin. occurred at about 5am during the Muslim early morning prayers.

Another source told Vanguard that the death toll would have been less, but for residents who rushed to the scene of the blast to help the injured after the first bomb exploded.

A second bomber was said to have sneaked into the crowd to detonate another explosive that left more people dead and scores others injured.

It was gathered that the dead and

the injured had been evacuated to hospitals in Maiduguri metropolis and no one has claimed responsibility yet.

Confirming the blast, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman, said: ‘’This is to confirm that there were twin bomb attacks carried out by two female carriers at Ummarari village, near Molai, on the outskirts of Maiduguri metropolis, Borno State, this morning (yesterday).

He said: ‘’The first attack targeted a mosque, while the second blast, about 50 metres away, set off a few minutes later.

Sadly, 22 people were killed and 18 others sustained various degrees of injuries. ’While we commiserate with the families of the victims of this dastardly act, we wish to reassure the public that we would continue to rout the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists wherever they may be hiding.''

Panic in Kaduna as El-Rufai moves to implement ‘demolition law'

By Luka Binniyat

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ADUNA—AFTER demolishing large swaths of targeted areas in Zaria and Kaduna towns, with much more marked for further removal, many residents of

Kaduna town are on edge, with the passage into law last week of an executive bill that legalises the pulling down of structures in Kaduna deemed to stand against the city’s envisaged Master Plan.

It is not clear when the new

Kaduna Master Plan will come into being but Kaduna, being a colonial town, already has a Master Plan.

Already, many property in high brow and lowly residential and commercial areas in Kaduna town inhabited for decades, have been

IGP promotes officer who queried misuse of police uniform

by Nollywood officer who queried the misuse visit to the command.

By John Mkom

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ALINGO—THE Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, has promoted a rank and file police

of police uniform by Nigerian movie industry, Nollywood, to the rank of corporal.

The promotion was done at Taraba State police headquarters, Jalingo, yesterday when the Inspector General paid an official

Ex-lawmaker tasks FG on science, tech

By Bartholomew Madukwe

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ENATOR Olabiyi Durojaiye, has called on the federal government to give science and technology preeminence, if Nigeria must participate in the global economy.

Speaking at the Stephen Oluwole Awokoya Foundation for Science Education annual lecture held in Lagos, Durojaiye, who represented Ogun East senatorial district in the Senate in 1999, also

Ishaku signs N100bn 2016 Appropriation Bill into law

called on citizens of the country not to leave education to government alone.

On the rationale for the foundation, he explained that late Prof Awokoya had inspired and touched the lives of many successful Nigerians which made it necessary to immortalize his memory by continuing the good work he devoted his life.

At the event, postgraduate scholarships were given to eight students.

Newly-promoted Corporal Sara Simon had asked his boss to clear the air on the misuse of the police uniform by the industry while making their firms that sell across the globe.

Sara said: “In other countries, such act is only meant to promote the image of the police.”

He wondered why Nollywood was damaging the image of the country, contrary to what obtained in other countries.

The IGP, while answering the questions posed by the junior officer, praised the courage of Sara Simon in raising the question, and decorated the constable to the rank of corporal.

Addressing men and officers of the police in Taraba State command, the IGP called on the police in the state to embrace community partnership for efficient and quality policing.

marked for demolition by Kaduna State Urban Planning Development Authority, KASUPDA, for violation of extant building regulations, though many said they had official permission to build.

Gbagyi villa is an old suburb of Kaduna, occupied by mainly middle class working families and senior retired civil servants.

It is estimated that there are over 1, 200 homes there, and the area had been served demolition notice by the state government, after most of its structures were marked “illegal” about three weeks ago. The notice expired last Monday.

A L I N G O — GOVERNOR Darius Ishaku of Taraba State has signed the state’s 2016 Appropriation Bill of N100.87 billion into law, with a promise to give priority to agriculture to improve income and create jobs for the unemployed youths in the state.

The governor, who signed the bill at the executive chambers of Government House, Jalingo, also restated his administration’s commitments to ensure that the people enjoyed the benefits of democracy, despite the nation’s dwindling economy.

He said the state was heavily endowed with nature’s gift of agricultural opportunities which if properly funded, would generate massive employments and income for the state without depending on the monthly federal allocation.

Bello sacks HOS, appoints Igbo man, 4 others into cabinet

By Boluwaji Obahopo

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OKOJA—GOVERNOR Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has appointed Mr Moses Okezie as Senior Special Assistant on Speech Writing, Research and Documentary.

Barrister Okezie, who hails from Imo State, was part of the five new political appointees by the governor.

Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Folashade Ayoade, in a statement yesterday in Lokoja, listed other appointees as Barr. Justina Abanida from Yagba West Local government area, Chairman, Kogi State Universal Basic Education, SUBEB, and Alhaji Yakubu Oseni from Okene Local Government Area as Chairman, Kogi State Board of Internal Revenue.

CRISIS: Communty seeks FG, Amnesty Intl’s help to return home

By Boluwaji Obahopo

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O K O J A— T H E traditional ruler of Aluaja-Iyano in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State, Chief Benjamin Akoji, has called on the Federal Government, National Human Rights Commission, NHRC and Amnesty International to help in the resettlement of his people who had been

displaced since last May, following the incessant attack and killing over chieftaincy title.

Chief Akoji, who spoke on the heel of last weekend’s renewed attacks that led to the death of one of his subjects, John Ateli, and disappearance of another, Omanyo Acholo, said the crisis had made some of the residents of the community flee to neighbouring villages, with no means of returning home.

36—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

ON SECURITY: Governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State (right) and Brigade Commander, 9 Brigade Nigerian Army, Ikeja, Brig.-Gen. Bulama Biu, after a security meeting in Lagos.

WEDDED: From left— Prominent lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana; couple, Mr and Mrs Babatomiwa Oloketuyi, and the bride's uncle, Mr. Julius Eto, Deputy Editor, The Guardian, during their wedding in Lagos.

PHARMACIST: Miss Chiemezie Ibegwam (middle), flanked by her parents, Mr. and Professor (Mrs) Fintan Ibegwam, during her induction by the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria after graduating from the University of Lagos, UNILAG.

75TH INAUGURAL: From left— Deputy Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA, Professor Olatunde Arayela; Vice Chancellor, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Professor Debo Adeyewa; Professor Oluwatooyin Osundahunsi and Dean, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Engineering, Professor Olufemi Akindele, shortly after Osundahunsi delivered FUTA’s 75th inaugural lecture on Food: The Fuel and Vehicle for Life.

DETTOL CLEANER: From left— Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Daramola Adetola; Marketing Director, Reckitt Benckiser, West Africa, Oguzhan Silivrili, and PRO, LUTH, Kelechi Ofuneme, at the launch of Dettol Multipurpose Cleaner in Lagos.

PHOTO: Akeem Salau.

KASHAMU'S CHARITY: From left— Senior Legislative Aide to Senator Buruji Kashamu, Mr. Onadeko Onamusi (left), presenting a cheque of N2.5 million on behalf of Kashamu to the Chief Medical Director, CMD, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, AKTH, Kano, Professor Aminu Mohammed (right) for the kidney transplant of 38-year-old Aderogba Adeyemi (second left) in Kano.

WHEN WOMEN PRAY: From left— Head, Programmes and Training, Mrs. Mary Edgal; Pastor, Lagos 1, Pastor Temilade Zurike; Pastor, South-West Zone, Pastor Tokunbo; Assistant Resident Pastor, Fadam, and HOD, Fellowship, Mrs. Adeola Adeyeni, all of When Women Pray, during the group's briefing on the forthcoming Far Above Rubies prayer conference in Lagos. PHOTO: Bunmi Azeez.

ROTARY: From left— Vice President, Rotary Club of Warri, Akatakpo Jonathan (2nd left); Assistant Governor, District 9140, Blackwell Idiahi (3rd left); President, Rotary Club of Warri, Griftson Omatsuli (4th left); Isaac Jemide (4th right), other rotarians and successful trainees, during the presentation of starterpacks by Rotary Club of Warri to the graduands of the Youths Entrepreneurship Skill Programme for 2015/2016 Rotary year in Warri, Delta State.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016—37

International Women Day: Female unionists rue unending violence, discrimination

By Victor Ahiuma-Young & Onozure Dania

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AST week, Nigerian women joined their counterparts in the other parts of the globe to celebrate International Women Day, IWD. Though every March 8, since 1910 is set aside to mark IWD, to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, in Nigeria women based organizations especially in trade unions used between March 8 and 15, to mark the event with the theme of this year’s celebration as "Planet 5050 by 2030: Step it up for Gender Equality."

Prominent among such trade union women groups were Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, women commission, of both Ayuba Wabba and Joe Ajaero led factions, International Transport Workers’ Federation, ITF, and National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN. The general consensus among the women groups were that despite the giant strides women have attained in social, economic, cultural and political spheres, women have continued to suffer different forms of violence, discrinimation, abuse and denials in the nation’s socioeconomic and political environments.

Violence, discrimination Speaking at its programme to mark the event, Chairperson of ITF, Mrs Olufunmilayo Onuha, said democracy would not succeed in Nigeria as long as women faced violence and discrimination in the fight to eradicate poverty and achieve equality to advance human rights.

She explained that the event was also a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

According to her, study had shown that women constituted a little over half of the world’s populations, yet in the professional and political life of Nigeria and to a significant extent, all over the world, the presence of women were still considered marginal, though a lot of progress had been made in the last couple of years.

“The campaign on violation and discrimination against women has yielded tremendous result.

Despite the marginalisation and discrimination of women in the

•ITF women wing during the International Women Day celebration in Lagos. union, women have not given up, rather they made sure that their voices are heard at various platforms. We are proud to state that women are flag bearer of ITF Nigeria and they are functioning very effectively.”

The chairman of the occasion, Captain Thomas Kemewarighie, while commending women for the celebration, urged them to be alive to their responsibilities as mothers, to their children, adding that the place of a women was not just important and salient, but always relevant and whatever the child became in future was the function of the mother.

I n s t i t u t i o n i z e d discriminations: In a similar event to mark the occasion,

coordinator of 2016 IWD celebration, NLC Women Commission, Ajaero faction, Mrs. Havilah Ofulue, said women had woken up to the realities of the time and already taken their rightful place in all human endeavours.

She urged women to rise up to challenge all forms of institutionized discriminations, abuses and denials against women.

According to her, gone were the days where women were not to be seen or heard, and where they were confined to homes and in the kitchen, encouraging women to not only aimed at the a top in all human endeavours, but to also do so without compromising standards and values.

She added: “The role of women in nation’s building cannot be overemphasized. So, we have to inculcate in our children especially the girl child the right values of life to ensure that we have a better nation.

Daunting challenges

Despite the marginalisation and discrimination of women in the union, women have not given up rather they made sure that their voices are heard at various platforms

We cannot be tired of reminding ourselves and our leaders that when you that educate a woman, you educate the nation and empower a woman, empower the nation.”

Addressing the gathering, Ajaero commended women in trade unions for their doggedness and perseverance in spite of daunting challenges.

Represented by a Deputy President of the National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, Chris Omoneh, Ajaero urged women especially those in labour movement to strive above perceived limitations and

male dominations to rise to the top and become leaders of men.

According to him, women should also learn and cultivate the habit of supporting themselves instead of antagonizing one another, pleading with women in labour movement to use their training in labour to contribute to national development.

Nation’s growth and development “Women should seek for political positions whether elective or appointed to contribute the nation’s growth and development.

Do not allow your training in labour to end once you leave active unionism. You must use your training to seek for greater and higher positions to contribute to national development”, he added.

Journey to gender parity: In a goodwill message to the occasion, Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson,

General Secretary, Wabba led faction of NLC, explained while it was a day for celebrating the achievements and contributions of Nigerian women, it needed to also serve as a day of stockstaking.

According to him: “In our movement, in our workplaces and in our nation, we need to take stock and evaluate what progress has been made on the journey to gender parity. We need to re-commit ourselves to consciously working for the promotion of gender equality and for the promotion of policies and structures aimed at achieving it.

“As we celebrate our women today, we call on all, women and men alike to live the theme of this year ’s International Women’s Day which is “Pledge for Parity”. We can all pledge to work for gender parity in our homes, workplaces and in our national life. Always remember that, the time for the struggle for gender parity is now.”

Textile union holds confab

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ATIONAL Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN, will between today and tomorrow hold its 11th

Quadrennial National Delegates’ Conference in Kano.

The conference will hold on the theme Labour and Industry; Back to Basics.

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40—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

INEC, Police declare readiness

RIVERS RE-RUN

By Omeiza Ajayi

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HEAD of Saturday ’s National and State Assemblies election rerun in Rivers state, the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC and security agencies have expressed their readiness for the polls.

At a joint briefing Wednesday at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, flanked by INEC national commissioners and the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, said the commission has already deployed three national commissioners as well as six Resident Electoral Commissioners in the state.

INEC has also deployed both sensitive and nonsensitive electoral materials in the state. The commission was however quick to add that the sensitive materials which arrives Port Harcourt today (Wednesday) would be deployed in the local government areas tomorrow (Thursday).

However, INEC said it is deeply worried about the continued nullifications of elections as well as the cost of conducting election rerun.

Yakubu said elections would hold in all the 23 local government areas of the state comprising of 319 wards or registration areas and a total of 5, 942 Polling Units or Voting Points.

INEC deploys 24, 930 ad hoc staff Speaking further, Yakubu said, “To ensure the successful conduct of the rerun elections, INEC has engaged 24, 930 ad hoc staff drawn from the National Youth Service Corps NYSC and students of Federal tertiary institutions, specifically the University of Port Harcourt, the Federal College of Education (Technical) at Omoku and the Federal University, Otuoke in Bayelsa state”.

He added that the youth corps members would serve as Presiding Officers while others would serve as Assistant Presiding Officers I, II and III. In addition, INEC said it has engaged a total of 379 Collation Officers and 37 Returning Officers from the same tertiary institutions above based on the recommendations of their Vice Chancellors and Provost who

•Yakubu: INEC chairman

•Arase: IGP

vouched for their integrity.

“The list was forwarded to us here at the headquarters where we conducted due diligence check on all the nominees before they were cleared for Election Duty”, Yakubu said, assuring that the commission would never recruit election duty personnel in a partisan manner.

commission has drawn EO’s from 15 states of the federation and the INEC headquarters who shall return to their duty posts at the conclusion of election. While the Head of Operations and Administrative Secretary have been redeployed from other states, training of poll officials had since commenced and would end today (Thursday).

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Police Force said in addition to the over 21, 000 officers and men of the Rivers state Command, 6, 000 policemen

Electoral Officers drawn from 15 states He also added that none of the Electoral Officers currently posted as heads of INEC local government offices will participate in the polls.

Yakubu said those EO’s would be confined to the INEC headquarters in Port Harcourt where there will be no election day activity. Consequently, the

Smartcard Readers, charged and configured Meanwhile, INEC said Smart Card Readers would be used for the confirmation of Permanent Voter Cards PVCs as well as authentication of voters, adding that the card readers have been configured and charged.

Police, NSCDC deploy men, logistics

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have been deployed to complement those on the ground.

Also, in addition to the 5, 000 officers and men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC deployed by the Rivers command of the corps, 2, 000 others have been deployed in the state by the national headquarters.

IGP Arase on his part said the police is deploying one helicopter in each of the three senatorial districts.

While he said the intelligence unit of the force has conducted a threat analysis of the state, Arase said flahspoints and individuals who might pose security threat have been identified and watch-listed.

He said the police has contacted the Nigerian Navy to assist it in “locking down” the waterways in the state, adding that restriction of movement would start on Friday night.

Agbam, Anyanwu rally support for PDP in Etche

By Jimitota Onoyume HE people of Etche have been urged to come out to cast their votes on Saturday, stressing that they will not be intimidated by security operatives.

Two chieftains of the PDP in Igbo Etche, Chief Innocent Ama Agbam and Prince Emma Anyanwu spoke yesterday.

They also appealed to the people of the area to vote for his party, saying it was time to

reward the governor for the ongoing development project in the area.

He also drummed up support for National Assembly candidates of the party in the senatorial district, they include Jerome Eke gunning for the House of Representatives seat for Etche Omuma constituency, Goerge Sekibo for Rivers east senatorial seat and Tony Ejiogu for the House of Assembly.

It won’t be business as usual — DIG warns troublemakers

By Jimitota Onoyume

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HE Police has warned against any disorderly act from politicians during the rerun elections.

Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Sotonye Wakama who spoke yesterday in Port Harcourt at a security meeting with stakeholders ahead of the rerun elections said 16 units of heavily armed to the teeth anti riot Policemen have started arriving the state for the election exercise.

He said he would not disclose the total number of policemen being expected for the rerun election, adding that he was aware of figures being bandied around in the media on the issue.

He said as a rule politicians were not expected to move

around on Election Day, noting that those with security details should not allow their orderlies accompany them with arms to

We are going to go beyond the normal thing we did before.

This time we will deal with the person and anyone remotely connected to the action of the person, nobody should test our will

polling units to vote.

“Let me also caution our political friends. Some think they are mightier than others. Nobody will be allowed to go to the poling units with escorts. Come out, vote and go back. If you have to come with your one orderly to polling units make sure they are not armed. There should be no arm within 300 meters of polling unit.”

Assuring that policemen will conduct their operations professionally during and after the elections he advised political parties to record any act by any policeman on duty that is not in conformity with their legitimate roles during elections.

He further expressed strong hope that the elections will be peaceful.

Assistant Inspectoral General of

Police, zone 6 Calabar, Mr Baba Bolanta who also spoke said the Police was adequately prepared for the elections, promising that the Police will provide a level playing ground for all political parties.

He also said politicians seen going round polling units on the Election Day will be embarrassed and arrested.

“We are going to go beyond the normal thing we did before. This time we will deal with the person and anyone remotely connected to the action of the person, nobody should test our will. We need you. There is no way we can have peaceful election without your cooperation. We are craving for your cooperation, warn your supporters. It is not going to be business as usual. “, he said.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016—41

No party influenced list of ad-hoc staff — REC

ELECTION: Turf war in Rivers West RIVERS West Senatorial district has been in the news over mindless murders. The killings have been traced to struggle for political domination and in some cases attributed to the quest for territorial control by various cult groups.

It is as such not surprising that security is the major challenge in this senatorial district that is also host to many of the oil majors involved in oil exploration activities in the state.

The local government areas in the senatorial district are Ogba Egbema Ndoni, Abua-Oduah, Ahoada West, Ahoada East, Akuku Toru, Asari Toru, Bonny and Degema.

Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressive Congress are the predominant political parties in the areas.

The two parties have some of their chieftains from the area. The PDP has its state Chairman, Bro Felix Obua, former governor Peter Odili and several others. While on the part of the APC is the former state chairman of the PDP who later crossed over to the APC, Chief G.U.Ake, former Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Hon Chibudum Nwuche. The rerun elections will certainly be a clash of the titans in the senatorial district.

Federal Constituency Abua-Odua, Ahoada East Akuku Toru, Asari Toru

PDP Betty Apiafi Boma Goodhead

By Jimitota Onoyume Mr Otelemaba Daniel Amachree is the APC senatorial candidate He was a four time member of the Rivers state House of Assembly and became Speaker of the House during the second term of former governor Chibuike Amaechi.

Strength: Amachree is expected to leverage on bridges he has built over time in the political arena having been an active player for several years. A major challenge to him is that he lacks visibility in the media.

•Amachree: APC candidate

APC Robinson Ewoh Dr Dawari Ibietela George

Senatorial Candidates Mr Osinakachukwu Thankgod Ideozu is the PDP senatorial candidate for the election.

He represented Ahoada East I in the Rivers state House of Assembly between 1999 to 2003 and was the Minority Whip. He won election to the House of Representatives in 2003 to 2007 representing Abua/Odua/Ahoada East Federal Constituency. In 2007 he was appointed Commissioner for Finance by former governor Chibuike Amaechi.

Strength: He has been active in the politics of his constituency and the state so has built political relationships overtime. Though he lacks media visibility given his status in the politics of the state.

•Ideozu : PDP candidate

Police restrict movements of vehicles, tricycles, boats from tomorrow

By Emmanuel Aziken

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HE Rivers State Police Command has announced restriction of vehicle and boat movements in the period between Friday and Sunday to coincide within the period of the election.

The command in a statement issued in Port-Harcourt yesterday also gave strict restriction on police orderlies escorting their principals during the election.

Command spokesman DSP.

Ahmad K. Muhammad, in a statement specifically announced an “Outright ban on the use of tricycles, motorcycles and engine speed boats with capacity of 200 horsepower and above, from Friday 18/03/2016 to Sunday 20/03/2016.”

“Total restriction of movements between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm on Saturday 19th March, 2016.”

Continuing, he said: “The Command further

emphasises that Very Important Personalities are barred from going to any voting centre with their security escorts except for their unarmed orderly only.

They are also to desist from moving about from one place to another on Election Day as provided by the electoral Act. "Note that monitoring teams will be moving to ensure strict compliance and arrest security men accompanying any dignitary in such unauthorised manner.”

By Jimitota Onoyume

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HE Independent National Electoral Commission, has dismissed allegations by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Rivers state that it allowed the All Progressive Congress, APC, to draw up names of adhoc staff from the University of Port Harcourt for the re run elections.

The Rivers state Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mr Aniedi Ikoiwak who spoke yesterday at the security meeting for political stakeholders convened by the Police in Port Harcourt said it was untrue that INEC allowed the list of adhoc staff to be doctored by any of the political parties.

He said all he did was to write to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Rector Federal College of Education, technical, Omoku and the Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Otueke in line with the INEC law to draw up names of their staff to assist INEC as adhoc staff during the elections.

Continuing, the state INEC boss said he further forwarded

the list of the adhoc staff drawn up by the federal schools to the national headquarters of INEC for security check.

While stressing that INEC had no hand in the list he said the finale copy of approved names will be sent from the national headquarters of INEC. “This is the first time we have followed strictly INEC guideline on recruitment of adhoc staff.

INEC said we get names from NYSC. It does not say NYSC will give us. It also said we should write to federal universities and federal Colleges of Educations.

I wrote to the Vice Chancellors and Rector to give me credible persons for the job.

The VCs sent me lists. The Rector federal college of Education, the one in Otueke also sent their list to us signed by them, in the past we recruited ourselves and you could not hold them responsible for any wrongful acts.

I have not taken any list from any political party. Nobody has applied to be adhoc staff. The list of those to be collation officers have not been returned by Abuja to me,“ he said,

Peterside urges support for APC, faults Wike for violence

By Gbenga Oke

burnt alive in Buguma, another person buried alive in Gokana, someone clubbed to death in Opobo and so on and so forth.

What a gory tale fit for primitive societies. It is not only worrisome but it diminishes our humanness”.

Speaking on the military presence in some parts of the state, he said their presence is justifiable and urged the military to act within rules of engagement.

He said, “Military presence in the state is more than justifiable and the story line being peddled in some quarters that the military are killing people is not true.

What you have been hearing are stories by some selfish politicians who want the Nigerian military out of the area to enable their own army to continue to hold sway to the detriment of the ordinary people”.

2015 Governorship candidate of the APC in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has expressed confidence in his party winning this weekend’s legislative elections upon what he claimed was the neutral role of the security and electoral agencies.

Speaking in a chat with Vanguard, Peterside also flayed the recent spate of violence which he described as barbaric, horrendous and inhuman.

His words, “Some politicians in Rivers state believe they must get power at all cost and that is the root cause of the insecurity in Rivers state today. People are slaughtered, beheaded, burnt, clubbed to death daily in the state and nobody is saying anything about it. The state government has gone to sleep when it comes to security as if it is not part of t h e i r responsibility”.

He went further, “The situation in Rivers today is tragic, terrible, horrendous, frightening, simply inhuman. This is not who we are in Rivers state. 24 persons were killed in one night at Omoku, 4 persons killed in Obibi Etche in one •Peterside: APC chieftain day, somebody

42—Vanguard,

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

Who wins $15,000 2015 Etisalat Prize for Lit

Little Drops re-echoes travails of Niger Delta women

By Japhet Alakam &Prisca Sam Duru

••as NDDC marks Int'l Women's Day with a stage play

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By Benjamin Njoku

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T the command performance of “ Little Drops”, a play written by Professor Ahmed Yerima, last Sunday, in commemoration of this year’s International Women’s Day, the Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari did not mince words when she declared that ‘she’s using the play as a campaign to bring once more, to national conscience, the anguish and travails of the women, children and people of the oil rich region.’

“Little Drops” is a play about the unrest in the Niger Delta with a focus on the anguish of women and children. It re-echoed the long years of neglect, underdevelopment and aftermath of illconceived agitation. Particularly, the play takes a critical look at the Niger Delta from the perspective of women- the neglected innocent victims of the war of contradictions in the region. They bear the burdens and live with the collateral damages of the war caused and fought by men. Yet they are neither considered nor consulted in the scheme of things in the region.

At the end of the performance,

• The plight of women as captured in the play Little Drops held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, feelings of lost, regrets and sympathy for the women of Niger Delta filled the air.

With cast including Joke Silva(Bonuwo), Tosan Edremoda-Ugbeye(Memekize), Najite Dede(Mukume), Zara Udofia-Ejoh(Azue), Toritseju Akiya Ejoh(Kuru) and Sbiodun Kassim(Ovievie), the performance raised a lot of unanswered questions bothering on the challenges of underdevelopment bordering the oil-rich region.

According to Sementari, the

The play shows the environmental, social and political challenges of women in the Niger Delta, women and children have suffered, for too long

challenges besetting the Niger Delta region, even today, continue to be a national tragedy, just as the challenges facing the NorthEast region are. She said, the oil rich region is too important to be neglected.

She said, the play shows the environmental, social, economic and political challenges of women in the Niger Delta. “Women and children have suffered, for too long, the consequences of the conflicts in the region, one that is scarcely highlighted in all intervention strategies to address regional challenges and the attendant agitation for resolution,” she said.

The NDDC, according to her, will work with women in the region to facilitate overall regional development.

Sementari hailed the playwright, Professor Ahmed Yerima “for demonstrating an uncommon sensitivity to women issues. As we rebuild every facet of our national life, especially the Niger Delta, and the North-East regions, as we set Nigeria on the path to change, under the leadership of President Muhammadu

Buhari, the marginalization of women, too must change. Women, all over Nigeria, have shown great capacity to drive the course of development. In more and more homes of the Niger Delta, they have assumed roles of bread winners, holding society by the scruff of neck and demanding to be takenseriously.”

The play was performed in PortHarcourt, last Thursday, from where it moves to Benin and Calabar later this month.

Prominent Nigerians who graced the event were Dame Pauline Tallen, the former deputy governor of Plateau state, who represented the wife of President Muhammadu Buhari; Hajiya Aisha Buhari, wives of the governors of Bauchi, Taraba and Bauchi states, wives of the Chief of defence, army and naval staff and many others include the chairman of the presidential amnesty programme, Brigadier General Paul Boroh (rtd), wife of the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mrs John OdigieOyegun, veteran actor, Olu Jacobs and members of the diplomatic community.

Mpah Dooh storms Nigeria with Francophonie images

By Japhet Alakam

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FTER participating in many solo and group exhibitions in his country Cameroon and other countries in the world, Cameroonian born artist last week opened his first solo exhibition in Nigeria.

The high profile exhibition which was graced by notable art patrons, collectors, artists and art lovers opened on March 12 at Omenka gallery, Ikoyi and will run till April 3, 2016.

The exhibition tagged Time to Meet, an exhibition of recent works by Cameroonian artist, Joel Mpah Dooh’s which featured some of the works that come in a complex of images that dwell on the contradictions of human life was facilitated by Omenka Gallery in collaboration with Alliance Francaise as part of Francophonie week 2016.

This is Mpah Dooh’s first solo exhibition in Nigeria where he will present recent works on aluminum arising from the depth of introspection regarding the way fellow humans act in the world. The artist projects these contemplations in metaphors relying on a medium, means and style. In this regard, Dooh’s Time

to Meet comes in a complex of images that dwell on the contradictions of human life. Perhaps, in consideration here is Dooh’s style that consists of suffusion of the lines, which make his figures compelling; they appear to tease his audience, with his love for graffiti and child-like art.

Joel Mpah-Dooh is one of the finest artists on the African continent and enjoys international critical acclaim with his paintings and multi-media works. Some of the exhibiting works include City of Zen, Speaking like time moves; Between what you see

Dooh's Time to Meet comes in a complex of images that dwell on the contradictions of human life

ing, wood and chalk.

In the body of works, Mpah-Dooh explores the fragility of individual human identity and how we reinvent ourselves while moving and evolving in the city. He suggests that in the process, this delicate “self” takes control through conflict with society and its institutions while drawing on history and destiny, as well as relationships. MpahDooh’s oeuvre is characterized by the mysterious City of Zen, one of the works on display and the familiar. He has an uncommon gift of synchronizing conflicting eland what they want you to see; ements; French and Doualan, traTime Goes; The new Explorers; ditional and modern, while blendThe face of William; The boy and ing a myriad of influences. his dog, The paper series and Joel Mpah-Dooh who lives and others. works in Douala, Cameroon, studMpah-Dooh is preoccupied ied Fine Arts in Amiens, France. with experimentation in his work.

He was a visiting artist at the Bag He is inspired by the tactile realFactory in Fordsbury, Johannesity of his environment though he burg. Some of his exhibitions inis mostly an inner traveler. His clude Rendezvous, which was the techniques involve scratching highlight of the 2006 Dakar and he works on paper, canvas, Bienniale of African Contempocorrugated iron and recently rary Art in Senegal. acrylic sheets, while incorporating earth, paints, clay, packag-

FTER many months of waiting, the eventual winner of the 2015 and third edition Etisalat Prize for Literature will be unveiled at the glamorous award ceremony scheduled to hold on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at the prestigious Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island . It is going to be a three-way literary battle between The Story of Anna P, as Told by Herself

by South Africa’s Penny Busetto,Tram 83 by Democratic Republic of Congo’s Fiston Mwanza Mujila and What Will People Say? by South African, Rehana Rossouw on who will win Africa’s most prestigious literature Prize.

This year ’s Award Ceremony will embody the theme Representing the Diversity of African Voices by showcasing the richness of Africa and how our diversity converges into one unique voice of the continent. It promises to be an exciting event with performances ranging from poetry, monologues and musical performances by Darey and Asa.

Shortlisted writers Speaking on the build-up to the grand finale, Modupe Thani, Head, Events and Sponsorship, Etisalat Nigeria said that already several activities have been lined up to bring the three shortlisted writers closer to the African public ahead of the Award Ceremony. According to her, on Tuesday, March 15 the writers were showcased at the 2016 edition of Time of the Writer in University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, South Africa where they featured in a panel of literary giants as they had conversations that matter on books and knowledge.

The literary event also featured a presentation of shortlisted books to City of Durban Library by Etisalat Prize for Literature.

Today, the shortlisted writers will also be at the Lagos book reading, as the final precursor to the Award Ceremony which will provide Nigerians with a peep into the minds of the three authors. The winner of the 2015 Etisalat Prize for Literature will receive £15,000, an engraved Montblanc Meisterstück pen and a high end device. The winner will also attend the Etisalat Fellowship at the University of East Anglia under the mentorship of Giles Foden.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016— 43

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44—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

2015 ELECTION CASES: INEC Chairman slams

judiciary •Says 'Level of conflicting judgments worrisome'

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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BUJA—CHAIRMAN of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, yesterday, berated the Judiciary, even as he described as worrisome,, the level of conflicting judgments emanating from various divisions of the Court of Appeal in respect of the 2015 general elections.

Yakubu took a swipe at the Judiciary at an event attended by high-ranking Judges, including the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa.

He spoke at the opening ceremony of a National Conference on Election Petition Tribunals and Appeals, which was organised by the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

Yakubu said there was need for certainty in the laws governing the resolution of electoral conflicts, noting that some of the reasons given by courts on why some elections were annulled and re-run ordered, were highly disturbing.

He said: “There is need for certainty in the rules governing the resolution of electoral disputes. Judicial precedence is of immense importance, without which neither the judiciary nor INEC will be spared of impunity by political actors”.

Yakubu gave an instance where a particular division of the appellate court ordered INEC to conduct fresh election, “in which only the duly qualified candidates participated”, only for another division of the court, under similar circumstance, to nullify the election, disqualified the candidate and allowed the political party to submit the name of another candidate for a re-run poll.

“Yet in another division, the Court of Appeal nullified the election, ordered INEC to

conduct fresh election, but remained silent about the status of the disqualified candidates, thereby giving room for endless commentary and new rounds of litigation on the eligibility of the disqualified candidate to participate in re-run elections.”

Nevertheless, he said the electoral body was committed to respect any Judicial pronouncement, until a higher court determined its legal propriety.

Besides, Yakubu disclosed that INEC at the end of the last

general election, received a total of 680 cases filed at different election petition tribunals across the federation, by various political parties.

He said: “At the end of their sittings, about 580 cases were dismissed by the Tribunals and/or Courts of Appeal.”

The INEC boss decried that conducting re-run elections places a heavy financial burden on the commission.

He said there were instances where elections were nullified and INEC was ordered to conduct a rerun simply for the sake of conducting elections in a specific polling unit.

VISIT: From left: GMD/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza; President of Burkina Faso, Mr. Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, who was a former Director General (MD/CEO) of UBA Burkina Faso, and DMD and GMD/CEO designate, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, during a courtesy visit to the President at the presidential villa in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

10 states yet to access N30bn UBEC funds —Reps

By Emman Ovuakporie & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

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BUJA—THE House of Representatives yesterday lamented that despite the poor funding of the education sector, about 10 states had been unable to access the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, intervention fund of N3 billion each was entitled since 2011.

The House also decried noncompliance in payment of counterpart funding to access the grant by 27 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.

Consequently, the House in its resolution yesterday, called on the Federal Government to remit the statutory allocations for the months of January to April, 2015 to UBEC fund without delay.

It also urged the defaulting state governments and the FCT to, in the national interest, contribute their counterpart funds to enable them access the UBEC fund to bring education in the states to the reach of every child.

It was also said that about N58 billion of the UBEC fund, which was meant for the provision of infrastructure for primary and

secondary education, was lying moribund in the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, because the defaulting states had failed to

pay up their counterpart funding.

The resolution was a result of a motion sponsored by Rep

Aishatu Jibril Dukku which was titled, “Need to Urge States Defaulting on Universal Basic Education Funds to Pay Up.”

FG plans 3 million jobs in 3 years

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor and Levinus Nwabughiogu

when the only way is up,” Prof.

Osinbajo declared while thanking the NESG “for working BUJA—THE Federal so hard on this project,” the viceGovernment envisages the president was quoted as saying addition of three million jobs to in a statement issued by his the Nigerian economy within spokesman, Laolu Akande.

Under the proposal, entitled the next five years with the first 1.2 million jobs being created in “Strategic Framework & the year, 2016, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo said yesterday.

The three million jobs to be created largely in the private

By Bartholomew Madukwe sector, Osinbajo said yesterday, AGOS—DIRECTOR General is within the framework of what of the Centre for Black and he described as President Buhari’s directive that all policies African Arts and Civilization, of government should be framed CBAAC, Dr. Ferdinand Anikwe, with the question, “how many has said that women hold the key to Nigeria’s development. jobs would the policy create?”

He noted that the struggle for The vice-president spoke yesterday while receiving the economic reconstruction and implementation report jointly social progress which the country packaged by the Job Creation strives to attain can only be Unit of the Presidency and the achieved when women are made Nigerian Economic Summit to occupy places of relevance in Group, NESG on job creation the scheme of things.

Speaking at a one-day and youth employment in the symposium organized by country.

“We are in a situation now CBAAC and Wole Soyinka

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Implementation Plan for Job Creation & Youth Employment in Nigeria,” more than 3 million jobs would be created in the country within three years starting in 2016 especially in Technology, Wholesale & Retail, Construction and Agro-allied sectors of the Nigerian economy."

Women key to Nigeria's devt —CBAAC DG Centre for Investigative Journalism

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(WSCIJ) in Lagos, titled “Encouraging Gender parity at all Levels of Society ” Anikwe explained that because of the role women play in the family and homes they have a continuing influence in the shaping of a peaceful and prosperous society “ which Nigeria of today is canvassing for”.

Guest Speaker of the event, Mrs Owanari Duke, Chairman Board of Directors- Child Survival & Development Organization of Nigeria, stressed that women have equal or greater strength than men in certain areas.

Why we lifted ban on MTN —NCC

By Prince Osuagwu, Hitech Editor, Emeka Aginam & Emmanuel Elebeke

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AGOS—THE Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, yesterday explained why it lifted the ban on regulatory services placed on MTN Nigeria for several regulatory infractions.

However, the commission said that lifting of the ban on regulatory services was in no way related to the N1.04 trillion fine it imposed on the operator, October 20, 2015, for failure to deactivate 5.2 million improperly registered SIM cards on its network, adding that these infractions predated this fine.

The letter lifting suspension of regulatory services to MTN signed by Mr. Efosa Idehen, Head, Compliance, Monitoring/Enforcement and Mrs. YetundeAkinloye, Head, Legal & Regulatory Services, specifically stated that the lifting of the suspension was a result of several letters from MTN to the NCC requesting for the lifting.

The letter stated: “We have reviewed MTN’s plea and also took into consideration the fact that MTN has abated all the infractions that gave rise to the suspension of regulatory services by the Commission.”

Nigeria to generate 4,000 megawatts of electricity with IAEA support

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By Levinus Nwabughiogu

BUJA—PRESIDENT Muhammed Buhari has appreciated the support of the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, for Nigeria’s quest to generate 4,000 megawatts of electricity using nuclear energy.

This came as Ministers of Power, Solid Minerals, Health, Science and Technology told President Buhari that Nigeria would soon start a program that will help the country realize the objective.

According to them, it will commerce with 1000MW of electricity in the first instance and increased later to 4,000 megawatts.

The ministers told the President that preparatory steps had been taken to train doctors and other medical specialists to prepare for unforeseen circumstances, establish specialist medical centres and procure necessary equipment aimed at protecting the health of the citizens.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016— 45

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46 —Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

ABL: Fiba Africa endorses NBBF’s decision FRICA’s basket of that competition, A ball governing even as a test one.”

As a result therefore, body, Fiba Africa has upheld the decision of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF to suspend three teams, Union Bank, Lagos Islanders and Dodan Warriors from playing in the DStv Premier Basketball League which dunks off on Friday.

It also confirmed not giving any approval to “an organisation called African Basketball League (ABL) (which) undertook since March 2016, to set up a so called professional competition including six (6) teams from Côte d’Ivoire (1), Gabon (1), Nigeria (3) and Senegal (1).

The statement from the body’s Communications Co-ordinator, Ali Boukari stressed that “FIBA Africa held some meetings with that Organisation (ABL) but could not reach any agreement and accordingly, FIBA Africa did not give its approval for the launch

fibaafrica states that the teams selected by ABL to play in its competition cannot play in the domestic league of their respective countries while all other teams apart from those selected by the ABL are not allowed to feature in the ABL’s tournament.

ARIA Sharapova’s failed drugs admission has prompted the United Nations to suspend the Russian from working with the organization.

Worth an estimated $195 million, Sharapova will be unable to continue her work as a goodwill ambassador with the U.N. Development Program until the conclusion of the investigation into her admission that she tested positive for the banned substance meldonium at the Aus-

tralian Open in January.

“The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) remains grateful to Maria Sharapova for her support of our work, especially around the Chernobyl nuclear disaster recovery,” said a UNDP spokesperson. “However, in light of Ms. Sharapova’s recent announcement, we last week suspended her role as a Goodwill Ambassador and any planned activities while the investigation continues."

Zamalek duo

wingers who are skillful and fast. They are the dangerous ones Eagles must pin down, the likes of Mostafa Fathy and Ayman Hefny. They are far more dangerous than Salah as far as I am concerned.”

On Wednesday, both Fathy and Hefny were named by Hector Cuper in the final Egypt squad for the showdown with Nigeria.

Zamalek have nine players on the 25-man squad.

On the news that he is being monitored by Nigeria for a possible Eagles call-up, the Zamalek midfielder said: “I feel good about that. Many of my friends have talked to me about the news. It will be a dream come true for me.

I know there is time for everything.”

Continued from B/P

March 25, before they are guests of the Pharaohs in Alexandria four days later in crucial AFCON 2017 qualifiers.

The talk has been all about AS Roma forward Salah, but Yusuf told AfricanFootball.com that this could well work against Nigeria as the seven-time champions boast of two dangerous wingers who on their own could wreck the Eagles.

“Egypt is not all about Mohammed Salah. All I have been hearing is Salah…Salah…but that will be a big mistake if we see Salah as the only threat from Egypt,” said Yusuf, who won the league and cup double with Zamalek last season.

“Egypt have good

Goals’ll flow Continued from B/P

March 29 in Alexandria.

Aaron Samuel has assured that getting the goals would not be a problem for the Super Eagles in Kaduna on Friday next week.

The big striker, who plays for CSKA Moscow FC in Russia’s elite division alongside Captain Ahmed Musa, has been included in the list of 21 overseas –based professionals called by Coach Samson Siasia for the double dose against the Pharaohs. “Goals will

*Umar: NBBF boss

UN suspends Sharapova

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Cuper names squad rivals Ahly were called for the two matches.

Zamalek duo striker Basem Morsi and winger Mahmoud Kahraba were the prominent absentees, alongside right winger Ahmed Fathi and midfielder Moamen Zakaria from Ahly.

Earlier on Monday, Cuper called up five for-

eign-based players for the important confrontation, including Roma winger Mohamed Salah and Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny.

Egypt are leading group G with six points, two ahead of secondplaced Nigeria as the only group winners guaranteed automatic qualification for the 2017 Cup of Nations.

not be a problem when we take to the pitch in Kaduna. We have more and bigger stars than the Egyptians.

“There is nothing to fret about. I have heard what the Egyptians are saying, that we would not be able to score in Kaduna. That is mere wishful thinking on their part. They are trying to play a psychological game. The goals will surely flow from our boots into their net,” he said. On his part, defender Leon Balogun believes Eagles can beat the Egyptians home and away to ease the tension

among Nigerian football fans.

Balogun, a last minute inclusion by coach Samson Siasia in the list of invited players for the all important clashes, stated that wining both legs was the only way the Super Eagles could make the 2017 AFCON. “We would be targeting to win both matches,” Balogun, who stars for FSV Mainz of Germany, told thenff.com.

“If we get the six points, that would ease our path to the Africa Cup finals.

Winning will be the principle driving us in both matches."

Continued from B/P

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 — 47

Omagbemi affirms commitment to Falcons job

By Ben Efe

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Forward March... Ngozi Okobi (13) Halimatu Ayinde (12) and Ngozi Ebere (23) working

UPER Falcons chief coach, Florence Omagbemi has dismissed speculations that she may renege on her appointment as interim coach of the national women team.

Omagbemi, a former captain of the Super Falcons is yet to resume duties with the team already in camp stepping up preparations for the African women cup of nations qualifiers. She is said to be away on a FIFA assignment and will resume fully with the team later in the month.

“Omagbemi is fully committed and ready to chart a new course for the Super Falcons. She was attending to her sick dad when she was appointed.

And more-so she has already discussed her itinerary with the Nigeria Football Federation, and it was all settled.

“She should resume with the team on March 26 after attending a FIFA assignment in Zurich,” said a confidant of the former player who is a member of the FIFA women football technical study group.

World Indoors: Mozia ready to make hay

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IGERIAN shot putter Stephen Mozia has high hopes of shooting himself into world reckoning as the IAAF World Indoors begin today in Portland, Oregon USA. No African putter, man or woman, has ever won a medal at the World Indoor Championships but USbased Mozia could change that statistic after an indoor season in which he’s had two competitions beyond 21

metres, including reaching a career best of 21.11m in

Nashville last month.

“He is in good condition and I expect that he’ll make a good showing. He has been constant with 21m and so there is hope he can improve on his best mark,” said coach Gabriel Opuana.

Mozia will face tough challenge from US putters and also World U-20 indoor record-holder Konrad Bukowiecki. The Polish lad who celebrates his 19th birthday on the opening day

CMCL Open: Smokin Hills named as host venue

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OLLOWING the successful completion of the 2016 CMCL organized tour of Las Vegas, U.S.A which attracted a record of 36participants, attention now shifts to Smokin Hills in Ilara-Mokin, where the 18th in the series of CMCL Open Golf Championship has been scheduled to hold.

Disclosing this during the week, the Chief Executive Officer of CMCL Golf Tours Limited, Frank Igbene said the coming event will be a special one considering the fact that it Marks the 60th birthday of Otunba Olusola Adekanola who is the chairman of CMCL. Amateur Golfers from across the Country have C M Y K

been invited to Participate.

While the Nigerian Profession will also be playing as the Open has always been a Pro-Am Event.

The competition will teeoff on the 16th of May and will run through to the 22nd of the same month.

Already, the coming

event has started attracting lots of comment within the golfing community even as preparation for the tournament gathers momentum.

It’s on record that CMCL Opengolfchampionshipisthe longest running professional andamateureventintheWest Africasubregion.

of the championships, will be the youngest competitor ever in this event and has in his sights an improvement on his own continental best with the senior implement of 20.61m.

OtherNigerianathleteswho are looking to make impact include Ogho-Oghene Egwero who will be running in the 60m dash. He is also expected to lead the Nigeria 4x100mrelay.

AtotalofUS$2,464,000ison offer from the IAAF as prize money. As has become traditional, there is also a US$50,000bonusforanyathlete setting a world record during thefour-daychampionships.

The Super Falcons have been training with the other coaches, Pepetua Nkwocha and Ann Agumanu in Abuja and work is seems to be progressing. The beat an All-star male team 2-1 in Abuja on Monday.

The Super Falcons are determined to put away

the disappointment of the 2015 season behind and they aim to defend the women AFCON they won 2014 in Namibia. Nigeria has been drawn bye into the second round of the qualifers and will play either Senegal or Guinea in April.

Warri Wolves still in contention — Nikietien

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ARRI Wolves coach Peter Nikietien has insisted his team have not yet been eliminated from this year’s CAF Champions League even after they lost 1-0 at home to Al Merreikh of Sudan at the weekend.

Nikietien said the club still have a good chance to progress to the second round as they could turn the table in Sudan, just as Al Merreikh did in Nigeria.

“Football is a game you can hardly predict perfectly.

We still have the second leg to play, who says we can’t also beat them over there in Sudan? It’s not over until it’s over. We are still in,” said the coach.

“We still have a 50% chance to qualify, we should not be written off. We ask for the support of the fans and the entire Nigerians as usual. We want everyone to believe that the result can be turned over there in Sudan.”

Wolves are making their debut in the Champions League this year.

LMC fixes new dates for continental contestants

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I X T U R E S involving the three Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs with continental engagements have been reschedule to accommodate the return leg of the second round of the two Confederation of African Football (CAF) Club competitions which takes place this weekend.

The fixtures didn’t follow the two weeks return leg format and are holding just a week after the first legs played last weekend.

Salihu Abubakar, the League Management Company (LMC) Chief Operating Officer announced the adjustments in a communication to the

clubs.

According to Abubakar, “these changes would not affect the end of season dates because we have made the adjustments utilizing dates that were in the first place deliberately kept free as a fall back for unforeseen situations such as these.

Most of the fixtures will hold during the mid season break and thus will not alter our calendar as such.”

Nasarawa United and Enyimba were to have played outstanding fixtures from Match Day 2 yesterday but both teams have travelled out for their continental dates, hence the matches are now to hold on March 30.

Alampasu out of Brazil friendly

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Feirense goalkeeper Dele Alampasu has been ruled out of Nigeria’s friendly with Brazil U-23s next Thursday, stated the Nigeria Football Federation on its official webpage.

The former Golden Eaglets star suffered an acute appendicitis on D

March 8 and had to be operated upon immediately.

If his rehabilitation goes according to plan, the goalkeeper will be available for selection when CD Feirense tackle Olhanense on April 2 as doctors have predicted he will spend at most three weeks receiving treatment.

L-R: Consumer Planning & Research Manager - Beer, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Franklin Ben-Awurum; One of the one hundred thousand naira winners, Mr. Adewale Paul and Sports Journalist, Brila FM, Mr. Murphy Ijemba during the cheque presentation in the ongoing Guinness “Every Minute Made of Black” Football Promo in Lagos.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

Goals’ll flow in Kaduna — Samuel •As Balogun targets double victory over Pharaohs

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UPER Eagles players, Leon Balogun and Aaron Samuel, are targeting home and away wins over the Pharaohs of Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations Cup qualifiers, billed for March 25 in Kaduna and

*Pharoah’s dangerman, Elnemy

Continues on Page 55

Cuper names 25-man squad for Eagles ‘Zamalek duo more dangerous than Salah’

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*EGYPT BEATABLE — Balogun ready for showdown

AMALEK Nigerian midfielder Moruf Yusuf has warned that team mates Mostafa Fathy and Ayman Hefny are much more dangerous than Mohammed Salah, who most Nigerians consider as the biggest threat to the Super Eagles.

Nigeria welcome Egypt to Kaduna on Continues on Page 55

Ayman (r) Zamalek star

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HILE Super Ea gles head coach, Samson Siasia is yet to know who will make his squad for the crucial double header 2017 Afcon qualifiers against the Pharaohs, his Egyptian counterpart, Hector Cuper has already announced his 25-man squad.

Reports from Egypt indicated that Cuper announced his 25-man squad yesterday.

The winners of three successive Africa Cup of

Nations (AFCON) in 2006, 2008, and 2010 will face Nigeria on 25 March in Kaduna in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers before playing the follow-up match four days later in Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria.

According to the list announced on the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) official website, nine players from Egyptian league champions Zamalek and seven from Continues on Page 55

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S PUZZLE

YESTERDAY'S ANSWERS

ACROSS 5 Correctly (8) 6 Hand gesture (4) 7 Pudding stodgy dessert (4) 8 Disney’s medical dwarf (3) 9 Distinctive dress (4) 11 Sacred ceremony (4) 13 Knifing incident (8) DOWN 1 Measurement of surface (4) 2 Vessel used to tow water-skiers (9) 3 Write a medical order for (9) 4 Old stringed instrument (4 10 As well (4) 12 Extremely small (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 5, Slug 6, Clam 8, Offcolour 9, Monkeys 13, Sovereign 15, Deer 16, Slur.

DOWN: 1, Ascot 2, Surf 3, Gloomy 4, Smart 7, Mockery 10, Onview 11, Aside 12, Idle 14, Snort.

How to Play Sudoku

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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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