Yakowa, Azazi's last moments

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 61776

Ooni lacks knowledge of his ancestral origin —Alaafin •P 43

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

ECOWAS court blames oil spillage in N-Delta on FG •P.7

Chief Judge of Kaduna State, Justice Rahila Cudjo (right) swearing in Mukhtar Ramalan Yero as the new governor of Kaduna State at Government House, Kaduna, yesterday: Photo:Olu Ajayi.

Yakowa, Azazi's last moments •New Kaduna gov sworn in as govs, NASS, others mourn We were the first search party. Less than a minute ahead, smoke plumed from the thick swampy forest. It was a clear sign of danger.

We did about four low fly passes to capture the coordinates of incident site. Our helicopter had ingested the smoke and smell of burning metals, wires and flesh —Alabo-George

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

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AGOS—FORMER Governor of Kaduna State, Mr. Patrick Yakowa and erstwhile National Security Adviser, Gen Andrew Azazi (rtd.), were solemn but smiling last Saturday after listening to a message on the brevity of life and the vanity of riches preached minutes before they boarded a Navy helicopter that crashed within 10 minutes of take off.

An eyewitness account of their last moments revealed the last conversation of the

Continues on page 5

LES LEBA A fool and his money •P.40

OCHEREOME NNANNA •P.41

Mr & Mrs

CRASHED: Scene of the crashed helicopter in Bayelsa State (INSET): The ill-fated copter. Photos: Samuel Oyadongha.

Village head, 2 policemen, one civilian slaughtered in Maiduguri C M Y

•P.48

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POCKET CARTOON

Yakowa, Azazi's last moments Continues from Page 1 late duo and the first search party immediately their chopper went down.

Those who saw them before the doomed flight could not decipher why they were solemn.

Whether it was the message preached by Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor or the premonition of death at the burial ceremony of Pa Obebara Douglas, father of Oronto Douglas, the Special Adviser to the President on Research and Documentation.

“Governor Yakowa spoke softly, greeted warmly and smiled like he knew it was a final moment to be enjoyed,” an oil industry expert and friend of the late Azazi, Ross Alabo-George, who saw off the duo of Yakowa and Azazi to their ill-fated chopper, said.

Alabo-George had declined an invitation from the late Azazi to occupy two empty seats in the ill-fated helicopter because his own chartered Caverton chopper was already on the way. However, as the Navy helicopter ferrying Yakowa and Azazi took off, a former pilot immediately noticed trouble with one of the rotors of the navy chopper.

The former pilot accompanying Alabo-

George noticed the unusual take-off of the helicopter and the unusual effects on the rotor blades.

Their fears were unfortunately confirmed within minutes.

“Less than 10 minutes later, we were ready to go.

The captain welcomed us on board and soon after we were in the air. We had just done about 10 nautical miles when the pilot suddenly did a 180 degree turn. Mr. Darego Williams was curious and called on the captain. The captain apologised to all on board and announced to us that a helicopter had just ‘gone down’. He actually meant ‘crashed’. We were the first search party,” AlaboGeorge, who also writes for Vanguard said in an eye witness account.

“Less than a minute ahead, smoke plumed from the thick swampy forest. It was a clear sign of danger. We did about four low fly passes to capture the coordinates of incident site. Our helicopter had ingested the smoke and smell of burning metals, wires and flesh. We could see the helicopter and the appendage bearing the ‘NAVY’ inscription had severed from the main body. The moment was intense, we doubted the very facts we

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

Your ability to help others achieve their purpose enables them follow you as their leader. Lead to fulfil.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

I

N Power vs. Force, Dr. David Hawkins writes: “In this interconnected universe, every improvement we make in our private world improves the world at large for everyone. We all float on the collective level of consciousness of mankind, so that any increment we add comes back to us. We all add to our common buoyancy by our efforts to benefit life. It is a scientific fact that what is good for you is good for me.”

Dr. Hawkins has backed up his remarks and conclusions with 29 years of hard research. In essence, every single person as well as large groups of people can be calibrated for their energy levels.

Generally speaking, low-energy people cannot distinguish truth from falsehood. They can be told how to think, whom to hate, whom to kill; and they can be herded into a group-think mentality based on such trivial details as what side of the river they were born on, what their parents and their grandparents believed, the shape of their eyes, and hundreds of other factors having to do with appearance and total identification with their material world.

Hawkins tells us that approximately 87 per cent of humanity calibrates at a collective energy level that weakens them. The higher up the ladder of frequency vibration, the fewer people there are in those high levels. The highest levels are represented by the truly great persons who originated spiritual patterns that multitudes have followed throughout the ages. They’re associated with divinity, and they set in motion attractor energy fields that influence all of humankind.

knew. We all believed some miracle could have happened; the worst case was not an option. It just could not be true.”

Azazi's final hour

In his final hour, Azazi had lost no love for the president despite his summary dismissal months ago as National Security Adviser, confident that the president would

suppress the rebellion by the Boko Haram Islamic insurgency, affirming that the President is smarter than many people take him for.

“Ross, the president is very intelligent and smarter than most people know,” he said just before boarding the ill-fated navy helicopter.

The full account of the last moments are revealed on page 49.

Navy begins probe; victims' bodies deposited at FMC Yenagoa

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI & LUKA BINNIYAT

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BUJA — THE Nigerian Navy disclosed, yesterday, that it had commenced investigation into the cause of the crash even as bodies of the victims have been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

A statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Kabiru Aliyu reads: “The Nigerian Navy wishes to confirm that search and rescue effort has led to the recovery of all the four passengers and the two pilots on board its helicopter, NN 07 which crashed on December 15, 2012.

“The bodies of the victims have been recovered from the scene of the incident and the crash site has been duly secured to allow for detailed investigation. It should be noted that the report of the investigation would be made available as soon as possible.”

The names of the

victims, according to the statement are, Mr Patrick I. Yakowa, Governor of Kaduna State; General Andrew Owoye Azazi, former National Security Adviser; Mr Dauda Tsoho, aide to Governor Yakowa; Warrant Officer Mohammed Kamal, aide to General Azazi; Commander Murtala Muhammed Daba and Lieutenant Olukayode Sowola.

Gov declares 3-day mourning Also yesterday, Governor Seriake Dickson of Beyelsa State declared a three-day mourning in the state and directed that flags should fly at half mast in honour of the crashed victims. He also cancelled all the state government engagements.

Dickson, yesterday, accompanied by former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha; Chief of Naval Staff, Dele Ozeoba; top military chiefs and senior Bayelsa government officials visited the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa where the remains of the

victims of the ill-fated helicopter were deposited.

Speaking with newsmen, the governor who struggled to control his emotion said: “This is a very sad day for our dear state and great country.

This day we are reminded once again of our mortality.

It is tragic and irreparable loss for this state, the government and the people of Kaduna State. Let me first of all express our condolences on behalf of the good people of Bayelsa State and express our condolences to the people of Kaduna State whose Governor came visiting to strengthen and deepen bonds of brotherhood.

“Let me also express our condolences to the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and Chief of Naval Staff for the loss of those gallant officers.

“The right steps and decisions will be taken. As a government, to underscore our profound strength of bereavement I hereby direct three days of mourning in memory and in honor of the contributions and services and sacrifices of our

departed heroes. Within this period, all flags in Bayelsa State shall fly at half mast.”

Bodies of victims moved to FMC Yenagoa It was reliably gathered that the remains of the crashed victims were deposited at the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa between 2.30 and 3am, yesterday, by military personnel deployed to the mangrove swamp, the scene of the tragic crash which threw the riverside settlement of Okoroba into mourning.

According to sources, the bodies were conveyed to the Ogbia waterfront in Ogbia Local Government Area in a convoy of boats accompanied by military gunboats where they were received by a waiting team of military personnel and top Bayelsa government officials before the remains were moved to the medical facility.

The Ogbia jetty was reportedly cordoned off by military operatives Continues on Page 46

The mortuary where the bodies of late Gov Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State, Gen. Andrew Owoye Azazi and four others were deposited, in Bayelsa State, yesterday.

6—Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

families of the victims.

“Yakowa’s passion and pride with which he embarked on the Kaduna renewal project has been most endearing.”

On General Owoye Azazi, Oshiomhole said: “I had a very cordial and fruitful relationship with General Azazi. In all my dealings with him, he came across as a detribalised Nigerian who had a burning passion for the country.

“Azazi was an epitome of the saying ‘an officer and a gentleman’ because despite his very senior rank in the Army and his position as NSA, he was very humble and unassuming.”

Chime consoles families COMMISSIONING: From right— Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State; Vice President Namadi Sambo and Mr. Jimoh Faworaja, Project Consultant, during the commissioning of Ilorin Central Mosque, Friday.

Govs, NASS principal officers, others mourn Yakowa, Azazi G

OVERNORS and principal officers of the National Assembly were among prominent Nigerians who, yesterday, reacted with shock to the death on Saturday of Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State, Gen. Andrew Azazi, erstwhile National Security Adviser, and four others in a helicopter crash in Bayelsa.

The six died while returning from the burial of Pa Obebara Douglas, father of Mr. Oronto Douglas, Special Adviser to the President on Research and Documentation.

Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State, while lamenting the deaths, said he was cancelling all official engagements until further notice on account of the development.

A statement issued in Port Harcourt by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. David Iyofor, said Governor Amaechi had cancelled all official engagements in honour of the departed.

Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State described the death of the two men as “very painful and shocking.”

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ugochukwu Emezue, Governor Orji said he was “yet to come to terms with this sad development” which he said had thrown the nation into mourning.

Orji described late Yakowa as “humble, hardworking, and above all a man that fears God,” even as he prayed God to comfort the families of the deceased at this trying moment.

According to him, the nation has no doubt lost great men who have distinguished themselves in their chosen professions.

He noted that late former NSA to the President, Azazi was one of Nigeria’s finest military officers.

South-West govs mourn

Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State on his part described the death of Yakowa and Azazi as a “big tragedy of monumental proportion which hit the nation when least expected.”

According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, in Ado Ekiti yesterday, Fayemi noted that the tragedy became more painful given the fact that the victims were returning from a burial.

While noting that Yakowa’s death happened when the nation was yet to recover from the October 25 plane crash involving Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State, Fayemi said it was more regrettable that the crash happened when much was being done to restore sanity to the nation’s aviation sector.

Governor Fayemi was joined by the Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ekiti State, Mr. Makanjuola Ogundipe, who commiserated with members of the party, family and the people of Kaduna State over the death of Yakowa.

He said: “Ekiti PDP sympathises with the people of Kaduna State and the families of those that lost their lives and the national body of our party.”

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State on his part lamented that the death of Yakowa and Azazi was “unexpected, shocking and painful.”

Aregbesola, in a statement by his Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, said the tragic development left a sour taste in the mouth of every patriotic Nigerian.

Aregbesola said: “Such tragedy fills every mind with grief but also calls everyone, particularly the leaders, to duty on the need to ensure the safety of all Nigerians.”

Governor Olusegun Mimiko on his part also described the death of Governor Yakowa as shocking and embarrassing.

He said: “At times like this, one does not have a choice than to cry unto God for grace to manage the effect of the irreparable damage the deaths of these illustrious sons of the nation may have on every one of us either as family members, friends and nation.”

Deaths too many — Uduaghan Shocking— Oshiomhole

Speaking in the same vein, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State described the death of the two men as shocking and devastating.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sunny Ogefere, in Asaba, yesterday, said: “They are deaths too many for Nigeria and Nigerians to bear. This saddening development call for prayers.

“This is so sad and painful. It is devastating not just to me as an individual, but to our collective being as a nation.”

While condoling with the governments and people of Kaduna and Bayelsa states, families of the deceased and Nigerians over the fatalities, Uduaghan prayed God Almighty “to grant the souls of the departed eternal rest.”

In his reaction to the deaths, Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State summed the developments as a “black Saturday.”

Governor Adams Oshiomhole who also described the death of the two men as shocking to him said: “I received with great shock, news of the death of my brother Governor, Mr. Patrick Yakowa and General Owoye Azazi in a helicopter crash in Bayelsa State.

“I wish to convey the deepest condolence of the people and Government of Edo State and my personal commiseration to the

Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State, while condoling with the governments of Kaduna and Bayelsa states, said he was shocked by the news of the death of the governor and the former NSA. In a statement by Chuks Ugwoke, Commissioner for Information, Governor Chime described their untimely death as not only shocking and tragic, but a monumental loss to the entire country.

He also mourned the death of others who perished in the crash.

In the statement, the Enugu State Governor, who is still on vacation, said: “As a peace agent, who ensured peaceful co-existence among adherents of different faiths, Governor Yakowa served his people with commitment and was an embodiment of humility and selfless service, which brought about huge development in Kaduna State.

“Azazi (rtd) was a dutiful and gentleman officer and a statesman who served his people and nation with diligence and integrity.”

ACN calls for conclusive probe

Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, on its part called for a thorough investigation of Saturday’s military helicopter crash, saying unraveling the cause of the crash with a view to preventing a recurrence will mean the victims did not die in vain.

The party said in a statement issued in Lagos, Sunday, by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed: “It is said that every plane crash makes flying safer.

“That assumes that every such crash is properly investigated and the cause or causes found, disclosed and fed into efforts aimed at averting a recurrence. Saturday’s crash should not be an exception.”

ACN said till date, the March 2012 crash of a police helicopter in Jos, in which a Deputy Inspector-General of Police was killed, was yet to be unraveled, neither has the nation been told conclusively what caused the June 2012 crash of a Dana Air MD-83 plane that killed over 159 people, or even the series of deadly plane crashes that occurred prior to those ones.

It said: “The crash of another military aircraft, the Nigerian Navy Agusta helicopter, on Saturday must not be allowed to follow this pattern.”

Buhari suspends birthday events

On his part, erstwhile Head of State and national leader of Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) has put forward today’s scheduled events to mark his 70th birthday.

While condoling with the families of Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State, the immediate past National Security Adviser, Azazi and others affected by Saturday’s helicopter crash, Buhari described the development as a “monumental national tragedy.”

“For this reason and as a mark of honour to the dead, GMB has directed that the ceremony marking his 70th birthday scheduled for today at the International Conference Centre, ICC, in Abuja, be postponed indefinitely,” CPC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Fashikin, said in a statement, yesterday.

The CPC spokesman said: “Indeed, this is another difficult time for the nation and calls for sober reflection. GMB commiserates with the immediate families of the deceased, especially the government and people of Kaduna State for the great loss.”

Ekweremadu, Ihedioha shocked

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, described the death of the two men as monumental losses to the nation.

He said: “It is indeed another sad and shocking event in the annals of our nation and I pray that never again should such disaster befall our land.”

He prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the dead and inner strength for the living to bear the grievous loss.

Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, also expressed shock over the helicopter crash, saying it had brought unquantifiable pain and distress to the nation.

Ihedioha noted that both Yakowa and Azazi served the country in various capacities till death and praised their contributions to national development, observing particularly that Yakowa will be remembered as a governor who promoted peace and inter-religious co-existence in Kaduna State.

Makinde mourns

Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Sunday Ola Makinde, described the death of the two men as a rude shock, a terrible nightmare and a national tragedy.

Speaking through the church’s Media and Public Relations Officer, Rev. Oladapo Daramola, the prelate noted that Saturday would go down as a dark day in the history of this country.

Vanguard, MONDAY MONDAY,, DECEMBER 17, 2012—7

VP CONDOLENCE VISIT TO YAKOWA

ECOWAS court blames FG for oil spillage in N-Delta zSays N-Delta Ministry only ‘exists on paper’ zAmnesty International, SERAP hail judgment

BY OLA AJAYI

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BADAN—THE ECOW AS Community Court of Justice in Ibadan has blamed the Federal Government for the oil spillage which has polluted the Niger Delta.

In a two hour judgment delivered weekend by Justice Benfeito Mosso Ramos, the Vice President of the ECOWAS Community court, said the lackadaisical attitude of the Federal Government actually led to the environmental pollution of the region.

While delivering the judgment weekend, the court said the degradation of the environment was primarily caused by the oil multi-national corporations.

Registered Trustees of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, had filed a suit against the Federal Government and six oil companies over alleged violation of human rights and associated oil pollution in the Niger Delta.

The court noted further that the defence by the Federal Government that the Niger Delta Ministry, offered 13 per cent derivation to the area did not hold water.

Instead, the court is of the view that the derivation could not compensate the region for what it had suffered.

According to the court, “it clearly shows that the said agencies or ministry established by the Federal Government exist on paper.’’

The court therefore ordered the Federal Government to obey all the relevant laws under the ECOWAS law and Africa Treaty.”

On the $1billion USD damages demanded by the plaintiff, Justice Ramos disagreed with them, saying the plaintiffs failed to identify who will collect the money and share it.

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, had filed the suit against the Federal Government and six oil companies over alleged violation of human rights and associated oil pollution in the Niger Delta.

The plaintiff in the suit dated July 25, 2009, had alleged violations of the

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rights to an adequate standard of living. The rights, according to the suit, include right to food, work, health, water, life and human dignity.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International and SERAP, have hailed the verdict as a key moment in holding governments and companies to account for pollution.”

In the case, SERAP v.

Nigeria, the court unanimously found the Nigerian government responsible for abuses by oil companies and made it clear that the government must hold the companies and other perpetrators to account.

The court also found that Nigeria violated articles 21 (on the right to natural wealth and resources) and 24 (on the right to a general satisfactory environment) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights by failing to protect the Niger Delta and its people from the operations of oil companies that have for many years devastated the region.

According to the court, the right to food and social life of the people of Niger Delta was violated by destroying their environment, and thus destroying their opportunity to earn a living and enjoy a healthy and adequate standard of living. The court also said both the government and the oil companies violate the human and cultural rights of the people in the region.

The court ruled that the government’s failure to enact effective laws and establish effective institutions to regulate the activities of the companies coupled with its failure to bring perpetrators of pollution “to book” amount to a breach of Nigeria’s international human rights obligations and commitments.

The court emphasized that “the quality of life of people is determined by the quality of the environment. But the government has failed in its duty to maintain a general satisfactory environment conducive to the development of the Niger Delta region.

“This judgment confirms the persistent failure of the Nigerian government to

properly and effectively punish oil companies that have caused pollution and perpetrated serious human rights abuses, and is an important step towards accountability for government and oil companies that continue to prioritise profit-making over and above the well-being of the people of the region,” said Femi Falana SAN, and Adetokunbo Mumuni for SERAP. “This is a crucial precedent that vindicates the human right to a healthy environment and affirms the human right of the Nigerian people to live a life free from pollution. It also makes it clear that the government must hold the oil companies to account,” said Michael Bochenek, Director of Law and Policy at Amnesty International.

“The judgment makes it clear that the Nigerian government has failed to prevent the oil companies causing pollution. It is a major step forward in holding the government and oil companies accountable for years of devastation and deprivation.” said Bochenek.

The court affirmed that the government must now move swiftly to fully implement the judgment and restore the dignity and humanity of the people of the region.

“The judgment has also come at a time when oil is being discovered in the majority of the member states of the ECOWAS.? It is vital that other states take heed of this judgement, which has laid down minimum standards of operations for government and oil companies involved in the exploitation of oil and gas in the region,” Falana and Mumuni also said.

“The time has come for the Nigerian government to stand up to powerful oil companies that have abused the human rights of the people of the Niger Delta with impunity for decades,” said Bochenek.

“We commend the ECOWAS Court for standing up for the rights and dignity of the people of the Niger Delta. We also acknowledge the contribution of Dr Kolawole Olaniyan of Amnesty International,” said Falana and Mumuni.

From left: Vice President Namadi Sambo, Amina Yakowa and Amina Namadi Sambo, former Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Pauline Tallen during a condolence visit to the wife of the Late Governor, Ibrahim Yakowa, yesterday. Photo: State House.

From left: Senator Ahmed Makarfi, newly sworn-in Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Ramalan Yero, Senator Isaiah Balat and Revd. Matthew Kukah.

Kaduna State governor, Alhaji Ramalan Yero (left) and Vice President Namadi Sambo (right).

From left: Wife of the late Governor, Amina Yakowa, wife of the Vice President, Amina Namadi Sambo and former Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Pauline Tallen.

8—Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

Ford Foundation appoints Innocent Chukwuma West Africa representative

F

ORD Foundation, has announced the appointed of Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, as representative for West Africa, serving Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, The Gambia, Mali, Guinea and Sierra Leone.

Chukwuma will be based in the Ford Foundation’s office in Lagos and will oversee all of the foundation’s work in the region.

Chukwuma is a globally-renowned advocate for human rights and good governance as well as a leading scholar on police and criminal justice reform in West Africa.

Man 42, stabbed to death for settling dispute

BY DONALD ARJI

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AGOS —The police in Lagos State have arrested an Okada rider simply identified as Igali for stabbing a father of two, Demola Talabi 42, to death.

The middle-aged Igali allegedly used a screw-driver to stab Talabi on the neck and other parts of his body because he prevented him from

stabbing his passenger with whom he had an argument.

The 42-year old Talabi from Ogun State married and had two children, was said to be trying to mediate in the argument between Igali and his passenger over destination.

Speaking with Vanguard, the late Talabi’s younger brother, Ayo, said that the incident occurred at Osho Street, Opebi and they (members of his family) were contacted. Before

he got to the scene, his brother had died due to excessive bleeding.

The body has been deposited at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, mortuary for autopsy report.

A witness told vanguard that the late Talabi was on a visit to his mother ’s house at 14, Irewole Street, Opebi, when he met the Okada man and a passenger arguing.

He was said to have tried to

TUC tasks FG over insecurity

BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG

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AGOS — Trade Congress of Nigeria, TUC, weekend in Lagos, expressed concern over the increasing rate of insecurity in the country, especially kidnapping, bombings and robbery attacks.

It also condemned the colouration by some religious leaders to the investigation being carried out by the military authority into the recent bombing of the military barracks in jaji by suspected fundamentalists.

This came as TUC announced the retirement of its Secretary General, Chief John Kolawole, after attaining a mandatory 60 years age.

Musa Lawal, a lawyer, has been named acting

Lagos fears influx from polio prone zones

BY CHIOMA OBINNA & GABRIEL OLAWALE

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From left: Chief Edwin Clark, Chief Remi Adiukwu Bakare, former Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry and Prof. Osariehmen Osunbor, former Edo State Governor, during presentation of honorary fellowship award of Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, in Abuja.

Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Mr. Chukwuma

settle the matter when Igali brought out a screw driver and stabbed him several times.

The suspect was arrested and detained at the Ikeja Police Station.

AGOS — Lagos State government fears that the continuous influx of people into the state, especially from the northern states, where the polio cases are still recorded, may threaten the polio-free record of the state.

Meanwhile, no fewer than 4.3 million children are to be immunized with the polio vaccine in the four-day MopUp Immunisation Campaign against poliomyelitis which began yesterday in Lagos.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, at a conference, blamed the increasing number of children unimmunised on influx of people into state from flood or violence prone states.

Idris, who acknowledged that immunisation remains the most cost-effective and efficient strategy to prevent the scourge, urged parents to ensure that their children under the age of five get immunized.

Ogun PDP factions disagree over Tukur’s endorsement

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

ABEOKUTA—The Adebayo Dayo-led State Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogun State, has faulted claims that the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, affirmed the Dipo Odujinrin-led group as the party executive in the state.

A statement issued yesterday

by Dayo faction, said while it is true that Tukur visited former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his hilltop residence in Abeokuta, there was nowhere he was quoted as affirming Odujinrin as the Chairman of the party.

“Rather, what our respectable National Chairman said was that ‘whoever that the people have elected, as far as I’m concerned is the chairman of our party in Ogun’,” he said.

Dayo added: “We are aware that it was the sacked National Auditor of the PDP, Bode Mustapha that manipulated the remarks of the National Chairman to suit his selfish interest.

"Our National Chairman knows that our exco emerged from the congresses organized

by the Dayo Soremi-led Harmonised Exco under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant agencies, and the Odujinrin group’s had no INEC representatives.

“Even the Congress

Monitoring Committees of the party also declared the purported congresses as null and void. Again, the November 16, 2012 judgment of the Federal High Court, Lagos, which sacked the Odujinrin group, confirmed the position of the committees.

“What is more, INEC and the several court judgments have also affirmed our Exco. So, if the National Chairman says whoever is elected by the people is the Chairman, then, with all sense of modesty, he could not be referring to any other person but me.

One dies, 20 injured in Ogun auto crashes

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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BEOKUTA —One person was yesterday reportedly killed while 20 others were on danger list in two separate accidents that occurred on the Shagamu – Lagos and Abeokuta Lagos express roads in Sagamu and Ewekoro local government areas of Ogun State.

Vanguard gathered that,the first accident occurred some metres away from Shagamu inter-change on Shagamu – Lagos expressway and claimed one life leaving 16 other passengers critically injured.

According to an eye witness, a white Toyota Hiace with registration number (Lagos) JJJ 319 XP was heading to Lagos from Ijebu before one

of the rear tyres suddenly burst.

The source further said that the driver of the bus, identified as Biodun Badmus suddenly applied the breaks which made him to lose control, which led to the death of a woman while the others were seriously injured.

Confirming the accident, the Shagamu Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Mr. Ogundele Lasisi, said that the 17 passengers, who comprised seven females, five males and five children, have been rushed to the Olabisi Onabanjo Teaching Hospital, OOUTH, Shagamu where the woman gave up the ghost.

Ogundele, however, hinted that the 16 victims including five children were on critical condition at OOUTH.

Meantime, another lone accident occured around Obada – Oko on the Abeokuta – Lagos expressway in Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state leaving five people critical injured.

The accident, according to an eye witness, involved a Toyota Corolla car with registration number (Lagos) RK 567 KJA conveying the five passengers dressed in Aso Ebi reportedly going for a wedding ceremony in Lagos.

Confirming the accident,the Itori Unit Commander of FRSC, Mr. Fatai Bakare who supervised the evacuation of the injured victims, confirmed the victims were two males, two females and a child.

Bakare said that they had been taken to Ifo General hospital for medical attention.

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012 — 9

10—Vanguard, MONDAY MONDAY,, DECEMBER 17, 2012

US-based firm of fers free medicare to 1,000 patients

BY DANIEL GUMM

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ARRI—NO few er than 1,000 indigenes of Uvwie and Warri South Local Government Areas, Delta State, weekend, benefited from a one-day free medical service sponsored by a USbased medical firm, Boro Audiology Clinic.

The programme, which took place in Uvwie council, costs N3.9 million, according to the sponsor.

Addressing newsmen in Effurun, the programme sponsor and Medical Director of Boro Audiology Clinic, Dr. John Oyiborhoro, explained that unlike in the past, when only free hearing services were offered by his firm, beneficiaries of this year’s edition were offered free hearing aids and vision services such as free eye glasses and eye examination.

LG polls: Youths urge Oshiomhole to ensure due process

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN—AHEAD the local government area elections next year in Edo State, youths from Ovia North-East Local Government Area of the state have appealed to Governor Adams Oshiomhole to ensure that due process was followed in choosing persons to run for office of chairmen and councilors in the 18 councils of the state.

The youths, under the aegis of Movement for Progressive Change, MPC, who noted that the governor won in the 18 councils in the state because of his performance in his first term, urged him and his party, Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, to ensure that credible persons were elected to lead the people at the grassroots.

They argued that it was the only way the on-going developmental projects in the state could be replicated in the local government areas.

Nkiru Sylvanus, Okorocha’s aide kidnapped ...abductors demand N100m

S

PECIAL Assistant to Governor Rochas Okorocha on Public Affairs, Nkiru Sylvanus, was, yesterday, kidnapped in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

The Nollywood actress, who was kidnapped at 2.30pm, was only recently re-deloyed from the state Liaison Office in Lagos.

She was reportedly abducted close to the famous Concord Hotel, Owerri, in the company of some of her friends.

Though details of the incident were still sketchy at press time, yesterday, it

Nkiru Sylvanus

was learnt that the abductors have established contact with her family and have demanded a ransom of N100 million.

The incident could not be confirmed last night as repeated calls made to the mobile phone of State Commisioner of Information, Chinedu Offor,

proved futile.

State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Vitalis Onugu, could also not be reached for comments as his mobile phone could not be reached.

CONDOLENCE: Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, signing the condolence register of the Late Governor of Kaduna State, Mr. Patrick Yakowa and Late General Owoye Azazi (rtd), at Government House, Yenagoa. Photo: Lucky Francis.

didn’t order slaughtering of unclean Rivers ministry generates Ianimals—Delta community leader N3.1bn revenue that a motion for the removal

BY FESTUS AHON

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

P

ORT HAR COURT— Rivers State Ministry of Lands and Survey, yesterday, posted N3.1 billion as revenue generated for the state through the Rivers State Geographical Information Systems, RIVGIS, its field agency.

Commissioner in charge of the ministry, Mr. Ezekiel Amadi, disclosed this to members of the state House of Assembly Committee of Lands, who visited RIVGIS as part of their oversight responsibilities.

The commissioner noted that the declared amounts accrued from issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C of Os), Grant of Consent, mortgages and assignments carried out by the agency.

He said in the years ahead, the projected income would increase significantly as the agency was still grappling with foundation challenges while there are huge arrears of ground rents to collect from numerous holders of C of Os among other land regulations

dealings under their control.

On his part, Principal Consultant to RIVGIS, Mr. Tamuno Miebaka, who took the lawmakers on a tour of RIVGIS, said the agency, going digital had made procurement of C of Os and other land regulations documentation faster. He advised members of the public to take advantage of the enhanced efficiency at the ministry.

Ex-lawmaker lauds Uduaghan over roads

F

ORMER council lor in Ukwuani Local Government Area, Delta State, Mr. Basil Ishiekwene, has commended the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, for declaring a state of emergency on all roads in the state.

Ishiekwene, who addressed newsmen in Amai during the convocation ceremony of Novena University, said he was impressed with the decision of the governor to rehabilitate all roads in urban areas.

U

GHELLI—CHAIR MAN of Forcados community in Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State, Mr. Morris Darofa, has described as malicious, media report that he caused uproar by ordering mass slaughter of ‘unclean’ animals in the community.

Reacting to the report, Darofa said the issue of removal of cows from the community and their restriction to a confined place was initiated by past administrations in the community as a result of the danger they were posing to the people of the area.

He said the publication w a s aimed at tarnishing the image of the community.

Darofa said series of meetings were held with the people on the situation, alleging

of the cows or keeping them in a restricted place was moved by one Mr. Football Zikoregha on June 14, 2012 at the community’s town hall, alleging that several letters of invitation for dialogue were thereafter sent to the cow dealers but were never honoured. Noting that security agencies in the areas were intimated over the refusal of the cow dealers to meet with the people, he said that Zikoregha surprisingly showed up on the last day of one of the deadlines given to the cow dealers.

Vanguard, MONDAY MONDAY,, DECEMBER 17, 2012—11

Lawyer arraigned over alleged bribery

BY EMMA ARUBI

W

ARRI—A L AW YER, alleged to have offered N.7 million to the police to facilitate the release of an alleged kidnap kingpin in Warri, Mr. C. OmoIrabor, was, weekend, arraigned before a Customary Court sitting in Warri, Delta State.

The accused, facing a three-count charge of bribery and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, was, however, admitted to bail by the court.

Delta police Commissioner, had, weekend, while briefing newsmen, alleged that the lawyer attempted to secure the release of a notorious kidnap kingpin by offering the investigating police officer, IPO, the said sum, following which he was arrested

Health workers demand minister’s sack

BY VICTORIA OJEME

A

BUJA—THE Joint Health Sector Union, JOHESU, with membership drawn from professional associations in the health sector, weekend, called for the sack of Health Minister, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu.

In a statement in Abuja, JOHESU said members of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, MHWUN, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, NANNM, National Union of Pharmacists, Medical Technologist and Professional Allied to Medicine, NUPMTPAM, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associate Institutions, SSAUTHRIA, and Non-Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities, NASU, were involved in the demand for the minister ’s sack.

The statement by JOHESU Chairman, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, and Secretary, Comrade Yusuf Badmus, accused the minister of undue support for members of Nigeria Medical Association, adding that only

medical doctors were appointed as Medical Directors of Federal Governmentowned hospitals.

They said: “The protest became necessary and inevi-

table to press home the demand for the removal of the Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, whose primary consideration has remained to protect the inter-

est of NMA, just for the medical doctors to continue to maintain the headship of all directorates in health facilities of the country.”

THANKSGIVING MASS: Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Valerie Ebe (left), and Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ating, during a thanksgiving mass in honour of the Deputy Governor at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, on yesterday.

Kidnap: Tight security still maintained at Ogwashi-Uku palace Aigbokhan emerges VC of Samuel Adegboyega Varsity

BY EMEKA MAMAH

T

HE Apostolic Church has appointed Professor Bernard Aigbokhan, 61, as the new Vice Chancellor of Samuel Adegboyega University, SAU, Ogwa, Edo State.

The university, which was founded by the Apostolic Church in 2011, had late Prof. Samson Adedoyin as the founding Vice Chancellor. Prof Adedoyin died in August this year.

Meanwhile, the National Universities Commission, NUC, has thrown its weight behind the Centre for Research and Development of Esanland, CERDEL, launched by the university, recently.

Aigbokhan, an overseer of The Apostolic Church was born in Ewu, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State. He was a lecturer at Imo State University, Okigwe in 1986 before joining Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma in 1987.

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

A

SABA—DESPITE the successful rescue of Mrs. Kamene Okonjo, mother of Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, from kidnappers, tight security was still being maintained at the palace.

The palace, which, before the kidnap, was very porous security-wise, now has Nigeria Civil Defence Corps, NCDS, per-

sonnel, manning the gate while armed soldiers and policemen are at strategic positions.

Delta State police command’s spokesman, Mr. Charles Muka, told our re-

porter yesterday: “Yes, the palace is under tight security”. Asked when the security would be relaxed, he said, “I don’t know.”

Investigation showed that

residents in the community are wary of their comments over the kidnap as detectives are still roaming around both in drinking joints, markets, and motor parks in search of clues.

Agba loses mum

M

AMA Fatima Agba, of Uneme-Uzanu community in Etsakoland, Edo State, is dead, aged 68.

A philanthropist and community leader, she was a devout Christian and active member of Eternal Sacred Order of Churubim and Seraphim.

She is survived by three children, brothers, sister and nine grandchildren. Among her children is Prince Clem Agba, the immediate past Commissioner for Environment and Public Utilities in Edo State and currently a senior Manager with Chevron Nigeria Limited.

Late Mrs. Fatima Agba

12—Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

Presbyterian church crisis: 2 ministers arrested, many injured in Ebonyi

BY PETER OKUTU

A

BAKALIKI—IT was indeed a show of shame, weekend, as members and ministers of Ebonyi State chapter of Reformed Presbyterian Church and Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, PCN, clashed at Amagbo Eziedda in Afikpo South local government area over issues relating to the use of a church compound.

The incident, which led to the arrest of two Minsters, Reverend Ase. A. Ase and Chime, and injuring of several members of Reformed Presbyterian Church, Edda, saw the police shooting teargas canisters into the church to disperse those it regard-

ed as intruders in the house of God. Vanguard gathered that immediately the Reformed Presbyterian Church members commenced their church activities in a compound belonging to late Reverend Aso-Orji, the members and Ministers of Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, PCN, came into the premises with four buses to disrupt the service and takeover the church site.

Narrating the ordeal of members and ministers of Reformed Presbyterian Church, Eziedda Parish, Chairman of Board of the Church, Elder Nnachi Chukwu, alleged that the principal clerk of Presbyterian Church of Nigeria,

Reverend Ekueme, connived with Afikpo South Divisional Police, Owutu headquarters, to unleash mayhem on members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church who were worshipping on the day.

He alleged that the police in a bid to drive members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church out of the disputed church compound, shot teargas into the venue.

Consequently, he said members of RPCN sustained various degrees of injuries, thereby enabling Ministers of the Presbyterian Church to gain access into the church hall and takeover the place.

Owerri monarch’s palace razed

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

O

WERRI—PROP ERTY worth millions of Naira was, yesterday, consumed by a raging inferno that engulfed the palace of the traditional ruler of Owerri, Eze Emmanuel Emenyonu Njemanze.

Information has it that the fire was caused by power surge from public power supply, while another linked it to an internal accident.

Although no member of the immediate family could affirm or deny any of the opinions before press time, scores of sympathizers and fire service personnel battled relentlessly to put out the fire.

Vanguard gathered that apart from the two-storey building that was razed,

the royal father also lost personal effects, historical artifacts, precious documents and antiquities, as well as electrical and electronic gadgets.

It was not clear if the royal father and his wife were at home when the fire started but a sympathizer who simply identified her-

NUJ flays assault on journalist by security operatives in Enugu

E

BY TONY EDIKE

NUGU—THE Ni geria Union of Journalists, NUJ, South East Zone, yesterday, expressed concern over the alleged assault, harassment, curtailment of fundamental human right and hostage taking of PUNCH Newspapers correspondent in Enugu State, Mr. Ozioma Ubabu-

Extra-judicial killings: Group wants perpetrators prosecuted

BY INNOCENT ANABA

L

AGOS—AS Nigeria joined the rest of the world to celebrate the 64th anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human and Peoples Rights, UDHR, International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law, Intersociety, has called on Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, to ensure that perpetrators of torture and extra-judicial killing were prosecuted.

self as Mama Ejima said the loss was colossal.

“We thank God that no life was lost but the man and his family lost precious materials. It is most unlikely that the traditional will ever boast of replacing many of the things lost in the inferno,” the woman said.

Chairman on of the group, Mr Emeka Umeagbalasi, in a petition in Anambra State, to the AGF on proper criminalisation of torture and extra-judicial killings, said: “At present,the Nigeria’s criminal laws, including the CC, CPA, PC, CPC, Police Act and the Evidence Act, are porous and weak with respect to the foregoing.

Relevant provisions in them should be revisited and reworked, bearing in mind the international rights-backed defenses.”

ko, at about 11pm Saturday night by men who claimed to be security operatives.

According to Mr. Ubabuko, the SSS men blocked him at the entrance of his residence located around Trans-Ekulu area of Enugu metropolis, got into his car and asked him to surrender his phones and laptop, warning him not to dare write any story for his media organization that night.

Ubabuko said they went with him into his apartment and confiscated his laptop and held him hostage till the early hours of Sunday morning before they left, when it became obvious they had accomplished their mission.

In a statement signed by the National Vice-President, South East zone, Mr. Christopher Isiguzo, the union noted that the action of the men was not only barbaric but repugnant and a clampdown on the fourth estate of the realm.

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012 —13

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14—Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

F r o m right— Aremo Osoba, Mr. Elumoye and Alhaji Jakande receiving an award.

AWARD: From left— Mr. Deji Elumoye, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Lagos State Chapter; Mr. Eze Anaba, Deputy Editor, and Mr. Mideno Bayagbon, Editor, both of Vanguard Newspapers, receving an award on behalf of Mr. Sam Amuka, Publisher, Vanguard Newspapers, during NUJ's 2012 Press Week Media Legends Awards in Lagos, Friday. PHOTOS: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

LEFT: From left— Alhaji Lateef Jakande, former Governor of Lagos State; Aremo Olusegun Osoba, former Governor of Ogun State; Mr. Deji Elumoye; Mr. Dele Odebiyi, former Chairman, Lagos State NUJ, and Mrs Agbeke Ogunsanwo, former Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Civil Service, at the event.

FAO records increase in local rice production

A

BUJA—EFFORTS by the Federal Government to achieve selfsufficiency in rice production by 2015, have received the recognition of Food and Agriculture Organisation, FAO. FAO had projected that increased rice output in Nigeria and Ghana for 2012 will outpace consumption in 2012/13, resulting in an upward revision of five million tonnes in 2013 closing inventories.

It said: “Compared to last year, world rice carryover stocks are expected to rise by seven per cent, or 10 million tonnes, to a new high of almost 170 tonnes, marking the 8th consecutive year of stock accumulation.

“As a result, the world rice stock-to-use ratio is forecast to rise from 33.6 percent in 2012 to 35.5 percent in 2013.”

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has assured that Nigeria will achieve self-sufficiency in rice production.

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Reps back INEC on delisted parties

BY EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

A

BUJA—HOUSE of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters, weekend, threw its weight behind the decision of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to de-list 28 political parties.

The committee also disclosed that the Budget Office diverted a huge but undisclosed sum meant for INEC in the 2012 budget to a secret account, before the money was quickly returned to the commission when the legislators intervened.

The apex electoral body is empowered by Electoral Act 2010 as amended, and the 1999 Constitution to de-register political parties that would have defaulted on certain provisions relating to their existence in Nigeria.

Chairman of the Committee, Jerimon Manwe, PDP-Taraba, who gave his committee’s nod to the action of INEC, said the committee had no problems with INEC Chairman, Prof.

Attahiru Jega’s decision to delist the affected parties.

He said: “I, as a lawmaker, made the law, and INEC is supposed to implement the law and they are doing it.

“Why should I summon them for carrying out their duties as they have been asked to do,

based on the Constitution?

“We are not saying there is no provision in the law to allow for freedom of association, but those associating must be guided by law. That is why laws are made.

“Laws are made to be obeyed. You are qualified to be President of this country. You are also qualified to be a member of the House of Representatives.

“However, there are guidelines that you need to follow right from the constitution.

And so far INEC has done nothing wrong.”

He, however, dismissed suspicions that INEC might have played the script of a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, agenda to foist a single-party system on the country.

He explained that both the constitution and electoral laws were made by all parties in the country, including the affected ones.

On 2015 election, he disclosed that INEC and other stakeholders would hold talks on the loopholes in the previous elections, with the hope of addressing them in subsequent polls.

Manwe said: “Was it PDP that wrote the constitution or the electoral act? The electoral act was the product of all political parties; we had APGA, PRP, ACN, ANPP, and several

other parties who sat and

made these laws.”

NBA faults NASS on Justice Jombo-Ofo

BY INNOCENT ANABA

N

IGERIAN Bar Association, NBA, yesterday, called on the National Assembly to amend the Federal Character Act, which allows a married woman to continue to lay claim to her state of origin in national appointments.

NBA also faulted NASS asking the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Maryam Mukhtar, to swear in Justice Ifeoma Jombo-Ofo, noting that she was not sworn in because her place of origin (Anambra) was different from her husband’s state (Abia), where she served as a high court judge.

NBA President, M r .

Okey Wa l i , w h o made the call at a special court session

by the Supreme Court in honour of the late Kayode Eso, said: “We call on the National Assembly to as a matter of urgent national importance, effect amendment of Paragraph 2 of Part II of the Federal Character Commission (Establishment, etc.) Act Subsidiary Legislation.”

The paragraph states: “A married woman shall continue to lay claim to her state of origin for the purpose of implementation of the Federal Character Formula at the national level.”

Wali said the provision was against equity, good conscience and natural justice.

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012—15

AMCON reports $15bn post-tax loss

BY PETER EGWUATU

A

SSET Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, weekend, reported a N2.37 trillion naira ($15 billion) loss after tax, three years after it was set up to absorb the bad debts of banks in the aftermath of a financial crisis.

AMCON also said it expects to conclude the privatisation of the three banks nationalised by mid-2014.

It added that Nigerian banks had agreed to increase their collective contributions to a post-crisis “sinking fund” used to refinance the bank’s

bad debts to 100 billion naira, up from the 60 billion naira they had already put in.

The surprisingly large loss also raised questions about how AMCON will refinance a 1.7 trillion naira zero-coupon bond at the end of 2013, and may have implications for Nigeria’s national budget.

The after-tax loss, which AMCON officials revealed at a news conference, comes in the first accounts to be published by the bad bank since it was set up in 2010 to absorb the debts of banks hamstrung in a crisis caused by over-exposure to a weak oil and local

stock market in 2008/2009.

The crisis nearly sank nine lenders until the Central Bank of Nigeria intervened with a four billion dollars bail-out fund to keep them afloat.

The loss was a “ wake-up call” that the banking sector’s problems will not be easily resolved and that banks may end up paying a higher contribution towards its resolution, said Razia Khan, Head of Africa Research at Standard Chartered Bank.

Speaking on the report, AMCON Executive Director of Finance Mofoluke Dosumu, said: “The non-performing

loans that we bought were four times larger.

“This shows that what was disclosed as NPLs (non-performing loans) on the books of the banks were below what we found when they started selling to us. We bought four times what we initially envisaged.”

Analysts questioned how AMCON’s losses would impact its ability to repay a total of 4.5 trillion naira government-backed bonds used to clean up the banking sector if the value of the assets it holds continued to erode and whether the sinking fund will be sufficient in the short-term.

Meanwhile, AMCON said it had recovered 85 billion naira worth of bad loans and it expected to make more recoveries.

Chief Executive, Mustapha Chike-Obi, said he was confident the “bad bank” will be able to refinance its bonds at maturity next year and it could also choose to retire them using the proceeds of its sinking fund.

Chike-Obi said Nigerian banks had agreed to increase their collective contributions to a post-crisis “sinking fund” used to refinance the bank’s bad debts to 100 billion naira, up from the 60 billion naira they had already put in.

It also expects to conclude the privatisation of three banks it nationalised after the crisis, by mid-2014, which would bring in some money, Chike-Obi said.

Chevron seeks cooperation of host community

W

ARRI—GENERAL Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr. Deji Haastrup, has stressed the need for sustained mutual relationship between communities within its area of operation and his company to guarantee continuous social investment in the Niger Delta.

He made the assertion in Warri during the commissioning of a civic centre and other projects donated to Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, and Ijaw communities by EGTL Project and Southern Gas Construction, SGC. Haastrup, who was represented by Mr. Trust Inimgba, thanked Delta State Government for its support towards the successful completion of the projects.

In a message, EGTL Project Manager, Mick Krally noted that as a result of the location of the fabrication works and support services for EGTL Project in Warri Port, business activities in the area has been successfully turned around, while hundreds of jobs were created.

He said when completed, EGTL plant will be the second biggest in the world.

16 — Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012 WORDS are cheap. No wonder people use them without considering their impact or consequences of not keeping them, when they are promises. Goodluck Jonathan has added a more general promise “things will be better in 2013” to the 91 promises he made running for office in 2011. While the unfulfilled promises of 2011 were specific, Nigerians cannot be sure what a better 2013 means.

Surely, 2013 would be more challenging than 2012, which by every index is a tough year. Here are some challenges that await Nigerians in 2013: · Every Nigerian who wants to travel abroad would take mandatory oral polio vaccine from May 2013, whether a child or adult. The World Health Organisation, WHO, said the measure was necessary “to reduce the substantial risk of the virus spreading to polio-free countries.” Two other countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan are in the same league with Nigeria. · Rural poverty (which would also affect urban dwellers) would rise. The impacts of the devastation from the floods would reflect

Promises Of Bright 2013 more in 2013 when the assistance to victims dry up and they face the realities of losses of their businesses and means of livelihood. · The infrastructure deficit would increase.

The uncurbed decay of infrastructure has resulted in the stretching of the few that work. Without meaningful plans, things would get worse. · Security is a revolving concern. The bombings and killings in the North are matched with kidnaps and armed robberies in the South. There are no signs that the criminals are letting go of their prized portion of Nigeria. · Unemployment has been addressed with words for long. We now have people who leave school uneducated, unemployable,

and remain so more than five years after graduation. When organisations want candidates with relevant experience, it is difficult to find them. The coming year bears no indications of tackling mass unemployment, particularly among the youth.

Words on their own are empty. It is action behind them that makes the difference. Too many promises have been made to Nigerians - it no longer makes sense to continue making more empty promises.

Nobody expects the President to work miracles, considering the enormity of the challenges he inherited. However, if he decides to compound the situation through promises he would not keep, then he has no right to expect the understanding of the public, which has been at the receiving end of dashed expectations.

Economic indicators coupled with unabated corruption in the country do not flash signs of a healthy environment with the resources to fulfil the President’s promises.

The most reasonable thing now is to keep Nigerians abreast of the challenges and tackle them. Anything else is deceit.

OPINION

BY FRANCIS NWOSU

S

OME small things are overlooked by many people but they are the things that really matter; the kernel of things. Gov Peter Obi’s recent visit to secondary schools across Anambra State where he donated a part payment of N10m to each of the designated 200 schools may seem part of his job but to those who have been around in Anambra State since the present civilian setting, what Obi did is simply amazing.

After the civil war, government took over mission schools and the result was a monumental decay of morals, leading to the heinous crimes we see today. There is no gainsaying that today’s armed robbers and kidnappers are offshoots of that takeover. If the missions were allowed to keep their schools, for sure the circumstance would be different today.

Obi, saw this and made history as the first governor in Nigeria to fully return schools to the missionary owners. He didn’t stop there. He also dedicated millions yearly for their upkeep. Before then, he had lavished the schools with facilities and amenities such as buses, boreholes, computers, generating sets, etc.

In addition to these, he has now given them N10m each to prosecute priority projects.

This is only half of the total of the N20m he promised. The striking thing here is that the money he is lavishing on schools is money he could have used in servicing the thieving political class who do not care if Anambra burns as long as their nests are feathered.

Obi has largely ignored them and has had to endure their fight back which they have

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Obi's

welfarist

been doing by giving him a bad name.

Thankfully however the masses know the truth.

When he was handing over schools to the missions, he announced the setting aside of a whopping N6b for the schools’ upkeep and significantly noted that only he knew how the money was saved and thus could have decided to ‘eat’ it alone or to service the politicians. Indeed, if Obi had given half that sum to politicians, he would have been the most popular governor in Anambra’s history.

This would habe been at the expense of the long suffering masses. Politicians will roll out the drums for him whenever they see him. But he chose to toe the ‘unpopular’ line of ignoring politicians to favour the public.

This is why Obi has gained a legendary status as the governor who uses public money for public good. This is why the masses of the state returned him for a second term; the first in the state’s history. This is why he is the darling of the Church and the children’s favourite.

Thus, the joblessness of the political class has created room for the public to gain. Obi’s gestures to schools are indeed investments for tomorrow because the students are tomorrow’s leaders.

Obi has also brought the fear of God into governance. He is one of the few governors who do not flirt; that goes to church regularly, including the challenge of attending morning masses. By his style, Obi is making the Church a partner in governance. He is a governor who truly loves

approach

to

governance

his state and is making plans that would outlive his regime; an unusual phenomenon in these parts where serving leaders do everything to make life difficult for their successors.

Despite bringing government's presence to every town,he still gives them palliative money every December so they can tackle priority projects and boost security.

But beyond all these, Obi has facilitated the re-engineering of every sector in Anambra State. Moribund sectors like health, sports, commerce and industry, institutions of government, among others have all witnessed serious intervention.

U

nder his administration, workers for the first time had secretariats which have enabled them to be in one place and work in comfort. Before now, to visit the various ministries was always a frustrating experience as they were scattered across many towns in the capital territory. It was only Obi that saw the need to gather them in one place, thus the construction of common secretariats which are work friendly.

Ever intent on improving workers’ welfare, he increased their salaries four times and lifted the embargo on promotion. Coming after his predecessor had told workers that promotion was not a right, one can only imagine how excited the workers were.

Under Obi retirees now get their emoluments in time unlike years before when many died waiting to get their gratuities and pensions. It was also Obi who

offset all the pension arrears of pensioners which had accumulated before he took over the reins of office.

Under his regime too, permanent secretaries began to have official cars for the first time in the state’s history.

The state’s tertiary institutions under Obi have not had it so good as all of them were accreditated, a status some of them lost in the pre-Obi era. Thus, the Onitsha General hospital which lost its accreditation by the Nigerian Medical and Dental Council regained it and in addition witnessed a massive refurbishment which included its having a kidney and dialysis centre.

The schools of midwifery and nursing at Obosi and Nkpor equally had a piece of Obi’s cake as the schools witnessed a great infrastructural transformation as well as accreditations.

The College of Agriculture at Mgbakwu which was abandoned for dead by previous regimes without an iota of infrastructure was revived by Obi and today it looks like a higher institution with state-of-the-art administrative, classroom and hostel blocks and the students are happy.

A magnificent stadium will soon come up in Awka which will compare with Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu. This stadium which will be sited at the Old Awka Township Stadium will complement the already existing mini stadia at Onitsha North and South. *Mr. Nwosu, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Enugu-Ukwu, Anambra State.

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Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012—41

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HE high and mighty are under siege in Nigeria. Under siege too are those who are not so high and mighty. The mere fact that you own a decent-looking air-conditioned car could put you in danger of being attacked by highway Area Boys in Lagos. Roads to watch out for these tattered-looking youth moving in groups like packs of African wild dogs are: Ikorodu Road, Apapa Express, Badagry Express and Lagos – Abeokuta Express, especially at night.

It is easy to distinguish them from the mass of other hard-working youth selling all sorts of merchandise on the busy roads. The criminals usually are empty-handed and move in groups.

They assault your car and threaten to break your glasses unless you part with something. But usually if you give them something they consider “reasonable”, they will demand for more but you can freely ignore them and they will leave you alone and look for other victims.

People driving rickety vehicles, glasses down and casually dressed are often taken for “poor” people and left alone.

I’ve been hit several times, so I know how to spot them and I’ve come to understand their psychology. I’ve even had a gun shoved in my face along Ikorodu Road at night!

I often ask myself: what could prompt the mass of innocent, hardworking traders along the highways to drop their merchandises and resort to marauding Area Boys? And what else could nudge the Area Boys to taken up weapons, sniff drugs and go on the hunt for the “rich”?

More importantly, what will make young people to take up arms against the “rich” through violent robberies and kidnapping? What does it take for a young person to become a militant or terrorist?

Quite obviously, the group of thugs that planned and executed the kidnap of Professor Kanene (not Kamene) Okonjo, the Queen Mother of Ogwashiuku and mother of one of the most influential women in the world, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, had graduated to daredevil levels of criminality. Also, it is obvious they were only looking at the “profits” of this venture and not the losses. The greed of our corrupt elite has also contaminated the criminals laying in wait. People are no longer stealing

Challenges of Okonjo’s kidnap

will advise her to dump her job as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy and return to the international arena, being that Nigerians have decided to pay back her decision to serve in bad coin. That would be foolish. In the first place, the kidnap was neither prompted by Nigerians nor celebrated by them. If anything, the Okonjo family had the sympathy of virtually all.

Make contributions count: In the second place, Ngozi walking away from the job will make her a coward and opportunist. She would be booed off the stage. All her contributions will not longer count for much. Rather, she should be challenged to help tackle the problem of mass unemployment and poverty at the root. As the Minister for the Economy she is already best positioned to do it. “ Shortly after she was sworn-in on her second coming to the job she promised to (a) diversify the economy and (b) create jobs. Some say one year is too short for results to show. The President has promised that 2013 will see the maturation of efforts of his government to transform the economy. 2013 is only two weeks away. Okonjo-Iweala should shake off the general perception that she is a major reason for sluggish release of funds for capital projects and general poor budget implementation. Youth unemployment and lack of opportunities for legitimate realisation of young people’s dreams and aspirations are chiefly responsible for massive youth poverty, terrorism and violent crimes in the North and kidnapping and other violent crimes in the South.

The economy needs a radical rejigging and if Okonjo-Iweala cannot do it (and in good time too) I wonder who

minister, is like putting your head in the mouth of a lion.

We all saw how the entire armed forces were brought out to carry out a presidential order to find the woman and her c a p t o r s .

Governor Emma Uduaghan relocated the Government House to the palace of the Obi of Ogwashiuku.

Queen (Professor) Kanene Okonjo and her daughter Ngozi, As I write, the Finance Minister there is breaking government money, bank deposits, news that Queen Kanene Okonjo has shareholders and pensioners’ funds in been released, safe and sound. This is millions. They now steal in billions and a victorious end to the saga, though we trillions of naira. may never know Blind greed: When the Okonjo the true inside Ngozi walking away from the job will kidnappers initially named one billion s t o r y , make her a coward and opportunist. She US Dollars as their ransom I knew they p a r t i c u l a r l y would be booed off the stage; all her had been afflicted by the same blindness whether monies that greed inflicts on politicians, were paid out. contributions will not longer count for bankers, public office holders and civil The question, much. Rather, she should be challenged to is: servants. It causes them to steal like however, people possessed. Little did they know Who is next? help tackle the problem of mass that if that money was given to them it Particularly at unemployment and poverty at the root; as would be their greatest give-away. Little risk are those did they also realise that snatching the who may not the Minister for the Economy she is the mother of, perhaps the most powerful have already best positioned to do it connections Ngozi OkonjoIweala has; those for whom the can. If she succeeds Nigerians have President will not intervene; those whom ways of rewarding those who serve them TARTING from this week, I will embark on my annual leave. But I will resume governors will not feel are important well and exhibit iron-clad determination in facing up to the devils that impede this column in mid-January, recharged and ready to offer new exciting enough to compel them to react. our development.

Now that Professor Okonjo has been possibilities. For instance my blog will make its debut in the New Year. I wish you Welcome back home, Queen all Merry Christmas and a Happy, Prosperous New Year 2013. Travel safely and freed, what will Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Professor) Kanene Okonjo! do?

What should she do?

Typically, some take a rest. God bless you and God Bless Nigeria.

,

,

Off for a month

S

BY ERIC TENIOLA

B

EFORE the January 15, 1966 Military Coup, there were five constitutions operating in this country.

There was the Constitution of the Federal Republic of 1963. Then we had the Constitution of Northern Nigerian Law of 1963, the Constitution of the Eastern Nigerian Law of 1963, the Constitution of Western Nigerian Law of 1963 and the Constitution of MidWestern Nigerian Act of 1964.

The four Regions were administered in a way, as if they were Sovereign states.

Sub-section 2D of Section 63 of the Constitution of the Western Nigerian Law of 1963, subsection 1 of section 64 of the constitution of the Mid-Western Nigerian Act of 1964, sub-section 1 of section 66 of Eastern Nigeria constitution Law and sub-section 1 of section 68 of the constitution of Northern Nigeria Law of 1963, all made provisions for the appointments of agent Generals for the four regions in the United Kingdom.

The Agent Generals were like modern days ambassadors. For example, the Western Region appointed Chief Emmanuel Akintoye Akinbowale Olasunmbo Coker (1924-2000), as Agent General to the United Kingdom and he served in that office between 1960-1963. His scheduled was not in conflict C M Y K

OPINION The journey that leads nowhere with that of the Nigerian Ambassador to the United Kingdom at that time, Alhaji Abdul-Maliki (1914-1969), the son of the late Attah of Igbirra land- a true diplomat and bureaucrat.

And the age-long dream among students of the then Western Region,at that time was to clinch Western Region Scholarship instead of The Federal Government Scholarship. Those were the booming days of the cocoa era.

Each of the Regions had their own Chief Justices, Police Commissioners, Legislative Houses and many other bodies. We remember in particular Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu (1909-1966), Father of the late, Ikemba of Nnewi, Chief Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, who held the powerful posts of Chairman of Eastern Region Development Corporation and Eastern Nigeria Marketing Board.

Each of the Regions differed on some key issues.

Section 23 of the Constitution Northern Nigeria Law of 1963 ruled that” the business of the Legislative Houses shall be conducted in English and in Hausa”.

Other Regions upheld only English in their Legislative houses.

The Western Region even had a Court of Appeal which served as an Intermediate Court between its high Court and the Supreme Court. The only uniformity was in the procedure for the establishment of key office holders. They all had premiers and Governors.

The Governors, according to the four Regional Constitutions shall be appointed” by the President acting in accordance with the advice of the Premier”.

The post of Governors was more ceremonial for the Executive power resided in the hands of Premiers, who had a majority in the legislative houses.

Interestingly, except the Mid-Western Nigeria Constitution, Act of 1964, the three other regional constitutions, named all the Governors.

As for the Premiers, we had Sir Ahmadu Bello (19091966) in the North, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola (1910-1966), who succeeded Chief Obafemi Awolowo (1909-1987), in the Western Region, Dr.Micahel Iheonukara Okpara (1920-1984), who succeded Dr.Nnamdi Azikiwe (1909-1996) as Premier in the Eastern Region and Chief Dennis Chukadebe Osadebe (1911-1994) as premier of the Mid- Western Region.

Continues on the Viewpoints page 50 *Mr. Teniola, former editor of the Evening Punch, wrote from Lagos.

42 — Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

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Vanguard, MONDAY MONDAY,, DECEMBER 17, 2012—43

Alaafin vs Ooni:

Alaafin says Ooni lacks knowledge of his ancestral origin

BY OLA AJAYI

I

BADAN—The perennial rivalry between the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade resurfaced weekend as the former described Oba Sijuade as someone who is not knowledgeable about his ancestral origin.

The two foremost Yoruba monarchs have been embroiled in crisis over the control of Yorubaland.

The disagreement which had abated after the creation of Osun State, reared its head again recently when Ooni said the Alaafin did not have the rights to celebrate Oranyan, one of the sons of Oduduwa because the deity was not known in Oyo town as claimed by the Alaafin.

Despite many attempts made to make Oba Adeyemi respond to the accusation then he kept sealed lips.

Ooni had alleged that Alaafin was reigning over a dead empire.

But, while responding in his palace at a special birthday lec-

ture organized in his honour by the City People magazine, entitled: ‘Reviving Old Oyo Customs and Tradition’, he hinted that he did not respond because of the intervention of the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo at a meeting where Oba Sijuade, the Awujale of Ijebu, Oba Oyebade Lipede were in attendance.

Alaafin recalled that Oba Sijuade had said, “he (Alaafin) is not Oranyan”, but he turned deaf ears because he wanted absolute concentration during the celebration of Oranyan.

Explaining why he broke the silence, he said Ooni did not refrain from condemning him and his traditional activities.

Alaafin claimed Oyo is superior to Ife in many ramifications.

“Where did this Yoruba language that we are speaking evolve from? Which language was used in writing the Bible?

It is Oyo language. Why not Ife language? Where else are they speaking Ife language apart from Lagere Quarters? Why are the Modakeke people, who are living behind Ife not speaking Ife language?” Alaafin asked.

Alaafin further clarified that he had posed so many questions to Ooni which, he alleged, “instead, he came with books that could fill three baskets”.

“In 2009, Ooni had rubbished the institution of Alaafin, but a year after when he was celebrating his birthday, he said Oranyan was his father’s ancestor. How could you have denigrated your ancestors and later claimed that you are a son of the Alaafin.

“Anybody who does not know his ancestral roots, who did not strive to learn about it, and does not learn from those who know,

will continue to make mistakes and flounder in ignorance. That is part of Ooni’s inadequacies”, he said.

“When we wanted to celebrate Sango, they said Sango is not Yoruba. Sango studied Quoran.

He was the one that was first conferred with the title of ‘Akeugberu’.

He was the first in the art of adjudicating justly. When he was born, the umbilical chord that joined him with his mother could not be severed. Because they pulled it and it would not cut, it became the name ‘Afonja’. The glory, success and tradition of Yoruba started from Oyo”, he stated.

Alaafin alluded to a period during the tenure of late Chief Bola Ige (SAN) when a “stamped paper recognising Oranyan as the Head of the Princes and Princesses in Yorubaland, and that Oyo dominated all other nations, namely: Ife, Ijebu, Egba, Ijesa, Sabe, Owu and so on”.

He warned that Ooni should not distort historical facts further.

The Director, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, Professor Isaac Albert, commended Alaafin for epitomizing the rich African cultural heritage.

Fayemi assures of road rehabilitation

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

A

DO EKITI — Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has vowed that his administration is committed to aggressive rehabilitation of road network in different parts of the state While reinstating the commitment of his administration in creating jobs for the youths who are looking for employment, Fayemi charged them to shun os-

tentatious lifestyle.

He also called on the people of the state to eschew bitterness and political acrimony, urging them to see Ekiti project and other developmental plans of his administration as their utmost priority. The governor who was speaking during the 20th Isan Ekiti Day on Saturday, pledged that his administration would rehabilitate the roads linking Isan Ekiti with other towns to engen-

der development in the community and to check mate age-long practice of rural-urban drift The governor equally promised to put to shape all the roads connecting Ekiti to the neighbouring states, particularly in the northern axis of the state and the border towns, so that the state could boast of good road networks that could fast-track development in remote towns.

C M Y K

44 — Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

NIIA DG advocates skills training for pensioners

BY LAJU ARENYEKA

D

IRECTOR General of Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, Prof. Bola Akinterinwa, weekend, urged pensioners to complement theoretical education with entrepreneurial skills. Akinterimwa who made the call at the 51st founders’ day celebration of the institute in Lagos in response to a workshop on soap making and cassava production organized for pensioners of the institute said pensioners should acquire necessary skills that will enable them keep up their standard of living after retirement.

The workshop was facilitated by Dr. Dele Oleku, a representative of the Director General of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, FIIRO, Dr.Gloria Elemo gave practical insights on soap making and production, as well as cassava and fruit juice processing.

Akinterinwa said: "We will bring them to your place for practical education.”

C M Y K

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012—45

Kaduna: New calculations after Yakowa's death IT was the web of conspiracy tales on how the country’s power equations were determined in the town that gave rise to the myth of the Kaduna Mafia. The flux in the tenure of its governors is, however, no myth!

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

A

Beginniing of administration At the advent of the fourth republic, Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi, a former commissioner of Finance during the military regime was elected as governor with the rotund Mr. Stephen Shekari as his deputy. There were suggestions at the beginning of their administration that Makarfi who was reportedly hospitalised for a long period at the beginning of the first term would not last in office. It was then suggested that for the first time, a Christian would govern the state. But the thinking of man was upturned when Shekari died in office leaving Makarfi to build what has been described as one of the best legacies of governance by a civilian in Kaduna State .

After Shekari’s death, Makarfi picked Mr. Patrick Yakowa a former career civil servant turned politician as his deputy. Yakowa finished with Makarfi in 2007 but his bid to succeed Makarfi as governor ran into stormy waters and he ended up continuing as deputy governor of the state under Makarfi’s handpicked successor, Arc. Namadi Sambo.

Makarfi it was generally believed helped to ensure that his own loyal deputy, was put

*Sambo: Now back in full control on the ticket as Sambo’s running mate.

Sambo’s stewardship of Kaduna was in good progress until the death of President Umaru Yar‘adua in May 2010 when he, Sambo was picked to become vice-president to President Goodluck Jonathan who succeeded the late Yar‘adua.

*Yakowa: Death alters 2015 permutations

Muslim and Christian populations in the state, Yakowa as governor was always quick to calm tension that repeatedly broke out during his short reign. He was particularly passionate in wooing the Islamic population.

Though he had a difficult time winning election in 2011, he was by some account

Muslim pilgrims ... who had by that time been taken in by Yakowa’s charm towards them prayed passionately for his conversion to Islam

,

FTER the death of Governor Patrick Yakowa last Saturday, another myth around Kaduna has emerged.

No pair of governor and deputy that entered office ever ended in office together.

The first civilian governor of the old Kaduna State, was the redoubtable Balarabe Musa who was forced out of office in June 1981 upon his impeachment by the National Party of Nigeria, NPN dominated House of Assembly.

His deputy, Alhaji Abba Musa Rimi eventually finished his term in office. Alhaji Lawal Kaita of the NPN who won the 1983 gubernatorial election on the ticket of the NPN did not finish his term as he was booted out of office by the military putsch of December 31, 1983.

Alhaji Dabo Lere who was elected governor of the new Kaduna State with James Bawa Magaji as his deputy in 1991 also did not finish his term as he was also booted out of office by the Sani Abacha led coup of November 17, 1993.

,

Sambo’s elevation led to the inevitable ascension of his former deputy, Yakowa to the Government House. It was a phenomenal development for the Christian dominated southern population who for the first time had someone of their faith in control of the state.

The appointment of Yakowa’s deputy was reportedly dictated

by Sambo. The choice was Ramallah Yero, who was before his elevation, the commissioner for finance in the Sambo administration and before then, accountant and financial director in Samba’s private company.

As governor Yakowa, undoubtedly had his job well cut out. Given the history of delicate relations between the

already worming his way into the heart of the muslim population through his government’s charm offensive to Muslims through such programmes as Ramadan feeding and hajj sponsorships.

When Muslim pilgrims from the state went for the hajj last year, a national newspaper reported that the pilgrims who had by that time been taken in

by Yakowa’s charm towards them prayed passionately for his conversion to Islam!

Yakowa was, off course not universally popular among Christians at the time of his selection as Sambo’s deputy in 2007. He was regarded in bad light for having helped what some regarded as the conspiracy to frustrate their

*Yero: Will Sambo's man turn into his own man? brother, Isaiah Balat in the 2007 gubernatorial primary.

He, however, over time won all but extremists to his side.

Even though he remained courteous and reverential towards Sambo, there were often repeated allegations of differences between both men.

Indeed, it was believed in some circles that Sambo was already lining up at least three powerful contenders to challenge Yakowa for the gubernatorial ticket of the PDP in 2015. Among those so named are Yero and the director general of a prominent Federal Government parastatal from the state. Besides the duo, the Secretary to the State government, Alhaji Lawal Samaila Yakawada, had been

alleged to be also oiling the machinery to contest the 2015 election. Just last week the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN in the state had called on Yakowa to sack Yakawada for what it described as the SSG’s effrontery in planning to contest the 2015 election.

The inauguration of Yero as governor yesterday has, inevitably changed all the permutations for 2015. What Yero could have fought for, he now has firmly in his kitty. And Sambo, whose legacy in Kaduna was almost being put to question through election losses at home, is now fully back in the saddle. After all, his personal accountant is in charge.

More on page 51

46—Vanguard , MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

52 years after, Ekwueme decries Nigeria’s rot, unrealised dreams

BY CLIFFORD

NDUJIHE AGOS—SECOND REPUBLIC VicePresident, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, yesterday, took a dispassionate look at the state of affairs in Nigeria and returned a grim verdict: we have not realised our pre-independence dreams and aspirations.

Urging leaders at all levels to accelerate efforts to check the rot and begin the onerous task of devel-

L

From left: GM, Corporate Social Responsibility, Total Exploration and Drilling Nigeria Limited, Dr. Justus Pearse; Country Director, Family Care Association, Mr. Joshua Kempeneer, and Manager, CSR, Total Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, Mr Emmanuel Ikomi, at the Eduvision Primary School, Gwarko, Abuja, during the Total Exploration’s sponsored roll back malaria intervention programme in communities and schools in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja.

oping the country, he said: “No one present when the Union Jack was lowered in 1960 would be happy with the present level of development in Nigeria.”

The elder statesman spoke with journalists during his 80th birthday reception organised in his honour by his Orumba kinsmen in Ikoyi, Lagos, under the auspices of Orumba Forum.

Asked where and when Nigerians started missing the mark, he said: “I don’t want to apportion blames but no one who saw the Union Jack lowered in Nigeria would be happy about the present state of things”.

Among the British colonies, one of the founding fathers of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said on the eve of independence on Septem-

ber 30, 1960, “expectation was high that Nigeria would be one of the greatest countries in Africa and the world, but the dreams and expectation have not been realised.”

Ekwueme prescribed “determination and commitment to serve” on the part of leaders as a major step to reverse the downward slide in Nigeria’s quest for sustainable development.

The President of the forum, Dr. Raymond Obieri and other members drawn from all works of life showered encomiums on the politician and enjoined those in the corridors of power to emulate his good virtues.

Notable personalities at the event included Prof Laz Ekwueme, Sir John Ezeh, Sir Emma Udoye, Chief Ben Ohakwe, Prof Titus Okeke, Obi Okafor and Dr Emma Nwankwo.

Navy begins probe Continues from Page 5

mourning the tragic incident.

We heard a phone ringing at crash site —Rescue operative

Some members of the rescue team involved in the emergency operations that located the crash site of the doomed helicopter alleged that the mobile phone of the late governor was rigging when his body was recovered from the wreckage at about midnight.

A joint search party of the Joint Task Force known as Operation Restore Hope, the youths of the Okoroba Community, members of the Civil Defence Corps and the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) recovered the remains of the crash victims.

A security operative, who pleaded anonymity, said with the assistance of the youths of the community, the crash site was discovered leading to the evacuation of the charred corpses.

The source who confirmed that the victims were burnt beyond recognition, however, said a corpse, which burnt from head to mid-section, with the lower parts covered with blue colour native attire, was identified as the Kaduna Governor.

According to him,

“ when we brought the body out, we started hearing sounds of phone ringing from the left side of the pocket. We later discovered that calls were coming to the phone and it could be from concerned persons but no one answered.”

Yero sworn in as new gov

Meanwhile, less than 24 hours after the death of Sir Ibrahim Patrick Yakowa, Governor of Kaduna State, his deputy, Alhaji Muktar Ramallan Yero was sworn in by Chief Judge of Kaduna State, Justice Rahila Cudjoe.

Yero was sworn in around 1:10pm at the Council Chambers of Government House Kaduna, with his supporters in boisterous jubilation in the midst of the tragedy.

In his acceptance speech, Yero said: “It is with heavy heart that I make this speech having just fulfilled a constitutional requirement of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The sad event that befell Kaduna State, yesterday (Saturday), is already public knowledge.

“Our amiable Govenor, Sir Ibrahim Yakowa has suddenly left us by answering the call of our creator. Indeed, from Him we all came and to Him we would all, one day, return.”

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012 — 47

Vanguard CLASSIFIED OKOROGBUDJE —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okorogbudje Kevwe Victoria, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ewutanure Kevwe Victoria. All former documents remain valid.

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VANGUARD'S LAGOS OFFICE YOU CAN B O O K Y O U R A D V E RT S AT OU R L A G O S I S L A N D O F FI C E — VA N G U A R D MEDIA LIMITED (LAGOS OFFICE) K I O S K 4 8 E A S T P AV I L I O N T B S , LAGOS.

Egypt constitution: First round of referendum ends

V

OTING has closed in Egypt in the first leg of a referendum on a controversial new constitution, after a high turnout.

President Mohammed Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood have endorsed the document, but critics have said that it was poorly drafted and overly favours Islamists.

The opposition National Salvation Front coalition has accused the Muslim Brotherhood of trying to rig the vote.

The headquarters of the opposition al-Wafd party has been attacked, reportedly by extremist Islamists.

Long queues at Egyptian polling stations

Two people are said to have been hurt during the attack in Cairo.

In other violence, a man was shot and injured in a clash

between rival groups outside a polling station in the city of Dakahlia while, across Egypt, 18 people were treated for exhaustion.

However, the ballot, which is staggered over Saturday and a second day of voting in a week’s time, appears to have gone smoothly overall.

Japan’s LDP bounces back to power J

APAN’s conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) surged back to power in an election yesterday just three years after a devastating defeat, giving ex-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe a chance to push his hawkish security agenda and radical economic recipe.

Ex-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

An LDP win will usher in a government

committed to a tough stance in a territorial row with China, a pro-nuclear energy policy despite last year ’s Fukushima disaster and a potentially risky prescription for hyper-easy monetary policy and big fiscal spending to beat deflation and tame a strong yen.

A TV Asahi projection

based on counted votes gave the LDP at least 291 seats in parliament’s 480member lower house, and together with its small ally, the New Komeito party, a twothirds majority needed to override, on most matters, the upper house, where no party has majority.

Merkel rips German opposition for blocking tax cuts

C

HANCELLOR Angela Merkel criticized the centre-left opposition for blocking her government’s efforts to cut income taxes by 6 billion euros, telling a German newspaper those parties will have to explain that to voters in next year’s election.

Merkel, seeking a third term in September, also found fault with Social Democrats (SPD) and Greens in a newspaper interview for thwarting a deal with Switzerland to tax assets stashed by Germans in Swiss banks although without revealing their

names.

Taking a rare swipe at the opposition whose support she has needed to get parliamentary

approval for a number of euro zone rescue measures, Merkel told the Braunschweiger Zeitung it was hard to

Syria crisis: Damascus al-Yarmouk camp attacked

A

Palestinian refugee camp in the Syrian capital Damascus has been attacked, reportedly by war planes, activists have said.

Although the number of people killed or injured was unclear, but the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UKbased activist group,

Fighting at the military installation north of Aleppo has been raging for days

reported at least eight

Newtown shootings: Democrats Malloy, Feinstein seek gun laws

T

WO senior US Democrats have called for stricter gun control legislation following the elementary school shootings in Newtown, Connecticut.

Twenty children and six women died in Friday’s assault on Sandy Hook

fathom that the SPD and Greens had rejected tax cuts that would have benefited middle- and lower-income wage earners.

school by a lone gunman who then turned his weapon on himself.

Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy urged stronger national legislation.

And Senator Dianne Feinstein said she would

introduce a bill banning assault weapons as soon as Congress convened.

President Barack Obama , who shortly after the school attack urged “meaningful action” against gun crime in the US - is to visit Newtown yesterday.

deaths. The al-Yarmouk camp houses Palestinians and also Syrians displaced by fighting.

Opposition activists said those killed had been sheltering in a mosque as fighting raged in the surrounding area.

A video posted online, which cannot be verified, showed several dead bodies apparently sprawled in the street and on the steps of the mosque.

48—Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

VP Sambo mourns Yakowa z Describes him as friend, mentor

BY BEN AGANDE

A

BUJA—THE vice pres ident, Arc Mohammed Namadi Sambo has described the late governor Ibrahim Yakowa as a brother, a friend and a mentor whose loss would be felt by all.

He spoke while paying his condolence to the family, the government and the people of the state over the demise of the governor.

According to the Vice President, the late Ibrahim Yakowa was a friend and brother whose relationship dates back to decades when as Kaduna State Commissioner of Works in 1987, the late Yakowa was posted to the Ministry as permanent secretary.

He noted that they had been closely working together up to the time they were elected governor and deputy governor of the state.

“We have lost a brother, a friend, a mentor and a patriotic Nigerian who had served Nigeria throughout his life. May the Almighty give him peace and the family and us the fortitude to bear the loss, said the Vice President.

....Makinde condoles with families of Azazi, Yakowa

BY SAM EYOBOKA

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RELATE of Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Sunday Ola Makinde has described the death of the governor of Kaduna State, Mr. Patrick Yakowa and the former National Security Adviser, General Owoeye Azazi as a rude shock and a terrible nightmare and a national tragedy.

In his reaction made available through the church Media and Public Relations Officer, Revd Oladapo Daramola said December 15, 2012 would go down as a dark day in the history of this country.

“I wish to express my deepest condolences to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the good people of Kaduna State, Mrs. Yakowa and the entire Yakowa family, the family of General Owoeye Azazi and the families of those who were on board that chopper. May God Almighty console and bring comfort to them all.

“This is no doubt a national tragedy and the shock of their death is such that will take a while to overcome which is why it is important to stay together in our prayers and meditation in this trying and challenging period,” he noted.

Village head, 2 policemen, one civilian slaughtered in Maiduguri

BY NDAHI MARAMA

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AIDUGURI—NO few er than four people, including a village head of Burbura ward in Pompomari general area of Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, Bulama Ibrahim Aisami were slaughtered in their houses yesterday by yet to be identified gunmen.

Vanguard gathered that the gunmen who invaded the area on Saturday at about 2am slaughtered three of their victims, Mallam Zakariya Gwoza a bricklayer, Mallam Mustapha a serving policeman, and Mallam Kolo a retired policeman. It was gathered that when effort to slaughter the village head, Bulama Aisami failed, they shot him dead in the presence of his family members.

A neighbour to the slain serving policeman, Mustapha, who spoke to Vanguard but chose not to disclose his name said, he heard strange voices in the compound, but because of the 6am to 9pm curfew imposed on the city, there was nothing they could do than to resort to prayer He added that, as early as 6am on Sunday, they were trapped in their house for about an hour when the men of the Joint Task Force, JTF, came and cordoned off the area.

He said, after the JTF cordoned off the area, they recovered the remains of the four victims and conveyed it to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital’s mortuary.

According to another eyewitness, the gunmen who carried out the attack walked on foot with rifles, knives and cutlasses He said: “When I peeped through my window yesterday at that time of the night, five people with rifles and other dangerous weapons walked to the house of the ward head (Bulama) and chanted, Allahu Akbar (God is great) before I started hearing people wailing and crying for help; two hours to the calls for the dawn prayers in the area.”

Another resident, also told Vanguard that the ward head was said to have been attacked and killed by the Boko Haram gunmen, because he was alleged to be an informant to security agents on activities and hideouts of sect members in his Pompomari ward of Maiduguri metropolis.

He, however, said he heard

several gunshots at the residences of the two policemen killed in the area, adding that; “the two policemen were feared shot dead in their houses, while the ward head and a bricklayer were slaughtered in

their respective residences”.

Confirming the multiple attacks and killings on Sunday, the Borno State Police Command spokesman, Gideon Jibrin said there were early morning attacks on the resi-

dences of a ward head and two policemen in Pompomari ward.

He said apart from the killing of the village head, one civilian and two police officers were feared killed in the attacks by suspected hoodlums at 2.30am.

From left: Mr Olu Jacob, popular actor; Mr Mudiaga Enajemo, Mudi Africa; Mrs Maggy Enajemo, Mudi's mother; Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; Mr Bola Shodipo representing Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State and HRM (Dr) Harisi the lll, Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom during the opening of Mudi Africa complex in Anthony, Lagos, weekend. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

Justice Musdapher delivers National Mirror anniversary lecture Thursday

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S part of activities to com memorate its second year anniversary, Global Media Mirror Ltd, publishers of the National Mirror Newspapers titles will on Thursday, December 20, 2012 host a public lecture to be delivered by the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Dahiru Musdapher. The lecture will hold in Lagos.

The two-in-one event will also see the public presentation of a book titled: “For law, for country: Conversations with the Bar and the Bench.”

The lecture, which will hold at the Muson Centre, will see the former Nigeria’s chief justice examine the relationship between the law and e-media practice in Nigeria, and how a balance could be struck.

The book presents divergent views of legal practitioners, especially Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SAN, both private and public practice on one hand, and judges on the other hand on various topical issues in the judiciary including policies, while at the same time offers lawyers belonging to different generations, areas of specialisation and holding various philosophies, to freely ex-

press their views on the current challenges bedevilling the judiciary and the rule of law.

The management said the book is a humble contribution of the newspaper to safeguard the integrity of the judiciary and the rule of law in the country.

According to Global Media Mirror,the annual lecture will also present a rare opportunity for very important personalities, especially in the legal community in Nigeria, to reunite and discuss the judiciary and the all-important topic of e-media practice in Nigeria and the law. The event is expected to be chaired by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, who himself is an accomplished legal practitioner and member of the inner bar holding the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

Other notable personalities expected at the lecture are the Governors of Ekiti State, Mr. Kayode Fayemi and his Osun State counterpart, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, while the Governors of Akwa-Ibom State, Mr. Godswill Akpabio; Benue State, Dr. Gabriel Suswam and those of Kastina and Enugu states, Mr. Ibrahim Shema

and Mr. Sullivan Chime are also expected at the event as special executive guests.

The President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR, is expected as the special guest of honour.

It would be recalled that the maiden lecture of Global Media Mirror, held in Abuja last year was delivered by legal luminary and Chairman of Association of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Chief Richard Akinjide, SAN, where he spoke on Africa and the Challenges of 21st Century with eminent Nigerians in attendance, including Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, Chief Niyi Akintola, SAN, Chief Mike Ahamba, SAN, among others.

Held at NICON Luxury Hotel in Abuja, the maiden edition was attended by President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku.

Maku, the then serving CJN, Justice Musdapher, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Bello Adoke, SAN, among several other had commended the editorial quality of the newspaper.

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012—49

EYE WITNESS ACCOUNT IYC president, Mr. Miabiye Kuromiema, and I surprised the General when I fired: “Sir, it is about time the president threw Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke under the bus”. I maintained that the Jonathan presidency was haemorrhaging severely because of her continued stay as minister.

I expected him to say something, his face expressionless, he remained quiet. George Kerley, a known defender of the honourable minister, quipped with a straight face: “Ross, you are right.

It is time the president is told the truth... He is taking too much bullets for some of these ministers”. The General shook his head, not in approval or disapproval; he was just enjoying the chat. He brought up a few issues and we all talked with surplus warmth.

We hadn’t pressed him enough when the Navy helicopter appeared within sight in the sky.

He offered us the two spare seats in the helicopter, but we declined as our chopper was at that moment already landing. He pulled George Kerley aside for a two-aside. They talked for about two minutes, and he joined Governor Yakowa again, as they strolled on the rigid pavement into the boisterous windy path of the chopper. The pilots dismounted the chopper to greet their VIP passengers; they looked smart in their military uniform. It was the governor’s and the general’s final handshake.

Site of the chopper crash

General Azazi's final minutes

By ROSS ALABO-GEORGE

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T was just a few minutes to 13.00hours and the service of songs was in session when our chartered Caverton helicopter landed in ancient breezy coastal community of Okoroba, hometown of Mr. Oronto Douglas, a senior aide to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. I had flown with my Uncle, Engr. Mayne DavidWest, Principal Consultant of Pearl Consultants, and George Kerley, Coordinator of The Jonathan Project and an unrepentant crusader of the president.

We proceeded directly to the venue of the Service of Songs. It was a ten minutes walk from the school field where the helicopter had landed, and it offered an

ze et al, then the big masquerade - Kanu Nwankwo was right there. I said to myself, the children of Okoroba Town would be inspired by the time the body of Pa Douglas is finally laid to rest.

In this flourish and fanfare, he sat quiet, listening to the incisive message delivered by the Reverend Ayo Oritsejafor. He seemed consumed by the pastor’s deep rhetoric about how ephemeral life was, and how wealth and money were necessary vanity but how a life well spent is eternal in value.

Still, I interrupted his intense engrossment. He was excited to see me. We exchanged pleasantries and he asked that I stay around for a chat after the pastor’s message. I did. The General was a towering man. Dressed in a grey

We had just done about 10 nautical miles when the pilot suddenly did a 180 degree turn. Mr. Darego Williams was curious and called on the captain. The captain apologized to all on board and announced to us that a helicopter had just ‘gone down’.

He actually meant ‘crashed’. We were the first search party

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opportunity to see the sprawling ancient community and the new developments taking place. The people were very happy. They were seeing new faces – ministers; governors; commissioners; corporate executives and citizens they only read about and saw in the news walk on the new rigid pavements of their community. I think above all, they wowed at the Nollywood stars who dazzled the natives to disbelief. Ramsey Noah, Rita Dominic, Segun Arin-

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striped French suite and black shoes, I watched him walk in his usual calculated steps as he left the tent to the other tent where the reception for visitors was to be held.

He looked fresh, like he had rested well after his surprising removal as National Security Adviser. His warmth was charming and his humility ever evident. He was led to a roundtable on the first row and he took his seat by his friend Engr. Mayne David-

Seasoned pilot

Gen. Andrew Azazi

West whom he hadn’t seen in months. They chatted warmly while they poured themselves a little champagne. He was served soup and he ate light. In about forty-five minutes he was done.

Just about then, he receives a signal that the ill-fated helicopter was on its way.

He walked around to the other tables, shook hands and made his way out. He was headed for the helicopter, but he was obviously not in a hurry. He strolled with Governor Patrick Yakowa, a governor whose humility endeared me to him. Governor Yakowa spoke softly, greeted warmly and smiled like he knew it was a final moment to be enjoyed. We walked ahead of the Governor and the General, and in a few minutes we were all at the Okoroba Primary School field.

There were a few chartered helicopters arriving and taking off.

The choppy drone of rotor blades slicing through the air ruffled us a bit. The primary school was sufficiently solicitous of intervention.

The classroom had neither doors nor windows, in fact it looked abandoned. While we stood inside I asked why a primary school

in Mr. Douglas’s home would be this wrecked. I called a young man, and in intense curiosity I began to question him. My findings were that a new primary school was being developed and new community library built and well equipped. I was satisfied, I would have been disappointed.

Plenty caution General Azazi watched these happen. Now it was time to take him on. I had not seen him since his removal as NSA. He was a deep man, and I was eager to hear him say something. I knew him to be blunt in a very smart way.

He would not say a thing if he had not thought it through intensely. I probed into his period as NSA and asked what his take was on the Jonathan presidency.

He had lost no love for the President. He said ...”Ross, the president is very intelligent and smarter than most people know”. He talked about the Boko Haram issue with plenty caution, but was optimistic that the president would check them.

Now, we were joined by the

Mr. Darego Williams, a seasoned pilot turned business man was joining our chopper back to Port Harcourt. He cringed at the manner the chopper had taken off and didn’t stop starring at the effects of the rotor blades. I noticed he was a little uncomfortable, but then he had been off the cockpit for over two decades, so he contained thoughts.

Less than ten minutes later, we were ready to go. The captain welcomed us on board and soon after we were in the air. We had just done about 10 nautical miles when the pilot suddenly did a 180 degree turn. Mr. Darego Williams was curious and called on the captain. The captain apologized to all on board and announced to us that a helicopter had just ‘gone down’. He actually meant ‘crashed’. We were the first search party.

Less than a minute ahead, smoke plumed from the thick swampy forest. It was a clear sign of danger. We did about four low fly passes to capture the coordinates of incident site. Our helicopter had ingested the smoke and smell of burning metals, wires and flesh. We could see the helicopter and the appendage bearing the ‘NAVY’ inscription had severed from the main body. The moment was intense, we doubted the very facts we knew. We all believed some miracle could have happened; the worst case was not an option. It just could not be true.

R George <imaginasion@gmail.com

50—Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

Okorocha's diversionary probe How can he promise to release the report to the public in two weeks, when he is yet to compose the panel, the panel is yet to sit and no evidence has been taken?

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respecter of the rule of law. The question is whether any respectable Imo person will lend his name and dignity to this probe as a member of the panel!

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he question Imo citizens want answers from Okorocha is why his free education has run into a hitch, while, unfortunately, gullible Nigerians continue to clap for him? The Nation newspaper on November 27, 2012 reported that Imo indigenes in tertiary institutions had besieged the palaces of traditional rulers for the free education cheques Okorocha promised them! Many monarchs in Imo State have now abandoned their palaces for fear of being lynched by angry students. The National Association of Imo State Students (NAISS) have described the free education as “fraudulent

The journey that leads nowhere (2) Continues from page 41

BY ERIC TENIOLA

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HIEF Osadebe had earlier resigned as President of the Senate to be elected as Premier of the newly created Mid- Western Region following a plebiscite by the people of Edo and the Delta provinces to carve MidWestern Region out of the Western Region.

In the Western Region, Sir Gabriel Odeleye Fadahunsi (1901-1986), an educationist and former chairman of Nigerian Airways Corporation succeded Sir Adesoji Aderemi (1889-1980), the former executive of the Nigerian Railway Corporation and a wealthy Cocoa magnate, who was on the Ile-Ife throne as Ooni for more than 50 years, as governor, while Chief Samuel Jereton Mariere (1907-1971), the Olorogun of Evwreni, a former executive of John Holts Company, was appointed the first Governor of Mid- West Region.

In the Eastern Region, a physician, Dr.Akanu Ibiam (1906-1995) married to Yoruba woman, Eudora Olayinka Sasegbon was appointed Governor while in Northern Nigeria, an educationist and former Waziri of Kanuri Kingdom, Sir Kashim Shettima Ibrahim (1910-1990) was appointed Governor.

All these were in place until the Army struck on the night of January 14, 1966.

In taking over power, General Thomas Johnson Umanakwe Aguiyi Ironsi(19241966) told the nation later on January 28, 1966: ”All Nigerians want an end to Regionalism. Tribal loyalties and activities which promote tribal consciousness and sectional interest must give way to urgent task of National reconstruction”.

Also in a broadcast on February 21,1966, the same General Ironsi said: “It has become apparent to all Nigerians that rigid adherence to regionalism was the bane of the last regime and one of the main factors which contributed to its downfall”. He was referring to the regime of then Prime

Minister, Sir AbubakarTafawaBalewa (1912-1966). He then went ahead to establish a Unitary system of Government.

He renamed the Federal Military Government as National Military Government, re-designated the regions as group of regions and incorporated all Civil Servants, Federal and Regional into single National Public Service.

General Ironsi’s critics charged that the Unitary System of Government was a tribal agenda.

In spite of opposition by two of his appointed Military Governors, Lt. Col. David Akpode Ejoor(80) of Mid-West and Lt. Col. Hassan UsmanKatsina (1933-1995) son of Alhaji UsmanNagogo, the Emir of Katsina (1905-1981)of North, General Ironsi went ahead to sign the Unification decree 34 on May 24, 1966.

At Ibadan, shortly after the Kaduna meeting,where he tried to explain the beauty in his Unitary Government to the traditional rulers, General Ironsi was toppled from power and General YakubuCinwa Gowon took over power on July 29, 1966.

In the midst of the confusion following the downfall of his regime, General Ironsi was killed along with his host, Lt. Col. Adekunle Fajuyi (1926-1966), the then Military Governor of the Western Region.

On August 31, 1966, Gowon abolished decree 34 and restored the Federal System.

On May 27, 1967, General Gowon created the twelve states, killed the four Regions and handed Supreme authority on the Central Government. It has been so since.

In his broadcast to the nation on November 30, 1966, he said: “Once we adopt the so called temporary Federation, it would be hard to come together again.

This is not the future to which our children are entitled to; we have no moral right to commit future generation of Nigerians to this disastrous course”.

In creating the twelve states, General Gowon said: “The main obstacle to future stability is the present structural imbalance

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VERY citizen of Imo State is now familiar with Governor Rochas Okorocha’s governance by distraction. Every time his intrigues catch up with him, he reaches into his basket of tricks and fishes out ex-governor Ikedi Ohakim’s name! It is clear to all observers of the comical governance in Imo state that Okorocha has run out of fanciful ideas, ridiculous boasts and outlandish promises. The chickens have come home to roost for him, and governance has screeched to a halt in Imo State. Those who were misled in the past to demonise Ohakim, first started expressing their regrets in murmurs — for they were too embarrassed to admit their mistakes — but now loudly proclaim that Okorocha was a disastrous choice! Hence the popular song in Imo now is ikirikaonyeohimma (Ikiri-the bush boy-is better than a thief). I am sure Gov. Okorocha has heard this chant!

What triggered the recent antics to probe Ohakim are the many problems he is confronted with in the State. This probe comes after Okorocha had told Nigerians several times that he would neither probe nor witch-hunt Ohakim. The probe is meant to serve two major purposes. One is to divert the attention of Imo citizens and Nigerians from the rot in Imo State. The second is to continue the smearing of Ohakim’s name which has been an obsession for him. Not

long ago, he sponsored a movie to demonise Ohakim and the entire Imo political leadership! Nobody is against any probe. Imo citizens deserve to know how they are governed, and even more so how Okorocha is governing them. But the truth is that since he assumed office, Okorocha has done nothing else but to dig for evidence to nail Ohakim but he has found none. He has written volumes of petitions against Ohakim and his wife to EFCC and ICPC, but these have turned out to be the same old fiction. It seems his frustration has given room for hallucination!

What the kangaroo probe is expected to achieve is to smear Ohakim because Okorocha is banking on the fact that in Nigeria of today, once an allegation has been levelled against a public officer, he is assumed guilty, even without trial. People don’t usually wait to get the truth. The wonder about Okorocha’s probe is that the report is already written and the media put on notice to expect an earth-shaking document that would finally rubbish Ohakim. He is now shopping for a panel of people to give their imprimatur to the sensational fiction. Otherwise, how can he promise to release the report to the public in two weeks, when he is yet to compose the panel, the panel is yet to sit and no evidence has been taken? Why is he already implying Ohakim’s guilt even before he is invited to appear before any probe panel?

These questions become academic once we remember that Okorocha acts with impunity and is hardly a

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BY EMENIKE NSU EMENIKE

and ambiguous” and has threatened to go to court over the scam! Today, nobody knows whether what Okorocha is offering is bursary, scholarship or free education! It is all confusion.

Two weeks ago, Okorocha sacked the VC of Imo State University, Prof. B.E.B Nwoke, for refusing to admit 4000 pupils of Rochas Foundation Schools, who are non-indigenes of Imo, without JAMB and Post-JAMB screening.

His game-plan was that these nonindigene students would pay the fees with which to fund his socalled free education. That is how desperate he has become. Prof.

Nwoke’s other sin was that he demanded improved funding for the university. Yet, Okorocha has promised to build four new universities and Nigerians clapped!

It is on record that throughout his tenure, Ohakim enhanced the welfare of the physically challenged in Imo State and paid their allowances every month. He even appointed one of them as his Senior Special Assistant! But Okorocha has stopped paying them. On November 22, 2012, over 5000 of them took to the streets and grounded Owerri (Daily Sun of Friday, 23 November 2012).

When the disabled protesters got to Government House, they were dispersed with tear gas! How insensitive!

The day Okorocha was inaugurating his private squad called Imo Security Network with which he terrorises the opposition, contractors he owed demonstrated at the Ahiajoku Convention Centre to disrupt the event. These are contractors who fell for Okorocha’s caper and mobilised

In this part of the world, the government and the leaders, get way with everything because of the docility of a conformist society

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in the Nigerian Federation. Even Decree 8 or confederation or loose association will never survive if any section of the country is in a position to hold others into ransom”.

In a nationwide broadcast on October 1,1970, marking the country ’s tenth independence anniversary, General Gowon announced that the Armed Forces had decided to hand over power to civilians in January 1976.

F

our years later on October 1,1974, the same General Gowon announced in a broadcast that the armed Forces had considered the 1976 deadline for return to civilian rule as “unrealistic “. The Armed Forces he said, would not honour that pledge without plunging the nation into chaos. “It would indeed amount to betrayal of trust to adhere rigidly to that target date”, he said.

General Gowon also failed to keep his promise on the setting up of the Constituent Assembly which he promised the nation on January 30, 1966. He paid for it.

While in Kampala,capital of Uganda for the summit of Organisation of African Unity (OAU),on July 29,1975, he was also toppled from power and General Murtala Ramat Muhammed (1938-1976), former aide-decamp of the 1962 administrator of Old Western Region, Dr. Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi (1916-2012), took over.

to sites without contract documents and have now been disowned by him as was predicted.

Some of these contractors took loans from banks which have now foreclosed their properties.

According to their spokesman, Chief Zack Awaraka, Okorocha simply used them to “claim undue glory” as a performing Governor .

Okorocha claims to have paid them N13.9 billion. But Chief Awaraka has challenged him to publish the names because only companies connected to the regime are paid in Imo! Let us not even talk of the filthy state of Imo. The sanitary condition of Owerri has deteriorated to pre-2007 conditions. Insecurity has forced many citizens to relocate outside the state, further worsening the economic condition of the state.

Okorocha himself does not sleep in Owerri! Once it is six o’clock, he jumps into his private jet and flies to Abuja from where he jets into Owerri the next morning!

Instead of hounding Ohakim, he should explain to Imo people where he got the money to buy the jet. We all know how “rich” he was before 2011. If it is on lease, who is paying for it? Is it necessary to spend Imo’s lean resources on such luxury that smacks of insensitivity?

Secondly, this probe- apart from its intent to smear Ohakim- is to divert the attention of Imo citizens and Nigerians from the more important fact that the N13.5 billion bond money Ohakim handed over had been misappropriated.

*Mr. Emenike, a bussinessman wrote from Owerri, Imo State.

The first act of General Murtala Muhammmed was to set up a Constitutional drafting Committee and a constituent assembly. He then did the unthinkablehe imposed this wasteful,extravagant and prodigal Presidential System of Government on the nation, without a referendum.

In this part of the world, the government and the leaders, get way with everything because of the docility of a conformist society.

By the time General Olusegun Obasanjo inaugurated the constituent assembly on October 6, 1977, following General Murtala Muhammed brutal murder on February 13, 1976, he warned the assembly under the leadership of Justice Egbert UdoUdoma (1917-1998), “that the task before you is to deliberate on the draft constitution and pass it to the Supreme Military Council for promulgation into law”.

Both Nduka Onum and I on that day covered the event for THE PUNCH along with Mohammed Haruna of the New Nigeria, Tunde Thompson of the Sketch, and Femi Ogunsanwo of the Daily Times. Our conclusion at the Press gallery on that day was that, this is a command. An instruction.

And since then till now, four elected Presidents have operated the Presidential System of Government,yet we are still debating a suitable system of Government, best for us.

Some want a total review of the Presidential System of Government,some want us to go back to Regionalism, some want a Sovereign National Conference to determine a better system of government, and some want a return to the Parliamentary system of Government. As a people this Presidential System of Government, will lead us to nowhere.

Concluded *Mr. Teniola, former editor of the Evening Punch, wrote from Lagos.

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012 — 51

Arewa, Yoruba romance: How long will it last?

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OW firm is the Yoruba Unity Forum’s poise as a Pan-Yoruba platform?

That is first the question arising from the entreaty to it from some of the major ethnic cum regional groupings in the country. Few months the Edwin Clark led South-South Peoples Assembly knocked on the door of the YUF for political collaboration.

Last Thursday it was the turn of the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF to engage the Chief (Mrs.) Hannah Awolowo led YUF. But the YUF’s claim to a pan-Yoruba mandate remains tenacious as ever.

For instance, the body is not recognised as an acceptable platform by most of the governors in the region.

The only exception could by Governor Segun Mimiko of Ondo State who incidentally is the only governor not belonging to the dominant party in the region, the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN. Mimiko belongs to the Labour Party and has sometimes sought to forge alliance with elements in the YUF and related groups that are seemingly antagonistic to the ACN.

How durable would be the new found romance between the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF and the Yoruba Unity Forum, YUF? Their relationship is one that has left many open-mouthed.

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BY DAUD OLATUNJI

It is as such not surprising that the Chief Mrs HID Awolowoled YUF mostly seems to comprise the old political warhorses who do not move along with the current political mainstream in the Southwest as mostly dictated by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

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*Awolowo: Received the Arewa delegation

Political warhorses It is as such not surprising that the Chief Mrs HID Awolowo-led YUF mostly seems to comprise the old political warhorses who do not move along with the current political mainstream in the Southwest as mostly dictated

by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Apart from the ACN political stakeholders, a number of prominent traditional rulers have also, consistently boycotted the meetings of the forum.

With the particular exception of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okuande Sijuade who attends the meetings regularly, a number of equally prominent Yoruba traditional rulers like the Olubadan of Ibadan Olugbade Adelana, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, the Awujale of Ijebuland Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Alake of Egbaland Oba Aremu Gbadebo and a host of others have kept their backs to the activities of the forum.

So, given the fact that the YUF is easily seen to be a body lacking political control of the region many have expressed surprise at the approach towards it by the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF.

in the country towards achieving a high profile role for the group ahead of the 2015 election.

How the ACF and the YUF can mutually help themselves was alleged to be the reason for last Thursday’s landmark meeting. The ACF, it is believed, is desperate to win the support of the Southwest for its agitation of power shift to the north in 2015. The YUF would not mind helping the ACF, if only it could also boost its profile in the polity.

As part of their strategies, the two groups held a-two hour closed door meeting at the Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State home of Awolowos.

Traditional rulers

*Gbonigi: Led the YUF delegation

*Tinubu: ACN National Leader Sources within the YUF reveal that the group is poised

to foster good relationship with other ethnic groupings

Present at the meeting were the Yeye Oodua, Chief (Mrs.) HID Awolowo, representative of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, some traditional rulers from the South West and delegates representing the ACF and YUF.The YUF delegation was led by Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Gbonigi while that of the ACF was led by Alhaji Aliko Mohammed, the national chairman of the ACF. Before the meeting entered into closed door, Mrs. Awolowo in a welcome address explained that the sole purpose of the meeting was to proffer solutions to the problems facing Nigeria.

She expressed optimism that the outcome would be beneficial to all Nigerians.

Mrs. Awolowo noted that the meeting was first of its kind featuring the joint political leadership of the entire North as embodied in the ACF and its counterpart in the South West as embodied in the YUF. According to her, the meeting is timely and historical, the meeting will signal a new page in the history of inter-

ethnic harmony and cooperation in Nigeria .

Among the ACF delegates were the former InspectorGeneral of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie, Senator Joseph Waku, former Ambassador to Morocco , Ladan Shuni, former Military Governor of Katsina and Plateau States , MajorGeneral Lawrence Onoja and former Electoral Commissioner, Bayelsa State , Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed.

Others included Ambassador Ibrahim Mai-Sule, BrigadierGeneral M.A. Umar, Senator Abubakar Girei, Bitrus Gwadah, Mallam Bukar Zarma, Mr. Anthony Sani, Hon. Musa Tanko Abari, Alhaji Abubakar Husaini Moriki, Engr. Abubakar Umar, Col. M.A. Audu (rtd), Col. Musa Shehu (rtd) and Fati Ibrahim.

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embers of YUF present were Senator Anthony Adefuye, Senator Femi Okurounmu, Chief (Mrs) Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, Chief Gani Oguntoyinbo, Dr. Kunle Olajide, Princess Funmilayo Sangodoyin, Chief Tokunbo Ajasin, High Chief Abiola Ogundokun, Dr Fredick Fasehun, Hon. Omosanya Solaja, Prof. Ope Adekunle, Ambassador Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu and Dr. Abdul-Lateef Omowunmi.

At the end of the meeting, it was resolved that a national dialogue was desirable for the country to move forward.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the two organisations lamented the pervasive corruption, bad governance and insecurity, saying all the ills are traceable to bad leadership.

They also urged Nigerians to de-emphasise ethnicity, religion and issues that divide the country “ while emphasising issues that bind us together as a nation.”

52—VANGUARD, MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

Why social media is on the upsurge — Expert

BY UDUMA KALU

T

HE rave of the mo ment is the social media. Since it made its debut, the world has never been the same. For good or ill, it has come to stay and is already taking over the way man behaves.

Only last October, a Cyber Cafe in Nigeria, ChamsCity Digital Mall, a popular internet cafe located in Lagos and Abuja, became the current holder of Guinness records for the World’s Largest Cyber Cafe after due verification by the record keeping body. The cyber cafe is said to have a total of 1027 computer terminals by Guinness Book Of World’s Records.

However, in a recent lecture by a social media expert, Mr. Monday Ashibuogwu at the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) conference, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, themed ‘Literature, National Security and the Social Media’, the communication expert told writers about the place of the social media in Nigeria today and why they should embrace it.

Social media platforms “The developed concept, Social media platforms, will provide integrated advertising and partnership opportunities to give the author the desired mileage,” he said.

From statics, Ashibuogwu said there are 7.9m internet users daily, 65.5% of them active daily while 66 million Nigerians have access to the internet .

He noted that 70% of Nigerians access the internet through their phones , 90% of them do so through their Nokia phones, 7.9m Nigerians have Facebook accounts , 144,983 companies from Nigeria have Facebook pages. 70% of them are SMEs . The average Nigerian with a Twitter account has at least 50 followers and follows at least 100 people. Some of the social media he cited were Facebook, Youtube, Myspace , Twitter, Badoo, Linkedin, Vimeo, Google +, Wordpress etc.

He explained that 40 %

of accounts and 8% of messages on social media sites are spam . 91% of online adults use social media regularly . YouTube users watch more than 3 billion hours of video per month . There are more devices connected to the Internet than there are people on Earth . 24% of people have missed witnessing important moments because they are too busy trying to write about them on social networks . 83% of people believe platforms like Twitter and Facebook help them make new friends .25% of people believe social networks have boosted their confidence . 24% of Americans and 28% of Brits have admitted to lying or exaggerating on a social network about what

•Nigerians in a cyber cafe they have done and/or who they have met . 40% of people spend more time socializing online than they do face-to-face.

He said every minute of the day: 100,000 tweets are sent , 684,478 pieces of content are shared on Facebook . 2 million search

queries are made on google . 48 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube .

47,000 apps are down-

loaded from the App Store . 3,600 photos are shared on Instagram . 571 websites are created . $272,000 is spent by consumers online.

General social media and Internet stats : Ashibuogwu said internet users spend 22.5% of their online time social networking . And that the web contains over 8 billion pages , and over 2.27 billion people online (doubled since 2007) . 70% of adult social networkers shop online .

53% of active adult social networkers follow a brand . 80% of active internet users visit social networks and blogs .Almost 8 new people come onto the internet every second . 79% of online shoppers spend 50% of their online shopping time researching products .

Nigeria, prepare to go digital, says renowed media scholar, Mosco TINA Brown, editor-in-chief of Newsweek raised quite some dust when she announced that the iconic magazine, first published in 1933, was going all-digital beginning from January next year. A Pew Research Centre study released in September found that 39 percent of Americans now get their news from online sources. This change in readership is reflecting in the sales of Newsweek. In 2007 the magazine sold over 3 million copies, but statistics for 2011 show that this figure fell by half to 1.5 million copies. “In our judgment,” Brown said, “we have reached a tipping point at which we can most efficiently and effectively reach our readers in all-digital format.” Whether this is the shape of things to come in the industry remains to be seen. How will this development play out in Nigeria and other Third World countries? International media scholar, Dr. Vincent Mosco, Professor Emeritus of Queen’s University, Canada, and the author of ‘The Digital Sublime’ and ‘The Political Economy of Communication’ explains.

BY EBERE AHANIHU IN CANADA

R

ECENTLY the management of Newsweek said the magazine will go digital from next year. Do you think that is the right way to go?

It is not good for its readers. I understand why they are eliminating the print edition. They are losing money. The major problem is that there is a decline in the readership of all newsweekly magazines.

People now have access to news as soon as it happens. With the availability of on-

•Media scholar, Ahanihu and Mosco

line information, people have less need to read a summary of the news once a week.

What is the implication for the future of print publications, especially to those in Nigeria?

I do not believe that the loss of a news weekly magazine is significant. The point is that people are reading news magazines less. The general decline of print publications will be a serious issue in the developing world because people have less access to on-line forms of information. Fewer people have access to information on the internet and because people in the developing world rely on print, they will now have less access to news and information.

If it is true that the medium is the message, what will change with the transition from print to digital?

I do not believe that the medium is the message. The most important point is that as news moves to the digital world, people in the developing world need to have the tools to access information. In the absence of tools, there will be a growing gap between the rich and the poor in knowledge about the world.

What kind of actors will be thrown up in Third World countries with this tran-

sition?

That is a big question. It will require a long discussion. The companies that dominated the print world are actually the same companies that are dominating the digital world. There will be changes. There will be opportunities for people who have access to digital resources to create their own website, make use of YouTube and thereby create alternatives to major news producers.

The hardware, software and network infrastructure of these technologies are mainly produced in West. Do people have any reason to fear that the situation may lead to a new form of dependency?

It will create new forms of dependency. But it is possible to overcome, particularly if Third World countries can come together to form their own news organisations. What is required is agreement among Third World news organisations to produce relevant news and information in digital form. Al Jazeera is a good example. It produces news for Third World countries in multiple forms, including digital and television.

People living on the equivalent of a dollar a day have a lot of other needs to be met first before internet access. For these people, access to digital news will be a tall order. What is the implication for the growth of democracy?

The elite will have access to the internet – that is the rich and the powerful. Therefore, the shift to dependency on digital resources means a potential for decline in democracy. Peopleneed information in order to build democracy. If they cannot afford access to the information, it will be much more difficult to create democracy.

In other words, going digital may work against the growth of democracy in developing countries? *Ahanihu is a PhD student at Carleton University’s School of Journalism and Communication. His area of interest is ICT4D.

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012 — 53

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54 — Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

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Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012 — 55

CAA approves Warri Stadium for African Athletics T

HE Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) yesterday described the Warri Stadium as a first class sporting facility good enough to host of the 1st Africa Youth Championships slated for next year.

The six-man delegation from the CAA which inspected the Warri Stadium yesterday expressed their satisfaction with what the Delta State Government was offering to host African youths in the city.

Secretary General of CAA, Lamine Faty, who led the team that included; CAA’s Technical Director, Mohamed Aziz DAOUDA of M o r o c c o ,

•Malboum, CAA president

Vivian GUNGARAM ( M a u r i t i u s ) , Théophile MONTCHO (Benin) and Mrs Fatou SISSOKO (Senegal), said that they were certain that the first edition would hold without any hitches.

Before going to pay a courtesy visit to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan yesterday, the CAA delegation also inspected

four designated hotels to be used during the competition proper in April next year.

“They also checked medical facilities in Shell and Chevron that the state government have also slated to use next year. They were satisfied with what they saw,” observed a top AFN official last night.

Khan stops Molina A

MIR Khan returned to winning ways after two tough defeats with a comprehensive 10th round stoppage of previously unbeaten American Carlos Molina in a light-welterweight contest on Saturday.

Khan (27-3, 19 KOs) dominated every round and after telling Molina he was close to stopping the bout after the ninth, referee Jack Reiss waved off the fight at the end of the 10th following another one-sided round.

Before the bout, the Bolton fighter suggested he may adopt a more conservative style under new trainer Virgil Hunter after an overly aggressive approach led to a stunning knockout at the

hands of American Danny Garcia in July.

However, it was business as usual at the Memorial Sports Arena for the Olympic silver medallist and former world champion from the opening bell, as Khan peppered Molina (17-11, 7 KOs) with his trademark blistering combinations.

Occasionally, Khan lingered too long after landing a flurry of punches and Molina was able to land a hard counter punch but the Briton shook off everything his opponent threw at him and went straight back to work.

Continues from BP Marc Ingla.

That contract is heavily incentivised with his pay, after bonuses, in any given season automatically becoming his basic pay for the following season.

President Sandro Rosell is keen to extend that deal by two years to ensure he stays at Barcelona before fulfilling his ambition of a swansong in Argentina before he retires.

The player’s net takehome pay before bonuses is estimated at £9m year, behind Paris SaintGermain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s £12m and Samuel Eto’o, who earns £16m at Anzhi

Makhachkala.

Although his bonuses, as well as sponsorship, invariably take Messi past those players, the new deal could see his basic pay leave him clear of the field.

It would also see him pull away from Cristiano Ronaldo’s estimated £9m annual earnings before bonuses. That will annoy Ronaldo’s camp, who have been frustrated by Real Madrid’s failure to start talks over a new deal for the Portugal forward.

The Chelsea owner will offer the Colombia striker a five-year, £200,000-aweek contract but his dream of landing the world’s most wanted No 9 could be thwarted by Real Madrid.

Balotelli takes City to tribunal M

ARIO Balotelli has edged himself closer to the Manchester City exit door after deciding to take the club to a tribunal in a bid to overturn a £340,000 fine.

The controversial Italian striker was docked two weeks wages after a string of breaches of discipline. And Balotelli will appear before an independent two-man panel in London on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old insists

End of the world Continues from BP

Messi hits jackpot!

The service of Songs and Wake-Keep for Late Sylva Eleanya, Vanguard Senior Photo Journalist took place at his Ejigbo residence in Lagos weekend. Picture shows 3rd left Mrs Chinyere Eleanya, Widow and her Children during the service. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye

Paulo Guerrero scored the only goal of the game with a header in the 69th minute and the European champions finished the game with 10 men after Gary Cahill was sent off for a kick on Emerson.

Fernando Torres had a header ruled out for offside in stoppage time and the Brazilians celebrated in style in front of the thousands of fans who travelled to support them in Japan.

Chelsea’s South Americans took the defeat hard. Ramires and David Luiz were in tears and had to be consoled by interim manager Rafa Benitez at the final whistle.

For the Blues, this is a fourth possible trophy which has already escaped them this

season, after the FA Community Shield, the UEFA Super Cup and the Champions League.

For Benitez it was a second defeat in his third Club World Cup final but few can begrudge Corinthians their title or their extravagant celebrations.

They performed with power and passion, their support was incredible and goalkeeper Cassio made a series of important saves, starting in the 38th minute, when Frank Lampard’s vision and long-range passing ability unlocked the Brazilian defence.

Lampard’s long, early pass was well taken by the Spaniard. His shot was tame and easily smothered by Corinthians goalkeeper but the flash gave the Londoners some momentum.

the fine was undeserved and is prepared to risk paying the five-figure cost of the hearing should he lose.

Having already appealed unsuccessfully to the club, Balotelli felt

he had no option but to take further action.

But his latest move is likely to alienate him even further at the Etihad Stadium with even longtime supporter Roberto Mancini beginning to have doubts.

Eagles coaches Continues from BP league.

“The way they run our league is not helping us”, Keshi lamented few days ago.

“The Nations Cup is in January and our league is off. Our players in the local league need to be playing but they are not.

Making the national team strong concerns many departments – the players, the coaches, the FA, the League etc. It is not just about the coaches. Let it be on record that our league has not helped us but we will do our job to the best of our ability. We will do a good job for the Nations Cup and I’m hopeful that we will have good results.”

Local Eagles will start training today in Abuja.

Norway-based Fegor Ogude will join them. In few days time Keshi will release the list of the foreign-based players for the camping in Portugal from where they will fly to South Africa.

“The condition of the local players will make us concentrate on fitness training now,” one of the coaches said yesterday adding “the league is not on and we know that their physical

condition will be suspect now.”

The Baribote League Board was sacked last week and it is hoped that incoming board will consider international football calendar before scheduling the Nigerian league.

AYC Continues from BP points to the fact that Nigeria will have a wonderful outing due to his side’s quality.

“All the teams that will be coming for the tournament are good because all of us have to scale past some countries before reaching this stage.

“Every country have equal opportunity to win the competition but we have a quality team that should be able to hold their own against all other teams. Some of my players are familiar with the tournament and I know this will give us some edge.

The competition holds from March 16-30 in Rabat and Casablanca.

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

C

HELSEA’S bid to conquer the world failed at the final hurdle in Yokohama and Corinthians became the first South American world champions for six years.

Continues on Page 55

Eagles coaches frown Messi hits jackpot! at Nigerian League

•Now world’s highest paid player The top 10 richest players

•Players hit camp for Nations Cup

BY ONOCHIE ANIBEZE

S

UPER Eagles players started arriving at their Abuja camp yesterday for the Nations Cup preparation in South Africa next month.

But the coaches have frowned at the country’s football calendar which rested the league at the time it should have been on to put the local players in good shape for the Nations Cup. This is also in contrast with the leagues in other countries. It is of serious concern to Stephen Keshi and his crew because some key players in the team that they are building play in the local

Continues on Page 55 TODAY'S

RICHEST 'N' BEST: Messi

L

TAKE IT: Molina lands a sucker punch on 'Khans face before his defeat. Khan won despite the devastating blow.

AYC: Nigeria has edge over others – Obuh

N

IGERIA’S coach John Obuh is confident of qualifying for the World Cup by scaling the group stage of the

PUZZLE

2013 African Youth Championship in Algeria.

The Flying Eagles will battle Mali, Gabon and

YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

DR Congo in the tournament and Obuh believes that the composition of his team

Continues on Page 55

Across 3 Shaft (5) 9 Fame (6) 10 Sooner (6) 11 Composition (5) 12 Land measure (4) 15 Decorate (4) 17 Careful (7) 20 Enemy (3) 21 Keen (5) 23 Diplomacy (4) 25 Profound (4) 26 Hard (5) 28 Weep (3) 30 Unlucky (7) 33 Soon (4) 35 Jot (4) 36 Wanderer (5) 38 Iniquitous (6) 39 Ran (6) 40 Oar (5)

IONEL Messi is ready to sign for life at Barcelona with a deal that would give him the highest club wages of any footballer in Europe’s top leagues.

The player ’s father, Jorge, has already opened negotiations with the Catalan club over extending his current contract, meaning he will stay at Barcelona until he is at least 31.

The deal is expected to be structured so that it increases yearly, rising to £12.5million a year net before bonuses. Messi,

1 Lionel Messi (Barcelona) £27.5m 2 David Beckham (Free agent) £26.2m 3 Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) £24.3m 4 S amuel Eto’o (Anzhi Makhachkala) £19.4m 5 Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) £17.2m 6 Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Paris St Germain) £16m 7 S ergio Aguero (Manchester City) £15.7m 8 Yaya Toure (Manchester City) £14.7m 9 Fernando Torres (Chelsea) £13.9m 10 Kaka (Real Madrid) £12.9m 25, signed his last big contract in the 2009-10 season with then sporting director Txiki Begiristain and his vice-president

Continues on Page 55

Down 1 Best part (5) 2 Scorn (5) 3 Consumed (3) 4 Save (6) 5 Spoken (4) 6 Route (3) 7 Main (5) 8 Snapped (5) 13 Tank (7) 14 Decree (5) 16 Fertiliser (7) 18 Guffaw (5) 19 Marry (3) 22 Kingdom (5) 24 Plaything (3) 27 Chance (6) 28 Reason (5) 29 Youthful (5) 31 Rowing crew (5) 32 Shabby (5) 34 Lounge (4) 36 Gist (3) 37 Owing (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS

Across: 1, Absorb 5, Hassle 9, Altar 10, Sortie 11, Smooth 12, Nasty 14, Slum 17, Key 18, Kill 20, Satin 22, Endue 23, Genuine 24, Sight 26, Davit 29, Knit 30, Pad 32, Dado 33, Hared 35, Tablet 36, Moving 37, Rebut 38, Hatter 39, Recede

How to Play Sudoku

THE VIGILANTE

Down: 1, Assess 2, Sprout 3, Rain 4, Bleak 5, Hasty 6, Army 7, Stolid 8, Exhale 13, Secular 15, Latin 16, Might 18, Knead 19, Lucid 21, Net 22, End 24, Sketch 25, Gibbet 27, Valise 28, Tongue 30, Pater 31, Demur 33, Here 34, Dote

e-mail: rowolove@yahoo.co.uk

Place 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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