Mixed reactions trailBoko Haram c'ttee

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 61863

Delta House overrides Uduaghan on death •P.13 penalty for kidnappers

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

Where is our dad?

Abducted Lagos council boss' children ask sympathisers •P.6

Mixed reactions trail Boko Haram c'ttee

•....As Jonathan names 26-man committee •Shehu Sani declines, recommends journalist as chairman •Afenifere, Sagay, Junaid Mohammed, Tsav, others react •Explosion near Kano Emir's Palace; suspect lynched —P.14

THE IRON LADY GOES HOME

BY BEN AGANDE, DAPO AKINREFON, CHARLES KUMOLU & GBENGA OKE

A

BUJA—MIXED reactions yesterday trailed the constitution by President Goodluck Jonathan, of a

Continues on Page 5

•P.25

COLUMNISTS:

Is'haq Modibbo Kawu

•P.17

OCHEREOME NNANNA •P.19

Josef Omorotionmwan •P.19

Mr & Mrs

THATCHER'S FUNERAL—

The funeral procession of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher courses through central London, yesterday. Inset: Former Prime Minister John Major (L) looks on as British Prime Minister David Cameron (R) reacts beside his wife Samantha Cameron (C) during the ceremonial funeral. Photos: AFP.

Why my son should be Nigeria loses N191bn •P.8 to crude theft in three Adamawa •P.8 next governor — Tukur months

2—Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

Presidency, ACN in war of words over Jonathan's visit to Lagos

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, Political Editor & BEN AGANDE

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HE presidency and the Ac tion Congress of Nigeria, ACN, were, yesterday, pitched in a war of words following allegations by the party that President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to Lagos today was aimed to disrupt its scheduled national convention holding in Lagos.

The ACN which conveyed its fears in a letter through its national publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, to Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, had as such requested the president to use a helicopter for his movement if the visit was not orchestrated to frustrate the convention where the party hopes to adopt a resolution to merge with other political parties.

President Jonathan’s spokesman, Dr. Rueben Abati, in a sharp reaction accused the ACN of ‘crying wolf,’ which he said, has become the single preoccupation and operational strategy of the opposition party. Abati was joined

by Senior Special Assistant to the president, Dr. Doyin Okupe, who accused the ACN’s Lai Mohammed of scaremongering, hollowness of mind which made him, (Mohammed) improper to hold the national office of a political party.

National convention Mohammed was nevertheless unrepentant last night even after Abati’s claim that the president was only passing through Lagos to his destination in Ogun State and would go in a helicopter as had been suggested by Mohammed. At least 5,000 delegates, besides an estimated equal number of party partisans are expected at today’s national convention of the ACN holding at the Onikan Stadium in Lagos Island. The convention is expected to adopt a resolution to collapse the party into the All Progressive Congress, APC, the vehicle expected to be used by the country’s major opposition parties to confront Jonathan’s Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in future elections.

In the letter to Governor Fashola expressing concern that the president’s visit to Lagos would cause a traffic jam that would frustrate movement into and around Lagos today, Mohammed said: “We are concerned that based on precedence, the visit of the President may lead to the closure of key arterial roads in the city which could prevent thousands of our supporters coming to Lagos from all parts of the federation from making it to the venue of the convention.

“This may lead to frustration C M Y K

and provocation on the part of these supporters who would have travelled hundreds of kilometers from their destination. In particular, the timing of the President’s visit and the attendant disruption of traffic in Lagos may be seen as a continuation of perceived attempts by the Federal Government to frustrate the merger of our party with other progressive parties which is key item on agenda of our National Convention on Thursday.

“The implication of what will be perceived as a calculated attempt to disrupt the convention and by extension the merger combined with the frustration that many of our supporters who have travelled far distances will feel for not being able to easily access the venue of the convention may lead to a breach of peace, the consequences of which no one will be able to fathom.

We are, therefore, appealing to Your Excellency to use your good offices to advise the President to either reschedule his visit or use a mode of intra city transportation like helicopter that will not engender closure of roads on a very busy day in the city. We are very sure that even the President will not want to subject his compatriots to avoidable suffering just because of a visit that can be either rescheduled or carried out in an unobtrusive manner on a gridlock prone day.” Presidential

From left, Chairman Wilmer Int'l Ltd, Mr Khoon Hong, Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke and Mr. Martua Sitorus, Chief Operating Officer of the company exchanging pleasantries when they paid a courtesy call on the governor in Calabar, yesterday

spokesman, Abati in a retort said: “The allegation is not only baseless, but another in the series of ‘wolf crying’ that has become the sole strategy and pre-occupation of the ACN. It is clearly a deliberate, further attempt to undermine, ridicule and debase the office of the President of the Federal Republic.”

“A courteous and simple discussion of the phantom potential conflict of programmes with appropriate officials of the Presidency would have sufficed to inform the ACN and its officials that Presi-

dent Jonathan is only transiting through Lagos tomorrow on his way to the commissioning of the WEMPCO Cold Roll Steel Plant in Ibafo, Ogun State.

“In point of fact, President Jonathan’s visit tomorrow (today) which was scheduled long before the ACN convention will have absolutely no effect whatsoever on the convention as he will only touchdown at the airport, transit to Ibafo (miles away from the ACN convention venue) by chopper and return to the airport the same way for his flight back to Abuja. It

is certain that Governor Fashola was already aware of President Jonathan’s itinerary in Lagos tomorrow since in keeping with protocol, the Presidency always briefs state governments well ahead of time on all Presidential movements to their states. Alhaji Lai Mohammed’s letter was, therefore, pointless and serves no purpose other than distasteful muck-raking.

“Furthermore, the Presidency completely rejects the insinuation in the deliberately leaked letter that the President’s visits to Lagos are always disruptive."

How ex-Works Minister, fake firms stole N75bn contract fund, EFCC tells Court

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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BUJA—THE Economic and Fi nancial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday, told a Federal High Court in Abuja that it has garnered enough evidence to prove that the former Minister of Works, Hassan Lawal, used fake companies to pilfer about N75billion while he was in office.

Lawal who was Minister of Labour and Productivity under ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and later reappointed by late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, served as Minister of Works and Housing between 2008 and 2010.

He is answering to an amended 44count criminal charge bordering on conspiracy, money laundering and breach of public trust, alongside the Managing Director of one of the companies that was allegedly used to siphon the funds, Dr Adeogba Godwin Ademola.

Others equally indicted in the alleged fraud were Dave Enejoh, Okala Philip Yakubu, Thahal Paul, as well as five companies accused of complicity in the scam, Digital Toll Company Ltd, Swede Control Intertek Ltd, Proman Vital Ventures Ltd, Wise Health Services Ltd and Abbey Building Society.

Specifically, EFCC, yesterday, told the

court that the diverted funds were meant for the construction of a bridge across River Benue, which it said would have linked Nasarawa State to Kogi state. The antigraft agency maintained that the fraud was perfected between January 2006 and March 2009, contrary to section 17 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition Act) 2004 and also punishable under section 14 of the same Act. Testifying under cross-examination, yesterday, a lead investigator of the EFCC who is a Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mr Chike Nwibe, told the court that the funds meant for the Gutto-Bagana bridge project was raised under the Private-Public-Partnership, PPP, initiative of the then Federal Government under President Obasanjo.

Nwibe, told the trial court that according to the terms of the contract under PPP, whereas the Federal Government contributed 40 per cent of the looted funds, both the Nasarawa and Kogi State governments, each raised 10 per cent of the fund, noting that though one of the indicted companies, Swede Control Intertek Ltd which was awarded the contract, was meant to provide the remaining 60 per cent of the fund, it failed to do so, but rather connived with the former ex-works minister to divert monies that were contributed by the

various governments.

He said the company had agreed to build the bridge within 24 months from the date the contract was awarded, manage it for 25 years after which it must have recouped its investment, and then hand it over to the government.

Nwibe further told the court that though the company failed to fulfill its obligation, in conjunction with the 1staccused person, the company “simply disappeared from the radar, only for another company, Digital Toll Ltd to emerge from nowhere and started collecting huge sums of money direct from the Federal Ministry of Works.”

According to the witness, Digital Toll was discovered to have been registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, a day before the said contract was awarded on May 16, 2007, adding that investigations further revealed that it was the 2nd accused person, Ademola, that operated the two companies.

EFCC further told the court that it discovered that the companies used fake bank details to secure the contract, adding that part of the project earlier executed by a company, Nairda Ltd for the sum of N2.6million, was however rewarded to another company, Sirage/GIS transport Nigeria Limited, owned by a Lebanese, for the sum of N438million, despite that the project had already been executed and certificate of completion tendered.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013— 3

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4—Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

US Senate pays tribute to Achebe

BY UDUMA KALU, WITH AGENCY REPORT

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HE Senate of New York State, in the United States, yesterday, passed a resolution paying tribute to acclaimed novelist, Professor Chinua Achebe.

The Senate which passed the resolution as part of its duty to “pay tribute to the lives of those esteemed individuals of international renown, who distinguished themselves through their life’s works,” further directed that, “a copy of this resolution, suitably engrossed be transmitted to the family of Chinua Achebe".

Achebe lived in New York since 1990 until his death on Thursday March 21, 2013 in a Boston hospital. The Nigerian Senate had on Friday, March 22, 2013, described Achebe’s death as a great loss to Nigeria and Africa, adding that he was a fearless Nigerian, who said the truth the way it was.

The New York state resolution on Achebe was titled, “Full Text of Resolution J1186-2013: Legislative Resolution mourning the death of paramount novelist Chinua Achebe, founder and pioneer of African literature”.

Achebe, the resolution continued, distinguished himself in his profession and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of his community.

Achebe committed his excellence and spirit of humanity into all fields of enterprise, including charitable and civic endeavours, it went on, adding that, Achebe’s global significance lies not only in his talent and recognition as a writer, but also as a critical thinker and essayist who has written extensively on questions of the role of culture in Africa along with the social and political significance of aesthetics and analysis of the post-colonial state in Africa.

The New York Senate said Achebe left behind a legacy which would long endure the passage of time and would remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended.

The senate noted that Achebe had lived in the United States for several years in the 1970s, and returned there in 1990 after a car accident paralysed him.

Recalling the life and times of Achebe, the Senate described him as one who sought peace among the religions of the world through his writing which was well received. It also recalled his role in Biafra as an ambassador, who appealed to Europe and America for assistance to “the war ravaged and starved populace".

C M Y K

Inflation falls to 8% in March

BY BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

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HE National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, yesterday, said inflation fell to 8.6 per cent in March, from 9.5 per cent the previous month.

Inflation is represented by the Consumer Price Index, CPI, which measures the average change over time in prices of goods and services consumed by people for dayto-day living.

In its CPI report for March posted on its website, NBS said, “In March 2013, the Consumer Price Index, CPI, which measures inflation rose by 8.6 per cent year-on-year (compared to 9.5 per cent in February).

"Relative to February, the relatively slower rise in the headline index could primarily be attributable to base effects from March 2012. As a result of substantially higher price levels in March 2012, the implications are that the year-on-year changes exhibited for March 2013 year are muted. Between February and March 2012, there were substantial increases in 7, 8 and 6 of the 11 non-food COICOP divisions in the headline, urban and rural indices. This resulted in the core index increasing from 11.9 in February 2012 to 15.0 in March 2012.

“In March, the composite CPI increased by 0.71 per cent month-on-month from index levels recorded in February.

The Urban composite CPI was recorded at 142.8 in March, which was a 9.3 per cent yearon-year change. This was lower than the 9.8 in March, the composite food Index increased year-on-year by 9.5 per cent to 144.6 points. This was 1.5 percentage points lower than the 11.0 per cent recorded in February.

“On a month-on-month basis, the food index increased by 1.0 per cent between February and March. Food prices were, however, higher across all per cent recorded in February. The corresponding rural composite CPI recorded an 8.1 per cent year-on-year change, up from 9.5 per cent in February.

“On a month-on-month basis, the Urban All-item index increased by 0.6 per cent from levels recorded in February while the Rural All Items index increased from levels recorded in February by 0.8 per cent. The percentage change in the average Composite CPI for the twelve-month period ending in March 2012 over the average of the CPI for the previous twelve-month period was recorded at 11.4 per

cent. The corresponding 12month year-on-year average percentage change for the Urban index was 13.3percent, while the corresponding Rural index was 10.0 per cent.

“In March, the composite

Food Index increased year-onyear by 9.5 per cent to 144.6 points. This was 1.5 percentage points lower than the 11.0 per cent recorded in February.

On a month-on-month basis, the Food index increased by 1.0

per cent between February and March. While food prices were higher across all classes in the food sub-index, the largest contributors of the increase in the food index were bread and cereals, potatoes, yams and other tu-

VISIT—From left: Secretary General, Community of Democracies, Ambassador Maria Leissner; Vice President Namadi Sambo and Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, during a visit by Ambassador Leissner to the State House in Abuja, yesterday.

BPE gets 20 bids for acquisition of Afam, Kaduna power companies

BY MICHAEL EBOH

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HE Bureau for Public Enter prises, BPE, yesterday, said it has received 20 bids from prospective investors for the acquisition of Afam Power Plc and Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company Plc. According to a statement by the BPE, at the expiration of the deadline on Tuesday, April 16, 2013, it received nine bids for Afam Power Plc and 11 bids for Kaduna Distribution Company.

The BPE disclosed that in an earlier bid, none of the prospective investors were able to meet 75 per cent of the requirements needed to proceed to the final stage of the bidding process, hence the re-run.

BPE noted that Afam Power Plc and Kaduna Electricity Distribution Plc were among the 17 Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, successor companies that were earlier advertised for sale in December 2010 along with the 15 other PHCN successor companies that went through a full competitive tender process which culminated in the submission of technical and financial proposals in July 2012.

The BPE further stated that it had earlier received 19 applica-

tions for Kaduna Distribution Company and 29 applications for Afam Generation Company at the expiration of the January 31, 2013 deadline for the submission of Expressions of Interest, EOIs, adding that it consequently sent Requests for Proposals, RFP, to the 48 prospective bidders on February 4, 2013.

It said, “however, following the rigorous technical evaluation that all bids were subjected to, none of the bids received for Afam Power Plc and Kaduna Electricity Distribution Plc scored the minimum 75 per cent required to progress to the financial bid stage.

"This development compelled the National Council on Privatisation, NCP, to order a re-run of the transaction as it was not prepared to settle for a second best.

“The pre-due diligence conference for the re-tender of Afam Power Plc and Kaduna Electricity Distribution Plc was held in Abuja on Monday, March 4, 2013.”

The BPE had last month announced that it received $559.5 million from 14 bidders for 15 successor electricity companies.

According to the BPE, all the 14 bidders for the PHCN succes-

sor companies met the deadline for the payment of the mandatory 25 per cent of the offer value of their bids.

The BPE stated that on March 21, 2013, it received $31 million from the power consortium for Port-Harcourt Distribution Company; $31.5 million from Interstate Electrics Limited for Enugu Distribution Company; and $27,913,633.50 from NorthSouth Power Company for Shiroro Power Plc, being the mandatory 25 per cent of the bid value for the electricity companies.

It noted that earlier, Vigeo Consortium, the preferred bidder for Benin Distribution Company, had paid $32.25million; Transcorp/Woodrock Consortium, the preferred bidder for Ughelli Power Plc, paid $75 million; CMEC/EUAFRIC Energy JV, the preferred bidder for Sapele Power Plc, paid $50,249,965; Kann Consortium, the preferred bidder for Abuja Distribution Company, paid $41 million; Aura Energy, the preferred bidder for Jos Distribution Company, paid $20,464,968.15; Mainstream Energy Limited, the preferred bidder for Kainji Power Plc, paid $59,467,500; and Sahelian Power SPV, the preferred bidder for Kano Distribution Company, paid $34.25 million.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013—5

POCKET CARTOON

and sacrifice that man has put in.”

They should focus on issues —Afenifere

VISIT—Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State (left) presenting a souvenir to the Ni-

geria Union of Teachers(NUT), National President, Comrade Mike Olukoya, during a courtesy visit by the National Executive of the union to the Governor in Government House Annex, Warri, yesterday.

Mixed reactions trail Boko Haram committee Continues from page 1 Committee that will engage key members of Boko Haram in a dialogue with a view to finding a lasting solution to security challenges in the North, even as a member of the 26-man committee,

Mallam Shehu Sani has rejected his appointment.

A statement by the special Adviser to the president on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben abati, yesterday, said the 26member Committee is headed by the Minister of Special Duties,

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

What you are interested in will be attracted to you.

Be careful what you attract, and what is attracted to you.

TAKE HEART

Y

BY ELLA RANDLE

OU never know what’s around the corner. It could be everything. Or it could be nothing.

You keep putting one foot in front of the other, and then one day you look back and you’ve climbed a mountain —Tom Hiddleston These words by Plumb best illustrate those times when we think that life is too challenging; but one must try to remember and be patient with oneself and God. “Well everybody’s got a story to tell. And everybody’s got a wound to be healed. I want to believe there’s beauty here. So, I guess if you’re holding on I can’t let go, I want to believe there’s meaning here.

How many times have you heard me cry out “God please take this”? How many times have you given me strength to just keep breathing?

Standing on a road I didn’t plan, wondering how I got to where I am. I’m trying to hear that still small voice I’m trying to hear above the noise.

Though I walk, though I walk through the shadows. And I, I am so afraid, please stay, please stay right beside me with every single step I take.

How many times have you heard me cry out? And how many times have you given me strength? This much I do know, we must always be patient with God and with ourselves. There is a better plan and a purpose for everyone.

Kabiru Tanimu Turaki and is expected to develop a framework that could lead to disarmament and compensation for victims of the Boko Haram insurgency within 60 days.

Rejecting the offer to serve on the committee, the President of Civil Rights Congress, Mallam Shehu Sani in a statement he posted on his facebook page said: “My friends called me this afternoon to inform me that they saw my name on the list of the Presidential Committee on Amnesty. This is to thank our president for giving me such an honour and consideration.

However, I humbly and respectably wish to decline to serve as a member. My advice remains: Reach out to the persons I mentioned their names in my interviews in the dailies to discreetly consult with the group to get their input on the idea”.

Sani recommends Salkida While some of Sani’s friends on Facebook urged him to accept the offer if he truly cares for the masses, others hailed his decision.

Sani in an exclusive

interview last Sunday, said only a freelance journalist, Mallam Ahmed Salkida, who has constantly had interviews with Boko Haram leaders, will be able to mediate and bring about true amnesty. Salkida is not on the committee.

Sani, however, argued that Salkida would be in a better position to dialogue with the Boko Haram leaders than the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar111.

He said Salkida must definitely be in any committee that would meet with the Boko Haram leaders for the committee to succeed. But when reminded that Salkida had fled the country, he replied: “Nigerians should ask themselves questions. Why should such a person flee when he has made sacrifices and even offered to arrange the first meeting directly with the Boko Haram group? Such a Nigerian should be encouraged if he has access to Boko Haram and these people trust him; why don’t we bring him and make him Chairman of the committee? Must he be a billionaire?

Must he be a politician or is it because he is a journalist? Didn’t they know that sometimes a solution to a problem may just be before you?

I know the kind of effort

On its part, panYoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere advised members of the committee to focus on bringing an end to the Boko Haram insurgency. In a chat with Vanguard, National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Mr Yinka Odumakin said: “Looking through the committee’s set up, there are some credible names in that committee who should know what to do.

It depends on the chairman that is going to lead this committee. If the committee is to look holistically at Boko Haram, what led to the insurgency, how to interface with the group and bring an end to this crisis and also address the issues that led to Boko Haram, all well and good. But if it is another committee to facilitate another scam without addressing the issues that led to the problems, it will be a sheer waste of time.”

It’s a hopeless quest—Sagay Constitutional lawyer, Professor Itse Sagay, said the quest by the Federal Government is a hopeless one since members of the sect have rejected amnesty.

In a chat with Vanguard, Sagay said: “I have no objection to anyone being a member of the committee. My only question is: What is the point when the Boko Haram itself feels that it is the government that should be given amnesty rather than the other way round? In other words, they are totally unrepentant, infact, they are not sober, they

are self righteous and they are prepared to continue massacring people and destroying property and so on and they want a dream Islamic republic which they know nothing about. So, I think it is just a hopeless quest, that is the way I see it. There is no basis for it.”

It’s a waste of time and resources – Mohammed In his reaction, Second Republic lawmaker, Dr Junaid Mohammed said the Federal Government is wasting its time by setting up an amnesty committee before getting the Boko Haram members for discussion.

His words: “The setting up of amnesty committee is a bloody waste of time and resources by the Federal Government because government has failed to get the group to the table for discussion, so who are they going to discuss with?

“Even the Boko Haram members have rebuffed the Federal Government, that government owes them an apology.

Yet government has gone ahead with the so called amnesty committee and my question is to speak with who and discuss with who?"

FG should ensure safety of sect members—Tsav Also speaking, a former Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav said: "I don’t know the terms of the committee, but what I am saying is that Boko Haram members should come out and talk to the government. They should tell the nation why they have been doing what they are doing. But the government should guaran Continues on page 51

6 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

Oruku-Umuode peace talks suffer setback

BY TONY EDIKE

E

NUGU— THE resched uled peace talks between the warring communities of Oruku and Umuode in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, Tuesday, suffered a setback as the meeting was shelved at the instance of Umuode people who complained of lack of security.

The community, Vanguard learnt, expressed fears that Amagunze, the council headquarters, venue of the meeting, was not safe enough to hold such talks and suggested that another venue be chosen either in Emene or Enugu.

The absence of the former Minister of Power, Professor Barth Nnaji, who is said to have travelled out of the country, finally scuttled the meeting as the Umuodes said the dialogue must wait until he returned to the country, as he will speak for his community.

Chairman of the local government and convener of the meeting, Mr. Sam Iyiogwe, said the parties had expressed fears that they might be attacked on the way to the meeting but the council assured them that adequate security arrangements had been made to escort them from the point of departure to the meeting venue, but in spite of the assurance, “I got a call from Umuode, Monday night, saying they will not attend.”

Court orders 11 beggars to pay N1,000 fine each

I

LORIN — AN Ilorin Mag istrates’ Court, yesterday, imposed a N1,000 fine on each of the 11 beggars arraigned before it for street begging.

The beggars were convicted on a one-count charge of street begging which the prosecution said contravened Section 4 of the Kwara State Law, 2006.

According to the charge sheet, the convicts were arrested while wandering and begging for alms on an Ilorin street.

The accused persons pleaded guilty to the charge against them.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Funsho Zacheus, applied for summary trial of the beggars since they pleaded guilty.

Magistrate Nathaniel Ajide, in his judgment, convicted the beggars as charged and ordered them to pay the N1,000 fine.

A cross section of suspected criminals as paraded by the Ondo Police Command, in Akure, yesterday.

Where is our dad? Bamigbetan’s children ask sympathisers zFamily, kidnappers negotiating ransom zWife declares fasting as deputy gov visits zOPC spreads dragnet across S-West — Fasheun

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI & ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

L

AGOS — CHILDREN of the kidnapped Ejigbo Local Council Development Area chairman, Mr Kehinde Bamigbetan now curious about the large crowd that mills around their house without their father among them are asking anyone that cares to listen about their father’s whereabouts.

According to a reliable family source, “the three children, two boys and a girl (names withheld) with the eldest being about 12 years old, have been suspicious of the high number of people who have been visiting the house since Tueday, prompting them to ask for their father.

“The children believe that their father, as a grassroots politician, used to receive the kind of crowd they see in recent times personally but with his absence, they have been demanding for his whereabouts.”

Also, when Vanguard visited the residence at 21, Ona-Iwa Mimo Street, early yesterday, sympathisers gathered in groups discussing the development in hushed tones.

Family, kidnappers negotiating ransom Sources confided in Vanguard that the kidnappers have been negotiating the ransom, which they pegged originally at $1 million, with the family members towards possible release of the chairman.

Also the wife, Fatimah, is said to have declared indefinite fasting until her husband returns.

Orelope-Adefulire visits Meantime, a high powered delegation from the state, led by the deputy governor, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, has visited the family.

The deputy governor, during the visit, led a prayer session where God was sought to intervene in the matter.

Majority of the sympathizers who thronged the house expressed shock at the way the matter was turning, with residents and neighbours describing him as a gentleman who has done a lot for the local government.

“He is a man of the people; you can even see from his house that it’s not different from many others here,” said a resident, who pleaded anonymity.

At the local government secretariat, where he is chairman, the mood of the workers was pensive, while work has literally stopped as workers were seen discussing the incident in groups.

A prayer session was earlier observed by the council workers.

Sympathisers Other sympathisers that visited the family, yesterday, included Akeem Munir, a lawmaker representing Isolo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives;

Omowunmi Edet, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly; Dele Alake, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Ademorin Kuye, former member of House of Representatives; Jaiyeola Ajatta; Abdul Lateef AbdulHakeem; Mushin Local Government Chairman, Babatunde Adepitan; Egbe Idimu LCDA Chairman, Waheed Adebayo and his OdiOlowo counterpart, Yemi Ali among others.

OPC has spread dragnet across S-West —Fasehun Founder and President of the Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, Dr. Frederick Fasehun, yesterday, maintained that his group has spread its dragnet across the South-West states to locate Bamigbetan’s whereabouts.

In a telephone interview with Vanguard, Fasehun said since the incident happened, his group, as a defender of Yoruba nation, had taken it upon itself to see how the abducted local council boss would regain his freedom hale and hearty.

Fasehun who said he was out of town, noted that his group was doing what was necessary to ensure that Bamigbetan was released without being hurt by his abductors.

However, he said he could not disclose what exactly the OPC was doing to get Bamigbetan off the kidnappers hook.

He said:, “I am not in Lagos now. Definitely, I will get de-

tailed field report tonight. I am expecting the field officers to update me with report tomorrow morning.

“Though, we are yet to get a specific report on the negotiation, but I believe by the grace of God, we will get somewhere soon.

“But the important thing I know is that he is alive. With the information that the abductors asked for ransom shows that the matter will be resolved soon. The field officers couldn’t have reported to me since I am not in Lagos and for your information, we don’t discuss this type of issues on the telephone. My assurance to you is that our people are working across the states of the SouthWest.

“OPC has spread its net beyond Lagos. I was surprised when I got to Ondo today (yesterday) when the people here are discussing the issue in their meeting. By the grace of God, we will succeed and he will be released” Fasehun said.

Lagos NUJ wants unconditional release Meantime, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Lagos State Council has called for Bamigbetan's unconditional release.

The council chairman, Mr Deji Elumoye and Secretary, Mr Sylva Okereke, in a release, yesterday, expressed concern over the kidnap of Bamigbetan, wondering why the demand for a ransom before his release Describing Bamigbetan as a seasoned journalist and consummate politician, Lagos NUJ wondered about the level of insecurity in Lagos metropolis.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013—7

Ondo Police parade 64 suspected criminals z47 for robbery, kidnapping, internet fraud zKidnappers of NTA staff, David West's wife among

BY DAYO JOHNSON

A

KURE — SUSPECTED kidnappers of a woman said to be the wife of erstwhile Petroleum Minister, Professor Tam David West, Taye, and those who abducted the female broadcaster with the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, Mrs Bunmi Oke, were among the 64 suspects paraded, yesterday, by the police in Ondo State.

Parading the suspects in Akure, the Police Commissioner, Patrick Dukumor, said in all, 47 robbery suspects including a 300-level Accounting student of the University of Ado Ekiti, Oladejo Olalere, 22, and five cultists were arrested within the last two months.

“The kidnappers collected a ransom of N3 million from the families of the former minister’s wife while those of the NTA staff paid N1million before their relations were set free,” the CP said.

Giving details of how Taye was kidnapped, Dukumor said “Seven kidnappers invaded the residence of the former minister’s wife in Aiyedun area of Akure metropolis and abducted her but were arrested in Owo area of the state.

On the kidnap of the NTA staff, the Police chief said detectives traced the abductors to Edo State where one Michael Onaibre was arrested with the nursing moth-

er’s blackberry phone.

While saying that other kidnappers still at large would soon be arrested, Dukumor added that those in police custody will soon be arraigned.

Dukumor added that 54 different types of arms and ammunition and four different types of vehicles were recovered from the

suspects.

A Higher National Diploma, HND, holder, Akinjide Daniel, and two others who hacked into a bank’s website through which they sent fake bank alert to a car dealer from whom Daniel fraudulently purchased a car of N1.6 million in Akure was also paraded.

Akinjide who was later arrested in Lagos said he hacked into the bank's website using his laptop.

The police commissioner said the suspected car snatchers among those paraded were arrested in Army barracks following a tip off that they used to drive the snatched cars there and after a week or so, drive them out to car dealers in others states.

15 killed in Plateau attacks

BY TAYE OBATERU

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OS — EIGHT people have been confirmed dead in the last two days in separate attacks by gunmen in two villages of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The killings are being linked to the killing of six cows and injuring of some others in the area last Sunday.

The gunmen reportedly struck at Dukum village, Monday, killing six people while two others were killed around Tanjol vil-

lage on Tuesday.

Media Officer of the Special Task Force, STF, in the state, Captain Salisu Mustapha, confirmed the killings, saying they were suspected to be reprisals arising from the killing of the cows.

He said four people had been arrested and were helping with investigations.

Meantime, hostilities between some communities in Wase Local Government Area of the state have continued despite various peace initiatives by security agencies

and the local government council.

Different communities continue to trade accusations of attacks. For example, a group known as Ngwang Isihi Otarok, in a statement, yesterday, alleged that Tsamiya village came under attack during which seven people were killed and houses razed.

The statement signed by its Secretary, Nanlir Napbut, said the people stood up to the attackers and succeeded in repelling them after they had done a lot of damage.

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AGOS — COMMERCIAL activities at the popular abattoir in Agege area of Lagos State were, yesterday, disrupted following protest by some butchers over the arrest of 10 of their members by the police.

The butchers who came out in their numbers, displayed placards and chanted anti government songs to register their grouse over the new scheme by the state government, over the new Eko Meat Van scheme, which they claimed was not in their interest. Unconfirmed report said several persons sustained varying degrees of injuries in the process.

Contacted, Deputy Police Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, Damasus Ozoani, described the report as untrue, saying policemen were able to curtail the matter.

Ozoani, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, added that the police were able to quell the protest and restore peace.

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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BEOKUTA — THE Ogun State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has said that it arrested no fewer than 63 male suspects in the state for various drug offences between January and April this year.

Acting State Commander of NDLEA, Mr Okafor Olisa, disclosed this in Abeokuta, adding that 30 suspects had been convicted and sentenced to various jail terms.

According to him, “fortynine drug users were successfully counselled by the DDR unit for drug abuse and reintegrated into the society.

“Thirty drugs suspects were sentenced to various jail terms while six charges were filed at Federal High Court in the state.

“The total seizure of 869.162 kilogrammes of hard drug was recorded which include cannabis sativa, heroin and cocaine."

Hotel manager, accountant docked over N25m theft

BY ONOZURE DANIA

Butchers protest members' arrest

BY EVELYN USMAN

Ogun NDLEA arrests 63 drug suspects, 30 jailed

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A fallen solar panel of the CCTV at Mile 2 Oke, Lagos. Photo: Adekunle Aliyu

Be agents of change, group tells Nigerians

By ETOP EKANEM

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AGOS — NIGERIANS have been urged to see themselves as agents of change they desire in the country and strive to bring it about through positive attitudes.

The call was made by the National Coordinator of Do It Right Foundation, Mr Dixon Jubril during a briefing to unveil the Do It Right Campaign, in Lagos.

According to Jubril who was flanked by Mr Wisdom Barggie, National Vice Coordinator and Mrs Obiageli Ololo, Project Officer of the group, the campaign is a mindset reorientation designed to encourage Nigerians to adopt positive attitudes and do what is right always.

He said: “This entails individual change of attitude, positive thought and actions toward Nigeria, patriotism, selfless service, faith and belief in the country because it is only Nigerians that can make Nigeria better for all. Therefore, the essence of the campaign is perception and attitudinal change to nation building.

“We look forward to a time when Nigerians will become strong advocates and ambassadors of the country and begin to talk and act positively about Nigeria. A time when Nigerians will so much believe and have faith in the country to the point where they will rise in defence of Nigeria where ever they are. Only then will other nations respect us, treat us de-

cently and with dignity and more importantly believe that we have truly changed for the best.

“It's only Nigerians that can help Nigeria overcome challenges such as violence, terrorism, instability, corruption, apathy, religious and ethnic intolerance and other vices through a process of mindset re-orientation and self transformation by simply doing what is right always because a nation driven by good, patriotic, loyal and disciplined people is destined for greatness.

“Therefore, it is our belief that the task to build, transform and make Nigeria greater is a collective responsibility that requires the contribution and support of each and everyone of us, including our leaders.”

AGOS — A 40-year-old Hotel Manager, Nelson Obinna Obasi, and an accountant of the hotel, Salami Sikiru, were yesterday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate Court, for allegedly stealing N25 million belonging to one Sam Okey Nwosu.

The defendants who are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy and stealing were arraigned before Magistrate B.O. Osunsanmi.

The crime was said to have occurred on April 11, 2013, at about 2pm at Bay Town Hotel, Shasha Road in Akowonjo area of Lagos.

The police prosecutor, Chinalu Uwadione, told the court that Obasi and Sikiru committed the said offence while they were manager and accountant of the hotel.

He said the defendants converted the N25million property of one Chief Sam Okey Nwosu to their use.

Uwadione also alleged that sometime in August 2012, at 25, Wole Omotosho Street in Egbeda area, the defendants also stole N1.5 million belonging to one Kanu Iyke.

Obasi and Sikiru had pleaded not guilty to the three- count charge proffered against them by the police.

8—Vanguard , THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

Federation of African Journalists raises alarm zOver increasing cases of arrest, detention of journalists

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HE Federation of African Journalists, FAJ, has expressed alarm about increasing cases of arrests and detention of journalists and media personnel, as well as attacks on media organisations and destruction of their property across the African Continent.

A statement signed by its President, Mohammed Garba, who is also the National President, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, said: "We are disturbed by this development and how journalists take great personal and professional risks to disseminate news and information to over one billion African citizens in 54 states, unfortunately have continued to be victims of various acts of impunity by various governments and their agents.

He said; "FAJ is equally worried with the arrest, detention and subsequent arraignment in court on 10 count charge of forgery against Tony Amokoedo and Chibuzor Ukaibe, Editors of the Leadership Newspapers, in Abuja, and we cautioned against their continued detention and harassment. They were to be prosecuted for allegedly forging the document which formed the basis of the newspapers April 3, 2013, front page story.

"Attacks against journalists and media equipment are illegal under the international humanitarian law, and such attacks from all intents and purposes pose serious threats to the media. FAJ, is therefore, committed to paying particular attention to the safety of all journalists and respect for freedom of expression and press freedom which are of paramount importance to democratic governance".

According to FAJ, "recent developments in the continent have further heightened concerns for the safety of journalists and there are clear signals that all may not be well for these media professionals who are mostly without any insurance cover.

"We urge the Nigerian authorities to respect the professional independence and rights of journalists, media staff and associated personnel, to properly investigate all violations of their rights, and to promote their safety, security and freedom of movement in accordance with the law".

Nigeria loses N191bn to crude oil theft in three months zAs SPDC shuts down 150,000bpd Nembe trunkline z12 Nigerians lose bid to hold Shell culpable over rights abuses

BY MICHEAL EBOH IGERIA lost about N191 billion ($1.23 billion) in the first quarter of 2013, due to drop in crude oil production, arising from incessant crude oil theft and vandalism along the major pipelines within the Niger Delta, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, said yesterday.

Also, the country is expected to lose N83 billion ($554.0 million) in the months of April and May, as the NNPC and Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, SPDC, yesterday, declared force majeure on its 150,000 barrels of oil per day Bonny Light export, with the shut down of its $1.1 billion (N174.9 billion) Nembe Creek Trunkline, NCTL. According to a statement by Tumini Green, Acting Group General Manager Public Affairs Division, NNPC, daily crude oil production during the period fluctuated between 2.1 and 2.3 million barrels per day (mbpd) compared with the projected estimate of 2.48mbpd.

She said, “expectedly, this fall between actual production and forecast in first quarter 2013 have resulted in a drop in crude oil revenue of about $1.23 billion (N191 billion) that should have accrued to the Federation Account.”

She explained that the force majeure Bonny Crude declared

by SPDC in its Joint Venture with the NNPC is due to incessant crude oil theft.

The shut down, she said, is as a result of investigations which revealed 53 break points along the 97km Nembe Creek Trunkline.

She disclosed that repair work on the trunkline is expected to last about six weeks, noting that this will further reduce the country’s April and May monthly average to about 2.2mbpd and further decrease crude oil revenue that should have accrued to the Federation Account.

Green, however, assured that the maintenance work will have minimal effect on gas supply to domestic market.

She said, “we shall continue to work with relevant government agencies both at the Federal and State levels to end this incessant crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism. We have the potential to meet the national target of 2.48mbpd if this menace is eliminated.”

SPDC, in a statement signed

by Tony Okonedo, Corporate Media Relations Manager, said the shut down is as a result of

N

the incessant incidents of oil theft.

According to him, the company shut down the Nembe Creek Trunkline on Monday, April 15, 2013, to remove crude oil theft connections and investigate suspected oil theft leaks.

Meanwhile, 12 Nigerians have lost a major battle to hold Royal Dutch Shell Plc, accountable for human rights abuses in Nigeria, as the United State’s Supreme Court, yesterday, ruled that federal courts do not have jurisdiction to hear suits against foreign corporations accused of aiding in human rights abuses abroad.

The 12 Nigerians, represented by Esther Kiobel, had in 2002 filed a suit on behalf of victims of a violent crackdown who were protesting in Nigeria between 1992 and 1995, including her husband, Barinem, who was executed in 1995.

The justices of the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that a federal court in New York could not hear claims made by the 12 Nigerians, who accused Shell of complicity in a violent crackdown on the protesters in Nigeria.

In the case titled, Kiobel ver-

sus Royal Dutch Petroleum Company, U.S. Supreme Court, No. 10-1491, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the majority opinion that a presumption against extra-territorial application of federal laws applies to the Alien Tort Statute.

The Alien Tort Statute, a 1789 U.S. law, had been dormant for nearly two centuries before lawyers began using it in the 1980s to bring international human rights cases before U.S. courts.

The court did not decide the question originally before it in the case: whether corporations can ever be liable under the statute.

AWARD—From left: Prof. Dele Badejo, former Commissioner for Transport, Lagos State and Chairman of the occasion; Mr. Randy Buday, MD DHL Express and Ademola Lawal, Zonal Commander, zone 2, Assistant Corps Marshal, FRSC at the 2013 Nigerian Transport Awards in Lagos.

Why my son should be Adamawa next governor, by Tukur

BY EMMA UJAH, ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF

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BUJA—THE National Chairman of the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamangar Tukur said, yesterday, that his decision to support his son in his quest to become the next governor of Adamawa State was borne out of the principle of providing a level-playing field for all contestants.

Speaking with newsmen, he questioned the rationale for querying his son’s ambition to be governor of the state, when indeed, his son had been in politics and was even eyeing the gubernatorial seat before he became the national chairman of the party.

According to Tukur, Awaul should not be denied the op-

portunity of contesting the position of Adamawa State governorship simply because he happened to be the son of the incumbent chairman of the party and that after all, others who were governors of the state were children of some other individuals.

His words, “my son has been in politics, long before I became the chairman of the party. He was a member of the House of Representatives when I was not PDP chairman.

Was I the chairman at that time?

“If my son wants to be governor, I cheer him. If my son is looking for leadership to provide service, why not? My job is not a chairman of the party to promote any individual.

“I have already given out what I will do as chairman of the party. It is to build our par-

ty based on equity and justice; free and fair process of electing its leaders at all levels. No imposition. Include everybody and let the party members decide who will be its candidates.

“Bringing the issue of saying, oh, he is my son or my daughter does not arise. Those who are governors are they not sons of other persons? Are they from trees? They are also sons of some individuals.”

On the vexed bombing and killing of innocent Nigerians by the Boko Haram sect, Tukur posited that the nation was under foreign attacks, as according to him, there was no other plausible explanation to the bombings of innocent worshippers in churches and mosques, traders in markets and security outfits as currently witnessed in many states of the North.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013— 9

C M Y K

10—Vanguard , THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

Amosun'll ruin Ogun — Ishola

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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B E O K U TA — FORMER Minister of Mine and Steel, Sarafa Ishola, yesterday, accused Governor Ibikunle Amosun-led administration in Ogun State of running the state into bankruptcy through borrowing.

The ex-minister, who spoke with newsmen in Abeokuta, also accused Governor Amosun of crippling the local councils in the state, saying that all the councils were in comatose.

Ishola, who was the Secretary to the State Government during the administration of former governor of the state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, submitted that unless Amosu’s government was checked, the state might be mortgaged for the future generation.

He said: “I am constrained to notice that the Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s administration is on the verge of making history as an administration that will run the state into bankruptcy with shortest period of its existence.

“This issue of borrowing to pursue projects that are not income-generated should be something that we should seriously look into, so that the state is not mortgage for the future generations to come.”

Why Bamidele was attacked — Awe

Ajimobi sacks Ladoja's nominees

BY OLA AJAYI

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BADAN—THE political rivalry between the former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, and the incumbent, Governor Abiola Ajimobi deepened, yesterday, as the governor announced the sack of all political appointees nominated by the ex-governor.

Affected by this sack are two commissioners, two special advisers, some chairmen and members of boards, caretaker chairman of a local government, among others.

Ajimobi said he was pushed to the wall by alleged

DO-EKITI—CHAIRMAN of Irepodun/ Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Olufemi Awe, yesterday, claimed the recent attack on the chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Budget and Research, Opeyemi Bamidele, was because of non-fulfillment of promises made to the people of his constituencies during his electioneering campaigns.

It would be recalled that Bamidele was attacked by suspected political thugs at Igede Ekiti, weekend, during a visit to one of his political associates.

Bamidele was alleged to have linked Awe as the mastermind of the attack.

Awe also alleged that Bamidele had distanced himself from the people since he was elected, saying this must have angered those who attacked on him.

nor and how, in the last few months, Ladoja had allegedly consistently broken the tenets of the accord by casting aspersion on a government in which he vicariously participated, through his nominees and proxies, which included his younger brother.

Ajimobi said: “Immediately after the 2011 election, because of the peculiar configuration of the electoral balance, it was obvious that, for the good of our state and its development, I needed to extend my handshake across other frontiers.

“You will recall also that af-

CONDOLENCE: Mr. Lanre Olayinka, widower of late Ekiti State Deputy Govenor, Olufunmilayo (left) and Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori, Osun State Deputy Governor, during a condolence visit by the Deputy Governor in Lagos.

Workers protest death of colleague at Chinese firm

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

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“corrosive statements” and uncomplimentary remarks

by Ladoja, despite the accommodation of his nominees in his government.

Ladoja, as leader of Accord Party and Ajimobi of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, had entered into a pact to work together at the inception of the administration, but things went sour along the line with the duo throwing banters at each other.

Ajimobi conveyed the sack of Ladoja’s nominees in a letter he wrote to him.

In the letter, the governor traced the history of his alliance with the former gover-

A

staff of Dura Pack, a Chi nese-owned Lagos-based company that produces nylon bags, has died, allegedly from electric shock while carrying out a repair work in the company.

Simply identified as Kenneth, he was said to have died about 3pm, Tuesday.

Already, his colleagues have since the incident begun an indefinite strike to protest his death and alleged unsafe working environment in the company located on Awosika Avenue, Ikeja.

They are also demanding for adequate compensation for the family.

Though efforts to speak with the management of the company was unsuccessful, Mr. Chinedu Bosah, Publicity Secretary, Campaign for Democratic Workers Rights, CDWR, lamented the death, saying Kenneth, an electrician, died while carrying out repair work without safety work tools like hand gloves and boots.

He said: “Moreso, the com-

pany does not have a clinic or sick bay that can address emergency cases on a First Aid basis. Dura Pack, a Chinese-owned company, produces nylon bags.

“Since then, workers have embarked on strike, while the owners of the company have also locked up the premises.

“Workers, most of whom are casuals at the company, are denied the right to belong to a union of their choice. Indeed, some workers were sacked in 2009 when they tried to introduce unionism.

The workers are agitating for increment in salary; casual workers presently earn N19,000, while the few regular staff earn about N23,000.”

The workers complained that there are little or no safety measures and safety tools to work with. Some of them showed burns on their bodies, particularly on their hands because they are made to pack hot nylon bags with bare hands.

They said they wanted compensation for the family of deceased and were also demanding adequate safety tools and clinic within the company and the right to belong to a union.

ter the elections, I met with you to ask for an alliance between your political party, Accord Party and my government.

“Regrettably, recent developments, in terms of the conduct of your people and the campaign of calumny which is recorded frequently in the newspapers, unsubstantiated allegations, as well as unwarranted vitriolic attacks against my person and the government under my leadership, have made me come to the conclusion that these recent campaigns against me are incompatible with the spirit of our alliance.

“It is in view of the foregoing that I am using this medium to inform you of my decision to disengage your nominees from the government.

“I feel constrained to take this painful but inevitable decision in view of our personal relationship.”

Ajimobi, in further deploring the attacks on his government by Ladoja and his group, said that being a beneficiary of the alliance, it was inconsistent with reality for the former governor to consistently run his administration down.

Among others, Ladoja had been quoted at campaign grounds to have said that his participation in the Ajimobi administration had shown the inadequacies of the government.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013 —11

Tributes as Lagos Assembly holds special session for Awolowo

BY EBUN SESSOU

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AGOS—EMINENT Nigerians, yesterday, trooped to Lagos State House of Assembly to pay their last respect to the late Publisher of Tribune newspaper, Oluwole Awolowo, at a lying-in-state and valedictory session held in his honour.

Among notable Nigerians at the event were former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande and his wife; former Deputy Governor, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye; former Speaker, Jokotola Pelumi; Senator Anthony Adefuye; former Attorney-General of Lagos, Yemi Osibajo; Chief J. O. K. Ajayi, leaders and members of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, including its National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed.

Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforji, described late Oluwole

Awolowo as an exceptional man, who contributed immensely to the survival of the legacies of his father, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Ikuforiji, while giving reasons for the special session for the former member of the state Assembly between 1979 and 1983, noted that the House did not have the opportunity to honour the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, when he died.

He said: “I want to say that today ’s session is exceptional because the House, by

tradition, only held parliamentary session for former speakers and a current member who passed away while serving.”

Similarly, House Committee Chairman on Education, Wahab Alawiye-King, who currently occupies the position the deceased piloted as a member of the House, said he was a man of his own mind,“moving some of the life-changing motions on the floor of the House.”

Rotimi Olowo, representing Shomolu I, in his contri-

bution, said: “The deceased lived a modest life.”

Bisi Yusuf, another member of the House, noted that the late sage’s words of wisdom inspired him to become a politician, adding that Pa Awolowo had no rival in terms of his achievements, especially the free education he bestowed on the people of the western region.

Meanwhile, another lawmaker, Dayo Fafunmi, called on Yoruba to use Olowole’s death to unite and promote the unity of Yoruba.

Lagos declares 3rd Mainland Bridge safe

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI & MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

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AGOS—LAGOS State Government, yesterday,

declared the Third Mainland Bridge safe for public use following apprehension raised in some quarters over the bridge’s condition.

The government, however,

LECTURE: From left— Mrs. Elizabeth Idigbe; Chief Alfa Belgore, former Chief Justice of Nigeria; Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, receiving an award, and Chief Anthony Idigbe, host, during the 2013 Punuka Annual Lecture in Lagos, Tuesday. PHOTO: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

stressed the need for regular maintenance programme

by Federal Government.

This came as Lagos appealed to Federal Government to make good its promise by refunding the N51 billion it spent over the years for the rehabilitation of Federal Roads in the state.

Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, spoke during the 2013 ministerial briefing on the activities of his ministry and to mark the sixth year of Governor Babatunde Fashola’s administration.

Hamzat said: “Federal Government last year shut the Third Mainland Bridge for about four months, to carry out maintenance works on the bridge.

“The bridge was closed so that the expansion joints could be repaired. It was designed as a county leaver that is why it vibrates when vehicle moves on it. This doesn’t mean the bridge is not safe."

... launches audio-visual kit for drivers

BY MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

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AGOS—GOVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday, inaugurated Drivers’ Education Multilingual Audio-Visual Training Aid and stressed the need for effective adherence to road safety measures in the state.

Fashola, who inaugurated the self-training kit tagged Defensive Driving in Ikeja, said the visualaudio kit, produced in Nigeria's major languages, would help to sensitise residents, especially drivers, on road safety measures.

He said: “It will further reduce the number of road crashes recorded yearly within the state.

Nigeria today has the highest cases of road accidents in Africa.

“In the first half of 2012, 1,936 people were killed through road accidents and 162 per 100,000 people die of road accidents in the country. ”If this must be reduced, the drivers are important because they decide the vehicle’s speed, the route and when the vehicle operates daily.

“The vehicle and the road aren’t important to my administration than the life of the driver and the passengers, who would be affected when accidents occur in the state. ”From one accident, many families are affected directly by an act that could be avoided. Many have stopped school due to accident, since their breadwinners have passed on to the other side through accident.”

NASS' treatment of health bill shocks NMA

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

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IGERIA Medical Association, NMA, yesterday, expressed sadness over the setback suffered by the National Health Bill during its consideration by the Senate, calling on the National Assembly to quickly get the bill back on track.

The Senate had, Tuesday, disagreed over the constitutionality of the minimum of two percent allocation to the National Primary Healthcare Development Fund from the Consolidated Fund of the Federation provided in the bill.

Expressing displeasure on the development, President of NMA, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, in a statement, said: “While we note that debates are characteristic of the legislature, we, however, believe that the disagreements over the constitutionality of the minimum of two percent allocation to the National Primary Healthcare Development Fund from the Consolidated Fund of the Federation, as expressed in clause 11 of the proposed bill, should not be allowed to further deny Nigerians, majority of whom are poor, equitable access to healthcare services, especially in rural communities.”

NIM condemns MEND's threat

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

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IGERIAN Institute of Management, NIM, yesterday, expressed serious concern over the recent threat of reprisal attacks by Movement for Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, because of the activities of Boko Haram.

NIM’s President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Michael Cole, in a statement, described the threat as a condemnable act that would further make the country unsafe for all and argued that vengeance was neither an alternative nor an option at resolving the Boko Haram insurgence.

12— Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013—13

Palace denies claims by Prof Okonjo’s suspected kidnapper

Death penalty for kidnappers: Delta House overrides Uduaghan

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HE Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, in Delta State, Prof. Chukwuma Okonjo, has denied the claims by Chiejine Onochie, a former aide in the palace, that he was owed salaries.

Onochie, who worked in the palace, was recently arrested in connection with the kidnap of 82-year-old Prof. Kamene Okonjo, mother of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

He had claimed that he was owed salaries, which made him to conspire to kidnap Prof. Okonjo.

Spokesperson to the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Mr. Law Okolobi, in a statement, noted that the suspect lied in his claims to the police about his status in the palace and some other issues.

Commending officers and men of the Nigeria Police and other security agencies for the progress made so far in investigating the kidnapping, the palace noted that it had the responsibility to correct “some of the self-serving lies, which the main suspect told the media, when he and his accomplices were recently paraded by the police.”

Okolobi said that the main suspect’s claim that he worked in the palace for five years and was never paid, was untrue.

“The truth is that this criminal was dismissed from the palace for stealing. The fact that he went on to become a kidnapper speaks volumes about his character.

“These lies are obviously designed to put a positive gloss on the serious crimes, they committed by abducting and brutalizing an 82 year old woman for five days," he said.

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA SABA—THE DELTA State House of Assembly, yesterday, overrode the veto wielded by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on a bill prescribing death penalty for kidnapping. The Delta State Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Terrorism Bill, 2012, which had earlier been unanimously passed by the House was vetoed by the governor who refused to give his assent to the bill.

Yesterday, 26 of the 29 members of the House voted to override the governor's veto which effectively makes the bill now a law.

At yesterday’s plenary, the Speaker, Mr. Victor Ochei, read out a very lengthy letter sent to the House by the governor, explaining why he had refused assent to the bill, noting that, “it is my view that death sentence punishment is not likely to serve as deterrent or antidote.”

Dissatisfied with the explanation, members, citing Section 100 sub-section 5 of the 1999 Constitution, as

amended, which empowered the House to override the governor by a two-third majority, resolved to take action.

In the voting that followed, 26 of the members voted to over-

ride the governor. Following the overwhelming vote, the Speaker, Mr. Ochei, directed the Clerk of the House to enroll the law in the state High Court, as it had become law

with effect from yesterday.

The anti-kidnapping bill had generated strong emotions in the state following the stand-off between the House and the governor.

WORKSHOP: Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Valerie Ebe (left), receiving a memento from the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, during the opening ceremony of a capacity building workshop for Police Public Relations Officers, PPRO, at Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo.

We won't recognise new PDP exco —Rivers LG bosses

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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ORT HARCOURT— CHAIRMEN of the 21 local government areas in Rivers State, have vowed not to recognise the Felix Obuah-led Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, executive that was recognised as the authentic executive of the party by an Abuja High Court on Monday.

Speaking, yesterday, in Port Harcourt, under the aegis of Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON, Rivers State chapter, the chair-

men described the verdict of the court, which sacked the Chief Godspower Ake-led faction of the party, as a miscarriage of justice, adding that it was part of an alleged grand design by a group of individuals to rupture the peace in the state.

They said there had been an alleged plot to create an environment that would warrant the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, with a view to illegally removing Governor Chibuike Amaechi from office.

Chairman of the body, Mr. Chimbuko Akarolo, noted that the alleged boundary dispute between the state and Bayelsa State

was part of the scheme.

He said: “In furtherance of the plot by these disgruntled elements, Rivers State had been victimised, deprived, denied and alienated by the government at the centre, of its resources and due benefits, such as ceding unlawfully, oil wells of Rivers State to Bayelsa, refusal to develop or repair federal infrastructure in Rivers State, among others.

“The high point of the grand plot was executed by the sack

IG rejects planned mass burial for slain policemen in Bayelsa

PUBLIC NOTICE IMO AUTO SPARE PARTS AND ALLIED DEALERS ASSOCIATION NNEWI This is to inform the general public that the above named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies andAllied Matters Decree1, 1990.

The TrusteesAre: (1) CHINEDU IGWE - PRESIDENT (2) CHIEF JOHN IFEBIGHI - VICE PRESIDENT (3) CHUKWUEMEKAUZOMAH - SECRETARY (4) CHIEF SABINUS NJOKU - FINANCIAL SECRETARY (5) CHIMAENYIOKEH - TREASURER (6) IZUCHUKWU DURU - PROVOST (7) UGHAEGBU KENNETH - MEMBER AimsAnd Objectives: (1) To promote love, unity, peace and progress among members (2) To organize and conduct workshop for automobile manufacturers and importers in Nnewi and Imo State (3) To support and render financial assistance to members Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Maitama District, Abuja, within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: B. Linton Consultants 6, Oraifite Road, Nnewi Anambra State

of the duly elected PDP Rivers State executive, and illegal swearing in of a group that never contested election, as the new executive, relying on an Abuja High Court judgment.”

Declaring their unflinching support for the Ake deposed executive, the council chairmen pleaded with members of the party to remain law abiding, adding that the judgment of the trial court had been appealed against.

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA—THE burial of the 12 policemen who were killed, penultimate Friday, in the creek of Bayelsa State by ex-militants, may be delayed as the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, has ordered full-scale investigation and DNA tests to ascertain the identities of the deceased.

The decomposed corpses of the slain policemen were recovered last Tuesday and deposited at the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, by the police.

Families of the deceased policemen, who besieged the FMC to identify and collect the remains of their loved ones, were not allowed in, as the decomposed remains were bagged and deposited at the mortuary under tight security.

14 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

No alternative to democracy — President Jonathan President Jonathan spoke at the opening of a two-day National Workshop entitled, 'Strengthening Traditions and BUJA — PRESIDENT Goodluck Democratic Jonathan, yesterday, declared Institutions,' organised by the that, there is no alternative to Ministry of Foreign Affairs in democratic governance, assuring of collaboration with the Community of the commitment of his administration Democracies in Abuja.

The president, who was represented to continue to work to strengthen democratic institutions and entrench by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, decried the rule of law in the country. the practice in the past where political parties indulged in seeking power by any means, including indulging in electoral mal-practices and violence.

“Now our democracy as the crowd recovered

BY ABDULSALAM focuses on returning MUHAMMAD from the deafening sound power to the people of the blast, we spotted a credible ANO — An angry man in tricycle and the through thus mob last night set crowd went after him and elections, our ablaze a suspected when he was captured he consolidating greatness as a country. suicide bomber shortly was set ablaze.

"This tremendous leap after a blast went off near "As I talk to you now the Kano Central Mosque crowd is watching the came as a result of our and Emir of Kano's raging fire to ensure the resolves to ensure that palace. suspect does not survive votes count and in 2011 we conducted general The incident which the jungle justice.” occurred around Confirming the blast, elections that were by 8.25p.m. attracted the JTF spokesman in adjudged hundreds of worshipers Kano, Capt Ikediche international and local loitering around the Iweha said: “We were observers as free, fair, and vicinity of the mosque alerted of the incident transparent credible,” he said. after the Ishai prayers. and we have sent in our He pledged the Eyewitness told men to contain the commitment of the Vanguard that “as soon situation “ government to continue to support the Independent National Electoral Commission’s capacity to conduct credible polls as witnessed by the elections of Bayelsa, The 10th programme Kogi, Edo and Ondo

BY VINCENT UJUinaugurated yesterday states.

MADU will cover water and san“Respect for human WKA — itation programmes, as rights, justice and the A n a m b r a S t a t e well as reforms in public free choice of Nigerians government, yesterday, service delivery. remain fundamental to inaugurated three Governor Peter Obi, at the policies of this committees to drive the the ceremony, urged administration. i n s t i t u t i o n a l members of "We have vigorously arrangement for the state the steering, technical applied the rule of law and local government and implementat- by ensuring that organs reform project of the 10th ion committees to work of the state obey court European Union hard to ensure the sucorders and judgements, Development Fund. cess of the programme subject to rights of The committees were to justify the confidence appeal as provided in inaugurated in Awka reposed in them. our constitution,” during a meeting of offiThe governor ex- Jonathan added. cials of the plained that reforms in state government, Euro- management of public pean Union, World finance was critical in Bank and National the country to enhance Planning Commission at efficient and prudent utithe Governor ’s Lodge,.

BY VINCENT UJUlisation of available reAnambra is one of the sources.

MADU six EU focal states selectHe observed that the WKA — DIREC ed for the 10th EDF be- collaboration with donor TOR-GENERAL cause of what the inter- agencies was greatly national donor agencies assisting the state to fill of National Youth Servdescribed as the state’s budgetary gaps and ex- ice Corps, NYSC, Brigoutstanding perform- pressed satisfaction that adier General Nnamdi ance in the ninth EDF his administration had Okorie-Affia, has commended Governor Peter Programme. restored civility in gov- Obi of Anambra State for The World Bank would ernance and was respend 60 million Euros building quality human his invaluable assistin the six benefiting infrastructure to effec- ance to corps members states and the projects tively manage physical in the state.

The DG, who spoke would be supervised by infrastructure. yesterday when he led the bank.

NUJ's guest house foundation laying ceremony

BY VICTORIA OJEME

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Suspected suicide bomber set ablaze after explosion in Kano

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New phase of World Bank, EU funding takes off in Anambra

From left: Mr. Deji Elumoye, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lagos State Council; Mallam Muhammad Garba, President, NUJ; Mrs. Abimbola Jakande, and Alhaji Lateef Jakande, former Governor of Lagos State, during the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lagos State Council's ' Turning of the Sod of Guest House' -foundation laying ceremony, at Shomolu, Lagos State. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

From left: Mr. Tunde Abatan, Special Adviser to Lagos State Deputy Governor on Media, representing the Deputy Governor; Hon. Rotimi Abiru, Deputy Chief Whip, representing Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly and Mr. Gbolahan Bayostowe, Chairman, Shomolu Local Government.

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From left: Mrs. Abimbola Jakande; Mr. Deji Elumoye, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Lagos Council; Alhaji Lateef Jakande, former Lagos State Governor, and Mr. Remi Ibirogba, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, representing Lagos State Governor.

DG commends Obi on assistance to NYSC

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some top functionaries of NYSC on a courtesy visit to the governor, said his visit to Awka was primarily to thank him for assisting Corps members.

Okorie-Affiah said he was elated by the decision of the governor to build a befitting orientation camp for the NYSC. He also mentioned other forms of assistance by the governor to include augmenting the feeding

of corps members in camp, rebuilding and provision of facilities at the temporary camp, maintaining of the road to the camp, financial assistance and unusual concern for the welfare of all Corps members posted to Anambra State.

The DG appealed to the governor to approve the Certificate-of-Occupancy for the land acquired for the building of the

state secretariat.

Responding, Obi said the assistance to the body was in line with the policy of the state to collaborate with all federal agencies in the state for the good of the people.

He said the assistance was extended to all agencies, and gave example with the Police, for whom over 300 vehicles had been procured.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013 —15

Court order: Okwu steps aside as APGA chairman

BY SONI DANIEL/CHRIS OCHAYI/LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

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BUJA — THE National Chairman of a faction of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Maxi Okwu, said yesterday he would abide by the order of a Federal High Court in Awka, Anambra State, which restrained him from parading himself as national chairman of the party.

To this end, all activities of the party lined up under Barrister Okwu, including the town hall meetings scheduled for Enugu on Friday, April 19, 2013, have been temporarily suspended.

This came at a time the crisis of confidence rocking the party took a new dimension as its National Financial Secretary, Alhaji Habib Galo, disowned the faction loyal to Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, accusing the faction of allegedly using his name to gain credibility.

These came as Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, yesterday said it was yet to take a position on the court order restraining it from recognizing Maxi Okwu as national chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA or the faction loyal to him.

Okwu in a statement in Abuja, said: “I have received an e-copy of the controversial order made on April 15, 2013,

in suit No. FHC/AWK/CS/88/ 2013 for himself and others and INEC and five others including my humble self.

“As a counsel with 35 years of experience, I will abide by that direct court order on me until it is set aside. I concede that the plaintiffs who are merely surrogates of our political opposition have scored a pyrrhic victory, as it will be set aside shortly.”

Meanwhile, National Financial Secretary of the party, Alhaji Habib Galo, said he was shocked to hear his name announced as having

won an election in Awka, Anambra State, when he neither attended the national convention of the party that held in Awka nor signified interest in what he called an illegal poll.

In a letter dated April 11, 2013, and addressed to the chairman of INEC, Prof.

Attahiru Jega, Galo frowned on his purported election at the so-called convention in Awka, which allegedly produced Maxi Okwu.

Also, Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu, said that the

commission would make its position known only when legal experts in the electoral body offered their advice in the logjam.

Said he: "You know, INEC normally takes positions in the context of legal terrain and these issues are informed by advice by lawyers on what the implications of subsisting judgments are. That’s why only the lawyers can advice.

That’s why I am being cautious in giving direct response. Except I am advised by the legal people, I can’t talk.”

Mr. Asishana Okauru, Director General, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, presenting a condolence letter to Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, on the death of his Deputy, Mrs. Funmilayo Olayinka, in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday.

Jonathan sends Chemical Weapons Prohibition Bill to Senate .Pension Reform Bill also .Nominees for CBN board appointments

BY JOSEPH ERUNKE

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BUJA — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, sent two executive bills to the Senate for consideration

and enactment into law.

He also requested the upper legislative chamber in another letter, to confirm his nomination of four Non-Executive members of the Board of Cen-

NOSCEF demands creation of Northern Minorities Commission

BY CALEB AYANSINA

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BUJA — THE Christian Elders Forum of Northern States, NOSCEF, yesterday, called on President Goodluck Jonathan to establish a Northern Minorities Commission to take care of Christians in the North who are currently facing annihilation.

Chairman of NOSCEF, Evang. Mathew Owojaiye, who made the call during the 2013 National Conference of NOSCEF in Abuja, disclosed that “the northern states are made up of mostly minority tribes, which if added up, would amount to 75 per cent of the North. Christians are the majority in these minority

tribes.

“The commission to be headed by a minister, became necessary, in view of government's inability to curb menace of the Boko Haram sect.

“This will take care of minorities' interests.

“Our history has been a catalogue of woes, poverty, deliberate marginalisation and under-development. Now we are marked for annihilation!

“We are demanding that the Federal Government should set up a Northern Minorities Commission with a minister in charge. It should be a full ministry on its own. Then, attention can be paid to our plight," he said.

tral Bank of Nigeria, CBN. Jonathan, in the bills which were titled: “Chemical Weapons Prohibition Bill,2012” and “Pension Reform Bill” respectively, and read on the floor of the Senate plenary by the Senate President, David Mark, urged the Senate to in its usual manner, expedite action towards the passage of the two bills.

“While I hope that the Bills will receive the usual expeditious attention of the Distinguished members of the Senate, please, do accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration,” the two letters conveying the bills quoted the President as saying.

In the letter requesting the confirmation of four Non-Executive Members of the Board of Central Bank of Nigeria, President Jonathan explained that his action followed the expiration of “statutory terms of appointments of some nonexecutive members of the Board of central bank of Nigeria and the vacancy occasioned when the member representing the South-South

geo-political zone on the board vacated the position in 2009.

He listed the four nominees as Muhammed Musa Kafarati, representing North-East, Collons Chike Chikelube, representing South-East, Adaba Anthony Adeiza, representing North-Central and Ayuli Jemide, to represent the South-South.

It’s embarrassing Nigeria's still among countries with polio —Mark Charges agencies to sensitise constituents

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By JOSEPH ERUNKE

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BUJA — SENATE president, David Mark, said it was embarrassing that Nigeria was still being ranked among countries with polio pandemic.

He also blamed states and local governments in the country for not doing enough to complement Federal Government’s efforts at arresting the disease.

“One of the countries in the world today where we still have polio is in Nigeria and it is a very embarrassing thing for us. I hope that we are doing something about it,” he said.

Senator Mark, who yesterday spoke during debate on a motion on polio, regretted that in spite of the fact that the Federal Government was providing vaccines for immunisation of people against both polio and measles, state and local governments were redundant at playing complementary roles.

After contribution from senators on the issue, the Senate, therefore, in a resolution, asked the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Orientation Agency and other relevant agencies to intensify sensitisation and awareness campaign throughout the country.

....Decries uneven representation of states in Federal Civil Service

BY BEN AGANDE

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BUJA — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday bemoaned the uneven representation of states in the federal civil service as well as lack of competent hands at the top echelon of the service.

Consequently, he challenged the Federal Civil Service Commission to work toward correcting the anomaly.

The President spoke while swearing-in four new

members of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).

According to him, the lack of proper assessment for progression in the States and Federal Civil Service has deprived government of the benefit of having the best brains in the service.

He noted that though civil servants were promoted based on their performance in promotion examinations, such means of testing was not a fool-proof measurement of competence as it could be manipulated.

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16 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

LYING-IN-STATE AND SPECIAL VALEDICTORY SESSION IN HONOUR OF LATE CHIEF OLUWOLE AWOLOWO

From left Mrs. Durojaiye Awolowo, Mrs. Shakira Awolowo and Mrs. Christine Awolowo, all wives of deceased, during the lying-in-state and special valedictory session in honour of the late Chief Oluwole Awolowo, at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Ikeja. Photos: Bunmi Azeez.

From left: Mrs. Yejide Awolowo-Badmos, eldest daughter of the deceased and Mr. Segun Awolowo(JR).

Mark urges Northern senators to enlighten constituents on vaccines

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BUJA—SENATE President, Sen. David Mark, has urged Northern Senators to embark on vigorous enlightenment of their constituents on the importance of accepting measles vaccines.

Mark’s call followed the Senate’s resolution urging the Federal Government and the National Orientation Agency, NOA, to carry out a nationwide sensitisation and awareness campaign against measles.

He blamed elected officials in the North for not showing genuine commitment to efforts aimed at eradicating measles and other child killer diseases affecting the region.

He said: “It boils down to whether we are dedicated enough or whether we even want to do what we are supposed to do routinely."

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Cross section of Late Chief Oluwole Awolowo's children.

From left: Alhaji Lateef Jakande, former Lagos State governor, his wife Abimbola, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye and Chief G.O.K. Ajayi.

From left: Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly; Hon. Yishawu Olusegun, member; Mrs. Olatokunbo AwolowoDosumu; Hon. Kolawole Taiwo, Deputy Speaker and Mr. Segun Awolowo (JR).

At 85, I can say what I want to —Clark

BY HENRY UMORU

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BUJA—FORMER Federal Commissioner for Information and Ijaw Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, said, yesterday, that at 85, he should not be afraid to say what he wants to say, against the backdrop that he was close to the grave. The elder statesman, who reiterated that no ethnic group in the country has a monopoly of governance, stressed that demands for governorship and state creation were legitimate.

Chief Clark spoke yesterday at his Asokoro residence, Abuja, when he received nine traditional rulers under the aegis of Anioma Congress from Delta State, led by the Asagba of Asaba, Professor Chike Edozie.

The traditional rulers from Delta North senatorial district, were in Chief Clark’s house to kick off campaign that the zone should produce the next governor of the state for the 2015 gubernatorial election or in the alternative that a new state, Anioma State, should be created from the present Delta State, just as they also met with the National Chairman of the

Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

Other traditional rulers with the Asagba of Asaba were the Obi of Owa, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor; the Obi of Issele-Uku, Ogene of Ibedeni; Obi of Onicha-Ugbo, Obi of Ejeme-Unor; Obi of Ubulu-Uku, Obi of Atuma and Eze Emu of Emu. Meanwhile, the Asagba of Asaba, who noted that the logic behind making Asaba the capital of Delta State has not been

explained, said that the tension for the creation of Anioma State has not died down, adding that although rotational formula was not in the nation’s constitution, was, however, quick to add that same constitution did not cede political power and leadership to a particular zone.

Speaking further, Clark, who admitted that Delta North has been marginalised, however, reminded the tradi-

tional rulers that for them to get it right, they should work together and produce a credible candidate, adding, “If you want a governor from Anioma, it is a legitimate demand; if you want Anioma state, it is a legitimate demand. When the right time comes, put in your best candidate. When the time comes, I will cast my vote for Delta North. I have a soft spot for Delta North.”

Fidelity Bank grows profits by 604%

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

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IDELITY Bank Plc has announced a growth of 608 percent in its profit after tax for the financial year ended December 31, 2012.

The bank also announced a growth of 23.7 percent in its net loans and advances to customers within the period.

Specifically, the profit for the period rose to N18.2 billion in 2012 from N2.6 billion recorded in 2011, while net loans and advances to customers increased to N345.5 billion from N279.2 billion in the preceding period.

The increase in profit, according to the bank, resulted from a significant proportion of income

from tax exempt assets and transactions, in addition to the huge expansion recorded in non-interest income and net interest and discount income.

The result was prepared in line with International Financial Reporting Standard, IFRS, requirements and is already approved by the appropriate regulatory bodies, Fidelity Bank said in a statement mailed to Vanguard.

The gross earnings for the period grew by 62.3 percent from N73.6 billion in 2011 to N119.4 billion in 2012.

Net interest and discount income was N36.8 billion in 2012, an increase of 20.5 percent from N30.6 billion recorded in 2011. This was driven by pru-

dent balance sheet management that aimed to balance asset prices and low cost deposit mobilisation with income growth.

Total Assets increased by 23.9 percent to N914.4 billion from N737.9 billion in 2011, while total equity rose by 10.5 percent to N161.5 billion from N146.1 billion.

Commenting, the MD/CEO, Mr. Reginald Ihejiahi, said: “We are delighted with our 2012 result which shows a strong rise in profitability compared to 2011, particularly the momentum sustained in the growth in our non-interest income, arising from aggressive business acquisition and the linkage effect of a well implemented branch development programme."

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013— 17 “We have a presidential mandate to move beyond 23 states in our control and win at least 32”- PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur “When the time comes, I assure we will do what we know how to do best”PDP BoT Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih

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Instrument of survival Several critical sections of the party, from the governors through to Obasanjo and his foot soldiers, are determined to terminate Bamanga’s chairmanship; he hangs to President Jonathan’s coattail as the main instrument of survival. And considering the president’s own relative political inexperience, Bamanga’s bluster is balanced by the more streetwise, wily and cold-blooded ability for intrigues of the old colonial policeman, `Chief Tony Anenih.

While BamangaTukur huffs and puffs, Anenih has moved with stealth to plug the leakages on the PDP’s umbrella. He has taken a team around the country and this week, they entered the python’s cave, when they visited the old despot, Olusegun Obasanjo, in Otta.

We do not have a full account of what transpired at the meeting, but Anenih is making the right noise and he cared to remind friends and foes alike, that when the time comes, the PDP would do what it knows best. It was the best example of deliberate ambiguity. You can interpret to suit your fancy.

What does the PDP know how to do best? In my opinion, it is to continue to defy the basic laws of political behaviour: the more incompetent the party is in governance; the more votes it gets in elections. It is as if Nigerians enjoy suffering. They “give” more votes to the PDP come every round of elections to increase their suffering; or are wedded to the PDP’s politics of capture and looting.

It is as if the Nigerian maiden feels C M Y K

It's a presidential directive: Capture 32 states

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T is certainly one of the biggest stories of the week. The embattled National Chairman of the ruling PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, took time away from the desperate battle he is fighting for survival, within the party, to rally the troops. Not the best of times at the head of the party, and more often than not, putting out the fires lit by political enemies, the chairman was for once receiving a friendly delegation of a Southwest caucus of the PDP. The occasion obviously got the better of his effusive side. BamangaTukur might not have been an ex-soldier, but it is clear that the years of hob-nob with military men have left some deep imprimatur on the venerable old man’s consciousness.This is because in that meeting he underlined the fact that “2015 (is) a year of serious political war”, which “the party must win”. The old man had recently openly declared that the 2015 election was “Total War” for his party. This time, the less-than spritely Tukur informed his party men (or whoever remains in the party, if he survives all the knives going for his jugular!), that “we will move with the speed of jet and we will deliver…”

Never mind the appropriateness or otherwise, of the imageries of movement ‘ with the speed of jet’ or even the “presidential” weight of the directive to “win” or “capture” (more appropriately the language of the PDP!) 32 states; the huffing and puffing cannot paper over the deep cracks within the party. Tony Anenih has picked up the pieces of the failed reconciliatory process which the chairman commenced with much fanfare but which exploded in his face like soap bubble.

We can conveniently issue a riposte to Alhaji BamangaTukur, that the “presidential directive” to capture 32 states is a most deluded and unrealistic one. It has taken the deadon-arrival trip to the mortuary of Nigerian politics.

The 2015 elections will turn out to be Alhaji Bamanga Tukur’s TOTAL WAR

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safest in the hands of a serial rapist!

But given all the factors at hand today, can the PDP win the 32 states that BamangaTukur is moving at the ‘speed of jet” to capture? Which are the four states that the PDP has agreed to spare of its “Transformation Agenda”? What is the need for the ‘modesty’ of “winning” or “capturing” “ONLY” 32 states? Will the four states spared include Edo, where Tony Anenih was badly pummeled to humiliation by Adams Oshimhole? Bamanga Tukur leads a

party at war with itself; the most influential tendencies within the party are not singing from the same hymn book with him and he is not better than a general without troops about to go to a decisive war; he called it “total war”.

Then there is the significant problem with the candidate he is marketing, President Goodluck Jonathan; his record in power has been one of utmost disappointment for those who voted for him in 2011. The “shoeless boy” from the backwaters of Bayelsa has done a lot to alienate many sections of the country.

His narrow, ethnic prism badly weakened the religious constituency which he adroitly manipulated in 2011. His muchpublicised, recent return to Pastor Adeboye is not likely to return the votes of the mass of Christians whose conditions of existence have worsened, like their Muslim compatriots, under his watch.

The PDP will also have to contend with

Alhaji Bamanga Tukur: Has the tall order to deliver 32 states. the fatigue and anger Nigerians feel about being ruled by the same party since 1999. Most Nigerians see the party as a redoubt of the worst specimens of

political leadership, whose most worrisome attribute is to have incrementally ruined Nigeria, under their watch. It is the reason that there is so much enthusiasm about the possibilities of the opposition parties finding the métier to unite under a new platform. Not even the well-worn use of security forces and the electoral umpires, to rig the elections can save the day in 2015. Never mind that Chief Tony Anenih was bragging that when the time comes, the PDP would do what it does best. Times are changing in Nigeria and the people feel a right to hope and the possibilities for an alternative current of development. But more fundamentally, the past thirteen years under the PDP have seen the maturing of the worst forms of anti-state revolts than at any moment in our recent national history.

It was the different PDP administrations which began the systematic transfer of public assets into private hands, in dubious privatization processes. These governments strengthened the bonds between governments and private sector groups in corrupt sweetheart deals to the detriment of the nation. They have pauperized the Nigerian people!

Military dictatorship Under the PDP’s watch Nigeria enjoyed record earnings from oil exports but most of these sums were often stolen by top officials to the detriment of the basic needs of the Nigerian people. The PDP over the past fourteen years has frittered away the hopes invested in the transition to civil rule plus the sacrifices which ended military dictatorship.

Against this backdrop, we might confidently predict that there is no way that the PDP can win or capture 32 Nigerian states in a free and fair election.

The dice of disgust of the Nigerian people is too loaded against it. And if they fulfill Tony Anenih’s vow to “do what we do best”, they are most likely to harvest the whirlwind of protest. We can conveniently issue a riposte to Alhaji BamangaTukur, that the “presidential directive” to capture 32 states is a most deluded and unrealistic one.

It has taken the dead-on-arrival trip to the mortuary of Nigerian politics. The 2015 elections will turn out to be Alhaji Bamanga Tukur’s TOTAL WAR. But he and members of the ruling party must prepare a lot of body bags, because they are likely to suffer a lot of collateral casualties along the way!

Sule Lamido and Jigawa's television vision

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AM writing these lines in the JIGAWA HOTELS room that I have been lodged in since Monday evening. I have come to Dutse, to attend the inauguration of the Technical Committee on Jigawa Television. I received a letter early in March, appointing me to membership along with other notable broadcast personalities: Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim (Former DG NTA and FRCN); Tonnie Iredia (Former DG NTA); Ahmed Aminu (Former MD CTV Kano); Prof.

Umaru Pate, First Mass Communication Professor in Northern Nigeria; Omotayo Omotosho and Adamu Aliyu Kiyawa.

Our job was to help provide a basis for the establishment of Jigawa TV, by developing a blueprint of fundamental principles and objectives; situating same within the broad philosophic framework of democratic humanism which guides the government.

Sule Lamido has the vision to establish what was described as a “World Class”

television station in Dutse and already a truly marvelous television house is under construction with a picture of the model proudly displayed in the premises of the Jigawa Broadcasting Corporation.

Similarly, equipment worth over N2billion has been ordered through Lucky Omoluwa’sPinnacle Communications/Harris Corporation group. The television station will become another fitting piece in the elaborate jigsaw of developments which the leadership of Sule Lamido has instituted in this state. And believe me, when I say that there is a lot that the people of this state have achieved since Sule Lamido came to power. An old PRP radical politician, who never shies away from his roots as a disciple of Malam Aminu Kano and the NEPU/PRP tradition, Sule Lamido has continued to valorize the history of struggle and of the radical political tradition in the North.

Our Technical Committee was also

asked to design an identity for the proposed Jigawa TV as well as criticise the functioning of state-owned TV stations in Nigeria with the hope that the propose station will learn from their example to do things better. It is very instructive for me that the Jigawa state government, under Sule Lamido, has always used expertise from all over Nigeria to achieve its development goals and the result is the multifaceted levels of developments witnessed here since 2007. A nonparochial, cosmopolitan, pan-Nigerian vision, such as informs the composition of our Technical Committee can certainly do wonders for the development in a state like Jigawa. And the commitment and experience of the team I am working with on this assignment convince me that Jigawa will deliver a television service that its people will be very proud of.

18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013 NATIONAL silence has enveloped the discovery that three players in the national U-17 team representing the country at the CAF U-17 competition in Morocco were disqualified. They failed the age detecting test CAF conducted at the competition venue.

There is no shortage of excuses for the disgrace that the Nigeria Football Association, NFA, has again brought to the country on this matter. It is no longer a secret that the NFA does not pay adequate attention to forestall the decision of age cheats, who some officials aid to get into teams, in anticipation of the rewards that await them after a good performance at the competition.

Others see the U-17 competition as a good stepping stone in professional careers that are built on nothing than deceit. Why should someone who could be in the twilight of his 20s claim to be under 17, all in a bid to play professional football?

Many things have been said about the poor standards Nigeria brings to international competitions and the

Age Cheats Cheat Us unfulfilled expectations of our young players being among the next generation of footballers who would hold the global sphere with their skills.

The pretence that the age cheating problem does not exist because FIFA has elected not to be involved in our mess is not enough defence. When Nigerian officials field over-aged players for youth competitions, they compromise the future of Nigerian football, they create the false impression of a bright future and they get awards for cheating.

In 2009 when Nigeria hosted the FIFA U17 competition, Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka, a notable contributor to the Green Eagles 1980 Nations Cup victory,

former Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, proved in his weekly column that Fortune Chukwudi, captain of Nigeria’s FIFA U-17 World Cup team was over aged. He was vilified to no end! How many members of that team progressed to the senior national team?

It would not be acceptable under the euphoria of celebrating the current U-17 team’s victories in the competition to ignore the disgrace from Morocco. It is a confirmation that the NFA has not made a firm decision to wipe out age cheating.

After hosting the 2009 competition, it had the machines used for the test. Why did it not test its players before fielding them for the competition? The National Sports Commission, to which the NFA reports, should sanction the culprits. Age cheating has persisted for so long because Nigeria neither punishes the cheating players nor the officials who aid them.

The world used to be concerned, and then laughed at us. Now, its attitude is to ignore us. We cannot ignore those who steadily lead Nigeria to perfidy.

OPINION

BY EMMANUEL AJIBULU

I

“ NDEED, this President and his forebears in the ruling behemoth have collectively mismanaged – in the last 13 years – the hopes of Nigerians and brought the nation into impecunious status through unprecedented corruption and profligacy. With N2.67tr and N1.05tr said to have been spent on fuel subsidy in 2011 and 2012 respectively, this administration has unwittingly created a bleeding pipe – in which the scarce resources of state are siphoned into private pockets of cronies and acolytes of the administration.

The administration of the fuel subsidy, under this administration, has become a phenomenon in legendary opacity and monstrous corrupt tendencies.” These were some of the reactions of members of the opposition.

However, the perceived rot in the subsidy regime almost led to its outright scrapping, but after widespread agitations and persuasions, the President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration introduced Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, SURE P; whilst those that benefited illegally from the subsidy scheme are facing trials at different courts of competent jurisdiction. Yet the SURE P initiative is intermittently receiving uncomplimentary remarks in the public domain. Although other observers who are painstakingly monitoring SURE P, claimed it is aimed at improving the citizens’ socio-

SURE P: Jonathan in the face of opposition economic status above personal or political interest.

In their views, it would be uncharitable for anyone, irrespective of what they represent, to accuse the Federal Government of using part of the funds to empower the party’s cronies ahead of the 2015 general elections, instead of using it for the benefit of all Nigerians. For every unbiased stakeholder, this isn’t the time for mudslinging or political blackmail; that will be totally mischievous and subversive.

Despite the aspersions, the direct impacts of SURE P in the nation’s critical economic sectors, especially in the provision of infrastructure and safety nets, had been phenomenally felt among Nigerians who are primarily the target groups. The ongoing refurbishing of over 3,700km of roads and the inauguration of others across the country are some of the benefits of the exercise. The intervention resulted in the re-inauguration in December 2012 of the Lagos-Kano railway after over 35 years of disrepair, one of the identified credits to this masses driven initiative.

Moreover, Community Services, Women and Youth Employment, CSWYE, was another SURE-P’s landmark input. Women and the youth are seen to be on this

administration’s priority list. SURE P, if well nurtured, has the capacity to reduce drastically, unemployment rate in the country. More important, SURE-P has the President’s mandate to deliver service with integrity and restore people’s confidence in government.

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onsequently, SURE P, with a renowned industrialist, former Nigeria High Commissioner to United Kingdom, and pro chancellor of Pan African University, Dr. Christopher Kolade (CON) as the helmsman, which switched into action in February 2012, is widely raising the hopes that Nigerians could witness the end of infrastructure deficit, which has been the bane of the country’s economic development. Recall that the programme was introduced due to the partial removal of subsidy on petroleum products, with a view to mitigating its impact on the poor and the disabled in the society and ultimately to complement the transformation agenda of the Federal Government’s Vision 20-20-20, which sets the target for Nigeria becoming one of the leading 20 economies in the world by 2020.

This programme has helped in creating immediate short term employment opportunities for women and youths through

the labour-intensive public workfare. Each of the beneficiaries receive N10,000 monthly; they equally get an automated alerts directly from the bank once the payment was done; this is obviously no party affairs, it is called ‘Goodluck’s alert’.

In a dramatic twist, most Nigerians received with rude shock the hoax which moved like a wild fire on the social media that our revered Dr Kolade had thrown in the towel as the Chairman of SURE P; to say it was a huge joke would simply be an understatement. About the negative reports that are making the rounds, Dr Kolade had provided the right feedback for the vituperative critics at a media briefing. When asked how he feels about the tongue-lashing on SURE-P, the elder statesman clearly set the record straight in his display of sheer commitment to national development, devoid of greed, avarice, nepotism, sentiments, corruption and other vices which could be inimical to national progress and prosperity. ‘‘One thing about Nigerians is that we have allowed ourselves to be a demoralised people. If this country is going to make progress, some people have to build and rebuild it. To re-build the situation like our own, you can only do so, on good principle, good philosophy, honesty and transparency.

Continues tomorrow on pg 18 *Mr. Ajibulu, a public affairs commentator, wrote from Abuja.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013—19

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IGERIA is a country haunted by ghosts. By our President’s insinuated definition, a ghost in this sense is a faceless terrorist outfit targeting our security forces and institutions. It sneaks around selectively murdering Nigerians and kidnapping foreigners over some real or asinine grievances. When President Goodluck Jonathan visited Maiduguri, the epicentre and native home of Boko Haram insurgency earlier in March this year, he responded to the elders’ request for negotiation by saying he would not discuss with “ghosts”, insisting they must come out first.

As the dust on that was settling, a court in South Africa sentenced the leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, Henry Okah, for his role in several bomb attacks on Abuja and Warri after the amnesty programme had gone into effect.

In anger, a moribund MEND rose from its three and half-year-old hibernation and threatened to resume hostilities. As if true to its threat, on Friday, April 5, 2013, a group of policemen sent to provide security during the funeral of the

mother of one of the ex-commanders of MEND, Kile Selky Torughedi at Azuzuama in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State, were attacked en route and 12 of them killed. MEND claimed responsibility.

It was clearly an act of terror by a MEND that is now totally faceless; a veritable “ghost” from the South as opposed to Boko Haram, the “ghost” from Northern Nigeria.

And now, MEND appears to have expanded its self-assigned mandate. It has responded to the obdurate Boko Haram campaign of terror by threatening that come May 31, 2013, it would start bombing mosques, hajj camps and assassinating Muslim clerics, especially those known to preach hate against Christians and Southerners and provide support for Boko Haram.

Some Southerners and Christian groups and youth organisations have responded with excitement to MEND’s new mission as their “defenders”. For a very long time now, as Boko Haram and other Islamic Jihadists and militias bombed, be-

,

headed, staged gun attacks and raided well chosen targets all over the North (especially Christian and Southern targets), the lack of reprisal emboldened the terrorists and their backers. They increasingly frightened moderate Muslim leaders into calling for amnesty for the terrorists. In fact, since the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar joined the plea for amnesty for Boko Haram about a month ago; it triggered a stampede of groups making similar calls and forcing a swamped President Jonathan to promise a committee to look into the viability of the proposal.

It is an irony that MEND should give itself the tag of avenger for Christians and Southerners given the fact that it is spiritually rooted in Ijaw sea goddess, the cult of Egbesu. In those days of armed militancy, each time MEND or any of its affiliates scored heavily against the oil companies or our security forces, the President of the

One nation under siege R

ECENTLY, this Column ran a series titled "Which Way, Nigeria?" These series were not, and cannot be, concluded because with each passing day, the question is gaining deeper currency. Whichever direction we look at in Nigeria, we see a harvest of deaths, to the extent that we think that if things continue this way, those who seek to rule may soon run out of subjects to rule over.

They say, if you can’t beat them, you should join them but where you cannot join them, you are better advised to run away. If we were to be forced into the third option, we would soon arrive at the valid question, where are we running to?

Henry Okah was alleged to have committed an act of terrorism in Nigeria but before he could be tried here, he vamoosed to South Africa where the law still caught up with him. He was tried there and convicted.

Back home, the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, MEND, quickly threatened that they were going to resume hostilities to protest Okah’s conviction.

In quick succession, 12 policemen have been killed at the Bayelsa creeks. Although it is not yet clear who carried out the attack, but coming on the heels of the MEND threat, many are not looking too far for the perpetrators. For a conviction that was obtained in far away South Africa, where should we run to?

In the Kano luxury buses incident, hundred of our people, mainly from a particular section of this country, were roasted alive following bombs thrown at their motor park.

While we were yet mourning the loss of the Kano victims, another luxury bus incident occurred at Ugbogui, along the Benin-Ore Road. A peep at the manifest published on the front page of the SUN Newspaper of Sunday, April 7, 2013 clearly

shows that the victims were also from the same section of the country as the Kano victims. Where can the people run to?

It is not true that no one can be held responsible for the Ugbogui disaster. Death is death, whether from Boko Haram or from the Federal Government. Murder is still murder even where our dear and loved one is the murderer. No one has convinced us that the myriads of road accidents in Nigeria are because the Nigerian roads are too good.

Rather, the very reverse is the case.

With the Boko Haram, the victims come under the bomb, knife or gun. What can we say about a Federal Government that budgets billions of Naira annually on the Benin-Ore Road but ends up sand-filling the potholes and painting the road black, only to be washed off by the first rain of the year?

Are they not greater killers than Boko Haram? Why can the Federal Government for once, not swallow her pride and come to Edo State to see the solid roads that the Oshiomhole-led administration is providing for the people?

We may never know the number of innocent Nigerians who perish annually from the Federal Government default via the blackout saga with the concomitant generator explosions and smoke inhalations.

What manner of government would feel it is doing the citizens a favour by throwing them into undeserved darkness all the time?

We hear that the cables used for electrical installations are such that cannot stand prolonged heat without melting. Essentially, if we were to have steady power supply, many houses would be going up in flames as the inferior cables melt. So, periods of darkness are big reliefs, no thanks to our Federal Government. The truth, then, is that if we were to approach the era of regular power supply, we would first seek to revamp our

if they really are serious about the continued unity of this country, will reach the Islamic insurgents and persuade them to drop their unviable and laughable quest to convert Nigerians into Islam by force.

Some people might be tickled by the idea of MEND standing up to fight for Christians and Southerners by killing Muslims and destroying their places of worship. I am not. It will not solve the problem. It will only exacerbate it. A religious war in Nigeria is un-winable. Southern Muslims (especially those from Yoruba land) are not the enemies of Christians and Southerners, neither are law-abiding Northern Muslims.

Among the Northern Muslims, the vast majority are law-abiding, patriotic citizens who want a peaceful atmosphere to carry on with their legitimate pursuits. Targeting such people and their places of worship will be an act of wickedness equal to the transgressions of Boko Haram. If you engage in that, you will be an enemy of Nigeria, just like them.

Nigerians need peace. But peace will only be possible when the owners of this country – Christians, Muslims, Northerners Southerners, Majorities and Minorities – all resolve to maintain the peace. But when a section of the commonwealth seems forever implacable, always causing trouble and dragging the nation backwards, time comes when the rest of the stakeholders will say, wait a minute, is this union still worth it?

Nigeria is a beautiful idea if we let it work. But Nigeria is a very divisible and dissoluble country.

electrical installations.

If we must advance further, governments must be held accountable for their actions.

Before now, killings in the country had been segmented. They were either in the Niger Delta, the North East, the North Central or

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Return of the Southern ghosts

Nigerians need peace; but peace will only be possible when the owners of this country — Christians, Muslims — all resolve to maintain the peace

Ijaw Monitoring Group, Joseph Evah, was fond of describing their exploits as the handiwork of “Ijaw gods”. Does an organisation spiritually devoted to a pagan god have the legitimate right or mandate to fight for Christians? I doubt it.

That Christians and Southerners have maintained restraint in the face of extreme provocation of being targeted in the North, desisting from venting their ire on innocent, law-abiding Northerners among them is not a sign of weakness. It is such restraint, even in the face of provocative demands for amnesty for Boko Haram, that is keeping Nigeria one. Christians and the South have always paid heavy prices to keep Nigeria one even though the North will suffer much more should the country disintegrate.

There are two main reasons for this self control. Number one is that by their cultures and religious orientations, Southerners and Christians are not easily moved to harm strangers or settlers among them, unlike in the North where anything can be an excuse to kill settlers and people of other faiths in their midst. Secondly (and most importantly) the Islamic terrorists have managed to keep their nihilist campaigns within their home zones in the North.

Southern militia groups, such as the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, MEND and the O’odua People’s Congress, OPC, have managed to hold themselves in check and watch the unfolding menace in the North where their people are targeted. It is the prayer and hope of well-meaning Nigerians that Northern leaders,

They say, if you can’t beat them, you should join them but where you cannot join them, you are better advised to run away; if we were to be forced into the third option, we would soon arrive at the valid question, where are we running to?

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anywhere else at different times but not the type of senseless killings that are now enveloping the country at the same time.

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he penultimate weekend, there were simultaneous outbreaks of hostilities in Bayelsa, Plateau, Borno, Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna, etc, and the entire thing is directionless, with no particular tribal or religious colouration. Even while considerations are already on for amnesty for Boko Haram, hostilities are escalating.

There is total anomie in our country. Even in areas where you think the progressive pogrom is dying down, kidnap and armed robbery cases are on the rise. Where do we

run to?

This nation is certainly sitting on a keg of gun powder that can explode anytime.

Which other administration worldwide prides itself in the disobedience of its own laws? There is a subsisting Supreme Court judgement out-lawing the excess crude account and ordering all monies accruable to the country to be paid into a single Federation Account. This Supreme Court judgement is being obeyed only in the breach! Can anyone really say that the Federal Government has a budget for 2013?

At best, what they have is a provisional approval, not backed by any law. What we now call an Appropriation Act was signed by the President on condition that he would follow it up immediately with a supplementary appropriation that would bring the budget down to his desired level.

The Budget Office has since issued circulars to all those implementing the budget to discard the signed Appropriation Act and execute the budget only to the level of the President’s desire. A supplementary estimate has been submitted to the National Assembly. The year is fast running out. In the end, we shall have what the late Professor Awojobi would have appropriately captioned the three versions of one budget – the President’s, the National Assembly’s and nobody’s!

Some people are running around the country building bridges and amalgamating political parties. Any hope that an administration, which cannot obey simple court orders, will relinquish power if defeated at the polls? Herein lies the real fear!

20 — Vanguard, THURSDAY , APRIL 18, 2013

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013 — 21

From left: Ano Anyanwu (Director), Ik Mbagwu (Director), Sylvester Adahada (Company Secretary), Victor Etuokwu (Director), Bisi Onasanya (Chairman), Agada Apochi (MD/CEO) and Femi Olaloku (Director) all in the board of directors of Unified Payment Services Limited, formerly Valucard, at the company’s 15th AGM, in Lagos.

Credit to private sector falls to N15trn in January

By BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

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REDIT from the banking system to the private sector fell to N15.1 trillion in January, while credit to the economy rose to N14.5 trillion in January.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) disclosed this in its economic report for the month. The report stated, “Banking system’s credit to the private sector declined by 1.0 per cent to N15,131.2 billion, in contrast to the 7.8 and 3.2 per cent increase at the end of the preceding

0.95

135.4

2,295.00 +52.00 18.01

0.22

88.25

-0.46

91.50

-2.01

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

154.75 237.1234 203.2332 167.0986 1.5825 0.2896 232.4935 25.027 41.2634 27.2553 233.3475

155.25 237.8896 203.8898 167.6385 1.5876 0.2996 233.2447 25.1083 41.3967 27.3433 234.1015

SELLING 155.75 238.6557 204.5465 168.1784 1.5927 0.3096 233.9959 25.1896 41.53 27.4314 234.8554

CBN Exchange rate as at 17/04/2013

month and the corresponding period of 2012 respectively.

“Similarly, banking system’s claims on the core private sector declined by 1.2 per cent to N14, 450.92 billion, in contrast to the 6.9 and 3.5 per cent increase at the end of the preceding month and the corresponding period of 2012, respectively. The development reflected, largely, the fall in the monetary authority’s claims on the core private sector.

“At N14,482.85 billion, aggregate banking system credit (net) to the domestic economy at end-January 2013 rose by 3.8 per cent, on month-on-month basis, compared with the growth of 1.9 and 2.0 per cent at the end of the preceding month and corresponding period of 2012, respectively. The development reflected, wholly, the 51.2 per cent increase in (net) claims on the Federal Government. Banking system’s credit (net) to the Federal Government, on month-on-month basis, rose by 51.2 per cent to negative N648.4 billion, in contrast to the decline of 167.2 per cent at the end of the preceding month. The development was attributed, largely, to the 20.3 per cent increase in the banking system’s holdings of Nigerian Treasury Bills. The Federal Government, however, remained a net lender to the banking system at the end of the review month.

“Narrow money supply (M1), at N6,939.8 billion, declined by 1.8 per cent below the level at the end of the preceding month. The development was attributed to the 11.2 per cent decline in currency outside banks, which more than offset

the marginal growth of 0.3 percent growth in the demand deposit component. It however, grew by 0.8 per cent at the end of the

corresponding period of 2012. Over the level at end December 2012, (M1) grew by 4.3 per cent.

“Quasi-money grew by 2.1 per cent to N8, 229.6 billion, compared with growth of 23.4 and 6.1 per cent at the end of the preceding month and corresponding period of 2012, respectively. The development reflected the increase in time and savings deposits with the deposit money banks”.

FG to establish deep sea port in Bayelsa

BY EDIRI EJOH

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HE Federal Government has commenced work to establish a deep seaport at Aje in Bayelsa state.

Minister of Transport, Sen. Idris Umar disclosed this at the inauguration of the “Integrated Port Community Information System, IPCIS in Lagos. He said plans are also in place to develop the Badagry deep seaport. He said work on the new port will commence once the initial plans are completed. He said this is part of government’s effort to focus on reforms of deep seaports to help in de-congesting the ports in Lagos. .

On the IPCIS, he said the system will improve the revenue profile of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), as it is expected to bring development to port operations.

The IPCIS that is meant to regulate port operations is to be managed by Trade Facilitation Center (TFC), a private outfit of the NPA. The TFC is a government owned, commercially operated

company developed by the NPA in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport and supported by the Presidency. Umar said that with the “technology in place, the revenue of the NPA would be enhanced, as there will be lots of data for other agencies like Customs, NIMASA and Navy which performs other maritime responsibilities.”

He said that sharing of information would make these agencies more efficient. “Revenue generation is not our only focus, but also the IPCIS has the potential to enhance all our security surveillance, as statistical data will be documented for other agencies in the maritime sector to enhance efficiency in operations, as well as for security clarifications”.Also speaking at the ceremony, the Interim Managing Director of the Trade Facilitation Center (TFC), Mr Michael Goldsmith, pointed out that days of revenue losses are over at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

22 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

FGN bonds issuance rise by 47% in Q1

BY CHINEDU IBEABUCHI

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NVESTMENTS in fed eral government bonds increased as instruments totaling N285 billion were issued in 1st quarter of 2013, representing an increase of 47.2 per cent, compared to N193.66 billion issued in the corresponding period of 2012.

However, marginal rates were lower compared to last year’s rates as inflation rate began to moderate, Researchers at Cowry Asset Management Limited said in their 1st quarter, 2013 and outlook for 2nd quarter review.

At 9.0 per cent inflation rate in January, marginal rate for 10 year, 16.39 per cent FGN JAN 2022 paper softened to 11.34 per cent compared to January of 2012 with a marginal rate of 16.39 per cent and inflation rate of 12.6 per cent.

The inclusion of federal government bonds in the JP Morgan GBI-EM index as well as the upgrade of Nigeria’s sovereign rating by both Fitch and S&P late last year were also contributive to the increase in investment levels, the analysts said.

While the federal government was favourably disposed to issuing bonds at lower cost of funds, the reduction in federal government bond yields and inflation rate was a positive signal to other bond issuers with regards to expected reduction in their respective financing cost.

The 5-year instrument was the most issued debt, totaling

N105 billion, followed by the 10-year debt which totaled N100 billion. Both papers accounted for 71.93 per cent of a total of N285 billion worth of issues in Q1 2013. Next in line was the 7-year bond which amounted to N65 billion.

The analysis showed that activities at the Over-the-Counter market increased as turnover rose by 56.40 per cent, recording 2.35 billion units valued at N2.48 trillion in 13,685 deals in 1st quarter of 2013 from 1.5 billion units valued at N1.28 trillion exchanged in 10,903 deals in same period of

2012.

The OTC bond prices also rallied across all maturities. On the year-to-date basis, the 20year paper gained the most by N5.37 while 7-year bond gained the least by N2.12.

Comparing Q1 2012 and Q1 2013, the average yield on the 20 year, 10-year, 7-year and 5year instruments decreased to 11.45 per cent, 10.64 per cent, 10.61 per cent and 11.20 per cent respectively.

The trend was partly determined by the significant drop in inflation rate in the review period from a higher base which was triggered by the

partial removal of fuel subsidy in January, 2012. In addition, the retention by the monetary authority, of monetary policy rate at 12 per cent in response to inflationary threats contributed to keeping yields high in Q1 2012, the analysts said.

Commenting on the 2nd quarter outlook, the analysts said there is a high expectation of likely reduction in the benchmark interest rate having remained constant all through 2012. Therefore, the OTC bond prices are expected to trek further northwards with a corresponding decrease in yields.

From left: Managing Director, WELTEK, Mr. Pedro Egbe, representing the President of Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN); Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Engr Ernest Nwapa; President and CEO, GE Africa, Jay Ireland and Supply Chain Head, Phil Griffith at the engineering fair organised by GE, in Abuja.

Sub-Saharan Africa to see 5% economic growth by 2015 — World Bank E

CONOMIC growth in Sub-Saharan Africa is likely to reach more than 5 percent on average in 20132015 as a result of high commodity prices worldwide and strong consumer spending on the continent, ensuring that the region remains amongst the fastest growing in the world, according to the World Bank’s latest Africa’s Pulse, a twiceyearly analysis of the issues shaping Africa’s economic prospects.

In 2012, about a quarter of African countries grew at 7 percent or higher and a number of African countries, notably Sierra Leone, Niger, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso and Rwanda, are among the fastest growing in the world.

The new World Bank report forecasts that medium-term C M Y K

growth prospects remain strong and will be supported by a gradually improving world economy, consistently high commodity prices, and more investment in regional infrastructure, trade, and business growth.

Welcoming the new assessment that Africa continues to grow faster than the global average, the World Bank’s Vice President Diop called on the need for faster progress in areas such as electricity and food in the vulnerable areas of The Sahel and the Horn of Africa, and that significantly more energy and agricultural productivity were needed to raise the quality of life for Africans throughout the continent and reduce poverty significantly.

“African countries will need to bring more electricity, nutritious food, jobs and opportu-

nity to families and communities across the continent in order to better their lives, end extreme poverty, and promote shared prosperity.Without more electricity and higher agricultural productivity, Africa’s development future cannot prosper. The good news is that governments in Africa are intent on changing this,” he said.

Diop also urged African governments and their development partners to upgrade the continent’s statistical capacity so that citizens could better measure and monitor their development progress and analyze the reasons for its success and failure, especially in resource-rich countries and fragile states, where data gathering and analysis remained weak.

Africa’s Pulse says that recent

discoveries of oil, natural gas, copper, and other strategic minerals, and the expansion of several mines or the building of new ones in Mozambique, Niger, Sierra Leone, and Zambia, together with better political and economic governance, were sustaining solid economic growth across the continent.

However, after more than a decade of strong economic growth, the World Bank says that Africa has been able to cut poverty on the continent, but not significantly.

“While the broad picture emerging from the data is that Africa’s economies have been expanding robustly and that poverty is coming down, the aggregate hides a great deal of diversity in performance, even among Africa’s faster growers,” says SDevarajan, the World Bank’s Chief Economist for Africa, and lead author of the new report.

AfDB backs move to reduce cost of remittances

BY CHINEDU IBEABUCHI

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FRICAN Development Bank, AfDB, announced that it is supporting an initiative to reducing the costs of African remittances and maximizing their impact on development.

Nigerian workers worldwide were expected to have remitted N3.27 trillion ($21 billion) back home in 2012, according to a World Bank report.

In a statement by the AfDB, remittances represent a rising source of finance for the continent and hold immense potential as drivers of economic growth and development.

A recent study, Leveraging Migration for Africa: Remittances, Skills, and Investments, conducted by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in collaboration with the World Bank shows that remittance flows into Africa reached US $40 billion in 2010 and have quadrupled since 1990. African remittances currently account for 2.6 per cent of GDP, a figure that in some countries equals or even exceeds both foreign direct investment and aid, the statement said.

Remittance-receiving households are usually associated with reductions in poverty, increased household consumption, greater investment in human and physical capital, and less vulnerability from economic and natural shocks.

Reducing the costs of remittances and maximizing their impact on development is a key objective for the AfDB. The AfDB, through its Migration and Development Fund, also supports support local initiatives and those from the diasporas aimed at improving knowledge of remittances, reducing the costs of transfers, optimizing the use of the resources transferred, and supporting local development in migrant home countries.

The Africa Remittances and Money Transfer Forum will take place from June 6-7, 2013 at the Palace of the National Assembly, in Praia, Cape Verde. The forum aims at developing new strategies and policies to use remittances as drivers for economic growth and poverty reduction, the statement said.

Vanguard, THURSDAY , APRIL 18, 2013—23

Accessing credit still major problem for investors — LCCI

BY NAOMI UZOR

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HE Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has said that inaccessibility to credit facilities remains a major problem for investors in Nigeria.

Speaking at the first quarter press conference on the economy, the President of LCCI, Mr. Goodie Ibru, said many small and medium scale enterprises still have serious challenge in accessing credit even at high rate.

He said the tight credit situation is a major inhibiting factor to the capacity of domestic enterprises to take advantage of the robust Nigerian market.

“The credit challenge is the biggest negative impact on the business confidence. We reiterate our call for both fiscal and monetary authorities to work together to ease the credit conditions, especially for the small and medium scale enterprise and more importantly domestic business. This is critical as well to stem the gradual crowd-

ing out of domestic entrepreneurs by foreign investors,” he said.

On the issue of security, Ibru said that the security situation in the country deteriorated in the first quarter of the year, its impacts on investment risk, worsened our perception and image at the global level, and access to markets in the troubled parts

of the country has reduced for many enterprises and this is already affecting sales and profitability adding that many enterprise have re-located with the inherent challenges. ”We are aware that the security agencies are doing their best to arrest the situation, but clearly they are still very far from be-

ing able to do so.

“There is evidently a need to review current strategies for better effectiveness and impact. All reasonable options should be explored to put an end to this unpleasant development. The truth is that without adequate security, nothing else would happen in an economy.

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E N E R A L Electric, GE, has entered into an agreement with a Nigerian firm, Integrated Medical Industries Limited, IMIL, to supply the local syringe and i n t r a v e n o u s manufacturer with four gas engines having a combined capacity of generating 14 megawatts of electricity.

According to a statement by GE, it will supply three of its fourmegawatt (MW) Jenbacher J624 gas engines and one of its two megawatts J612 units to power the new factory, solely owned by the Rivers State Government that is expected to produce billions of syringes and intravenous (IV) drug products that are needed each year in the fight against malaria in Africa.

The company said the gas engines are scheduled to be delivered by the third quarter of 2013, adding that Clarke Energy, its authorized distributor of

BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

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ADBURY Nigeria Plc has introduced new safety initiatives aimed at strengthening the safety of their products and consumers.

Speaking at an event marking the kick off of the company’s Safety Week in Lagos, the MD/ CEO of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Emil Moskofian, said that the safety week would involve series of training and programmes on safety and health related issues.

“We are going to have workshops, training programmes, raising people’s awareness to

ensure that safety becomes a way of life for us.

“We shall ensure adherence to this safety initiatives every minute, every day, every hour.

We do not compromise on safety for whatever reason. For us business success comes with safety, without which nothing will be achieved,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, the Integrated Supply Chain Director, Cadbury West Africa, Nasir Malik said the company has been able to ward off accidents and safety related casualties in the past through constant monitoring.

Emirates signs 120 bilateral agreements for e-freighting

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President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote and the UNICEF Country Representative, Ms Jean Gough, during the courtesy visit by UNICEF delegation and the presentation of $500,000 by Dangote Foundation to UNICEF for the fight against measles outbreak in Nigeria.

GE to supply 14MW gas plants to Nigerian drug firm

By JONAH NWOKPOKU, with agency report

Cadbury rolls out new safety initiatives

Jenbacher gas engines in Nigeria will be serving as the single point of contact from initial sale, project management, engineering, installation through to commissioning and long-term maintenance.

Karl Wetzlmayer, General Manager of Gas Engines—GE Power & Water, said, “When it comes to deploying the best available distributed

power solutions to the front lines of Africa’s battle against malaria, IMIL recognized that GE’s J624 technology is ideally suited to ensure it has the power needed to maintain its production of vital medical equipment.”

GE said the on-site power plant will also contribute to Nigeria’s targets to modernize the country’s electrical gener-

ation infrastructure.

According to the company, the new cogeneration plant will be the first power project in sub-Saharan Africa to utilize GE’s 24-cylinder J624 gas engines, noting that the J624 is the world’s first 24-cylinder gas engine and is characterised by high efficiency and reliable performance.

CSR: PSC Solar donates streetlight to Police the solar streetlight,

BY EBELE ORAKPO

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N the spirit of giving back to society, PSC Solar Industries, a solar electricity and renewable energy total solutions provider, at the weekend installed a solar street light at the Alausa Division of the Nigeria Police Force.

Reacting to the gesture, an elated Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Ajao Adewale, the Divisional Police Officer in charge

of Alausa Division, described it as “the greatest service to humanity”, noting that it was “unsolicited.

“This means constant power supply. At any point in time, there will be no darkness at the entrance of the station so we can easily assess and screen those coming in and going out. So it is of great security value to this environment, knowing the peculiarity of Alausa Division as a strategic division in Lagos,” he said.

While handing over

Engr. Abel Olomo, PSC Industries’ Client Service Engineer stated that it was part of the company ’s way of giving back to the society.

Ajao prayed God to continue to strengthen the company to enable them do more. “On behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, the Area Commander and officers and men of Alausa Division and by extension, the Barracks, I want to say a big thank you to PSC.”

MIRATES Cargo Airline says its SkyCargo arm, has signed over 120 bilateral agreements with customers for the adoption of electronic air waybills since 2011 tilldates.

Ram Menen, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Cargo, said efreighting has continued to generate interest from

the industry ’s stakeholders and to drive the company ’s recent increased patronage.

They have put in place over 120 bilateral agreements with customers to ensure a smooth transition from paper Air Waybills (AWB) to electronic record formats, known in industry terms as ‘Electronic Air Waybill data’ (FWB).

Grand Oak explains sponsorship of cultural festivals

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RAND Oak Limited, manufacturer of Seaman’s Schnapps, says its involvement the sponsorships of cultural festivals was to closely align with the culture and tradition of the people in the country.

The company recently distributed gift items worth millions of Naira to participants at the just held annual Anioma Cultural Festival in Asaba, Delta State.

Promotions Manager, Mr. Olumide Adeyemi, said

that Seaman’s Schnapps is a brand that supports cultural events such as the Anioma Festival which serves as a rallying point for the unification of Delta’s diverse population.

“It is a masterpiece of culture from the nine Local Government areas in Delta State with a core focus on the preservation, promotion and advancement of the appreciation and development of the rich cultural heritage of the Anioma people and Nigeria.”

P&G declares 7% dividend increase

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HE Board of Directors Procter & Gamble Company has announced a seven percent increase in the quarterly dividend from $0.562 to $0.6015 per share on its common stock and on the Series A and Series B ESOP Convertible Class A Preferred Stock of the Company, payable on or after May 15, 2013 to Common Stock shareholders of record at the close of business on

April 26, 2013, and to Series A and Series B Preferred Stock shareholders of record at the start of business on April 26, 2013.

This represents a 7 per cent increase compared to the prior quarterly dividend.

P&G has been paying a dividend for 123 consecutive years since its incorporation in 1890. This marks the 57th consecutive year that the Company has increased the dividend.

24 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

FG contracts World Bank to audit Destination Inspection scheme STORIES BY GODFREY BIVBERE

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HE Federal Gov ernment has contracted the World Bank to audit operation of the destination inspection scheme before handing it over to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). Destination Inspection contract, which stipulates that all goods coming into the country must be examined at the nation’s ports, elapsed last year before it was

extended for another six months.

Vanguard authoritatively gathered that the Federal Government through the Minister of Finance, Ngozi OkonjoIweala, late last year, contracted the World Bank to audit the performance of the three Service Providers, Cotecna Destination Nigeria Limited, SGS and Global Scansystems, as well as the preparedness of the NCS to take charge of the scheme.

A source close to the minister told Vanguard that the “FG brought in the World Bank to audit the system to see if there is need for transition or intervention; and to determine the kind of collaboration that is required.”

On the widely held claims that the World Bank officials were brought in by the Customs, the source said “It was the minister that brought in the World Bank; what the Customs did was to muscle in

and you know those oyinbos (whites), they will just be smiling but what they are going to say is in their mind.”

It would be recalled that Ramesh Siva, who led the World Bank team after visiting many commands to assess facilities

of the service, had said “Customs is ready to take over Destination Inspection Scheme.”

NPA to acquire 3 vessels, beefs up security at ports

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ANAGEMENT of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is to acquire three vessels for effective policing of the nation’s water fronts, even as it has commenced installation

of security facilities at the ports..

General Manager in charge of Public Affairs, Iheanacho Ebubeogu, who disclosed this in Lagos, said this is in line with its collabora-

tion with the Navy.

Ebubeogu noted that it has placed order for three vessels in France and South Africa as part of strategies to enhance its security.

According to the NPA, one of the vessels identified as Dorina is being built in France while the other two named Agade and Ovie are being expected from South Africa. He pointed out that the initiative is aimed at “ responding to transport trend”.

The NPA image maker, who spoke on several issues in the maritime sector, said concession was adopted because of its relevance to the emerging trend of the “globalisation phenomenon and its apparent features”.

Ebubeogu, who assured that the NPA would take all necessary steps to forestall a repeat of the Atlas Cove Jetty incident, said that NPA would not give in to any terrorist threat; hence the proactive measures being put in place. ”Let me tell you that, beyond the purchase of the boats, several other potent measures are being put in place, which may not be made public as a security measure, but we are not sleeping,” he said.

He also clarified the current low cargo volume being experienced at the ports, saying the situation was a direct outcome of global recession. ”You know that Nigeria is predominantly a destination port, different from ports of origin..

The only port of origin in the country is that of Bonny, and so what happens is that when you have such recession, it throws up a spiraling effect on countries which operates destination ports,” he concluded. ”Don’t forget that the banks are majorly responsible for raising monies to finance imports, and when they (banks) are in distress owing to such global recession, the import/export sector will be adversely affected.”

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013 — 25

learning@vanguardngr.com

By AMAKA ABAYOMI

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O provide quality education to residents, the Lagos State Government has set new rule for the transfer of students in public schools in the state. The state government has, therefore, stopped the transfer of students into junior secondary class two or senior secondary class two.

Giving reasons for the new rule, the Chairperson, State Universal Basic Education Board, Mrs. Gbolahan Daodu, at an interactive session with representatives of Headteachers and Parents’ Forum of each public primary school in the state, said government is committed to providing quality education to students in the state, and the new rule would help achieve that.

“We had to stop the transfer of students from other schools, and outside the state, into JSS 2 and SS 2 because aside from compounding the infrastructural challenges we face, a lot of the parents falsify the documents they present to us.

“Some of the parents connive with the head-teachers of the schools and admit students who failed woefully in their former schools or have never been in secondary school into JSS1 or SS2. This negates the education policy thrust of this administration.”

She said for government to put a stop to the over-stretching of facilities beyond the number of students that can be accommodated in these schools, quality education is being provided to those that are

Lagos sets new rule on transfer of students in public schools already in JSS 1 and can be confidently promoted to the next class.

Pointing out that government is aware of the problems facing the provision of quality education in the state, the SUBEB boss said government is doing its best to address

them one at a time.

“Government is prepared, ready and responsive to these challenges and is addressing them. We are appealing to all concerned to be patient with us because it would take some time before we get to our destination.

If it is possible to know how

many we are and how many more are joining us, it would help in addressing these problems.”

Speaking on the issue of increasing number of out-ofschool-children in the state, which she attributed to child labour, Daodu called on all

parents and guardians who have employed the services of house-helps to endeavour to send them to school, which is free in the state.

“Once the UBE policy, which would make education free and compulsory, is signed into law, Continues on pg 26

•From left: Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, OAU, Prof. Seye Bolaji; Chairman, Committee of Deans,OAU; Professor Wale Fadare; Acting Registrar, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, Pharm Gloria Abumere; Guest Speaker and Chairman, Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria, Dr. Lolu Ojo; Publisher, Pharmanews, Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi; and Chairman, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, Mr. Femi Adebayo, at the induction ceremony for new Pharmacy graduates of OAU.

Looming varsity strike: Students plead with SSANU, govt

By AMAKA ABAYOMI, LAJU ARENYEKA & QUEEN ISIBOR

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OLLOWING the recent threats by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU) to go on strike if a meeting with the Federal Government failed to grant their demands on the payment of Earned Allowance and rejection of the NEEDS Assessment Report in the university system, students in various institutions of higher learning have pleaded with both parties to consider the fate of students.

Rising from its NEC meeting held at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, last week, the President of SSANU, Comrade C M Y K

Samson Ugwoke, said the varsity workers may have no option than to commence a nationwide strike after the meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), slated to hold on the 19th April, fails to address the relevant issues such as the Payroll and

Personnel Information System.

He also hinted that the National Association of Academic Technology (NAAT) and the Non-Academic Staff of Universities and other allied institutiona (NASU) - under the Joint Action Committee (JAC) had also got the support of their members to commence strike on

Full Professorship, height of academic attainment – Caleb VC Page 26

the issues.

Ugwoke said the unions have delayed the strike due to the intervention of members of the House of Representatives who advised the Executive to raise a Supplementary Budget to cover the payment of Earned Allowance.

“But despite the various

Expert blames teachers for failure in Mathematics Page 30

meetings, dialogue and discussions under the Implementation Monitoring Committee, over the last two years and promises from the government, the money needed for the payment was not captured in the 2013 budget, and this is an affront Continues on pg 26

River blindness has a lot of economic implications – Joseph Ezigbo Page 32

26 —Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

Full Professorship height of academic attainment — Caleb VC

BY DAYO ADESULU

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HE Vice-Chancellor, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State, Professor Ayodeji Olukoju, has said that full professorship, and not the headship, deanship, deputy vicechancellorship or vicechancellorship, which are temporary administrative positions, marks the apogee of all academic attainments.

The Vice-Chancellor said that full professorship is won by dint of hard work primarily as a scholar and researcher, with a credible record of publications and contribution to knowledge, in conjunction with other attributes such as impressive record of teaching, moral and intellectual integrity,

administrative experience, mentorship and community service.

Professor Olukoju made the remark during the maiden inaugural lecture of the university delivered

by Professor Nosa OwensIbie, a Professor of Communication, Media and Development. The inaugural lecture was themed; Communicating an Explosion: Signs and Wonder, Popular Culture and the Crumbling of Empire.

He said; “These criteria are graded and it is only when the scholar-teacher has satisfied more than the minimum requirements, including at least two positive assessments of his/ her publications by external experts in his/her field and good interview performance, that he/she can be made a professor in

a particular area of his/her discipline here at Caleb University” Professor Olukoju further stressed that Caleb University had always employed the strictest criteria in appointing professors, adding that Professor Nosa OwensIbie, the university’s Dean of Student Affairs and Head of Mass Communication Department, was the first to be so appointed in the history of the university.

The Vice-Chancellor described Professor Owens-Ibie as a pride of the university for his initiation of the highly successful Caleb University Mass Communication Forum, which has featured outstanding speakers and benefactors from the industry, academia and the private sector.

Lagos sets new rule on transfer of students in public schools Continues from pg 25 I don’t see any reason why parents won’t want to send their wards or house-helps to school because what is required is just a few support for the children.”

Pointing out that this administration is committed to providing quality education to its teeming populace, Daodu stressed on the need for teachers and head-teachers to seek additional knowledge, whether government is sponsoring them or not.

“Effective teaching is taken seriously by this government and a lot of money is being spent on the training and retraining of teachers in the state. We are appealing to the teachers that have partaken in the training programmes to impart what they have learnt to their students. “Aside the training programmes being organised by government, teachers and head-teachers should make the conscious effort to seek additional knowledge through seminars and training programmes on their own account.”

Welcoming the delegates to the interactive session, SUBEB Board Secretary, Mrs. Titilola Oluseye, said education is the pivot of development in any nation, and Lagos State is making giant

strides in the education sector through the provision of textbooks, learning and reading materials, among others, for the students and teachers.

Appreciating the efforts of government in the education sector, Chief Babatunde Beblee, who spoke on behalf of the parents, called on government to come to

their aid by re-building the decayed LA Nursery & Primary School, Ibeche, Seabeach, Amuwo Odofin.

“Though we are appealing to our members to understand the plight of government, but we don’t have a school building and our children are using the Apostolic Church building.”

Looming varsity strike: Students plead with SSANU, govt Continues from pg 25 on the workers, the unions and their leadership.

“All the unions at JAC, SSANU, NASU and NAAT were together at a meeting on the invitation of House Committee on Education, which was very robust, interesting and successful.

At the end, and as regards the NEEDS Assessment, IPC and Earned Allowance, the House suggested that the Executive should raise a Supplementary Budget covering the Earned Allowance.”

Vanguard Learning sampled the opinions of students on the looming strike and most of them pleaded with the various union members not to allow students spend longer time than necessary in school.

Oluwa Latifa, a student

of Lagos State University, LASU, said even if they insist on going on strike, let only the affected parties go while other staff that aren’t affected remain in the classrooms so that academic calendar would not be disrupted.

For Susan Eru, a student of the University of Benin, “Though it is the students that would suffer for it, but the lecturers should go on strike if they deem it fit because working without adequate pay will not make them effective.”

Calling on government to honour its part of the agreement, Blessing Eze from Abia State University said; “Why won’t the government honour its agreement with the lecturers who have families they need to take care of?

Going on strike will cause the government to remember that lecturers still exist."

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013 — 27

28— Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

Columbia varsity researchers visit YABATECH

BY IKENNA ASOMBA

A

GROUP of researchers from the Columbia University in the US, paid a visit to the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), with a view to exploring the growth and development of technical and vocational education and training as it relates to the UNESCO-UNEVOC Centre in the College.

YABATECH is one of the 60 United Nations Educat i o n Vo c a t i o n a l C e n t r e s (UNEVOC) in all the regions of the world under the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

The researchers toured the college to see for themselves the college's teaching and learning modalities in the implementation of the national vocational qualifications framework; share successful entrepreneurship initiatives in the West Africa region and development and implementation of TVET quality analysis/diagnosis instrument.

The visitors were amazed at the level of implementation and growth of the UNEVOC centre headed by a director, Ms. Ify Marinze.

The Rector of the College, Dr. Margaret Ladipo, revealed to the visitors that the College’s attention is focussed on greening TVET; TVET teacher education, entrepreneurship skills and

sustainable development.

The College, she said, through the UNEVOC centre e-forum, is making contributions to collaborate and develop 21 st Century ideas with the hope of ex-

panding the implemented projects with other tertiary institutions in ECOWAS sub-region.

The head of the researchers, simply referred to as Tatiana B, was full of ap-

•Management of YABATECH and the Columbia University researchers shortly after the visit.

UNN begins interfaculty sports competition

BY ABUTU AGADA & COLLINS UNUMADU, UNN

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RRANGEMENTS have been concluded for the kick-off of the University of Nigeria inter-faculty sports competition scheduled to hold

from Tuesday, 16th to 26th April 2013.

According to a statement signed by the university's Director of Sports, Mr. Godwin Ogbobe, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Bartho Okolo will perform the kickoff ceremony on Tuesday,

April 16, 2013 at 4pm, while the opening game will be played between Faculty of Agriculture and Faculty of Arts.

The competition will feature 15 NUGA Sports including: athletics, football, handball, volleyball, basketball, swim-

ming, badminton, tennis, table tennis, chess, taekwondo, judo, cricket and hockey.

Mr. Ogbobe further explained that the purpose of the competition was to select athletes that will represent the university in NUGA Zone G preliminary games scheduled

ent kinds/ species of fish.

Examples: 1. Peter caught five huge fish this morning.

2.The pond is stocked with fish.

3.Peter caught several fish when he obeyed the instruction of Jesus.

4.The number of fish in Ogun River has decreased.

5.Which is the most deadly of all fishes?

6.His study is on ‘the fishes of the Atlantic Ocean.’

Frequently Confused Words Fish –Fishes

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he word fish can be used as a noun or a verb. As a noun, it can function as a countable or an uncountable noun. Fish, as a countable noun ( ‘a creature that lives in water, breathes through gills and uses fins and a tail for swimming’), has two plural forms :fish and fishes . Fish is the usual plural form. Fishes is used to refer to differ-

C M Y K

preciation to the college and with the enormous development they witnessed during the tour of the college.

National/regional TVET institutions were able to network and share resources.

Premise-Premises

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remise and premises are two unrelated words. I draw readers’ attention to the noteworthy difference in meaning the presence and absence of letter ‘s’ at the word end creates. A single letter is significant in

to hold in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka from May 27 2013. The preliminary games, according to him, will feature a total of 11 universities from the South– East Zone of the country. The victorious teams from the group will then represent the zone in 2013 NUGA competition at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, from 3 to 6 June, 2013.

affecting the meaning of a word. A premise is a ‘statement or an idea that forms the basis for a reasonable line of argument’. Premises refers to ‘the building and land near to it that a business owns or uses’ •In other words, a premise is what you use as a basis of an idea while the premises of a business refers to all the building(s) and land it occupies. Let’s pay attention to the meaning and spelling of each of the two words.

Examples: 1. The Union’s reasoning is based on the premise that ‘injustice to one is injustice to all’.

2. You cannot enter the company’s premises without a permit.

zCONTINUES NEXT WEEK. Send requests/problems to Gabriel Osoba, Ph.D, Department of English, Lagos State University, Ojo, through Editor, Teach Yourself English, Vanguard Newspapers, PMB. 1007, Apapa, Lagos, or email: editor@vanguardngr.com & gabosoba002@yahoo.co

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013— 29

Why our education sector continues to nosedive — Adefarasin

BY IKENNA ASOMBA

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RKED by the worrisome challenges posed by the nation’s dwindling education sector, Founder and Senior Pastor, House on the Rock Church, Victoria Island, Lagos, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, has affirmed that the standards will continue to nosedive if incompetent leaders continue to manage its affairs.

Adefarasin made this assertion while conducting journalists on a tour of facilities at the completed Rock Cathedral, which now houses the headquarters of the church and The Rock Foundation.

“As part of our effort to contribute towards nation-building through the provision of specialized training for children and youths, The Rock Foundation will run four educational systems.

“These are primary school, an adult education centre, a skills acquisition centre and a Bible College, and each will

C M Y K

provide quality learning at par with what is obtainable in developed climes. They will run a robust curriculum that promotes the underlying guiding principles of stewardship, integrity, diversity, empowerment and social responsibility, all of which are required to build a strong nation.

“If the right, uncompromising and competent leaders who have the capacity, burden and propriety to discharge public service are not produced by our leadership system, then it will continue to spell doom, especially in the education sector.

“It’s high time our leadership system was made unattractive for people who don’t want to serve. Perhaps, this boils down to the restructuring of our justice system, considering its role in true democratic governance, so that at least people who are

OAU Governing Council visits Ooni, receives royal blessings

BY SIKIRU AKINOLA, OAU

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•Pastor Paul Adefarasin corrupt in public offices will be brought to book.”

He added that the insecurity crisis rocking the northern part of the country could also be traced to government’s insensitivity to empowering the masses through qualitative education and vocational skills.

HE Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II, has re-stated his readiness to continue to support anybody or a group of people who are willing to use their talents, intellect and resources to further project the image of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, to the outside world.

Oba Sijuwade made the commitment in Ile-Ife when the newly inaugurated Governing Council of OAU paid him a courtesy visit in his palace.

Led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Professor Roland NdomaEgba, the royal father charged members of Council to use their individual wealth of experience to col-

lectively take OAU to a much greater height so that its image would remain towering in the comity of universities not only in Africa but globally.

Expressing his appreciation for the visit, the Ooni prayed that OAU will witness and experience unprecedented progrees, success and development during their tenure. He pointed out that hardworking members of the Council would make the job of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bamitale Omole, much easier and be more pronounced.

Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Roland Ndoma-Egba, commended the monarch for using his royalty to bring about positive changes to Ile-Ife.

30—Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

Expert blames teachers for failure in Living above the default law of life Mathematics

BY DAYO ADESULU

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HE reason for yearly failure in Mathematics among secondary school students has been traced to teachers’ lack of practical skills that make the subject interesting to students.

Proprietress of Chrisfield Private Schools, Ita-maga, Ikorodu, Mrs Olabisi Olateru who made this assertion during the school's maiden sports festival stated that most students who fail Mathematics do so because their teachers lack practical skills that make the subject interesting to students.

She said; “If teachers do not device means of teaching this key subject, students will continue to see it as difficult and run away from it.”

Olateru who urged teachers to use true life situation to explain Mathematics to students pointed out that some teachers’ lack of practical skills in this basic area has made students hate the unavoidable subject.

The Chartered Accountant turned educationist said; “If you bring the teaching of Mathematics into reality by using true life stories and examples, it

will make the subject interesting as students will find it not boring thereby falling in love with the subject and subsequently understand it.”

She maintained that the problem of our education sector started from our home, adding that many parents have failed to support the strategy put in place by teachers to enhance students' learning.

Olateru explained that if assignment is given to students, many parents would not bother to check whether their wards did it or not, not to talk of assisting them in doing it.

To arrest the downward trend, she reiterated that there should be stakeholders' meetings in every school, where vital issues affecting the sector would be discussed.

She disclosed that already in her school, stakeholders' programme like parenting and seminars were held in the just- concluded term, adding that they hope to continue

with such programme next session.

On reasons some students in private schools perform better academically than those in public schools, she noted that the difference is in the way both are being handled explaining that in private schools anyone who does not perform is fired, whereas in the public schools, teachers can do whatever they like and go free.

Her words; "I love teaching, I love impacting knowledge to children.

I love adding value to children’s lives, that was what led me to establish the school. I know what education was like in the 1960s and what obtains now. I want to see how I can make a change in this generation. I want to give what I had gained over the years and even add better things."

•Head, Human Resources, TRANEX Plc, Mr Steve Ogar (middle) and members of staff, TRANEX Plc with the physically challenged students of Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care Home School during their courtesy visit to the home, in Lagos.

S

uccess is predictable; failure is predictable.

Success is a process; failure is a process. Success and failure are predictable because both are governed by laws or principles. Success is a process that begins when you align yourself to certain laws. Failure is a process that begins whenever you violate knowingly or unknowingly certain laws thereby not positioning yourself in line with these laws.

There exist two indispensable forces that rule the earth; the sun that rules the day and the moon that rules the night. These two vital elements have never outlived their usefulness.

However, the moon has to position itself by aligning itself with the sun. Without this alignment, the moon loses relevance or value. So it applies in human destinies. A life of value or relevance must align itself with certain laws governing life from which all other laws governing success are birthed.

Unfortunately, the majority of people on the surface of the earth have chosen and accepted either consciously or subconsciously for their lives to be governed by the default law of life.

The default law of life which is the Law of Accident states; "Life is a series of random occurrences and things just happen by accident."

People whose lives are governed by this law have subconsciously signed a contract with failure and unhappiness. This category of people drifts aimlessly through life. n They have so many unfulfilled wishes but their lives take a downward turn. People, who wish to succeed, do not plan and organise for success.

And when you do not plan and organise to succeed then you are preparing to fail. Life will never give you what you wish for or ask for rather life will give you what you prepare for. Success belongs to those who are committed to succeed; those who know what they want out of life and will never settle for less.

People who operate under the Law of Accident adopt the false belief that success is just a matter of being in the right place at the right time. The truth is, you need to be the RIGHT PERSON in the right place at the right time. This means that opportunity for advancement resides in the individual and it takes an individual that has discovered himself; developed himself; improved on himself; skilled himself and has a positive mindset and vision to maximize the right place and the right time to produce the desired result. In actuality, if you put the right person in the “wrong” place at the “wrong time,” he or she will transform it to the right place at the right time because he will create opportunity by his creative ideas thereby maximizing the place and time that he finds himself in. In contrast, if you put the wrong person in the right place at the right time, he or she will abuse or misuse the place and time and the “could have been” success walks silently through the slippery downward road of failure.

Another illusion that people who are functioning under the default law of life is that “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” that matters.

However, such theory leads only to mediocrity.

You can get a job, position or even finances by who you know but it is what you know and what you do with what you know that sustains whatever you get from who you know.

Otherwise, someone can pull you to the “top” but when once the person let go of his helping hand, you come crashing because the sustaining factor was absent. Therefore, lasting success comes through what you know and what you do with what you know because you become too relevant to be ignored therefore the world makes room for you.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013—31

By DAYO ADESULU

T

HE Rivers State Government has inaugurated the Education Quality Assurance Agency.

The agency will be responsible for inspection, monitoring and evaluation of schools in the state. The Secretary to the State Government, George Feyii inaugurated the Education Quality Assurance Agency in his office in Port Harcourt.

George Feyii during the inauguration tasked the agency to ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of schools in Rivers State.

The Secretary to the State Government said the agency is one of the institutions established by the State Government to ensure that the objectives of the state in the education sector is achieved.

“This agency is one of the institutional structures that is being put in place by the State Government to ensure that the objectives of the state in education sector is achieved.”

“After the structures have been built, the most important thing is to begin to monitor the content, what goes on in the schools.” George Feyii said that the agency has a huge responsibility to discharge towards ensuring that Rivers people derive fully the benefits of the investment that have been made in the education sector. He noted that if the agency fails in its responsibility, it means the State Government will not reap the benefits of its investments in the sector because of the importance of the agency to the

Rivers govt inaugurates Education Quality Assurance Agency state.

Mr Feyii stated that the major responsibility of the agency is to ensure monitoring of every school (primary and secondary) in the state. He added that the state is confident in the ability of the members of the board of the agency to brace up to the challenge of effective supervision of schools in the state.

The members of the board include Prof. Otonti Nduka as chairman, Prof. A. K. Okorosaye Orubite as

Executive Director.

Other members are Dr Aminia Fiberesima representing State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mrs. Margaret Benebo Briggs representing Senior Secondary School Board (SSSB), Loveday Amietamunopiri representing Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), Moses Adiela representing Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Wigwe Samuel representing Rivers

•Secretary to Rivers State Government, George Feyii (right), congratulating Professor Otonti Nduka after their inauguration in Port-Harcourt.

State Ministry of Education and Moses Barawi, an ICT expert.

In the meantime, the Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dame Alice Lawrence-Nemi has asked the agency to ensure strict inspection, monitoring and evaluation of schools in the state. She stated this when members of the Education Quality Assurance Agency paid her a courtesy visit in her office in Port Harcourt. Alice Lawrence-Nemi asked the agency to ensure that the vision of the State Government is well manifested as they commence their duties in the state. “ We want to use this opportunity to ask you to ensure that the vision of the State Government in the education sector is well manifested as you commence your activities today. The Ministry is quite aware of the challenges associated with this task but we believe you will never let us down.

“Effective monitoring and evaluation is what we want to see in our schools. The State Government is not just building schools alone but wants to ensure that high standards are maintained in the schools.” Lawrence-Nemi said the Education Quality Assurance Agency will bring sanity in the state's education system. She, however, tasked

Sweetener from Thaumatococcus daniellii

By EBELE ORAKPO

M

r. Alexander Giwa is a staff of the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), Ibadan. In this chat with Vanguard Learning during the 12th National Council on Science and Technology Meeting and Exhibition held in Ibadan recently, he spoke on one of the plants exhibited by the Centre, a common plant found in Nigeria whose leaves are used by the locals to wrap and boil moi-moi (bean pudding). Excerpts: “In NACGRAB, our job is to conserve plant and animal genetic resources. We also have a biotechnology unit,” he said.

Thaumatococcus daniellii: This plant also known as African serendipity berry, sweet prayer plant, Katemfe, or Ewe moi-moi in Yoruba, is found in tropical rain forests of West Africa where people usually use it for wrapping and boiling food, especially in Ghana and Nigeria. However, research C M Y K

•Mr. Alexander Giwa showing off the plant. On the right is a bunch of fruits from which the sweetener is extracted. has shown that the plant is a source of a natural sweetener which they claim is about 3,000 times sweeter than sugar.

Said Giwa; “The flesh of the fruit of thaumatococcus daniellii, contains thaumatins, a mixture of extremely sweet proteins which is

about 3,000 times sweeter than sugar. It is natural sugar which makes it an excellent source of sweetener for diabetics. “ QUALITIES: “This sweetener does not have any side effect and it is widely cultivated by the local people but a

lot of people are running away from the cultivation because it takes between four and five years to produce fruit. The moment you start harvesting the leaves, it will stop producing fruits. So you can have it in two sections. If you have a small place at your backyard, you can use one part for fruit production and the other side for leaf production.

This means that you can harvest the leaves for wrapping food like pounded yam and moi-moi but the one for fruits should not be touched and in less than five years; it will start producing fruits from which the sweetener can be extracted. It is a huge income earner if produced commercially because in many countries, it is used by the food and confectionary industry for substituting synthetic sweeteners.“

the head teachers and principals to cooperate with the agency as the agency is there to ensure that standards are maintained in schools and not to punish anybody.

In his response, the Chairman, Rivers State Education Quality Assurance Agency, Prof. Otonti Nduka promised that honesty and integrity will be their watchword. He stated that the agency will ensure that the objectives of the agency are met. Prof Nduka noted that the agency will ensure the implementation of the National Policy on Education with a view to maintaining quality in all early childhood care development and educational centres, primary and secondary schools in the state.

“The bottom line is, however, ensuring the implementation of the National Policy on Education with a view to maintaining quality assurance in all early childhood care development and educational centres.”

The Swans shine at Ebuntayo maiden interhouse sports

BY JOSEPHINE IGBINOVIA

T

HE Swans (Yellow) House has emerged winner in the first ever inter-house sports competition of Ebuntayo Children’s School, Satellite Town, Lagos, with 10 gold, 3 silver and 4 bronze medals, ahead of Herons (Red), Pelicans (Green) and Kingfishers (Blue) Houses respectively.

Elated Administrator of the school, Mrs. Bimpe Peters, said "the role of sports in child upbringing and development cannot be over-emphasized and we are glad they performed beyond expectations.

“We didn’t push them too hard during the preparation because we thought they were too naïve since they are in the preparatory, junior and senior elementary classes. I’m, however, very grateful because we couldn’t have done it without the entire team; the parents, teachers and children.”

In the same vein, the Chairman, Parents Teachers Association of the school, Comrade Udegbue Fidelis, described the competition as "up to national standard.

“You could see that we won even the competitions between our children and those from invited schools, despite the fact that it was our first inter-house sports competition.”

32— Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

River blindness has a lot of economic implications —Joseph Ezigbo

BY EBELE ORAKPO

H

ealth, they say, is wealth, so a situation where, according to statistics, about 300,000 people in Africa have lost their sight due to river blindness (onchocerciasis), more than 37 million people are infected while about 140 million are at risk of infection becomes a cause of worry.

One then begins to wonder how such economies will be wealthy. Blindness is unarguably one of the worst diseases on earth, more so when it could have been easily prevented. In this chat with Vanguard Learning, Professor Joseph Ezigbo, a professor of parasitology, former lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and the Chairman/ CEO of Falcon Petroleum Limited, speaks on his work on onchocerciasis and its management. Excerpts: Onchocerciasis or river blindness is a parasitic disease transmitted by the bite of small black flies called simulium which breed in fast flowing waters. Nigeria is said to be the most endemic country in the world.

Said Prof. Ezigbo who worked on river blindness and a few other researches within the ambit of medical parasitology; “Although so much has been done by the World Health Organisation and others to eliminate the disease, there are still cases of river blindness in Nigeria.

Onchocerciasis is caused by Onchocerca volvulus (worm) transmitted through the bite of simulium fly.”

Types of onchocerciasis: “We have two types of river blindness –Savannah and Rain forest. The Savannah is more insidious and causes blindness more than the rain forest type. The rain forest type is more prevalent but not as insidious as the Savannah type. The two types of river blindness are caused by different strains of the same parasite.”

The carrier: “The simulium fly that transmits the onchocerca lives in fast flowing waters and wherever you find such fast flowing waters, particularly in the savannah region, you still find onchocerciasis but not as prevalent as it used to be. So many reC M Y K

•Professor Joseph Ezigbo...Onchocerciasis reduces the ability of people to contribute their quota to the economic wellbeing of the nation searches were set up in the early 70s/80s to try and eradicate simulium. The issue then was that to reduce the incidence of simulium breeding in fastflowing waters, you have to dam the rivers to slow them down. Once the river slows

have been able to handle two of them so we can eliminate the two."

According the Ezigbo, the symptoms of river blindness include severe itching, eye damage, skin nodules and discolouration. “The disease is being managed with Ivermectin, a drug that has been used to reduce the incidence and prevalence of onchocerciasis particularly in Nigeria. It also acts on onchodermatitis (lizard’s skin) because ordinarily, you find that the itching that occurs with microfilariae under the skin causes onchodermatitis. From my research, I found that there is a reduction in the incidence of onchodermatitis with the use of Ivermectin and then also if a patient is given a little dose initially, it reduces the chances of corneal opacity,” he said.

Economic implications: “Onchocerciasis has a lot of economic implications because where it is endemic, you find the blind leading the blind. These people become liabilities because they cannot fit effectively into the economy. A man who sits and scratches all the time cannot concentrate. A blind man cannot participate meaningfully in anything so it has a serious effect on the economy. It is debilitating, it reduces the ability of people to work and contribute their quota to the economic wellbeing of the nation,” he stated.

•Simulium, agent of river blindness

down, the fly will not breed in it but you see, if you slow down the river, you breed snails which are intermediate hosts for schistosomiasis which is prevalent in the tropics so you are caught in-between two evils. But slowly, we

OATUU makes case for continuous workers’ education

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

O

RGANISATION of African Trade Union Unity, OATUU, has called for a continuous workers’ education in the continent, saying education with the relevant content is a liberating process which builds the mind, equips the receiver and arms the beneficiary with tools till death.

Speaking at the launch of education programme for 10 African countries in Accra, Ghana, Secretary-General, OATUU, Owei Lakemfa, said; "Education with the relevant content, as you know, is a liberating process that builds

the mind and equips the receiver.

“Education also builds the community, institution, country or race. It is in the enlightened self interest of any society or movement such as that of trade unions, for its members to be educated.

Education also makes it very difficult, if not impossible, for people to be willingly misled.

For instance, if a free and compulsory education system had been in place in Africa since independence, it will be difficult for any group of persons to convince people that Western education is a sin.”

However, it is not too late for Africa, as it marks the 50th anniversary of the Organisation

of African Union/African Union to collectively introduce compulsory and free education for all children under 15.

“Education is a life-long process, and anybody who stops learning is dead. In this case, we are concerned with workers' education, and as you are quite aware, the role of the trade union is to protect, defend and promote workers’ rights and interests as well as to contribute to the socioeconomic, cultural and political development of the people at national, regional and international levels.

“For workers and unions to play this noble role, they have to build their capacities and enhance their knowledge. The

best way through which workers acquire knowledge and capacity to deal with their rights and interests is education, training, sensitization and any other method of sharing knowledge and building capacity."

OATUU commenced educating workers on the continent in 1982 when, with the help of LO-TCO (Sweden), began the Pan-African Workers Education (PANAF) which initially covered six countries.

Through PANAF, education programmes are run in 16 African countries: Mali, Niger, Benin, Senegal, Cote d’Voire, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, DRC, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Guinea, Ghana and Chad. .

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013—33

Ogun-Osun River Basin

RIVER BASINS:

How unending policy reversals abet inefficiency IN the face of the current failure of food security, water supply and power generation, not a few are in haste to ask if the 12 River Basin Development Authorities RBDAs across the country have lived up to their mandates.

CHARLES KUMOLU reports.

F

OLLOWING the 1972-74 drought in Nigeria which many described as the worst ever experienced in West Africa , it was not a surprise that the Supreme Military Council promulgated decree 25 of 1976, as a swift move towards the development of Nigeria’s water resources.

Accordingly, that gave birth to 11 River Basin Development Authorities, RBDAs, to harness the nation’s water resources and optimise its agricultural resources for food sufficiency.

The RBDAs include Upper Benue Basin, the Lake Chad Basin, Benin-Owena Basin, Sokoto-Rima Basin, Sokoto; Hadejia-Jema’are Basin, Kano; the Lower Benue Basin, Makurdi and the Cross River Basin, Calabar.

Others are: Oshun-Ogun Basin, Abeokuta; Anambra-Imo Basin, Owerri; the Niger Basin, Ilorin and the Niger Delta Basin, Port Harcourt.

This development, reportedly raised hope among the populace because it was

assumed that the RBDs would, apart from agricultural needs, satisfy other basic needs associated with water resources.

Instructively, the RBDAs

were primarily established to provide water for irrigation and domestic water supply, improvement of navigation, hydro-electric power generation, recreation facilities

and fisheries projects. The basins were also expected to engender big plantation farming and encourage the establishment of industrial complexes that could bring the private and public sectors in joint business partnership.

Additionally, RBDAs were expected to bridge the gap between the rural and urban centres by taking development

to the grass roots and discourage migration from the rural areas to the urban centres.

These objectives were to be achieved through surface impoundment of water by constructing small, medium and large dams which would enable all-year round farming activities in the country.

But nearly four decades after its establishment many are in doubt if the RBDAs have really lived up to its mandate.

The performance of the RBDAs have increasingly been questioned because of the failure in power generation, water and food supplies.

N40 billion appropriated to RBDAs

A

FORMER Minister of Agriculture, Alhaji Said Aba-Ruma, had at the 2009 public hearing on three water related bills at the National Assembly, regretted that the RBDAs were ineffective.

Abba-Ruma who, at that function, disagreed with Senate President, David Mark, that the nation needed more RBDAs, blamed policy inconsistency for the under-funding of the river basins.

He said that the river basins were established for different purposes by their founders, adding that successive administrations politicised their operations, thereby making them ineffective.

Similarly, the 2009 data from the budget office indicated that over N40 billion was appropriated to the RBDAs with over N37 billion of this marked for capital projects. To ascertain if the RBDAs only

exist as avenues where billions of naira are annually dumped, with little or no results, Vanguard Features,VF, embarked on an investigative trip to Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority.

A visit to the Benin office located in the Government Reserved Area, GRA, revealed that corporate activities were going on, as most of the offices had individuals working there. Efforts to speak with the Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abu, were not successful as he was said not to be on seat.

Speaking for the agency But a call to his mobile phone yielded results, as he referred this reporter to the Assistant Director of Information, Mrs. Adams at the head office located in

Obayantor, 24 kilometres away from Benin.

Upon arrival at the expansive Obayantor office complex which is sited inside a forest, VF discovered that despite being located in a forest, there was large presence of staff who were going about their duties. Though Adams was qualified to speak for the agency by the virtue of her position, she referred this writer to the Managing Director, Mr. Mr Ijasan Lucas. The encounter with Lucas which was intermittently interrupted by power failure, however, indicated that contrary to public opinion that RBDAs were failures in every ramification, this agency is actually living up to its mandate. Lucas added that the peculiarity of its job prescription makes it impossible for its projects to be sited where they can easily be seen. “The authorities boost agriculture Continues on page 34

34 —Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

N40 billion appropriated to RBDAs Continues from page 33 to fight water which involves flood control, hydro power generation. We do all these which are not within public view because agriculture is practised in the forest and not on the streets; that is why people may claim not to be clear on what we do. Most river basin authorities have projects in the forests and not on the streets,” he said.

Asked if the RBDAs were really redundant as claimed by many observers who argued that abandoned water projects liter all the states of the federation, he said: “The question is very technical. We need to understand what is river basin. It means the basin of the river. And the agencies are named after certain rivers in the country. For instance, we have the Benin Owena River Basin which is named after Benin River and Owena River.

Developing the basins We are talking about all the areas that are drained by those two rivers. It was named after these two rivers. The rivers cover the whole of Edo, Ondo and Ekiti states and some parts of Delta State”.

Fighting of drought: Explaining further Lucas said: ‘’We are supposed to develop the basins of those two rivers.

The name is very technical and that is why most people don’t understand the river basins. We develop the basins of the rivers and their tributaries. The Authority came to be as a result of the drought of 1974, which

farmers to operate. The Act establishing us empowered us to acquire parcels of land and hold them in trust for communities, where we now prepare the land for farmers, who now grow their crops and pay us for our services at subsidised levels.

“So we enable farmers to produce and sell in their names.

We are key to the transformation agenda of Mr. President towards boosting agriculture.

composed of the federal, state and the local government. But with the change of policies, it is now the Federal Government that handles the management of the board. But the management

Irrigation development “And it is also manifesting in our budgets because it is helping us to improve on our agricultural services. But the area which we are supposed to come in more is irrigation development. This is being done more in the North because the North suffers from drought.

But now irrigation development is spreading to the South.”

Reminded that the mandate of generating hydro-electric power appears to have been abandoned, he disclosed that policy reversals was responsible for that.

Power generation schemes: “You know I told you about policy reversals in this country, though it is expected because policies are not supposed to be stagnant. Initially, when we had NEPA, the policy was that they were not interested in small scale power generation schemes. So most of the dams that were designed were built by river basin authorities and they had hydro power introduced to them because of

,

It will be too wrong to say that funding is the problem of river basins;it is actually the appropriation of the fund, which makes it difficult for continuity in sustaining projects

necessitated the creation of 11 river basin authorities in 1976 to fight drought. In periods of drought, the first casualty is always agriculture. Most people now look up to the river basins as an alternative means of sustaining agriculture in times of drought.”

Confronted with claims of inadequate food supply as a direct result of the near collapse of the RBDAs, he acknowledged thus: “Our job also involves fighting drought as well as boost food production. The issue is that polices have been changing from time to time. In the eighties, the policy was to produce food and services. For instance, the Benin/Owena River Basin was known for the production of broilers, turkeys and vegetables among other things. But when the policy changed, the perception of the people now changed. We now create enabling environment for

time, and that Act recognises the Authority as an agency of the Federal Government. The Authority as defined in the Act has a board. And it stated that membership should be

of the River Basin has always been executed by the Federal Government and effected by civil servants, while the President appoints the managing director of the agencies.”

,

the policy of NEPA..

“Recently it was introduced that any dam that is going to be built in this country would have hydro power incorporated into it. In fact, that has been introduced in two dams within our catchment area. All dams that are being designed now, would have small hydro power system. So, why it was not like that before was because of the policy of change. I expect that in the next two or three years, there will be dams with hydro power.”

VF investigations showed that the responsibility of managing the agency was supposed to be shared between the federal, state and local governments, but that has not been the case, as the apex government singularly funds it, thereby leading to inefficiency. Lucas explained thus: “There is an Act establishing the agency which has been reviewed from time to

A flooded basin

RBDAs and flood control

W

HEN prodded on the issue of flood control in the light of RBDAs Act Chapter R9 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 which requires RBDAs to control floods in their areas of operations, Lucas acknowledged that flood control is part of their mandate.

He said: “We have a department on that.

There is a peculiar issue about flood; there is the Ecological Fund Office set up by the Federal Government. This agency has funds for the control of flood and erosion. That office does not have a field office in the states. The River Basin Authorities are their field offices. What we do is to identify projects and get same approved by the Ecological Fund Office, while we manage the projects. For instance, the flood of last year was a River Benue flood, which was peculiar. I am very sure that Nigeria is talking with the Cameroonian authorities on how to handle that.

“There is an engineering programme saddled with the duty of managing reservoirs and dams.

The issue is that if a dam is threatened by flood, the best option is to release water. But the water needs to be released properly to avoid flooding.

Ecological fund office “Anytime we discover a flood-prone area or a flooded area, we inform the Ecological Fund Office in order to provide funds for us to manage the situation. Some times we also include it in our budgets.”

Despite this, an expert in flood management, Dr. Akintola Omigbodun, in a 2012 interview with Vanguard, said RBDAs are not doing enough on flood prevention and management.

“It is regrettable that the river basins are not working. For example, when I met the General Manager of Sokoto River Basin Authority, he told me that he only had three qualified staff to work with. Why should the government continue to award new contracts to build new dams, when they have not properly managed the ones they have?” he queried.

Strengthening his argument, Omigbodun

said: “They have not been performing their functions well. Though the Ogun River Basin Authority is responsible for what we are experiencing here in Lagos, we will not take them to court because of my unpleasant experiences in Nigeria’s judicial system. The truth is that the flood in Lagos and some parts of Ogun State is entirely avoidable.”

Despite puncturing some of the negative perceptions about the performance of RBDAs, Lucas acknowledged the existence of challenges which, in some ways, militate against the attainment of set objectives.

P

olicy reversals: “Of-course our challenge is labour. We have a crop of technical men who would be leaving the service soon. They were employed and trained in the early eighties but for a long time, there was no further employment. So, by the time this people retire, we would be faced with manpower crisis. Almost all the river basin authorities are faced with this. The second challenge is the issue of understanding government policies.”

On funding, an issue many agree constitute a major challenge, the RBDA boss said: “It will be too wrong to say that funding is the problem of river basins. But you may say that on the surface but that is not the major challenge; it is actually the appropriation of the fund which makes it difficult for continuity in sustaining projects. We have most projects that are always delayed because of the appropriation of funds.

“There is also need to understand what we are doing, but the Federal Government is helping us in that regard by ensuring that every river basin development authority has an advisory committee.” Giving a breakdown of the composition of the committee, he said: “It is made up of the state government, local government, Agriculture Ministry, Water board and other stakeholders. The Authority was not set up as a revenue generating agency, but that does not mean that we are service providers. We use federal government money to purchase tractors.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013—35

‘Delta committed to youth devt'

Edo revokes 101,548 hectares of land in private hands

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—SPECIAL Assistant to Delta State Governor on Youth Matters, Mr. Tempo Mudi, yesterday, said that the state government was committed to the development of youths in the state.

Mudi, in a chat with newsmen, said the state government had commenced the payment of stipends to youths in the state through its youth development committee.

Enjoining youths in the state to shun violence and engage in acts that would promote development, he said the state could only develop in an atmosphere of peace and unity.

He said: “Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has the interest of the youths at heart. The state government has a lot of programmes the youths can benefit from. I appeal to our youths to be law abiding.”

B

ENIN—EDO State Government has revoked ownership of a large expanse of de-reserved land, measuring 101,548 hectares from individuals, who failed to meet the terms on which the land was allocated to them.

Major Lawrence Loye (rtd), Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Public Utilities, in a statement, yesterday, said: “Edo State Government has approved the revocation of all land measuring 101,548 hectares de-reserved in the Forest Reserves for the purpose they were released to the beneficiaries.

“Under this administration, it is unacceptable for any person or bodies, to use land released to them for purposes other than those for which it was de-reserved. All cocoa farmers and other farmers currently farming on the de-reserved land and paying royalties or land rent to individuals or third parties, are hereby directed to stop such payments forthwith.

“The said cocoa farmers and other farmers are hereby further directed to contact the

Commissioner for Environment and Public Utilities for regularisation of their stay on the aforesaid land. It, therefore, becomes an offence to intimidate or harass persons that are currently farming on the said revoked land as such will be visited with the full wrath of the law.”

In another development, Governor Adams Oshiomhole, has said that the state government had cancelled post-service promotion of civil servants, noting that workers will now be promoted as at when due.

He assured labour unions in the state of government’s support in improving the quality

INAUGURATION: Mr. Austin Oniyesan (left) administering oath of office on Itsekiri Regional Development Committee, IRDC, sub-committee chairmen and secretaries. Extreme right is Mr. Tony Omabuwa, Chairman, Employment and Labour Committee.

Delta to establish Industrial Courts Founder of Destiny Helpers Int'l bags award

F

OUNDER of Destiny Helpers International, Mrs. Victoria Sillo-Fregene, will be conferred with the prestigious,’ Productive Visionary Leader of Action Gold Award,PV-LAGA, 2013, by Centre for Productive Visionary Leadership, Effurun, Delta State.

The award ceremony, slated for International Conference Centre, Abuja on April 26, is in recognition of her “exemplary, visionary and community youths development and empowerment programmes.”

The organisers said: “The award is based on her vital role as a community leader, who has sacrificed enormous time and finances in facilitating changes and physical development in her immediate community.

She is a role model worthy of celebration and emulation.’’

C M Y K

BY EMMA AMAIZE

W

ARRI—DELTA State Government is to set up Industrial Courts in Asaba and Warri, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, said, yesterday.

The governor, in Warri, while playing host to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, who paid him a courtesy call at Government House Annex, Warri, said: “Approval had been given for the courts to be established.

“I appeal to you to thank your colleague in the Indus-

trial Court, who has approved the establishment of a court in Asaba and another one in Warri.”

He thanked the Chief Judge for approving the establishment of a Federal High Court in Warri, assuring that the judiciary would always get assistance from the state government to ensure quick dispensation of justice in the state.

Uduaghan observed that the peculiar nature of the state made it important that facilities and institutions of such nature were provided.

He said that a Government

House Annex had to be built in Warri at the heat of the crisis that rocked the Niger Delta region because officials of government relocated to Warri from Asaba to enable them tackle security challenges then.

Justice Auta, who was accompanied by judges of the Federal High Court, informed Governor Uduaghan and members of the State Executive Council that they were in the state for the inaugural sitting and opening ceremony of Warri Judicial Division of Federal High Court.

Bakassi: Rep calls for protection against Cameroonian attacks

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

A

HOUSE of Representatives member, Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, has called on the Federal Government to protect the indigines of Efut Obot Ikot in the ceded Nigerian territory from further attacks by Cameroonians gendarmes.

She said that Article 3 of the Green Tree Agreement, GTA, makes it obligatory for the rights of the owners of Bakassi Peninsula to be pro-

of life of the working class.

Speaking when the new executive of Trade Union Congress, TUC, visited him in his office, Oshiomhole said: “the state government will cooperate with the unions because the primary purpose of government is to ensure improved quality of life for the people."

tected.

Toyo, in a statement, yesterday, condemned the alleged absence of budgetary allocations for the people of the peninsula.

She said: “It behoves on the people to now choose their destinies as the situation is extremely hopeless for the Nigerians, who own the place. The Green Tree Agreement, in Article 3, makes it obligatory for the Cameroonians to protect and respect the rights of the Nigerians, who own the penin-

sula. What has the Attorney General of the Federation been doing since then? ‘’Rather than do so, Cameroon, through the gendarmes, has engaged in deliberate acts of forced eviction and forced occupation of lands belonging to the Efik and Efut people of old Calabar. ‘’With the collapse of the GTA, I wonder where and how Nigeria intends to deal with the issue of the citizenship of the Nigerians of Bakassi and their rights."

N-Delta youths urged to exploit potentials of nypa palm

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

P

ORT HARCOURT—A group, Centre for Integrated Development Initiatives, has sensitised Niger Delta youths on taking advantage of the economic opportunities provided with the yet to be exploited nypa palm in the region.

At a one day seminar in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on the economic potentials of nypa palm, the group noted that the cash crop is spread across 100 local government areas in coastal Niger Delta as it grows mainly on waterways.

The group’s National President, Mr, Raphael Ogali, explained that dedicated exploration of the plant could engage thousands of youths and make them self-reliant.

Ogali said that the nypa was introduced in Nigeria in 1908, but people were yet to understand its economic value as they see it as mere weed on the waterways.

“The fronds are used for making baskets, mats and other useful craft. You can tap it to get nypa wine like palm wine," he said.

36—Vanguard , THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

Oruku – Umuode peace talks suffer setback

.As fresh killing occurs

BY TONY EDIKE

E

Sir Caleb Okoye, immediate past National President, Nigerian Institute of Shipping, NIS, (middle), receiving his certificate as the Life Patron of Ofu Obi Age Grade, in Inri, Anambra State, from Chief Gabriel Ude Onyejenmo, National President of the Age Grade, (right), at a recent investiture in Inri.

CAN urges Nigerians to embrace peace

BY OLAYINKA LATONA

T

HE CHAIRMAN of Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), Lagos State Chapter, Monsignor Bernard Okodua urged Nigerians to work for the preservation of the nation’s unity by embracing peace and being more patriotic.

Speaking during the inauguration of the newly created Yaba Local Council Development Area of CAN Chapter and induction of pioneer officers, Monsignor Okodua said that in the midst of many anomalies in some part of the country, Nigerians should have hope in God adding it is only God who can bring about peace, stability and victory over the nation challenges.

Gov Elechi reopens state owned varsity

BY PETER OKUTU

A

BAKALIKI— BARELY two months after Ebonyi State University, EBSU, Abakaliki, was closed down as a result of violent protests by students of the institution over unresolved issues surrounding tuition fees and provision of basic amenities, Governor Martin Elechi yesterday reopened the institution after due consultations with the university authorities.

N U G U — T H E rescheduled peace talks between warring Oruku and Umuode in Nkanu East local government area of Enugu State, Tuesday, suffered a setback as the meeting was shelved at the instance of Umuode people who complained of lack of security.

The community, Vanguard learnt, expressed fears that Amagunze, the council headquarter, venue of the meeting, was not safe enough to hold such talks and suggested that another venue be chosen either in Emene or

Gov Orji supports amnesty for Boko Haram

.Wants leaders to come out and talk

BY ANAYO OKOLI

U

MUAHIA — GOVER NOR Theodore Orji of Abia State has urged the leadership of Islamic sect, Boko Haram, to identify themselves, come out to discuss with the Federal Government for the amnesty initiative to be successful.

According to the governor, if the amnesty initiative is successful, it will go a long

way to help the nation move forward.

Governor Orji, who expressed the views when he received members of the House of Representative Committee on Public Petitions, lamented the negative impact the crisis had had on the nation’s economy.

The lawmakers were in the state to hear the petition of 5000 repentant Abia State youths protesting their non-inclusion in the federal government’s amnesty programme.

FRSC abandons highways, mounts road blocks on inner roads

BY CHINENYE OZORBY

N

SUKKA—THE Feder al Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Nsukka unit, Enugu State, has allegedly changed its mode of operations from highways to street corners, where its operatives mount road blocks and book vehicles at will.

At Nsukka, officers and men of the unit are always spotted at the busy roads of Nsukka Central School, University Road and Ugwuawalawa as well as other roads, allegedly collecting tolls in name of checking vehicle roadworthiness.

Vanguard gathered that motorists were often compelled to pay certain toll, to avoid being booked for an alleged traffic offence.

A reliable source who pleaded anonymity, disclosed that FRSC operatives are by law not allowed to operate at street corners and inner roads in the discharge of their duties, explaining

that Nsukka unit of the commission operated even as late as 6pm allegedly hunting for unsuspecting motorists and collecting tolls from them.

The unit only patrols streets to book people to pay certain amount of money ranging from non-use of use seat belt (STD) to failure to move on (FMO), among other offences.

Orji said: “We are also praying that the amnesty initiatives of the Federal Government to Boko Haram will be successful.

“Let them [Boko Haram] come out and talk. It will go a long way to helping Nigeria move forward.”

He noted that though Abia was now peaceful there was a time it had the problem of kidnapping which affected the economic and social activities in the state.

His words: “That time, Abia became the den of kidnappers. Aba became a ghost city.

Every body ran away. I visited Abanta’s place [a member of the committee], there was nobody, they had all fled, I saw only his posters. That was the situation and we fought it. We fought them doggedly.

“We tried amnesty here.

They came here and I saw them. They told us their grievances, and we acceded to their complaints and proposed amnesty to them. They accepted and we built camps.

Enugu The absence of the former Minister of Power, Professor Barth Nnaji, who is said to have traveled out of the country, scuttled the meeting as the Umuodes said the dialogue must wait until he returned to the country to personally speak for his community.

Chairman of the local government and convener of the meeting, Mr. Sam Iyiogwe, said the parties had expressed fears that they might be attacked on the way to the meeting but the council assured them that adequate security arrangements had been made to escort them from the point of departure to the meeting venue, but in spite of the assurance, they called to say they won’t attend.

Asked if the parties are willing to embrace the fresh peace overtures since the meetings had been frustrated several times, Iyiogwe said: “I have a conviction that everyone in Oruku and Umuode is tired of fighting, I can feel it and I can see it, but possibly there may be some ego working and powers are influencing men negatively but we will overcome it.

But the Umuodes raised an alarm Monday over the alleged killing of a native, Mr. Chijioke Nnaji and wounding of others by the people of Oruku, who attacked them during a burial ceremony. It was alleged that Nnaji was shot dead while attending the burial of one Chief Uwadiegwu Moses Edeh at Eziobodo village Umuode last Friday.

Chairman, Umuode Town Union, Mr. Emmanuel Omaba, told newsmen in Enugu that the attack occurred less than two weeks after a recent bombardment of Umuode community before Easter.

7 arraigned for stealing, assaulting Lagos State surveyors

BY ONOZURE DANIA

L

AGOS — A man, Suraju Saliu, 70, and six others were yesterday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate Court for allegedly assaulting a team of surveyors from Lagos State government and also for stealing N235,000, belonging to one Asha Gideon and company.

The suspects, Suraju Saliu, Samuel Babatunde, 61; Iyayi Saula, 60; Bolanle Ebun, 38; Oriyomi Omishonde, 33; Mohammed Ayuba, 32 and Yetunde Samuel, 32, facing a

three-count charge of conspiracy, assault and stealing, were docked before Magistrate A.O Akinde.

The surveyors, who were said to be representing Lagos State government were attacked by the seven defendants.

The defendants were said to have committed the alleged offence at Idasho Village in Ibeju Lekki Local Government area of Lagos State.

The Police prosecutor, Inspector Samson Ekikere,

told the court that the seven defendants committed the said offence on April 12, 2013, at about 11am at Idasho Village in Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos.

The prosecutor also alleged that they stole properties of the surveyors, which are Ashtec promark 120, valued at N150,000; Bipod valued at N60,000, Antenna and Cable valued N15,000 and CPS holder and Touch Pen valued at N10,000, total value of N235,000, all property of Asha GIdeon and Company.

Vanguard , THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013—37

Police nab 64 in Tin Can Port raid

BY IFEYINWA OBI

P

ORT Authority Police Command has carried out an unannounced raid on the Tin Can Island Port Complex, Lagos, arresting 64 miscreants loitering around the port premises.

Commissioner of Port Authority Police Command, Mrs. Sherifat Disu-Olajoku, disclosed this when she paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ENL Consortium, Princess Vicky Haastrup.

She said that the 64 arrested persons had been handed over to a Police Task Force in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, for further investigation and prosecution.

Olajoku, who expressed displeasure over the high human and vehicular traffic at the ports in Lagos, said that the exercise will be a continuous one.

She said: “When I assumed duties a few weeks ago, I observed that people just wake up and head for the port even when they have no business there. They loiter around the port premises and constitute security risks to the system.

“We will no longer tolerate such acts. We will carry out these raids from time to time and it will be a regular exercise until we rid the port premises of undesirable elements.”

Olajoku called for cooperation between the Port Police and stakeholders in the maritime industry, especially Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria, STOAN, which Haastrup heads as Chairman.

On her part, Haastrup commended the Inspector-Gen-

eral of Police for appointing a woman as the Commission-

er of the Port Authority Police Command, saying that the

appointment was long overdue.

Fugar crisis: Detained ACN candidate regains freedom

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN—CHAIRMAN SHIP candidate of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State in this weekend’s council election in the state, Mr. Emmanuel Momoh, who was arrested by the police, following last week’s mayhem at Fugar, regained freedom yesterday, saying “I will tell the world my ordeal after my victory this Saturday.”

Momoh was arrested and

flown to Abuja, following the death of two persons and destruction of houses and cars in Fugar during a bloody clash between ACN and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, youths in the area.

ACN leaders in the area accused the Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadohme, of masterminding his arrest and cautioned against the alleged attempt to use the presidency to manipulate and intimidate the people of the area.

Leaders in the council, in-

cluding former Chief of General Staff, Admiral Mike Akhigbe, condemned his arrest, which he described as bias, just as he called on the Inspector-General of Police to fish out the killers.

However, Momoh told newsmen in Benin City, yesterday, that he want to concentrate on the Saturday election.

He said: “After I must have defeated them, I will tell the world my experience, which is very disappointing as a Nigerian."

ELTA leaders have denied allegations of oppression, intimidation and marginalisation against some leaders and ethnic groups in Delta State.

They said that Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, in addition to running a government based on honesty and fairness, was also propagating peaceful co-existence through inter-ethnic capacity building among residents in the state.

The leaders, in a statement by the Director of Communications of The People’s Movement, Mrs. Ibifuro Tatua in Abuja, accused some individuals of plotting to destabilise the state.

They dismissed the position of Lagos lawyer, Mr. Festus Keyamo; Delta State Chairman of Democratic People’s Party, DPP, Mr. Chukwugozie Ezeagwu; Chief David Omoru and others on the performance of the Uduaghan-led Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, government, saying the government had provided basic infrastructure to stimulate growth and devel-

A

JATITON community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State has elected a new executive to run the community ’s trust body for the next four years.

The election, held at the community town hall, produced Mr. Samuel Ireokane as Trust President; Mr. Oluma Eyewuma, Trust Secretary, and Mr. Amorighoye Miller, Public Relations Officer.

At the swearing in ceremony, Ireokane thanked the outgoing executive, noting that “Ajatiton community would be swearing in her trust executives with the backing of a written community constitution” for the first time.

Pulse online returns

M

VISIT: From left— Mr. Lemi Olalemi, Deputy CEO, TVC News; Deborah MacLean, outgoing US Mission's Information Officer, US Consulate-General; Nigel Parsons, CEO, TVC News; and Laura Oloyede, Business Director, Cutler Ogilvy PR, during MacLean’s visit to TVC News' studios in Lagos.

Leaders debunk reports of Delta govt's misrule

D

Ajatiton trust gets new exco

opment in the state.

They said: “In Delta State, we have seen hopes maturing to reality. War on crime has been declared and that fight has been won. The rule of law is respected in Delta State.

“Public servants are properly paid. The government has

put smiles on the faces of the people by executing policies and programmes that have direct impact on their lives.

“The government has invested in education, health, sports, rural development, security and housing.

“For members of Egbema

Progressive Network, EPN; Egbema for Positive Change, EPC; Isoko Action Forum and some individuals to say their people have been marginalised and oppressed by a government that is all-inclusive and all-embracing, is unbelievable and mischievous.”

... as community tasks Udughan on rural devt

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—PRESI DENT- General of Okorowhe community, Okpe Local Government Area, Delta State, Mr. Austin Ogedegbe, has appealed to the state government to embark on more people-oriented projects that will improve the social status of rural dwellers.

Ogedegbe, who spoke shortly after his election as President-General of the community, said his executive will work in harmony with government and companies that

would develop the community.

He said that the community was yearning for development, noting that the community was one of the most peaceful in the state, as they were prepared to host any company that would improve on the socio-economic lives of their people.

He said: “My executive is out to attract development to the community, using our contacts in government and outside government. It is our community and we want to leave a good legacy behind

at the end our tenure.”

The eldest man in the community, Chief Samuel Shishe, charged the new executive to be transparent and accountable to the people.

Thanking the out-gone interim executive of the community for its performance, which according to him built on existing peace in the community, he appealed to the people to be loyal to the leadership of the community.

He charged the new executive not to relent in their effort to bring development to the community.

TN Pulse is set to activate its online campaign this weekend to its over seven million youth community across Nigeria.

The platform will give youths the opportunity to share images with friends via social media networks.

Mr. Kola Oyeyemi, General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN, said: “MTN is offering the youth a package that effectively fits into their lifestyle and provides them an opportunity to freely express themselves.”

Presentation

A

TAMU Social Club of Nigeria, a group of Urhobo professionals in Lagos, will on Saturday, present its new management committee.

The event, billed for Victoria Island, Lagos, will be chaired by Goodie Ibru.

According to Obaro Osah, Chairman, Atamu Inauguration Committee, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State and his Deputy, Prof.

Amos Utuama, will attend the event as special guest of honour and guest of honour, respectively.

Osah said the event will feature a lecture entitled Transformational Leadership: Imperatives for Good Governance.

38 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013—39

HEALTH SCREENING—From left: Chairman, Lagos State Medical Guild, Dr. Olumuyiwa Odusote and Secretary General, Dr. Sunday Luro at the health screening for residents of Igando-Ikotun LCDA, sponsored by the Lagos State Medical Guild.

AWARD—Alhaji Sanusi Olagunju, father of the Executive Director, Bank of Industry, Mr Waheed Olagunju (right), receiving an award from Guest of Honour and former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu during the centenery celebration of New Bussa town, Niger State.

C M Y K

CONDOLENCE—From left: Grand Son of late Obafemi Awolowo, Mr. Segun Awolowo jnr; Senator Florence Ita-Giwa and Dr. Tokunbo Dosumu, during Senator Florence Ita-Giwa's visit to the Awolowo family on the demise of their son, Oluwole Awolowo, at Ikenne, Ogun State.

PRESENTATION—Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati (left) and Ms Mo Abudu, during presentation of Ebony TV compact discs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Photo: State House.

UNVEILING—From left: Principal Partner, Cranes and Ladders Limited, Mr. Tosin Olukoga; TV Presenter, Billboard Nigeria; Ms Bisola Aiyeola and Chief Executive Officer, Cranes and Ladders, Mr. Ebun Roberts, at the unveiling of Eko Festival of Kite, held at Maruwa Beach, Lekki, Lagos.

CAMPAIGN—From left: Mrs Obiageli Ololo, Project Officer, Do It Right Foundation; Mr Dixon Jubril, National Coordinator and Mr Wisdom Barggie, National Vice Coordinator during a briefing to unveil Do It Right Nigeria Campaign, in Lagos.

LAUNCH—From left: Bunmi Adeniba, Brand Manager, Tang; Kemi Fabusoro Brand Communication and Media Manager; Mr. Emil Moskofian, Managing Director, Cadbury West Africa; Mr. Dele Anifoshe, Marketing Director, Cadbury Nigeria Plc, and Mr. Kufre Ekanem, Corporate Affairs Manager, during the launching of Tang Fruit Drink and Tang Family Fun day by Cadbury Nigeria Plc, in Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

INVESTITURE—From left: Mr Sunday Adeneye, Coordinator/Instructor; Mr Joshua Ekwuruibe, Vice Chairman; Alhaji Rasheed Abolade and Mrs Mercy Onwuenyi, Commandant, St Paul detachment during the investiture of Mushin LG CDC Chairman, Alhaji Rasheed Abolade as patron of Nigeria Red Cross, Mushin Division. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

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40 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013 — 41

Kudos, knocks greet Baroness Margaret Thatcher’s burial

BY HUGO ODIOGOR, Foreign Affairs Editor with Agency reports

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RITISH monarch Queen Elizabeth II broke with tradition yesterday, the second time since 1965, to attend the funeral of former Prime Minister of Britain Baroness Margaret Hilda Thatcher who died of stroke on April 8, at the age of 87.

The arrival of the Queen at St Paul’s Cathedral marked the official commencement of the funeral ceremonies at 11 a.m.

It was the second time the Queen will be presiding over such an elaborate funeral for a former prime Minister in an atmosphere of sobriety and solemness to honour the first woman to be the primus interpas in British government for 11 years.

The coffin of Baroness Thatcher, which was draped in the Union Jack was brought into the church by eight Military pall bearers who were led by the grand children of the late prime minister ; Michael and Amanda Thatcher, who carried the insignia of order of service and order of merit

,which she was given in her life time Before the service, Thatcher ’s coffin was driven from the Houses of Parliament to the church of St. Clement Danes, about half a mile from the cathedral, for prayers.

From there the coffin — draped in a Union flag and topped with white roses and a note from her children reading “Beloved mother, always in our hearts” — was borne on a gun carriage drawn by six black horses from the Royal Horse Artillery to the cathedral.

The funeral service was attended by the Prime Minster, David Cameron, former Prime Minister John Major, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown.

Also present were surviving members of parliament during her reign as prime minister, serving members of the House of Commons and Lords, and dignitaries from 170 countries who were among the mourners at St. Paul’s Cathedral, where Bishop of London Richard Chartres spoke of the strong feelings the former prime minister still evokes 23 years after leaving office.

Among those present were Former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and former Vice

President Dick Cheney were among the American dignitaries, while figures from Thatcher’s era included F.W. de Klerk, the last apartheid-era leader of South Africa; former Polish President Lech Walesa; ex-Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and entertainers including “Dynasty ” star Joan Collins, singer Shirley Bassey and composer Andrew Lloyd Webber.

But notably absent were former U.S. first lady Nancy Reagan — whose husband Ronald had a close relationship with Thatcher — and former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Germany’s Angela Merkel sent her foreign minister and the Clintons and the Bushes declined to attend. the president of Argentina, Cristein Fernandez.

The first text was taken

A

UTHORITIES intercepted a poison-laced letter intended for President Barack Obama yesterday and locked down some Senate office buildings, amid rising concerns of a terrorism-by-mail campaign reminiscent of the anthrax attacks that followed the September 11, 2001 strikes.

The new threats emerged one day after a letter destined for Republican Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi tested positive for the deadly substance ricin.

Officials said there was

•Obama no evidence of a link to the bombings at the Boston Marathon.

Asked whether the Obama and Wicker incidents were connected, a lawenforcement source told Yahoo News that “the letters are very similar.”

from Ephesians and was read by her granddaughter, Amanda Thatcher while the second reading was taking from the gospel of John was read by the Prime Minister David Cameron.

The dean of St. Paul’s, David Ison, recalled “her

courage, her steadfastness and her resolve to accomplish what she believed to be right for the common good.”There was a passage from T.S. Eliot, a section of Gabriel Faure’s “Requiem” and the patriotic hymn “I Vow to Thee, My Country” — also played at the 1997

funeral of Princess Diana.

The late leader’s 19year-old granddaughter Amanda Thatcher read a passage from Ephesians: “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.”

Boston bomb blasts: Police arrest suspect

I

N V E S T I GAT O R S have arrested a suspect in relation to Monday ’s Boston marathon bombings, law enforcement officials have said.

The breakthrough reportedly came from security video of a man

Security intercepts terror mail to Obama

BY TONY NWANKWO with agency reports

The coffin was carried on a gun carriage drawn by the King’s Troop Royal Artillery.

Obama was never in any real danger: Since the anthrax attacks, mail addressed to the White House goes through extensive off-site screening. The same goes for U.S. lawmakers.

Ricin, for which there is no known antidote, is made from ground castor beans—and ground castor beans lacking the poison’s potency can still trigger a positive test.

One day after the letter to Wicker was intercepted, “a second letter containing a granular substance that preliminarily tested positive for ricin was received at an offsite mail screening facility.

dropping off a bag on the street near the race’s finish line, before walking away.

The twin blasts killed an eight-year-old boy, a woman aged 29 and a postgraduate student from China.

Officials are due to hold a press conference at 17:00 ET (21:00 GMT).

Investigators have been sifting through thousands of pieces of evidence, ranging from video recorded on mobile phones to fragments of

shrapnel removed from the victims’ legs. More than 170 people were wounded in the attack.

Pressure cooker bombs The image of the suspect came from surveillance video recorded at a department store across the street from the site of the second blast, CNN reported.

The Boston Globe newspaper reported that a surveillance camera at the Lord & Taylor store had provided police with

clear footage of the area.

Earlier, the Associated Press quoted a source close to the investigation as saying that the bombs consisted of explosives placed in 1.6-gallon (6litre) pressure cookers, one with shards of metal and ball bearings, the other with nails.

Nobody has claimed responsibility for the bombs, which a source said were placed in black bags and left on the ground.

Iran moves to speed up nuclear program despite sanctions

I

RAN is increasing the number of advanced uranium enrichment centrifuges installed at its Natanz underground plant, despite tightening international sanctions aimed at stopping Tehran’s nuclear progress, diplomats said yesterday.

Iran has for years been trying to develop centrifuges more efficient than the erratic 1970s era IR-1 machines it now

uses, but introducing new models has been dogged by technical hurdles and difficulty in obtaining key parts abroad.

If launched and operated successfully, the new machines would enable the Islamic state to sharply speed up sensitive atomic activity which it says is for peaceful energy purposes but which the West fears may be aimed at building nuclear bombs.

“It is clear Iran can build them. The question is how many and how good are they,” one Western envoy said.

The planned deployment of next generation centrifuges underlines Iran’s refusal to bow to pressure to curb its nuclear program, and may further complicate efforts to resolve the dispute diplomatically and avoid a spiral into war.

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42 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

Anambra: Jinxed!

ANAMBRA State is the only state in the federation that is yet to conduct a local government election since the onset of the Fourth Republic. The intrigues and power play that have prevented the exercise of democratic franchise at the grassroots remain formidable as ever.

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

I

T is remarkable that after serving as resident electoral commissioner in many states in the employment of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and conducting many elections, that Prof. Titus Eze could ‘fail’ to organise even an ordinary local government election in his native Anambra State.

It is, however, not surprising, given the oddities that trail Anambra State.

Eze’s predicament is reflective of several other political irregularities that have bedevilled the state.

Indeed, the last local government election in the state was held on December 5, 1998 and that was before the commencement of the present democratic dispensation in the country.

When the tenure of those elected in 1998 expired in 2002, the Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju administration that was in place could not conduct it because of political challenges his government was facing at the time. It was a period when political godfathers held sway and almost made the state ungovernable. The result was that Mbadinuju had to use caretaker committees to complete his tenure in 2003.

•Obi: No change lull in ANSIEC until Governor Obi appointed Professor Eze who had conducted many elections in

Political challenges Dr. Chris Ngige who succeeded him faced even more political challenges, and for the three years he was on the saddle, Ngige could not conduct a local government election. However, his administration put structures on ground through the appointment of a substantive chairman for the State Independent Electoral Commission, ANSIEC, in the person of Chief Cornell Umeh.

After Mr. Peter Obi came into office in 2006 his aides alleged that the composition of the ANSIEC board headed by Umeh was too lopsided to allow a fair council election under the circumstances. Remarkably, Obi neither dissolved the commission nor empowered it.

Umeh as such remained idle at ANSIEC until his five year tenure expired.

After Umeh’s exit, there a was C M Y K

other states before exiting INEC. The mandate given to Eze was to conduct the local government election without further delay and he began the planning with vigour. In fact, he concluded arrangements and met regularly with leaders of the various political parties on the best way to achieve a free and fair exercise before he had problems with the State House of Assembly over

alleged financial impropriety.

The result was that the House removed him and urged the governor to appoint another chairman for the commission.

Expectedly, Eze headed to the court and stopped the state government from naming another chairman in his place. The matter is still pending in an Awka High Court.

So, like his predecessors, Mbadinuju and Ngige, Obi has been using caretaker committees to run the local government system in the state. However, the difference is that the House of Assembly has consistently constituted an electoral college for those appointed into the system.

Though many people acknowledge that the caretaker is undemocratic, some have argued that achievements recorded at the third –tier of government in Anambra State since the Obi administration,

have been unprecedented.

Indeed there are insinuations that the Obi administration prefers the use of caretakers, a point, the embattled National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, made in an interview with Vanguard.

Umeh insisted that he urged that local government elections should be conducted to broaden the participation of APGA members in government at the grassroots but that Obi for one reason or the other objected leading to a dispute between him and the governor.

Umeh’s assertions nonetheless, the Anambra State House of Assembly has apparently not found any fault with the governor on the matter.

A delegation of the House committee on election matters during a recent visit to ANSIEC commended officials of the commission for the preparations already made towards having free and fair polls. That is even though no one knows the date for the election.

House committee on election matters The lawmakers, led by the majority leader of the House, Mr. Ikechukwu Oseke, who is also the chairman, house committee on election matters said during their meeting with the officer in charge of the commission, Chief Sylvester Okonkwo: “What you have told us corroborated what the governor, Mr. Peter Obi always says which is that it is not the state government that is responsible for non-conduct of the election, but that it is the responsibility of ANSIEC. We have come and we have seen the readiness of ANSIEC to conduct the exercise and we are satisfied with the preparations. Our assurance is that we will cooperate with you to give our people free and fair election.”

The officer in charge of ANSIEC, Okonkwo, explained that the commission would want to reach an appreciable level of preparation before announcing the date for the exercise.

According to him, the commission would appreciate it if the people of Anambra State would stop pressuring the governor to name a date for the election, adding that ANSIEC is totally in charge.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013 — 43

Bayelsa:

Repairing the rot

THE local government system in Bayelsa State was until recently a channel for the empowerment of the political class. The Seriake Dickson administration is promising to alter the structure and system, but it is a difficult task!

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

T

councillors in the one hundred and five wards of the state elected in 1998, all succeeding council officials were foisted on the people by the incumbent governors.

Unlike the present scenario where the ruling party grabs all positions in every election leaving the opposition parties in the cold, the December 1998 election into the councils was keenly contested and healthy rivalry displayed by the parties.

The then All Peoples Party, APP, indeed won the KolokumaOpokuma local government council and also won councillorship seats in some of the council areas.

•Dickson: Promising changes But the scenario, changed when the state government through the Peoples Democratic Party controlled state House of Assembly established the Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission in 2004.

The creation of the commission and the composition of its members was vehemently opposed by the opposition parties which described it as an extension of the ruling PDP. They argued that since the officials of the commission were PDP card carrying members there was no way the electoral body could conduct a free and fair election. True to the fears of the opposition parties, the election into the c o u n c i l conducted by the newly established Bayelsa Independent Electoral Commission saw the ruling party sweeping all positions.

The pattern continued under the Timipre Sylva administration where he not only appointed caretaker chairmen for the councils, but also ensured their metamorphosis into executive chairmen through council polls that were widely denounced by many stakeholders, including many from the ruling PDP. This was the scenario when the Seriake Dickson administration came on board last year prompting the governor to approve the removal of the

chairmen of Brass, Southern Ijaw, Sagbama, Ogbia and Ekeremor councils.

The governor, a trained lawyer and former member of the House of Representatives has defended his action insisting that he only acted on the recommendations of the state House of Assembly, which had earlier probed the financial transactions of the eight local government councils,

,

HOUGH the third tier of government as the name implies ought to have been an instrument for grassroots development but the reverse is the case in the predominantly riverine Bayelsa State where the local government councils over the years have turned out to be a platform for revenue sharing.

The third tier of government has not been truly felt in the rural enclaves of the state where the locals still look up to the oil companies operating in their domains and the state government for social amenities.

Elected representatives, especially the chairmen hardly stay in their respective councils with many operating from Yenagoa only to return to the council headquarters when their monthly federal allocation is ready for sharing.

It was to prevent this type of scenario that the first Bayelsa State House of Assembly passed the Bayelsa State Local Government Law 2000. The law aimed at checking the excesses of the powerful chairmen inevitably marked the beginning of the complete loss of independence at the third tier.

Aside the first set of council chairmen in the eight local government areas and

Assembly’s investigation of the chairmen, Dickson has never hidden his disapproval for the apparent rot in the local government system of the state.

Speaking few days before he implemented the findings and recommendations of the Assembly, Dickson had at the swearing-in of a commissioner, chairmen and members of statutory bodies, declared, “We are committed to a comprehensive reform of the local government system, a comprehensive reform of all sectors of our state.”

Lamenting the rot in the councils he said, “the local government system is nothing to write home about in this state, and we don’t need to make any pretence about it. As you know, the state House of Assembly, as a result of the problem in the local government system, has undertaken a comprehensive examination of all those who are entrusted with responsibility at that critical level.

At the swearing-in of the vice chairmen of the five suspended chairmen as the new helmsmen, the governor explained that the five former chairmen were removed from office “on account of gross misconduct in accordance with section 24 (6) of the Bayelsa State Local Government Law 2000 as amended.”

The governor charged the new council bosses to execute projects that would develop and impact positively on the lives of the

Elected representatives, especially the chairmen hardly stay in their respective councils with many operating from Yenagoa only to return to the council headquarters when their monthly federal allocation is ready for sharing

following petitions of alleged financial misappropriation and maladministration of the councils.

For three weeks the chairmen were grilled by the legislators and some of them could not defend the expenditures they claimed to have made while others were unable to tender valid council documents requested by the legislators.

Some of the local government councils were also locked in crises involving the chairmen, vice chairmen and councillors over what an insider blamed on displeasure over sharing of councils’ monthly federal allocations.

Indications that Dickson would beam his searchlight on the councils emerged shortly his inauguration in February.

Although he had consistently denied he was not behind the

,

people in their respective councils.

He urged them not to abuse the opportunity given to them, but serve the people effectively and turn around the fortunes of the councils just as he reminded them that a lot were expected from them as according to him the restoration agenda of his administration was aimed at ensuring that the people at the grassroots savoured the dividends of democracy.

Dickson reiterated that he did not arm-twist the lawmakers to investigate the financial and administrative activities of the local councils nor recommend the sack of the five chairmen because of their loyalty to former Governor Sylva.

Meanwhile, expectations are again high in the councils following the election of new chairmen and councilors to pilot the affairs of the council.

C M Y K

44 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

I N S I D E

Flagrant disobedience of court order is lawlessness — 45 — Supreme Court

Presidential Pardon: Abuse of discretion is impunity(2) — 46

Judiciary: Is justice for sale?

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI that the judiciary as " REMEMBER an arm of government does not

have a garrison of soldiers or police to compel compliance with its orders, ruling and judgments. Rather, the judiciary relies and survives only on public confidence. This public confidence will be eroded by your actions and in-actions.”

Those were the exact words of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mariam Aloma Muhktar, on November 19, 2012, while admonishing judges few months after she assumed leadership of the Nigerian Judiciary.

Speaking at a workshop organized by the National Judicial Institute, NJI, the CJN further maintained that “the centrality of the judiciary to the continued existence of any society can hardly be over stressed and once the public loses its confidence in the organ of government charged with adjudication and justice delivery, then that society is no doubt set for extinction. ”Let me add however that the Judicial Service Commissions of various jurisdictions will not hesitate to administer appropriate sanctions to any judge of the court found wanting,” she declared.

Many had thought she was merely towing the line of her male predecessors, dishing out sugar-coated words capable of elevating her prominence

tion that dogged decisions of judges perceived to be dancing to the dictates of paymasters.

Things became so bad that the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, which is the umbrella body of legal practitioners in the country, on February 17, last year alleged that the judiciary has turned into a market place where justice was sold to the highest bidder.

The legal body went ahead and constituted its own anti-corruption organ with a mandate to ferret out

Specifically, NJC, said it was satisfied that Archibong violated his oath of office when he “dismissed grievous charges against an accused without taking his plea

,

before the revered alter of public discourse.

However, her recent actions, vis-àvis the decision of the National Judicial Council, NJC, which is the highest judicial organ in the country as it pertains to the sanitization of the Aegean’s stable, has left no one in doubt that there may be simmering rays of hope for the justice sector.

Prior to her assumption of office, Justice Muktar who never masked her aversion for ineptitude, vowed to expose and expel all the bad eggs incubating within the hallowed judicial temples, even as she urged all the judges to live above board.

That was in lieu with the fact that the judiciary was fast losing its status as the last hope of the common man sequel to sundry allegations of corrupC M Y K

CJN Mariam Aloma Mukhtar

,

“practitioners of corruption in the legal profession and justice system.”

Thus, last July when the CJN appeared before the Nigerian Senate for screening, she expressed concern over the battered image of the Judiciary with a pledge to improve the situation.

According to her: “On the perception of the Judiciary by the public, indeed, as it is as at now, it is very bad and I am saddened by it. But, then, as I said earlier on, I will try, I don’t want to sound like a broken record. I will try to make sure that the confidence reposed in the Judiciary, as it were before, will be returned. I will try as much as possible to ensure that the bad eggs that are there are flushed out. That there will be a cleansing by the National Judicial Council (NJC)

AGF Mohammed Adoke based on petition. It is sad that the ordinary man on the street thinks and feels that he cannot get justice. This is because of the situation we find ourselves. I will ensure that this perception changes.”

The essence of a just judicial system is to provide prompt qualitative justice for the people. Justice is meaningless when it is delayed, hurried or perverted.

Consequently, an allegation against any judge is an allegation against the course of justice, which if not properly handled, has the tendency of eroding confidence from the judicial system.

Nevertheless, no matter how grave a petition may seem, it is trite law that an accused is assumed innocent until otherwise proven. Thus, just as the burden of prove rests on the petitioner, the accused also bears the brunt of establishing his or her innocence beyond every reasonable doubt.

the end of an emergency meeting held on February 20, recommended the immediate retirement of two Judges following their alleged complicity in acts of corruption.

Whereas the Council asked President Goodluck Jonathan to immediately retire Justice Charles Efanga Archibong who was hitherto with the Federal High Court Lagos Division, it further urged the Plateau State Governor, David Jonah Jang to sack Justice T.D Naron who was equally indicted.

Specifically, NJC, said it was satisfied that Archibong violated his oath of office when he “dismissed grievous charges against an accused without taking his plea.”

His indictment followed an uncanny role he played in a criminal case involving the former Managing Director of Intercontinental Bank Plc, Mr. Erastus Akingbola who was charged to court over his alleged involvement in financial impropriety.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had in a 26-count amended charge it entered before the court, maintained that it garnered sufficient evidence to prove that Akingbola pilfered the sum of N364 billion.

However, even without taking the plea of the accused person, Justice Archibong, on April 2, 2012, discharged Akingbola from the case, even as he dismissed the charge as grossly lacking in merit.

More so, Archibong barred the prosecuting team of the EFCC comprising of five Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SANs, from appearing before the court or another judge of the Federal High on the same matter following what he termed “serious and professional incompetence.”

He further ordered the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Mohamemd Adoke, SAN, to disband the team of the five Continues on page 45

Opportunity to challenge evidence Thus, every judge accused of perverting justice ought to have a fair opportunity to challenge the evidence presented by the petitioners, summon own witnesses, present evidence, have counsel, if necessary at public expense, in order to make his or her case properly.

Undoubtedly, “Justice has nothing to do with what goes on in a courtroom; Justice is what comes out of a courtroom .”

It was therefore not surprising when the National Judicial Council, NJC, at

EDITORIAL TEAM Dayo Benson (Editor) Innocent Anaba Wahab Abdulah Ikechukwu Nnochiri

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013 — 45

Flagrant disobedience of court order is lawlessness — Supreme Court

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

T

HE Supreme Court had struck out two applications brought by Chief O.T.K.D. Amachree (Appellant/Applicant) filed against Chief Macdonald O. Abbi and Chief (Prof.) T.J.T. Princewill, asking the apex court to order a stay of the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt, nullifying the installation of the Amanaganabo, Prof. T.J.T. Princewill.

The ruling of the apex court in the application brought by the appellant/applicant confirmed the axiom that

where a higher court refuses to grant an application for stay of execution of an order given by a court below, the appellant/applicant should not thereafter assume that the refusal now means that his appeal should act as a stay for the order made against him.

The Supreme Court had struck out the applications after they had been withdrawn by counsel to the appellant.

This decision was taken by a full panel of five justices including Walter Samuel Nkanu Onuoghen, Muhammad Saifullah Munkaka Coomassie, Nwali Sylvester

mad. The ruling was delivered by Onuoghen.

Chief Amachree had brought the applications to stay the judgment of the Court of Appeal which nullified the installation of the Amanaganabo, Prof.

Princewill.

Delivering the ruling, the apex court was said to have advised the appellant’s counsel to withdraw the application for stay of execution because it would not Justice Zainab Bulkachuwu grant it. The alleged reason Acting President Court of Appeal for refusing to grant the applications, was that the appellant and other respondNgwuta, Olukayode Ariwoola ents, particularly the Amanand Musa Dattijo Muham-

Is justice for sale?

Continues from page 44 SANs that prosecuted the case, among whom included the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Joseph B. Daudu, SAN. While indicting him, NJC, maintained that he acted wrongly by refusing “to release the Certified True Copy of his Ruling to the Lawyers,” stressing that, he “issued a bench warrant on some officials of Peoples Democratic Party for contempt even when the counsel who was directed by the Court to serve them filed an affidavit that he had not been able to serve the contempt application.

“That he made unfounded and caustic remarks on professional competence of some Senior Advocates of Nigeria; That there were glaring procedural irregularities which showed that Hon. Justice Archibong did not have a full grasp of the Law and procedure of the Court.

Originating summons “That he granted the leave sought for in the originating summons that had no written address of the parties and without hearing both parties in the originating summons after he had earlier on overruled the preliminary objection.”

On the other hand, NJC, sought Naron’s retirement after it was allegedly ascertained that there were constant regular voice calls and exchange of MMS and SMS (text) messages between him and a lead counsel for one of the parties to a suit in the Osun State Gubernatorial Election Tribunal.

His action was said to have contravened the Code of

Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria vide Section 292(1((b) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

To further accentuate the rising wave of allegations of corruption against the Bench, NJC, also commenced investigation into allegation that Justice Abubakar Thalba of an Abuja High Court at Gudu collected bribe and freed a self confessed pension thief, Mr John Yakubu Yusufu.

Though Justice Thalba is still presiding over other criminal cases pending before his court, the NJC directed that he should tender his defence to a fact-finding committee it empanelled to investigate the allegations leveled against him.

Justice Thalba had on January 28, handed a light sentence to the convicted pension thief, shortly after he admitted before the court that he actually connived with six other persons and stole over

N23billion from the Police pension fund.

Placing reliance on section 309 of the Penal Code Act, Justice Thalba sentenced him to 2 years imprisonment with an option of N750, 000 fine, a sum the convict quickly paid and drove home.

Though the anti-graft agency subsequently rearrested and arraigned Yusufu on another criminal charge involving N300m, civil society organizations petitioned both the NJC and the CJN, demanding that the matter be probed.

In an obvious gesture of despair, the CJN, on April 8, expressed concern over the quality of judgment emanating from various courts in the country, insisting that public confidence and trust in the judiciary has nosedived.

“Let us not deceive ourselves, the public confidence and trust in our work as judicial officers are beginning to nosedive. This is born out partly from judge-

ment emanating from our courts which the public or some section of it feels is rather unconscionable.

Agreed, judges are not spirits, they are human beings. They are members of the society.

What this portends is that the judgment we write and deliver must be a reflection of adequate considerations of the facts as presented by the parties, available evidence properly led to support the facts and the state of the law on the subject of adjudication.

“Again, I concede that as judges we are accorded some semblance of discretion particularly in criminal cases.

I must however hasten to add that the exercise of any discretion in adjudication must be judicially, judiciously and reasonably exercised. A judge must not put himself in a position where the exercise of his discretion is deemed to be unreasonable in the estimation and assessment of a reasonable member of the society.

yanabo, are in disobedience of the orders of the courts below.

The two applications were filed separately on October 19, 2012 and February 12, 2013. Both were struck out with an award of N50,000 each to the first respondent, Chief Abbi.

The Supreme Court in striking out the motions for stay ordered: “That the motions filed on the 19th day of October, 2012 and 12th February, 2013 having been withdrawn without objection be and is hereby struck out and that N50,000 costs is awarded to the first respondent. (N50,000 is repeated on both orders).

The motions for stay were brought by Amachree pursuant to his appeal lodged at the apex court in which he is seeking the court to set aside the decision of the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt division made against the Amanyanabo and other Chiefs in council.

Chief Abbi for himself and as representing the King Abbi Royal House, the king makers of the Kalabari Kingdom, Buguma, Rivers State, had approached the appellate court to set aside the decision of Justice J.M. Kobani of the Rivers State High Court, delivered on December 19, 2005 who refused to grant the order to return the parties to status-quo as at March 29, 2000 when the suit against the coronation of a new Amanyanabo commenced.

The target of the restorative injunction as sought by Abbi, was as a result of the purported installation and recognition of Professor Princewill as the Amanyanabo of Kalabari which took place on March 23, 2002 during the pendency

Continues on page 46

46 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

NJC petitioned over execution of judgment

Presidential Pardon: Abuse of discretion is impunity(2)

BY UDO JUDE ILO

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

L

AGOS lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, has asked the National Judicial Council, NJC, to probe the circumstances behind the execution of a judgment bordering on the ownership of a parcel of land in Asokoro area of Abuja, the federal capital territory.

In a petition, which was copied to the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, Justice Lawal Gummi, the lawyer requested the authority to examine how one Mr. Imonkhuede Ohikhuare, who he said owned the land and the N1bn property built on it was ejected from the property.

Falana said Ohikhuare was forcibly evicted from the house upon a warrant of possession issued

by Justice A.S. Umar of the FCT High Court, while an appeal against the judgment and an application for stay of execution were pending at the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal.

Faulting the execution of the judgment delivered by Justice Umar on May 17, 2012, Falana said, “The judge did not only issue a warrant of possession before the time allowed by law, but he also deliberately issued a warrant of possession when none

ought to have been issued at all. This is nothing but a naked abuse of judicial power.”

Criticizing the order of the court, the lawyer argued that the writ of possession issued by the court was only appropriate for a judgment obtained against a tenant by his landlord or for recovery of possession of premises.

He submitted, “It is a land matter dispute and the judgment the plaintiff was given against the defendants was not for delivery up of possession of premises which belonged to the plaintiff, a landlord, but held over by a recalcitrant tenant.

“Assuming, without accepting that the judgment contained an order for possession, along with the declaratory, mandatory and injunctive reliefs granted by the judge, that order for possession can only be enforced pursuant to the Sheriff and Civil Process Act, and the Judgment Enforcement Rules, made thereunder, with requisite Forms being used in the circumstances.”

He added that it was illegal for the judge to have issued a writ of possession within, “only six days (including Saturday and Sunday)”, instead of fourteen days after delivery of judgment, as stipulated by law.

H

OW can you claim that Alams has repented if he cowardly hides in Nigeria and takes no steps to clear his name in the UK? Never has a presidential pardon in history anywhere in the world to the knowledge of this writer been extended to an international fugitive who is properly so called. Essentially the message Nigeria is sending is its manifest disdain and disregard for the UK justice system or to international conventions on law and order. Hamilton above captures the dangers of presidential pardon and the moral obligation needed in exercising this authority. President Jonathan appears blind to these moral obligations or blindsided to the dangers of executive impunity.

It is important at this point to clear certain misconceptions and share some open secrets about this abuse of power. The decision of granting pardon to Alamieyeseigha was not that of the National Council of State. The Presidency is attempting to couch this insanity with the cloak of ‘legitimacy’ that a suggestion of a collegial decision may give. Sadly it is not so. Under the section 175 of the Constitution, what the president is

required to do under the law is to consult the National Council of State. He is not BOUND by their decision and neither do they have any constitutional powers to stop him. He simply informs them. So the responsibility for this action rests with President Jonathan alone.

The second point is that this presidential pardon is primarily for Alamieyeseigha. The other people in the list are just a feeble attempt to legitimize the indefensible. To drive this point home, Diya and Shehu Yar’Adua were both convicted by a military tribunal that falls short of basic requirements under international convention and our constitution of what fair trial should be.

It will be a historical injustice of an unquantifiable proportion to group these men in the class of Alamieyeseigha.

It is necessary also to state at this point that the crimes for which Alamieyeseigha was convicted are in a special class. Nigeria has been defaced by corruption. Since the return to civilian rule, corruption has been the bane of our development as a people. Now it defines us. From the fuel subsidy fraud to the pension fraud, from the decay of infrastructure to growing poverty, we as a people are under a strangulating hold of corruption with the

•President Goodluck Jonathan danger of suffocation if it is not combated. And so for Nigeria, corruption is not just a social ill, it is an existential problem that is more dangerous than violence since violence is just a manifestation of the problems of corruption. State response to corruption has been grossly inadequate. Our international image has been battered by this virus. Given all these dynamics and existential dangers of corruption, our government cannot be granting pardon to corrupt officials. It is unconscionable to do that at this time, and in this form. This is shamefaced endorsement of corruption. It destroys the faith of the people in government, tarnishes our image home and abroad and undermines our anti-corruption fight if at all there is any.

The Presidency em-

Flagrant disobedience of court order is lawlessness Continues from page 45

any other affected body or bodies or houses or of the suit, and also group of houses, penddone in disobedience of ing the peaceful resoluthe order of interlocutory tion of the dispute injunction made on July between the parties 31, 2000. themselves or the The order made on hearing and determinaJuly 31, 2000 restrained tion of the substantive all parties in contest of suit. the stool of the AmanThis order of the yanabo from taking any Rivers State High Court, step in furtherance of made by Justice A.A. and or in selecting, Wodu was allegedly electing, anointing or violated by the Professor installing any person Princewill’s group, as he whatsoever as the was on March 23, 2002 Amanayanabo of Kalainstalled as the new bari without the consent, Amanayabo of Kalabari. knowledge and particiIt was because Justice pation of all the parties Kobani refused to in the suit and all the restore the parties to the chiefs of Abbi Royal status quo as at March House, Council of 29, 2000 having been Chiefs, the Karibo seized of the fact that Group of Houses, the one of the parties has Buguma Council of over-reached the order Chiefs and the Kalabari of July 31, 2000, but National Assembly or instead ordered that the

parties should maintain status quo as at December 19, 2005, that is three years after the coronation of the Amanyanabo in the person of Prof. Princewill.

Consequently, the ruling of Kobani on December 19, 2005 invariably reversed the order made on July 31, 2000 even though, no party from all available records, asked for the review of that order.

In granting Chief Abbi’s request, the Court of Appeal held: “There is no dearth of authorities to guide the learned trial judge in the application for a restorative or mandatory injunction to restore the parties to status quo ante. He merely turned the other way to involve the doctrine of expediency as a veneer for his

judicial impertinence.

“It was unreasonable and perverse on his part to sacrilegiously review and reverse the previous order made on 31st July, 2000 without any application for such review.

Even if there was such application, the learned trial judge, on principle of his being functus officio, would have acted reluctantly.”

The court continued: “There is no way a judge, acting, arbitrarily, can ever enforce justice, order and good government. Only the rule of law and not lawlessness, anarchy and impunity governs this realm. The rule of law includes the orders of court of law.

The principles of expediency that is antithetic to, and a violent rejection of the rule of law, is

nothing but arbitrariness and an invitation to judicial anarchy.

Further the appellate court held: “The learned trial judge (Kobani) acted grossly in error when he condoned the indiscipline and lawlessness of the defendants/respondents who had flagrantly flouted the subsisting injunctive order made on 31st July, 2000.”

Concluding the court said: “The lone issue canvassed by the appellant, (Abbi), is hereby resolved in favour of the appellant and against the respondents. The appeal is hereby allowed. The ruling, including the orders therein, made on December 19, 2005 are hereby set aside.

The appellant made

bodies not just legal authority and power but also symbolic of everything that is Nigeria. It is an institution bigger than any individual and must be preserved not so much for itself but for its fundamental significance. What is being destroyed here is not just the spirit of our constitution or the integrity of our already damaged presidency but the legitimacy of the Nigeria state. It is such a steep price to pay to clean the up after an international felon.

Hamilton captures the essence and substance of presidential pardon above here and rightly so. Every time an elected official exercises discretion, he is sending a message on behalf of the state. Mr. President, what message are you sending here?

•Udo writes from Abuja

out a case for restorative or mandatory injunction sought. The order made on July 31, 2000 remains extant. The purported installation and recognition of the first defendant/respondent (Chief Prof.

Princewill) are consequently set aside. By this decision “the parties including the first defendant/respondent (The Amanyanabo installed, Chief Princewill) shall be and are hereby reverted to the status quo ante imposed by the order of July 31st, 2000.”

The appeal court thereafter ordered the Chief Judge of Rivers State “to use his good offices to ensure accelerated hearing of the suit pending at the high court by a judge other than Justice J.M. Kobani.”

Vanguard, THURSD AY, APRIL 18, 2013 — 47 THURSDA

Celebrating a decade of fertility, conception and births

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

I

T was a celebration of fertility, conception and births Sunday April 14, 2013, at the Civic Centre, Lagos, when Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos, marked its 10th anniversary as a frontline fertility treatment centre in

• L&R: Julian Onwudijo, 1st IVF baby of Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos, with the Clinic Manager, Mrs. Tola Ajayi, during the Centre’s 10th anniversary ceremony, weekend.

Nigeria.

Hundreds of well-wishers, including the dozens of happy couples who have been enabled to give birth to their own babies, through the numerous assisted reproduction techniques, ART, graced the joyous event.

Notable among the gaily dressed guests was Master Julian Oluchukwu Onwudijo - the first baby conceived through a combined ART procedure of IVF/ICSI and delivered through Caesarean Section.

Julian was born September 14, 2004 to Emmanuel and Francesca Onwudijo. Also the cynosure of all eyes, were the Shofunlayo quintuplets, popularly called “Five Alive” - Eyitayo, Eyitope, Eyitomini, Eyimofe and Eyidayo, children of Wale and Olayemi Shofunlayo. Conceived at Nordica, the babies were born December 2011 at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH. Going down memory lane, the Medical Director, Dr Abayomi Ajayi, recalled how in 2003, when the vision of setting up Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos was conceived, the primary aim was to courageously combat the plague of infertility by providing true “comfort centres” where the pain of childless couples could be soothed both emotionally and medically.

Since it threw its doors open on the 14th of April, 2003 at Victoria Garden City, Lekki Lagos, Nordical Lagos has not looked back.

Rapidly expanding, it moved to Ikoyi, Lagos in January 2008 and the Yaba Clinic was launched October 2003, while yet another clinic was opened in Asaba in November 2009. The newest Centre in Abuja was commissioned in November 2012.

“In 10 years of existence, God helping

us, we have been able to assist in the conception of several hundreds of babies and we are still counting,” Ajayi noted.

In its lifetime, Nordica Lagos has set a number of firsts. With all modesty it remains the only fertility clinic currently using the Intracytoplasmic Morphologically selected sperm Injection, IMSI, in addressing male related infertility issues and is also one of the few clinics in Nigeria to do Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis The Centre has kept faith providing requisite all year round training through its Intra-Uterine-Insemination, IUI, as well

as Endoscopy and Ultrasound Scan programme for gynaecologists, general practitioners, nurses and other medical workers in Nigeria and in the West African sub-region.

As its corporate social responsibility, Nordica, in conjunction with the Fertility Treatment Support Foundation, FTSF, it has provided free fertility treatment to 25 couples with diverse infertility challenges.

As part of the 10th anniversary, three couples from different geo-political zones of the country are to have free, full cycle IVF treatments.

Primus Hospital slashes fees

P

RIMUS International Super Specialty Hospital, Abuja, has announced downward review of its medical charges by 30 per cent and free consultancy.

A statement signed by the Hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Umaru Jibia, said the free consultancy offer is from April 15-23, 2013, to enable the less privileged gain access to comprehensive medical treatment.

The announcement comes on the heels of reports that Nigeria loses about $300 million -$400 million annually to medical tourism.

The free consultation will be for joint replacement, spine problem, Internal Medicine and Diabetes, other include Urology and Kidney Transplant, Dialysis, Neurology, plastic and cosmetic Surgery, Gynaecology, etc.

The MRI, CT scan charges are discounted by 50 per cent and while radiology, lab investigations and drugs can be accessed at special discounts. “The staement alos said N2 million has been allocated as reserve fund to be utilised for treatment for the poor and needy during the ongoing free health camp.

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48 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

Bits Kaigama unveils vision for TUC

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Immediate Past President-General of the National Union of Civil Engineering Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers, NUCECFWW, Samuel Adeoye; President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Abdulwaheed Omar; and General Secretary of NUCECFWW, Babatunde Liadi at the conference.

Construction workers decry high unemployment, expatriate quota abuse

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

T

HERE is no doubt the high rate of unemployment in Nigeria is a time bomb waiting to explode. But that the problem of joblessness is being compounded by expatriate quota abuse with appropriate government agencies not doing what is needed to stop it, is of serious concern to the National Union of Civil Engineering, Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers, NUCECFWW. Leaders of the union also decried perceived government’s’ refusal to pay debts

construction and furniture industry that the abuse is not in tandem with the Nigerian Content Development Act, which states that Nigerians should be considered first in any employment before given it to foreigners or expatriates. The conference-in-session demands that government should step up effort to check influx of the so-called expatriates into Nigeria. `The conference-in-session charges the Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS, and the Ministry of Labour and Productivity to ensure that there is true need for expatriates in any company before

The conference-in-session charges the Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS, and the Ministry of Labour and Productivity to ensure that there is true need for expatriates in any company before granting work permit to any foreigner

,

on financial contractual agreement with the contractors, lamenting that this has led to disruption of capital projects and contractors moving out of sites for lack of funds, compounding the job crisis.

In communiqué at the of the union’s 4thQuadrennial Delegates Conference, QDC, in Imo State, the cin-session condemned the high rate of casualization and contract staffing in the construction and furniture industry, and vowed to resist casualization and contract staffing as an employment model, describing the practice as deceptively exploitative and degrading.

Members upheld “the union’s advocacy for fair and sufficient compensation, fair and sufficient benefits and good welfare for all categories of its members through unrestricted legitimate rights to union activities, collective bargaining and other statutory provisions for interactions, engagements and resolution of issues with other social partners.”

Expatriate quota abuse/local content: According to the communiqué, conference-in-session condemned “the expatriate quota abuse by employers inthe

,

granting work permit to any foreigner.”

“The conference-in-session also demands that the Understudy Clause in the Nigeria Expatriate Quota law be respected while many of the companies should comply with the provisions of the Nigerian Content Development Act. The conference-in-session observes the refusal by the Asian and Korean firms to allow unionisation of their workers. The conferencein-session vows to take whatever labour actions deemed appropriate when our collective resolve and might is undermined to ensure that the Asian and Korean firms respect the Nigerian Constitution, the Nigeria Labour laws and other international labour standards on Freedom of Association and Right to Collective Bargaining.”

Employment generation: On employment generation, leaders of the union lamented that unemployment was one of the greatest problems facing this country and commended the efforts of the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment to encourage local and foreign private investors on job creation.

According to NUCECFWW leaders in the communiqué, “the conference-in-session wants more concession to be granted on essential imported raw materials that cannot be locally sourced by manufacturing companies to jumpstart the economy as this will enable them generate more jobs in the country. The conference-in-session demands that government needs to be more practical in her focus on the agricultural sector, as a way to enhance employment and job creation, stimulate food security and alleviate poverty as well as reduce crimes. The conference-in-session recommends that government should evolve a social security package for these unemployed youths as it is being done in other countries.

Non-payment for certified completed contracts: The issue of non-payment for certified completed contracts by both federal and state governments also came to fore during the conference which prompted the conference-in-session to express “worries on challenge that is facing the industry with the government’s’ refusal to pay debts on financial contractual agreement with the contractors. Consequently, conference-in-session notes that this has led to disruption of capital projects and contractors moving out of site for lack of funds and the attendant job losses. The conference-in-Session also notes that many state and local government refused to embark on new capital projects that can boost the infrastructural development and growth of their states and local government areas, while the ongoing projects have also suffered stagnations.”

“The conference-in-session states that these actions have stifled development in the civil engineering and construction sector and the nation’s economy as a whole.

The conference-in- session demands that governments at all levels, federal, state and local government, to without further delay begin payments of debts they owe contractors to save lives and jobs, develop the country and deliver dividends of democracy to the people.

RESIDENT of Associa tion of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, and a contestant for Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, presidency, Bobboi Kaigama, has unveiled his vision for TUC, pledging among others, o embark on housing projects for senior staff in the country if elected President of TUC. At a briefing to unfold his vision for TUC, Kaigama said if given the mandate, he would liaise with the 36 state governments and the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to acquire land for the Congress to build housing estates for its members.

In the TUC election holding in June, Kaigama, promised to improve on the legacy of outing going president of the Congress, Mr. Peter Esele, and assured that all affiliates would be carried along as part of efforts to lift TUC to the next level while strengthening weaker affiliates and assisting new ones to join TUC. Giving detail of his antecedent, he said as a labour leader, he spearheaded the last two upward salary reviews for civil servants in Taraba State which resulted in the workers being one of the best paid in the North.

According to him, as branch chairman, he instituted a welfare programme for members of the ASCSN in Taraba which today stood at N70 million, saying “As national vice president of the association, I mobilised and galvanized hitherto weak branches and chapters of the union in the North to become active participants in the affairs of the association.

NLC absent at Oshiomhole’s birthday colloquium NEWS making round is that Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, was conspicuously absent at last Thursday’s colloquium to mark Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, the immediate past President of NLC birthday. According to source, no official explanation was offered for non-representation of NLC.

Vanguard,THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013 — 49

Why we called off April 10’s protest over pensioners’ plight — Labour STORIES BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG

O

RGANISED Labour has given reasons why it called off the April 10, nationwide mass protest and workfree-day declared in Lagos and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, in solidarity with pensioners over their unpaid benefits.

The suspension took many labour leaders in the states, society groups, and other sympathizers of the pensioners cause by surprise as they were all looking forward to the protest. Going by the preparations and the interest generated, that stakeholders were kept in the dark on the meeting with government left more to be desired.

Pension and You was informed that some labour leaders sneaked into Aso Rock Villa at about 9 pm on April 8 and did not come out till after 11 pm when they agreed to call off the protest.

Unlike before when it would be made known that government had invited labour for a meeting, this was done in what could be described as top secret.

In Lagos, it was reporters that told leaders of State Chapter of NLC and civil society groups who came for a final preparation on Tuesday ahead of the protest that it had been called off since Monday night.

The obviously shocked state officials of NLC and labour allies were left perplexed.

One of the officials who was courageous to speak, said he was only told that a Central Working Committee, CWC, meeting was holding in Abuja.

Cartons of hand bills for the protest produced with workers’ money were dumped at Yaba Lagos office. Already tongues are wagging over this last minutes called off.

However , announcing the suspension at the end of its emergency CWC, meeting in Abuja, NLC, said the suspension followed an outcome of Monday night (April 8) meeting with the Federal Government.

In a communiqué issued by the Abdulwaheed Omar and Chris Uyot, President

and Acting General Secretary of NLC, CWC said “In consideration of the fact that the Federal Government has sufficiently met with the demands of the Congress and National Union of Pensioners (NUP), including the setting up of a joint Committee headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to harmonise payments as well as resolve sundry matters connected with pension payment and administration of pension funds; CWC resolves to: Suspend forthwith the work stoppage/protest march billed to take place on Wednesday, April 10 in Lagos and Abuja.”

Members of CWC however threatened to “resume without warning the suspended action if by the end of April or there about, the Federal Government fails to implement all it has promised to do. Congress wishes to commend its workers and civil society allies for promptly mobilizing for this action.” “It will be called that, at the joint meeting with the Congress and the Trade Union Congress on Monday night, April 8, 2013, the Federal Government among other things: Accepted to re-

store the check-off dues of the NUP which had been withheld for one year; Ordered the withdrawal from the court the case between the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) and NUP in respect of the pension payment/matters; Set up a joint Committee of Labour and Government, headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to resolve all issues pertaining to immediate payment of all pension arrears to deserving pensioners and revisitation/resumption of inconclusive verification exercises of 2010/2011 that left scores of pensioners off the payroll. The review of pension payment to reflect 53.4% wage increase to workers in 2010 and the payment of the N18,000 minimum wage and Perfect and fast-track the process of pension payment. The committee has till the end of April or first week of May at the latest to complete its work.”

It will be recalled in the build up to the aborted protest, umbrella body for pro-labour civil society organizations, Joint Action Front, JAF, as well as Campaign for Workers Democratic Rights, CWDR, had given support to the planned protest and directed members nationwide to fully participate.

RGANISED Labour in the nation’s Textile Industry, has expressed concern over the continuous delay in settlement of the entitlements of workers in closed textile companies of Kaduna Textiles Limited, Arewa Textiles Plc, Finetex/Nortex Limited by the respective owners.

Under the umbrella of the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN, in a statement, lamented that affected workers had suffered untold hardship due to non-payment of their benefits since the unilateral closure of their factories.

NUTGTWN in a statement by Comrade Sylvester Chimezie, its Deputy General Secretary, said “with respect to Kaduna Textile Limited, KTL, the entitlements of the workers have since been computed and agreed to by both the union and

N

ATIONAL Industrial Court, NIC, has ordered the management of Gaskiya Textile Mill Kano, to immediately pay a total of N128, 394,220.33 to its former workers and the National Union of Textile and Garment, Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN for legitimate gratuity and outstanding union dues.

The court, presided over by Justice F. L. Kola-Olalere, upheld earlier ruling of Industrial Arbitration Panel, AIP, which in 2010 ruled against the management of the company for unilaterally shutting down the company in 2005 without paying the workers their entitlements.

At a briefing in Lagos, NUTGTWN, while commending NIC under the leadership of its President, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, called on the apex industrial court, to ensure the enforcement of this commendable judgement immediately.

Commendable judgement

Acting Deputy General Secretary, Dele Ojo, General Secretary, Issa Aremu, President, Dele Hunsu of NUTGTWN, at a briefing in Lagos.

Union insists on payment of entitlements for ex-staff of Kaduna textiles, others

O

Court orders Gaskiya Textile to settle ex-workers N128m

management arising from the judgment of the Industrial Arbitration Panel, IAP, in September 2005 following a trade dispute declared by the union against KTL management in January 2003.

Unfortunately, the management and owners of the company (19 Northern States) are yet to settle the terminal benefits of the workers amounting to N687, 073,346.00 till date in spite of repeated appeal, rallies and protests by the union and workers.”

Similarly, the union expressed disgust that Arewa Textiles, despite the judgment it also obtained in favour of the workers compelling the management to settle the un-paid terminal benefits, the struggle for enforcement of the judgment had continued without end.

According to the statement, the “union’s court case against the management of

Finetex/Nortex was withdrawn to pave the way for the ongoing out-of-court settlement.

Friday March 29th, 2013, the union’s leadership led by the President, Comrade Oladele Hunsu and General Secretary Comrade Issa Aremu, were on a courtesy call on one of the Directors of the company, Alhaji Aminu Dantata in Kano specifically to facilitate the process to pay the mutually agreed sum of N250million as workers’ gratuities. We wish to reiterate that nothing (including the union dues) will jeopardize the process to ensure speedy payment of the workers’ gratuities.”

“We call on the owners and management of the closed factories to take urgent steps to settle the terminal benefits of the workers without further delay. The point cannot be over-emphasized that these workers are wallowing in abject poverty and impoverishment due to long lay off from work without pay.

Speaking on behalf of the union, its President, Dele Hunsu, said NIC also awarded the cost of N30,000 against the management of Gaskiya Textile Mills Plc, Kano, explain that “Gaskiya Textile Mill unilaterally closed down operation in 2005 without settlement of the entitlements of the workers as well as outstanding union dues.

When all entreaties to management to settle her liabilities to the workers and the union failed, the union petitioned the then Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Hassan Muhammed Lawal who promptly referred the matter to the Industrial Arbitration Panel (IAP) in January 2008.”

The IAP in March 2010 issued Award in favour of the union compelling the management of Gaskiya Textile Kano to settlement the outstanding entitlements of the workers as well as the union dues. Following the notice of objection of the IAP Award by the management of Gaskiya Textile, the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, in the exercise of the powers conferred on him referred the matter to the NIC in June 2010.

Hearing on the matter commenced in June 2011.”

He commended “the workers of Gaskiya Textile Mill Kano for their continuous patience in spite of the untold hardship as a result of nonpayment of their entitlements by a recalcitrant management.”

50—Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

BY JAPHET ALAKAM

& PRISCA SAM-DURU

F

OR one week, the city of Lagos was agog as art and culture lovers from all walks of life were treated to a spectacular cultural extravaganza when the culture/tourism loving governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola and his crew opened the biggest festival in Lagos State otherwise known as the Lagos Black Heritage Festival, 2013 edition.

The festival which is at its 4th edition with the theme The Black in the Mediterranean Blue as usual, brought out the best from Lagos in the area of exhibitions, dance, drama, boat regatta, beauty pageant and street carnival.

And like in the previous editions, this year’s edition which kicked off on March 25th with an explosion of colours and pageantry, music and masquerade parade at the Freedom Park, Lagos climaxed with the Lagos carnival on 1st of April, 2013 at the Tafawa Balewa Square,Lagos.

For the one week it lasted, the festival according to Fashola really restored the pride and dignity of Lagos State and also brought out the creative potentials of Lagosians, as some of the costumes used for the colourful parade were produced in the state.

African colours of Brazil ’Under the double theme “The Black in the Mediterranean Blue - The African Colours of Brazil”, the fiesta celebrated the African diaspora in Brazil – once a Portuguese colony, with particular emphasis on Brazil’s Yoruba culture. In addition, the festival also highlighted the slave era victims who were honoured in the solemn Fitila (Oil Lamp) Procession in Badagry, a coastal town west of Lagos city.

A lot of activities which included the water regatta took place on Easter Sunday, the beauty pageant, Fitila (Oil Lamp) procession in Badagry etc, took place during the festival. The boat regatta according to observers lived up to its billing as it showcased Lagos as the state of aquatic splendor. It featured a most spectacular display by the various boats belonging to different communities like the Ejirin Community Boat in Epe, Badagry Community Boat, Takwa Bay Community Boat, Agbowo Ikosi Community, the Tarzan Ferry among others, as they held the spectators spellbound with their displays and performances.

Another event that thrilled Lagosians was the Lagos carnival which was a replica of the Water C M Y K

Prof. Soyinka among the diaspora contigent at the show

How Black Heritage schowcased Lagos,Diaspora Citizens Regatta held on April, 1st 2013 at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island. It was an amazing feast of colours in a warm and conducive environment, as the various communities displayed their distinctive lifestyle to the delight of both local and foreign spectators. It was indeed, an exhibition of different cultures, arts and colourful costumes representing the people.

Of all the activities that took place within the week, one event that stood out from the others was the “Vision of the Child" painting competition. Sponsored by

Diamond Bank as a talent hunt competition for children between the ages of 8 and 12, the children in no small way, made the most of the opportunity they had, to display their creativity.

Apart from the herculean task of searching for budding talents in the Lagos metropolis, the theme of the painting competition, ‘The Thousand and One Faces of Corruption’, was unknown to the contestants till late January. Out of the 189 children from different primary and secondary schools in Lagos State, 32 were selected for the final con-

test out of which 6 finalists emerged. Viewers found it highly interesting, seeing the beautiful paintings of these children as they tried to capture different facets of corruption in their works.

At the high-octane Gala Night Award held at Oriental hotel, Lekki, for the competitors, the former commissioner of Culture and Tourism in Ondo state, Tola Wewe who was also one of the judges, described the children’s paintings as masterpieces, and marveled at the way they captured the theme of the painting contest. “Children are masters

because their reality is pure.

What really baffled me was the way they tackled the task which shows that they are current with what is happening in the country and I pray they tell their parents and elders that corruption is really bad because they were able to tackle all aspects.”

At the end, young Precious Tiamiyu, a 9 year old pupil of Legacy Preparatory School, ShaSha emerged winner of the 2013 “Vision of The Child” painting competition with a thought provoking painting piece titled “sad faces of Nigerians”.

Geo-Poet, Ekpe launches books amidst eulogies

BY PRISCA SAM-DURU

I

T was a dream come true last week, when Godwin Ekpe, a geologist turned poet, launched his two poetry books, The Mirror of Self and The Soul of a Poet, at the Utimanik Suites in the oil-rich city of Eket, Akwa Ibom state, amidst pumps and pageantry.

The 1998 graduate of Geology from the University of Calabar and Masters degree holder in Geophysics from the University of Port Harcourt , who has exhibited profound literary abilities, had the presentation of his debut books of poetry, attracting the cream of the academic world as well as eminent activists around the state.

Dignitaries at the launch included Hon. Enobong Asubop, Dr. Ini Adiakpan, former Commissioner at AKISSIEC; Chief Etim Anwana, Rtd Superintendent of Police and representative of the Chief Launcher; Chief Bassey Etto, Chairman/MD of Etto Oil and Gas Ltd. Others were, Rt Hon. Bassey Essien,

f o r m e r S p e a k e r, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly; Hon. Aniedi Ikoiwak, Commiss i o n e r, \ Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Rivers State The author, Godwin Ekpe (m) with friends during the book launch who chaired the occasion, Chief (Engr) Bassey Itama, tions, a richly gifted personality who former Public Affairs Manager, Mobil handles with dexterity, a wide range of Producing Nigeria Unltd (co-launcher), subject matter in his poetry”. Ehiri also the poet’s parents Mrs. and Mrs. Ekpe described the collection The Mirror of Self among others. as the poet-narrator’s reminiscences as In his review, Ndii Ehiri, a writer and well as the outpouring of his experiences scholar said The Soul of a Poet portrays in a fast changing but unjust society. the author as “a man of many parts, a Speaking at the event, Comrade John voracious reader, and from all indicaContinues on page 51

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013 — 51

Mixed reactions trail Boko Haram committee

Prince Yemisi Shyllon (1st from left) speaking about one of the sculptures, while some art lovers listen

Shyllon donates N30m sculptures to Freedom Park

BY PRISCA SAM-DURU & VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU

T

HE old British Prison located along Broad Street Lagos which has since metamorphosed into a cultural recreation centre known as Freedom Park, wore a fresh and more tourism like look last week, when nothing less than 18 life-size sculptural works were commissioned by Omooba Yemisi Shyllon.

The works, donated by the foremost art collector to Freedom Park, which is said to be worth N30m was according to him, part of his contributions to the development of Nigeria art and culture.

Commissioning the sculptures, Shyllon who said he is fully committed to championing the cause of visual art in the country, added that “ I felt that if we have a park like this and we just do a story of how people were imprisoned, visitors just walk around, take beer and eat food, they will not go away with food for their soul, food for their mind, food for their lives, so that is why I donated these works”.

The collector who started collecting art at the age of 20 when he was in the University of Ibadan as an undergraduate has so far, continued to increase the

tempo of his job which he said is a legacy he wants to leave behind.

Prior to the donation of the art works, Shyllon narrated that he was invited by architect Theo Lawson who is the designer of Freedom Park during which he discovered that there was a missing gap in what the park represented, “because I have visited so many parks all over the world and I felt I should make my own little contribution, so I commissioned three artists, Adeola Balogun , Patrick Agose and Kehinde Jagun to produce life-size sculptural works which depict different cultures of my people, that is, the Igbo, Calabar, Hausa, Lagos, Mid West, Edo, etc”.

Culture is what identifies the

BornTroWay storms Obalende

T

HE sixth edition of the cre ative arts training initiative, BornTroWay project is scheduled to take place from the 15th to 19th April 2013 at Girls Model Academy, Manuwa Street Ikoyi Lagos.

Tagged “BornTroWay Obalende”, the project which aims at promoting individual self-confidence, self-expression and team-

Geo-Poet, Ekpe launches books Continues from page 50

Ukam, Director of the Total Human Rights Research Action Group described Ekpe’s poetic venture as extra-ordinary writing.

On his part, Dr. Joseph Ushie, Head of Department of English and Literary Studies, University of Uyo, who is also chairman of the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) described The Soul of a Poet as very captivating, adding that, “I was

difference between different peoples of the world and in line with this, all the creative works commissioned Shyllon noted, represent different cultural spread of Nigeria which are expected to attract different visitors from all over the world to the Park, to help them appreciate the cultures of the people.

“I am very obsessed about art, that is number one, two, I am very obsessed about the culture of my people, and when I say my people I mean all Nigerians and I believe that it is one area we are all neglecting, people are not talking about our past and you find out that many people are looking at our culture from the very wrong, demonic and backward way”, Shyllon lamented.

thrilled by the author’s depth of thought, use of words and rhyme s c h e m e ” .

Dr Ushie further read excerpts from the The Soul of a Poet titled, ‘The Garden of Love’ and ‘June Babies’, before enjoining all lovers of art to dig deep into Ekpe’s works so as to appreciate his inspiring thoughts and e m o t i o n s .

The author ’s vote of thanks which rapped up the show was presented in the form of a poem recitation.

work among 35 youths between the ages of 15 and 25 in Obalende, entails a free week long training which will culminate in a performance open to the general public on Friday 19 April 2013 at the Girls Model Academy and at Obalende Market.

A repeat performance on Saturday 27 April 2013 will hold as part of the Eti-Osa environmental celebrations programme.

According to Ilaria Chessa of Music Matters and co-founder of the project, ‘The workshop uses spoken word, music, dance and acting to focus on the issue of ‘waste’ environmental issues and human waste (undiscovered, untapped or underutilised talent).” BorntroWay will be led by seasoned instructors including musician, producer and MTN Project Fame judge, Ade Bantu; actor, dance and performance artist Segun Adefila; and AJ Dagga Tolar, spoken word poet, front-line activist and social crusader.

Continues from page 5 tee the safety of the sect members when they come out. They must ensure that nothing happens to them. We all know that the leader of the sect was killed in Maiduguri and after then we now have political Boko Haram, religious Boko Haram and criminal Boko Haram. Amnesty has a precedent in the Niger Delta which was to last for a short time, but is still regrettably on with nothing on ground to show for it. We are all aware of what MEND is doing at the moment. So, the government should speak to them and ensure that they are re-integrated into the society."

The Committee A statement by the special Adviser to the president on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, yesterday, said the 26member Committee on engagement with members of the Boko Haram sect is headed by the Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki.

Abati said: “President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the constitution of a Presidential Committee to constructively engage key members of Boko Haram and define a comprehensive and workable framework for resolving the crisis of insecurity in the country.

“The Committee’s terms of reference will include developing a framework for the granting of amnesty; setting up of a framework through which disarmament could take place within a 60-day time frame; the development of a comprehensive victims’ support programme, and the development of mechanisms to address the underlying causes of insurgencies that will help to prevent future occurrences” he said.

Other members of the committee include Sheik Ahmed Lemu, Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed, Col. Musa Shehu (rtd.), N Sheik Abubakar Tureta and Dr.Datti Ahmed.

They also include Senator Sodangi Abubakar, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, Hon. Mohammed Bello Matawalle, Amb. Zakari Ibrahim, Comrade Shehu Sani, Hajiya Naja’atu

Mohammed, Malam Adamu S. Ladan, Dr. Joseph Golwa, AVM A. I Shehu, Mr. R. I. Nkemdirim, DIG P. I. Leha, Prof. Nur Alkali, Malam Salihu Abubakar, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Lugga, Barrister Ibrahim Tahir, BrigGen. Ibrahim Sabo, Amb. Baba Ahmed Jidda, Group Capt. Bilal Bulama, Rtd, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi and a Representative of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation who will serve as Secretary of the committee.

Committee on small arms Speaking on the constitution of the committee on the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, the Presidential spokesman said it was in keeping with President Jonathan pledge that Nigeria will work with the United Nations and other countries to stem the worrisome proliferation of small arms and light weapons, and their use in creating insecurity and instability in Nigeria and other developing nations.

The committee on the proliferation of small arms is headed by Amb. Emmanuel Imohe and include Amb. Martin I. Uhomoibhi, Amb. T. D Hart Amb. Ghali Umar.

Other members include Amb. B.G. Wakil and Mr. Opelusi Olureti.

The committee will also be made up of Representative of Ministry of Interior, Representative of National SecurityAdviser,Representative of Director General of the Department of Security Service; Representative of National Intelligence Agency, NIA and Representative of Federal Ministry of Justice.

The rest include Representative of Ministry of Defence; Representative of Defence Intelligence Agency; Representative of the Nigeria Police Force, Representative of the Nigerian Customs Service; Representative of Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation while the Director, International Organisations Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will serve as Secretary of the committee.

Dr Abati explained that both committees will be formally inaugurated by President Jonathan on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

52 — Vanguard Vanguard,,

THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013 YOUR LUCK TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 TAURUS: Better opportunity to make money may come your way but those who want your affection and vice versa, may not allow you to concentrate fully. Take advantage of the opportunity to establish friendship with influential people.

GEMINI: Most of the exciting happenings are within your base of operation. And healthy relationships may start between you and other members of your work force. Take the initiative.

CANCER: When it comes to passion/romance, you come first. And on a day like this when love is in the air, you can’t be left in the cold. Don’t be selfish please.

LEO: Financial success may be what you want to celebrate with members of your opposite sex who unexpectedly arouse your passion.

VIRGO: Many will desire you strongly today but you’ll equally attract the green-eyed monster called jealousy especially from your established relationship. Movement and communication will do the magic

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

A

RE you a par ent? I guess you are one already. But if you are not yet a parent, I am sure, you look forward to being one someday.

Every parent

A foolish son wants to see his child excel. But not every child can excel along the line the parents cherished no matter the effort put in.

When a son becomes something ignorable, he becomes a source of grief to his father.

A foolish son constantly reminds the

TERROR MUDA in “Never say goodbye”

father that he has failed as a father.

Ask a father his greatest regret, I am sure many will be frank enough to tell you their foolish son is their greatest regret.

By Lanre Kehinde

LIBRA: Romantic Venus and sexy Mars are bringing influences of money, friendship, real love and leadership to earth’s inhabitants. What do you want?

SCORPIO: Venus, Mars and Pluto at work today will influence many of you to give more time to mattersof-the-heart, especially physical side of it.

SAGITTARIUS: Love is in the air but if care is not taken, members of your opposite sex you see as your superiors (or boss) may become entangled. Watch it.

CAPRICORN; Influence of the Moon today actually wants you to work hard but if you ignore love, you’ll not be able to concentrate on what you are doing.

Friends will drive your fun-seeking vehicle along social circles.

AQUARIUS: Some of you will be falling in love for the first time. And those of you who are old in the act will have rare excitement and satisfaction. Money can come in.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Princess Shii’

By Andy Akman

PISCES: You will find it relatively difficult to ignore love as attractive members of your opposite sex may go out of their way to gain your attention.

ARIES: Powerful emotional feelings may overwhelm some of you and make you crave secret affair (with your subordinates?) It’s important you don’t allow scandal.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

What is wrong with me?

Dear Joshua, I have written you many letters without response, I hope I will be lucky this time around. What’s your e-mail address?

Although, I am interested in my financial affair and will like to know what awaits me in the future as the ups and downs are giving me concern, what I want you to tell me is: Who is working spiritually against my marriage? I have married four times. Why?

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

Kikelomo, Ibadan.

Dear Kikelomo, My e-mail is: joshuaadeyemo@yahoo.com If you have spiritual warfare, it is in your financial affairs. You were endowed with special ability to make money for both yourself and other people.

However, three things can militate against your finances namely; inability to hold on to your gains for too long (miscalculation) jealousy and occultic manipulation by those who are green with envy.

Yet, whatever happens, dire financial misfortune is not meant for you, especially if you heed advice from your star; your being spiritual will assist you.

YOUR LOVE LIFE Fortunate placement of the Moon and Venus in Libra and Sagittarius endowed you with charming and magnetic personality which will make it easier for you to attract members of your opposite sex who will be willing to make you happy. But after sometime, your hidden aggressive personality and tendencies to worry will come out to the resentment of members of your opposite sex.

Some other times, you promise more than you can deliver. Then yours is a jealous soul (yes everybody was born with jealous traits) but yours is extraordinary and if you have reason to doubt the other person, you may not be able to forgive.

The summary here is that there’s not much spiritual aspect working against you here but your too strong or powerful personality is what you will need to work on: if at all you have problem with love. One sure bet is members of your opposite sex cannot do without your magnetic pose.

Commen3

by Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013— 53

C M Y K

54 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

Mourino quits Madrid ne xt season next C

HELSEA’s hopes of welcoming Jose Mourinho back to Stamford Bridge have been given a boost, as he confirmed he won’t be at Real Madrid next season.

The ‘Special One’ has been heavily-tipped to leave the Spanish giants this summer, since falling out with a number of the club’s top stars, including goalkeeping legend Iker Casillas.

Mourinho is thought to have already agreed a deal to make a sensational return to Chelsea, even supplying Blues’ owner Roman Abramovich with a list of transfer

targets.

And the Portuguese coach has now begun to tell friends he will no longer remain in the Spanish capital beyond May. According to the chief of a local Madrid youth team - where Mourinho’s son Jose Junior plays - the 50-year-old confirmed he will soon leave Real.

“Mourinho told us that he won’t be able to give his usual technical talk to our coaching staff next season because he’s not going to be here,” Manuel Álvarez told Spanish radio station La COPE.

T

HE Vice Chairman Football Club of Lobi Stars of Makurdi, Dominic Irofa has expressed delight over the recent shirt endorsement deals Lobi and four other clubs in the Nigeria Professional Football League entered into with Harp Premium Larger.

The signing ceremony was done in Lagos during the week and the Lobi boss could not hide his joy at the development.

“I’m proud of what Guinness have done here today (Tuesday).

•Mourinho

Nadal continues Monte Carlo dominance R

AFAEL Nadal’s bid for a ninth straight Monte Carlo Masters title got off to a routine start with a straight-sets win over Marinko Matosevic in the second round.

The Spaniard posted his 43rd successive victory at a tournament he has made his own since first winning it in 2005 as the world number 54 was swept aside 6-1 6-2 in a little over an hour.

Nadal, who received a first-round bye, raced into a 4-0 lead on his way to comfortably taking the first set, but endured a bit of a wobble at the start of the second as he was forced to fend off two break points to avoid falling 3-0 down to the Australian.

C

C M Y

I’m happy that they’ve partnered with us not by popularity. It’s like I’m in Europe with this kind of event,” said vice chairman of Lobi Stars, Dominic Iorfa.

The clubs are Dolphins, Lobi Stars, Heartland, Enugu Rangers and Sunshine Stars.

Harp Premium Lager is one of Guinness Nigeria Plc’s brands.

Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Seni Adetu, explained that the financial terms of the contracts stay undisclosed.

Milo Basketball dunks of offf in Enugu

N

INE states includ ing Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Rivers, Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River and host Enugu States will today kickstart the Atlantic Conference finals of the 2013 Milo Secondary Schools Basketball championship in Enugu.

The Atlantic Conference competition runs through Tuesday April 23.

The Confluence Conference will be next in the itinerary as the championships move to

Lokoja, the Kogi State capital. The Confluence Conference finals which will be hosted in the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja will run from April 24 to May 1.

The Central Conference which holds from May 2nd to 8th comes next with Akure Township Stadium as the venue while games of the Western Conference will be held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, formerly Liberty Stadium, Ibadan from Thursday May 9 to 15.

Musa targets double in Russia

A

HMED Musa has said he wants a league and cup double in Russia after he helped CSKA Moscow reach the Russian cup semi-final on Wednesday.

Nigeria international Musa scored one of the

Ogali donates kits to Delta State

BY HENRY UNINI OACH Osmond Oga li, a Delta State born UEFA Coach, has called on corporate bodies and well meaning Nigerians to help in the development of grassroots sports across the country if Nigeria will achieve and maintain the desired position in the continent and the world sports wise.

The UEFA Coach gave the advice yesterday when he donated a half million naira worth of football training kits to the Delta State Sports Commission in Asaba, the State capital.

Eaglets loss an act of God — Manu

•Nadal

Mathematical Odegbami scores another goal

BY PATRICK OMORODION

F

ORMER Green Ea gles captain, Chief Olusegun Odegbami (MON) is a man of many parts and can’t keep stop scoring goals on and off the field of football which has brought him more fame than money as he sets to launch a book about his personal life ex-

periences, football and other things. On May 2, 2013, Chief Odegbami, who will be remembered for nurturing Chioma Ajunwa when she was abandoned by all to Nigeria’s first Olympic gold medal, will be launching a 350-page book titled: Me, Football And More at the Anchor Events Centre in Agidingbi area of Ikeja in Lagos. In a chat with

media men in his office Tuesday, Chief Odegbami said that Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola has “not only graciously agreed to write the forward of the book but will serve as the Special Guest of honour.”

According to Odegbami, who said that at 60 he was not too strong to continue to fight the ills

in Nigeria’s sports but will remain at the sidelines to support the younger ones in the struggle, “another wordsmith, an erudite scholar and intellectual giant,...

Prof Adebayo Williams will be reviewing the book” while Mr. Gabriel Onosode, “a man whose life serves as a model for me, will be the Chairman of the event.”

goals in a 3-0 spanking of Yenisey Krasnoyarsk when he struck in the 65th minute. ”I am happy to score in this game and help my team reach semi-final of the cup. My target has been on winning the league but getting to semi-final of the Russian cup means I can win a double,” Musa told MTNFootball.com “I will be glad to have both trophies at the end of the season.”

Musa has scored two goals in the cup this season and nine goals in the league.CSKA lead the Russia league with 56 points, six points ahead of second-placed and champions Zenit St.Petersburg with six games to go.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013 — 55

Mba’s problem is self inflicted — Players’ Agent •Says Nigerian players are greedy

BY JACOB AJOM

A

FIFA-licenced players’ agent, Babawo Mohammed has expressed disgust at the poor level of understanding of the business demands of modern football by the average Nigerian footballer, particularly, those plying their trades in the local league.

Speaking on the controversies surrounding Super Eagles Afcon hero, Sunday Mba, who Warri

Wolves and Rangers International of Enugu are laying claim to, Mohammed said, “the problem is that, Sunday Mba, like most of his colleagues in the Nigerian league, does not have an agent.”

Mohammed who said he has about ten players in the various national teams under his stable described the average Nigerian football player as greedy.

“That is why they don’t want to have qualified

agents as their managers,” he adduced. “Look at Mba, he caused the whole problem by himself. He would not have a manager so that he would not have to share his money with him when a deal comes. If he had a manager, he would not have found himself in this kind of mess.”

He advised that since modern football has been transformed into big business, players and managers must be

operating at the same pedestal. He therefore counselled that before a player goes into contract talks with any club, he must involve a recognised agent.

“Managers don’t only manage players’ careers, they also prepare the player for life after retirement. It is therefore instructive that a player needs a manager from the beginning of his career so that he would not have complications in his career.”

•Mbah

DSTV splashes N230m on Basketball League

BY JACOB AJOM

T

HE long-awaited DSTV Basketball League will begin this Friday with Union Bank taking on Lagos Commets at the Indoor Sports hall of the National Stadium Lagos. This follows the signing of the enhanced sponsorship package by the Nigeria Basketball Federation and the title sponsors, DSTV Nigeria.

The sponsors announced a new $1.45 m US Dollar four-year deal at a well attended media presentation in Lagos, yesterday.

General Manager, DSTV Nigeria, Mayo Okunola and NBBF President, Tijani Umar performed the formal

signing ceremony of the document during the media presentation.

Before this, Okunola said his organisation was encouraged by the improved standard of the game in Nigeria, the impact their sponsorship had created in the lives of the players and the need to do more informed their decision to continue with the sponsorship. “We will continue to support the NBBF and Nigerian basketball for a long time to come,” he assured.

NBBF President, Tijani Umar described the event as “another milestone in the growth and development of basketball in Nigeria.” Clubs will get 40 per cent of the total sum.

Keshi

Continues from BP

his players was such if any player went public on issues that would ordinarily have been resolved privately, that player was not his player.

“I spoke with Keshi and he told me that he communicates with his players very often, and they talk on so many things,” a close source told futaa.com “If the players have any issues they would discuss them with

him, and they resolve the issues privately.

But if any player goes to the public over any issue, then that player is not his player.”

Keshi feels there was nothing wrong in omitting Yo b o , pointing out that he has a flourishing central defensive partnership in Kenneth Omeruo and Godfrey Oboabona and saw no need to call up Yobo only to keep him on the bench.

JUBILATION TIME: Players of Cardiff City celebrating promotion to the Premier League

Eaglets Continues from BP his feet while chasing a clearance and as he fell the Ivorian player quickly sent a long ball into the box which the keeper Adeyinka Adewale did not deal with and as the Nigerians tried to stop Kouassi Begbin scoring he squared for Niangbo to slot home Nigeria and Cote d’ Ivoire had up until then played an evenly balanced tough encounter in which both teams seemed to have done enough homework on each other. There were few clear cut chances in the

match as the two West African sides cancelled each other out. The Nigerians hit the woodwork twice through Bernard Bulbwa and Success Isaac during one of the periods they threatened but at the other end The Ivorians also went close.

The victory takes Cote d’Ivoire to four (4) points with the last group game against Ghana still to come on Saturday while Nigeria who started the day on top of the standings in Group B remain on three (3) points and face Congo in their last Group game.

Cardiff return to Premier League •Win £100m point

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HE promotion party finally got going in Cardiff last night after the Welsh club claimed the richest point in history.

A goalless draw with Charlton was enough to secure promotion to the Premier League — and a £100m bonanza — after three successive seasons of play-off heartache.

And defender Mark Hudson said: “We thoroughly deserve this with the consistency we’ve had this year.

“We’ve been top since November and now we’re promoted. We’ll celebrate now then go for that title.

“It’s a great achievement. The manager Mal-

ky Mackay has been fantastic in the two years he has been here. I’m thankful to Dave Jones as he brought me here. But Malky really goes into the fine details.

“He is the ultimate professional — that’s what we try to give back.”

The start of a new television deal means next season will be the most lucrative Premier League campaign ever — even relegation carries £60m in parachute payments.

And midfielder Stephen McPhail added: “There’ll be a great atmosphere here next season.

“We have some of the best fans in the world.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

INSIDE

•Cardiff return to Premier League •Mba's problem is self inflicted — Players'Agent •DSTV splashes N230m on Basketball League

Keshi defends position on Yobo •Says he enjoys good relationship with players S

•Mourinho

Mourinho quits Madrid next season Page 54

UPER Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has said he enjoyed good relationship with his players and that he was in contact with them regularly.

Joseph Yobo, the team’s captain at the 2013 African Cup of Nations tournament hit out at Keshi for not calling him up or informing him that he wasn’t in his plans for the 2014 World Cup qualifier against Kenya which the Eagles drew 1–1.

Keshi has subsequently omitted the Fenerbahce defender from Super Eagles’ busy schedule between the months of May and July.

It means Yobo would miss out on the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil.

But Keshi has now said the understanding with Continues on Page 55

THE BOSS AND HIS CAPTAIN: Keshi (l) says he enjoys good relationship with his players

A late Cote d’ Ivoire goal sinks Nigeria

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OTE D’ IVOIRE left it late to snatch a goal that gave them victory (1-0) over Nigeria and leap-frog their opponents on the standings in Group B of the CAF U-17 Championship. The encounter played in

Marrakech was heading for a goalless draw, when Dogbole Niangbo profited from a defensive mistake to score in the 90th minute.

The events that led to the goal saw a Nigeria defender fail to stay on

Continues on Page 55

•Manu Garba

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Pattern (6) 5 Dash (6) 9 Knave (5) 10 Uproar (6) 11 Pantry (6) 12 Thwart (5) 14 Prophet (4) 17 Arid (3) 18 Image (4) 20 Senior (5) 22 Skilful (5) 23 Newness (7) 24 Hurt (5) 26 Puckish (5) 29 Ragout (4) 30 Expert (3) 32 Tie (4) 33 Aridly (5) 35 Cake (6) 36 Rammed (6) 37 Hymn (5) 38 Scan (6) 39 Joined (6)

DOWN 1 Degrade (6) 2 Edged (6) 3 Seize (4) 4 Wanderer (5) 5 Tarnish (5) 6 Summit (4) 7 Incite (6) 8 Despot (6) 13 Exigency (7) 15 Choose (5) 16 Renovate (5) 18 Poem (5) 19 Eye-related (5) 21 Wand (3) 22 Consumed (3) 24 Rate (6) 25 Doctor (6) 27 Starved (6) 28 Required (6) 30 Range (5) 31 Nudge (5) 33 Cubes (4) 34 Christmas (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 4, Pagan 7, Amulet 9, Web 10, Tag 12, Rouch 13, Twig 15, Lucid 17, Ordeal 19, Easy 20, Eerie 22, Alter 37, Sign 38, Vogue 39, Egg 41, Sad 42, Ensign 43, Ashen.

How to Play Sudoku

THE VIGILANTE

DOWN: 1, Battle 2, Junior 3, Jet 4, Peri 5, Abode 6, Accustom 8, Tale 11, Guarantee 14, Grim 16, Club 18, Dear 21, Enormous 23, Trap 25, Cast 26, Eros 29, Origin 30, Awning 32, Pause 34, Urge 36, Lean 40, Gnu.

e-mail: rowolove@yahoo.co.uk

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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