FUEL PRICE HIKE: Courts stops NLC, TUC from embarking on strike

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 63030

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

SARAKI: I was under ‘serious influence' during Tinubu's case — CCT chairman 4

N23bn poll cash: EFCC detains ex-Gov Yero, Jonathan's aide

9

UBA appoints 5 Executive 4 Directors

FUEL PRICE HIKE:

Court stops NLC, TUC from embarking on strike Wabba’s NLC, TUC insist on strike; say court order is black market injunction NUPENG, PENGASSAN, NUEE, others won’t go on strike, says Ajaero's NLC As faction, FG set up committee on price, minimum wage Senate backs price hike, calls for implementation of palliatives

By Victor AhiumaYoung, Henry Umoru, Ikechukwu Nnochiri, Joseph Erunke, Omeiza Ajayi, Prince Okafor & Ehi Eweka

A

BUJA—THE N a t i o n a l Industrial Court, NIC, sitting in Abuja, yesterday, stopped the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Unions Congress, TUC, from embarking on strike today.

This came as Organised Labour and its civil society allies, yesterday, vowed to go ahead with the planned indefinite strike from today to make government reverse the N145 per litre pump price of petrol, despite the restraining order by the court.

Meanwhile, Senate, yesterday, threw its weight behind President Muhammadu Buhari’s

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MEETING: From left, Trade Union Congress, TUC, President, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama; Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC,

factional President, Ayuba Wabba; Minister of State for Solid Minerals, Bawa Bwari; Minister of Labour, Senator Chris Ngige; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal; Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, during Federal Government's meeting with the NLC and TUC on fuel price increase, in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

How Igweship tussle is ravaging Igbo communities See Inside

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COLUMNISTS:

P.42

DEAR BUNMI

How do I tell him he is not the dad?

P.17

TABIA PRINCEWILL

Without corruption, who are we as Nigerians?

P.19

ROTIMI FASAN

A decade after (2)

PDP divided as Gana's group plans parallel convention

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Mr & Mrs

2 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016 — 3

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4—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

UBA appoints 5 Executive Directors

By Nkiruka Nnorom

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NITED Bank for Africa Plc has announced the appointment of five executive directors to the group’s board.

Those appointed are Mr. Ayoku Liadi, Executive Director, Lagos and West Bank; Mr. Oliver Alawuba, ED/ CEO, UBA AfricaAnglophone; Mr. Ibrahim Puri, ED, North Bank; Mr. Uche Ike, ED, Risk Management & Compliance and Mr. Chukwuma Nweke, ED, Operations & Technology.

The appointment, according to the bank in a filing with the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, was subject to the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN’s approval and signalled the depth of internal talent and the group’s commitment to fostering promotion of its own human capital as all the EDs were promoted from within the bank.

The newly-appointed EDs join Kennedy Uzoka, who was appointed as the incoming Group CEO in March. Kennedy will assume his role on August 1, on the retirement of Phillips Oduoza.

Congratulating the newly-appointed Directors, the Chairman, Tony Elumelu, said: “These appointments will greatly assist in the plans we have to transform the UBA Group into a truly customer-led bank and the foremost financial institution in Africa.”

The appointment of five executive directors is a visible manifestation of the group’s strategic intent, Elumelu added.

Commenting, the incoming CEO, Uzoka, said: “I am extremely optimistic about the future of the bank; these appointments show the strength of the talent available within UBA and demonstrate our commitment to institutionalisation.

“We could not have put together a better executive leadership team.”

C M Y K

BOOK LAUNCH: From left—Chairman, Skye Bank Plc, Otunba Tunde Ayeni; author, Mr. Yusuf Ali; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, at the presentation of Mr. Ali's book, Anatomy of Corruption in Nigeria, in Abuja, yesterday.

SARAKI: I was under ‘serious influence’ during Tinubu’s case—CCT Chairman

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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BUJA—CHAIRMAN of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, Justice Danladi Umar, yesterday, said he was under “serious influence” during the trial of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former governor of Lagos State and national leader of All Progressives Congress, APC. Justice Umar, who made the revelation at the resumed hearing on the 16-count criminal charge against the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, said pressure was mounted on him from a certain quarter to take specific decisions.

Though he failed to disclose those who attempted to influence him, Justice Umar, however, said he remained resolute and ensured that justice was eventually done in the matter.

He said: “During the trial of Bola Tinubu, we were under serious influence. But you saw what happened. We did what we needed to do based on what was before us.”

It will be recalled that Federal Government had charged Tinubu before CCT over allegations that he falsely declared his assets and operated 10 foreign bank accounts while in office as a governor between 1999 and 2007.

The tribunal terminated further hearing on the threecount charge in 2011, even as it discharged and acquitted the defendant on the ground that the Federal Government failed to fulfill the necessary conditions precedent before the charge was filed.

It held that the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, which recommended the

prosecution, never accorded the defendant the opportunity to explain alleged discrepancies in his assets declaration form.

... on Saraki’s case

Saraki, who is facing similar charges, had earlier prayed the tribunal to equally discharge him the same way it discharged Tinubu, saying he was not also allowed by CCB to offer explanations.

While refusing Saraki’s prayer, Justice Umar, in a ruling on March 24, admitted that the tribunal discharged Tinubu in error.

According to Justice Umar, “the tribunal has since realised that the decision it made on the case between FRN vs Tinubu was in error and has clearly departed from it.”

Nevertheless, the issue resurrected again yesterday, following an attempt by the CCT chairman to allay the fears of Saraki and his lawyers that the tribunal was being manipulated by external influence.

Justice Umar assured the parties that he would only be guided by the interest of justice

and evidence laid before the tribunal.

He stressed that himself and the second member of the panel would ultimately render accounts to God. Besides, Justice Umar urged both the prosecution and defence lawyers to conduct themselves in a manner that would enhance speedy determination of the case.

Justice Umar directed the defence team to restrict the number of lawyers who would cross-examine the prosecution witness to just one, saying the crossexamination process had been untidy with frequent change of lawyers by the defence team.

“It is certainly unreasonable that all the 100 counsel of the defence will have a bite at the cherry,” he said.

In his response, Saraki’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), said the CCT boss successfully allayed fears that his client would be prejudiced.

Meanwhile, the second member of the CCT panel, William Atedze, yesterday,

debunked a newspaper publication accusing him of not contributing to the decisions and proceedings of the tribunal.

He branded the publication “nonsense,” saying it was wrong for anyone to insinuate that he had been docile.

He said: “I believe the article must have been written by a layman. A lawyer would not have written that nonsense. Are we supposed to be fighting on the bench? The bench is not a motor park. If there are differences, we resolve it in chamber.”

Star witness speaks

The star witness in the case, Mr. Michael Wetkas, under further cross-examination, yesterday, revealed how former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, directed the Presidential Implementation Committee on the sale of Federal Government landed assets to allow Saraki acquire the property at 15 McDonald Road, Ikoyi, Lagos State.

He said other persons Obasanjo directed the committee to give concession were former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and Ikoyi Baptist Church.

FG commences audit of military payrolls

By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief

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BUJA—THE Federal Government has commenced a special audit into the payrolls of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, who met with the audit team in Abuja yesterday, said the audit was urgent and critical, given the recent revelation of payroll leakages in the military.

The minister said: “Given the

revelations and news that are coming out, we have challenges with the payrolls of the Armed Forces.

“We have the plan to bring in all the ministries into the IPPIS before year end, but in the interim, we just thought that it is necessary to respond to the allegations and revelations of the excesses on their payrolls.

“I discussed with the Minister (of Defence) and the Permanent Secretary of the need for the continuous audit

team to do some work on the military payrolls to give more assurance that every Naira that is going to the military for their payrolls is actually valid.”

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Danjuma Sheni, disclosed that the special audit was initiated by himself and the Minister of Defence, Brig. Gen. Monsur Dan-Ali (rtd), following the revelations of huge payroll frauds that had taken place in the military, with a view to ascertaining the current position.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016 — 5

POCKET CARTOON

Labour and its civil society allies, incensed by government’s decision to seek rederess at the NIC in the midst of a negotiation, yesterday, vowed to go ahead with the planned indefinite strike from today to make government reverse the N145 per litre pump price of petrol.

Senate backs fuel price hike From left: Guest Speaker, Prof Ahmed El-Tayeb; Chairman of occasion and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa'ad-Abubakar (III); Chairman, Planning Committee, Shaykh Sharif Ibrahim-Saleh and FCT Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Bello, at the International Lecture on Islam in Abuja,yesterday.

Photo: NAN.

Court stops NLC, TUC from prayed the court to determine “ whether the embarking on strike respondents (NLC, TUC)

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hike in the price of fuel to N145 per litre from N86.50 Organised Labour ’s position came on a day president of a faction of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Mr. Joe Ajaero, said Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, and others would not join the strike.

Consequently, the Wabba faction and the Federal Government, yesterday, agreed to set up a joint technical committee to review the new fuel pump price template of N135-N145 within the next two weeks and also work towards reviewing the current national minimum wage of N18, 000.

President of the National Industrial Court, NIC, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, in a ruling, yesterday, restrained the labour unions from going on strike, pending the

determination of a suit the federal government lodged before it.

Justice Adejumo further ordered all the parties to maintain status quo until the legal dispute was settled.

The order followed an ex-parte application filed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN. Determined to abort the planned strike action, the AGF approached the NIC, begging it to restrain the labour unions from “shutting down the nation”.

Relying on Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the Federal Government insisted that it would not be “in the national interest” for the NLC and TUC to proceed on nationwide strike over the fuel price increase.

Malami argued that no amount of damages could serve as compensation, if the labour unions were allowed to shut down the economy.

Contending that the balance of convenience was in favour of the government, the AGF

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SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE When the labourer is praised, his cutlass begins to cut more keenly.

have complied with the laid-down condition precedent for embarking on strike."

The AGF also prayed the court to determine "whether, indeed, there exists in law and, in fact, the basis of which the respondents’ total closure of the economy can be justified”.

He told the court that the respondents met on Saturday and issued a communique wherein they gave government a threeday ultimatum to reverse the decision increasing fuel price.

He said the respondents, aside from threatening to shut down the country, if government failed to reverse the fuel price increase, also threatened to close down all government offices, seaports, airports and markets.

The AGF argued that ordinary and law-abiding citizens would be subjected to hardship, if the respondents were allowed to go ahead with their threat.

He said the government was left with no alternative but to seek the intervention of the court.

Besides, Malami told the court that he got notice of the communique on Sunday and quickly filed an originating summons, a motion on notice and an ex-parte application to determine whether NLC’s decision was justified in the circumstance.

He insisted that “great and irreparable damage” would be done against the nation and “ordinary and law-abiding citizens”, should the court refuse the ex-parte application.

Though neither NLC nor TUC was represented in court, Justice Adejumo granted the ex-parte motion, even as he ordered the service of all the relevant court processes on the respondents.

The restraining order against the respondents will lapse after seven days.

However, Organised

The Senate, while sympathizing with Nigerians over the hardship caused by the increase in the price of petrol, however, urged government to urgently begin implementation of palliatives contained in the 2016 Appropriation Act passed by the National Assembly in the overall interest of Nigerians.

The Senate also asked Buhari’s government not to relent in its continued dialogue with organised labour and other stakeholders as a way of resolving issues around the increase to avoid grounding the system as well as impose more hardship on the people.

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over yesterday’s plenary, said: “The Senate in a closed session deliberated on the increase in the pump price of PMS by the Federal Government and the threats by Organised Labour to embark on a nationwide strike over the matter and resolved as follows: “That we sympathise with ordinary people of Nigeria on the hardships they are going through.

"The Senate will engage the Federal Government to find sustainable ways of improving the welfare of the people of Nigeria.

“That we call on government to continue to engage organised labour and other stakeholders to resolve issues in order not to ground the system and impose more hardships on our people.

“That government should immediately start to implement palliatives or palliative measures contained in the 2016 appropriation act passed by the National Assembly.”

It's black market injunction —Wabba's NLC, TUC

Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, faction, led by Ayuba Wabba, alongside TUC, and Joint Action Front, JAF, at separate meetings in Abuja and Lagos, described the restraining order by NIC as a black market injunction.

Leaders of Wabba faction of NLC and TUC, at their

emergency National Executive Council, NEC, meeting in Abuja, insisted that once the strike commences today, only the joint NEC of NLC and TUC could call it off.

Although newsmen waited anxiously to be briefed on the outcome of the NEC meeting amid the court order, leaders of both bodies left the Labour House, Abuja, venue of the meeting without talking to journalists.

However, Vanguard sources at the meeting said NLC and TUC were infuriated that, while government was on one hand negotiating with them, its officials were on the other hand, seeking a black market injunction, and threatened to use the strike to make a statement to the government.

One of the leaders, who attended the meeting but spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “Our decision not to suspend the strike was further fuelled by today’s (yesterday’s) injunction by the Industrial Court, restraining us from proceeding on the strike expected to begin tomorrow (today).”

Corroborating the position of Wabba-led NLC and TUC, Pro-Labour Civil Society Groups, Joint Action Front, JAF, vowed to disregard the restraining order.

According to the Secretary of JAF, Abiodun Aremu: ‘’The mass action is on! Let them come with the injunction, we would disobey whatever injunction they are coming up with."

No strike — Ajaero

Meanwhile, Factional President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, yesterday, faulted the restraining order by NIC stopping the planned strike and mass protest.

Ajaero, while reacting to the restraining order by the President of NIC, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, contended that it was wrong for the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, to have gone to court over a matter that parties were already on a negotiation table.

He equally wondered why the President of NIC would give an order on an ex-parte application without putting the other party on notice as was the

practice.

Ajaero said: “This was not the first time a court would try to stop labour action. If you could recall, when Comrade Adams Oshiomhole was the president of NLC, there was a court order against planned strike by NLC and TUC, which Oshiomhole described as a black market injunction.

“It was very wrong for the Attorney General of the Federation to have gone to court while parties in this case, the federal government and Labour, were already on the negotiation table."

“Ajaero restated his earlier position that labour could not have mobilised sufficiently enough for today ’s strike without exhausting all avenues for settlement.

“When we spoke with you yesterday (Monday), we insisted that there was no way we could mobilize, sensitize and even start an action tomorrow (Wednesday). ‘’That we would rather negotiate and it is only when the negotiations might have collapsed that we take the option of going through any action.

“On the basis of that, we agreed that a committee should be set up to, among other things, look at the issue of minimum wage; look at the issue of N500bn social investment; look at the issue of setting up or reconstituting the PPPRA board and review the N145 new pump price of petroleum product. ‘’The committee is to report back in two weeks time. I won’t like to drag it more than this than to say this is the summary of the agreement reached.,” he stated.

Ajaero, however, insisted that his faction, including NUPENG, PENGASSAN, NUEE, among others, would not go on strike over fuel price hike by the Federal Government.

He spoke after his faction’s meeting with federal government officials ended early , yesterday morning. This was a few hours after the meeting with Ayuba Wabba’s faction ended.

The meetings, which ended without conclusion, were in session at press time last night. They started late yesterday evening.

6 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY MAY 18 , 2016

NNSG decries increase in fuel pump price

By Dapo Akinrefon

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AGOS—THE Nigeria National Summit Group, NNSG, yesterday, criticised the recent increase in the price of petroleum pump price by the Federal Government from N86 per litre to N145.

Rising from an emergency meeting in Lagos, the group called on the federal government to revert to the old price.

Addressing newsmen after the meeting, the Executive Secretary of the Group, Mr Tony Uranta said that the increase runs contrary to all acceptable tenets of human existence.

Uranta said “It is unfathomable that a government that came in with promises to make life better for the people have now worsened the alleged woes. Nigeria are over burdened by the current economic situation and adding the increase in fuel pump price may cripple the nation especially small businesses that are the bedrock of any nation’s economy.”

“Increasing the fuel price at this point when most states have not even paid their workers for months smacks of crass insensitivity and absolute disregard for the well-being of Nigerians”, he said.

OIL PRODUCTION: Lagos sets up oil and gas corporation

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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AGOS—FOLLOWING the discovery and production of crude oil from Aje Field in Badagry, Lagos State government, yesterday, said that it has established Ibile Oil and Gas Corporation, to manage oil related issues in the quest to ensure that the state remain in business of oil and gas in the country.

Ibile is an acronym representing the first letters of the state’s five divisions of Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe. This came even as the state government said about 54 private firms will henceforth be responsible for managing the newly installed street-lights across the state, adding that it has lit-up about 600 kilometres of roads in 366 locations in order to improve security of lives and property State’s Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Olawale Oluwo, who disclosed this at the ongoing 2016 ministerial press briefing at Alausa, Ikeja, assured that Lagos would be a bigger business hub with the development of oil and gas as more employment would be created.

Oluwo said:” What this means is that we have our own company that will not only be involved in exploration but also build its own petrol station. We must be able to give Lagos Energy security such that if anything happens outside or the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation,NNPC shuts down operation, we must be able to

Ambode urges states to invest in agriculture about the reintegration of most

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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AGOS—GOVERNOR Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State yesterday said states in Nigeria must begin to explore their comparative advantage among themselves, especially in the area of agriculture to move the vision of transforming Nigeria's economic fortunes for the better.

Ambode said this when he received his counterpart from Kano State, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, who was on a courtesy visit to Lagos, adding that no state can survive on its own, hence leaders in such States must seek to discover possible areas of partnership that would not only enhance the economy but would create jobs for the people.

Ambode said, “What is most important right now is how do we take on our comparative advantage to the betterment of our people? We must start to think

of the economic activities and advantages that each state has.

“We can create factories here and use products from Kano to sell to the rest of the continent.

Kano also stands more like an export zone for most of the West African countries around the zone. So it’s a win-win situation for both states, there is nothing else but for us to just show exemplary leadership that other states can start to think of how we can energize together and carry the vision of Nigeria forward.”

The governor noted that Lagos and Kano share many similarities considering their mega city status, thus, both cities stand to benefit from each other to tackle the challenges confronting them and enhance their economic productivity.

Earlier, Governor Ganduje said he was in Lagos to learn from the strides of Governor Ambode, especially in the area of fighting crime and improving infrastructural development.

power Lagos on continous basis.

“That is what oil and gas company of Lagos is all about. We are interested in the future such that we can put Lagos in the position of having its own bloc.

That is for the federal government to determine.

“It is pertinent to state that the corporate office of Ibile Oil and gas Corporation, the special purpose vehicle of government in Ikoyi is at an advanced stage of completion and would be commissioned soon.”

On installations of streetlights, Oluwo warned residents and motorists against destruction of

the streetlights pole and cables, saying whoever damages any streetlight would bear the cost of re-fixing it.

Harping on the achievements in the power sector, the commissioner said that apart from aggressive installation of streetlights in the nook and crannies of the state, the ministry embarked on rural electrification and installation of solar power systems for schools and Public Health Centres, PHCs, which have, in turn, improved the night economy, security, tourism development.

He explained that most of the

street-lights are connected to the five Independent Power Plants, IPP, in such areas like; Akute Power Limited, Alausa Power Limited, Mainland Power Limited, Island Power Limited and Lekki Peninsular Power Limited, which, he said, saves the State government significant costs that would have been incurred on operating and maintaining generating sets.

“The saved resources are now being channelled to lighting up more locations within the state under the operation “Light up Lagos” Initiative of the present administration,” he added.

BRIEFING: From left: Lagos State Commissioner of Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Olawale Oluwo; Perm Sec of the ministry, Olujimi Hotonu and Chiarman, Lagos State House of Assemby Committee on Energy and Mineral Resources, Olujimi Mohammed, during a press briefing on the crude oil discovery by the Ministry in commemoration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode's one year in office. Photo by Bunmi Azeez.

AVIATION FUEL SCARCITY: NCAA warns against flight cancellation

By Lawani Mikairu & Daniel Eteghe

T

HE Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, yesterday warned domestic airlines over incessant flight cancellations recently experienced by domestic travellers. This is coming as Arik Air, one of the domestic airlines affected by NCAA warning, alerted air travellers of severe scarcity of aviation fuel (JET A1).

According to Mr Sam Adurogboye, General Manager, Public Relations, NCAA, several reports from the Consumer Protection Officers (CPOs) and aggrieved passengers have inundated NCAA’s offices from across the nation’s airports.

Adurogboye added that the Regulatory Authority is very much aware of the prevailing challenges as regards aviation fuel, however “it is expected that the Airlines should follow strictly the requirements of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) in carrying out their operations.

“The circumstances should not open a window for outright impunity and a flurry of cancellations which has consequently rendered air travel in the country a nightmarish experience.

“All Airline Operators are therefore warned to adhere to the Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs) while dealing with passengers. Many of whom have parted with their hard earned cash in return for comfort and value while commuting to their destinations.

“Therefore sufficient notice must be accorded all intending passengers prior to any operational cancellation. Where there is a delay in the service, passengers must be duly informed and light refreshment provided.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016 — 7

Lagos court nullifies PDP S-West zonal congress

By Innocent Anaba

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AGOS—FOR disobeying his order stopping the South West zonal congress of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Akure, Ondo State, Justice Ibrahim Buba of a Federal High Court, Lagos, yesterday, nullified the process.

Dr. Yemi Oke, counsel to the party and its national chairman, Ali Modu Sheriff, and the plaintiff ’s counsel, Ajibola Oluyede traded words before the court on the issue of how the plaintiff, incumbent Zonal Secretary of the party, Chief ‘Pegba Otemolu procured an order of the court, which restrained the party from holding congress in the zone.

The party was alleged to have held its congress in the zone, despite the court order.

Trial judge, Justice Buba, before nullifying the election, was told

by Oke, counsel of the party that its national chairman, Ali Modu Sheriff, and the party were not aware of the suit upon which the plaintiff procured the said order.

Oke accused the plaintiff, Otemolu of fraudulently obtaining the order, adding that neither the party nor its national chairman was aware of the said suit, hence did not authorize any lawyer to represent them in court on the subject matter.

Oke informed the court of his two pending applications, the first one filed by the party, seeking an order of the court staying execution on its order delivered on May 11, which retrained the party from conducting election, staying proceeding in the matter pending determination of appeal against it and also an injunction restraining the plaintiff from implanting the said order.

Similarly, the application of the party national chairman is praying the court for an order setting aside the proceeding that led to the order of the court which restrained its party from conducting election and an order declining jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

The plaintiff ’s counsel, Oluyede in his reaction to the allegation, urged the court to ignore the submission of the respondents, arguing that the respondents counsel did not lay any foundation before the court regarding its accusation.

He informed the court of his pending application, praying the court for an order nullifying the South West congress of the party, which he alleged was conducted in defiance to the court order.

Oluyede told the court that the application had been served on the respondents but responding, Oke told the court that his clients

were yet to receive any application in that regard, adding that since the application was not an exparte motion, it could not be heard because the respondent still have seven days to reply the application and also filed counter affidavit.

After listing to accusation and counter accusation and the argument of both parties, Justice Buba held that all the applications were before him but the first issue to determine was whether or not the respondents disobeyed the court order which restrained them from conducting election.

According to the court, the application to nullify the election

was first brought as ex-parte motion on May 9, but the court declined to hear it, ordering the plaintiff to make it motion on notice and serve the respondents.

The court held that from the evidence before the court, the respondents disobeyed the court order and it really showed in the court file that the respondents were served on the said application.

“Judgment or ruling of court is valid until it is set aside by high court, I hearby nullify the said election,” the judge held.

Further hearing in the matter had been adjourned till June 8.

SALARY DEDUCTION: Workers give Fayose 24 hours to pay ...Gov expresses surprise, says it's unlikely

By Rotimi Ojomoyela

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D O - E K I T I — ORGANIZED labour in Ekiti State has given Governor Ayodele Fayose 24 hours ultimatum to pay workers’ salary deductions for the month of December, 2015 or face industrial action.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen yesterday, jointly signed by the Chairmen of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Ade Adesanmi, Trade Union Congress, Comrade Odunayo Adesoye and Secretary of Joint Negotiating Council, Comrade Oladele Blessing.

In a swift reaction, the governor through his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi expressed surprise at the development, saying; ‘’Labour is fully aware of the present state of finance in the state.’’

The trade unions expressed regret over the delay in the payment of deductions despite the agreement reached with the government at the stakeholders’ meeting of May 9, 2016.

The workers, according to the statement took the decision at its meeting of May 16, 2016 held in

Ado Ekiti.

The statement said: “It must be noted that the state government has collected state allocation for December, 2015, January, February and March, 2016 with internally generated revenue inclusive and yet government is shirking its responsibility on payment of workers’ monthly salary, which is far from our expectation from a worker friendly governor.

“In view of this, we are constrained to request for the payment of the 2015 December workers’ deduction within 24 hours, so as to avoid industrial unrest in Ekiti”, it concluded.

In the response, Adelusi said;

‘’The labour in Ekiti cannot give Governor Ayodele Fayose ultimatum because it is fully aware of the present state of finance in the state. The labour knows what comes into the state monthly as allocation. The labour is a member of the committee that sits to appropriate whatever that comes into the state. The labour knows the amount deducted monthly from source from Ekiti allocation to pay debt incurred by Fayemi administration. ''Therefore, we implore the workers to show more understanding as the governor is doing everything possible to pay the January salary.’’

Meantime, Ekiti State Governor

Osun Assembly seeks reinstatement of sacked lecturers the house adhoc committee

By Gbenga Olarinoye

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SOGBO—THE Osun State House of Assembly has recommended the reinstatement of some sacked teaching and non-teaching staff of the state-owned tertiary institutions.

According to a statement by the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, the Speaker, Honourable Najeem Salaam dropped the hint during the presentation of the report of

investigating the disengagement of some teaching and nonteaching staff of the institution at the plenary on Monday.

The management of the Osun State Polytechnic Iree; Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke; Osun State Colleges of Education, Ilesa and IlaOrangun have disengaged about 204 lecturers and non-teaching staff of the institution.

The Assembly subsequently set up adhoc committees to investigate the circumstance surrounding the actions, the report of which were presented to the house and adopted following a motion by the Leader of house, Timothy Owoeye and seconded by the Chief Whip, Folorunsho Bamisayemi.

LG POLLS: EKSIEC awarded most ethically responsible MDA

A

DO-EKITI—A nongovernmental organisation, Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation (CESVO) has honoured the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (EKSIEC) for what it said was its being the “most ethically responsible state-owned MDAs in Nigeria.”

CESVO, which gave EKSIEC the award at a brief ceremony in Ado Ekiti, said the commission was singled out for the award following a survey it said it conducted in the state in the build up to the 2015 local government elections.

The Executive Director of the NGO, Prince Saleh Musa Yakubu, who spoke for CESVO, said; “What prompted our coming is that there was a lot of heat and propaganda in Ekiti State prior to the local government election and we asked ourselves what was really going on in the state.

“So, we quietly moved in. We found out that the problems were all normal politics and the gimmicks of politicians and we, as a non-state actor, took note of that and worked deeper by deploying men in the 16 local government areas. While doing this, we refused to disclose to the commission our identity for fear of being manipulated and for fear of being influenced in our job.”

Kashamu’s case against party member stalled for lack of evidence

By Daud Olatunji

A

B E O K U TA — A defamation case instituted by Senator representing Ogun East at the National Assembly, Buruji Kashamu against a member of Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, Deji Babington Ashaye was yesterday, stalled over lack of evidence.

Ashaye was on April 13, 2016 arraigned for allegedly calling Kashamu a drug baron and criminal Senator on a social media platform of the party.

At the resumed hearing, counsel to the accused person, Emmanuel Emili complained that the prosecution was yet to furnish him with the proof of evidence.

8 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016—9

N23bn Diezani poll cash: EFCC detains ex-Gov Yero, Jonathan’s private scribe

By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor

A

BUJA— THE search for answers on how $115 million released by former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison Madueke, was shared ahead of 2015 presidential poll has taken officials of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to Kaduna where its former governor, Ramalan Yero, was picked up and questioned, yesterday.

The former governor allegedly received N700 million of the sum and shared to himself and other top officials of Peoples Domocratic Party, PDP, in the

state but the EFCC wants them to return the cash to the coffers of the Federal Government or face its wrath.

EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed, yesterday, that Yero was arrested and detained in its Kano zonal office by operatives, who had questioned him on why he received the money and went ahead to spend it.

The former governor, according to EFCC sources, was arrested in Kaduna, Monday, and taken to the Kano office of the EFCC where he is being interrogated.

His arrest followed confessions of two top party

officials, Nuhu Wya (former Minister of State for Power) and Haruna Gaya (PDP chairman in Kaduna State), to investigators that they actually handed over the cash to the exgovernor.

Investigators said Yero, who admitted collecting the N700 million cash, however, said it was distributed according to agreed formula to the 23 local government areas of the state for the purpose of winning the last presidential election.

It was not clear at press time if the former governor, who was very close to former Vice President, Namadi Sambo, would be freed.

His arrest coincides with that

of former Principal Private Secretary to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Hassan Tukur, by operatives of the EFCC. According to an EFCC source, Tukur is being questioned in Abuja on his alleged offence relating to money he reportedly spent in a botched ceasefire deal with Boko Haram leaders in a neighbouring country in 2014.

Although the amount was not disclosed, investigators said they needed Tukur to shed light on other receipts from the office of the National Security Adviser which are significant.

Arms proliferation: IGP orders mop-up nationwide

By Kingsley Omonobi

A

BUJA — THE InspectorGeneral of Police, IGP, Mr Solomon Arase, has directed all Commissioners of Police in state commands and the FCT to activate mechanisms for the mop-up of prohibited firearms within their areas of responsibility.

A statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olabisi Kolawole, quoted the IGP as urging persons in possession of non-prohibited firearms to immediately obtain or renew their licences before July 2016 by following the process on the requisite web link of the Nigeria Police Central Information Centre.

“For the avoidance of doubt, prohibited firearms under the Firearms Act include artillery, apparatus for the discharge of any explosives or gas-diffusing projectile, revolvers and pistols, machine guns and machine pistols, rocket weapons and military rifles, including those with calibre 7.62mm, 9mm, .300 inches and .303inches," the statement quoted the IGP as saying.

The IGP emphasised that the intelligence and operational assets of the force would soon be deployed to fish out, arrest and bring to justice any person who failed to voluntarily surrender prohibited firearms in his/her possession or who failed to obtain/ renew requisite licences for nonprohibited firearms.

“Such modalities shall include a reward system for informants whose information shall lead to the location and recovery of such weapons and arrest of the person in whose custody such illegal firearms are recovered,” he said.

The IGP further called on all

VISIT: Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (right) and Abubakar Danburan, member, House of Representatives during a visit to Mile 12 market in Ketu, Lagos, over the relocation of the market to Imota, Lagos.

2016 budget approval: Return to sites, Fashola tells road contractors

By Favour Nnabugwu

A

BUJA— MINISTER of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, yesterday, appealed to road contractors to return to sites and commence work without further delay, following approval of the 2016 budget.

Fashola, at a meeting with over 20 construction firms, including Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Arab Contractors, Dantata and Sawoe, Reynolds Construction, Stabilini, RCC, Gitto Construzioni and Setraco, among others, in Abuja, yesterday, assured the contractors that his ministry would soon begin to offset some of the debt owed them for projects executed across the country.

The minister noted that his

ministry would ensure the contractors got paid with the funds allocated to them in the 2016 budget soon Fashola said: “When the debts are paid, workers who were laid off by the construction companies would be recalled to work as soon as possible.

“Very soon, in a matter of days, hopefully we will get some funding to disburse to you. What we hope to achieve is to hear from you what the problems are.”

The minister explained that in disbursing the funds to the contractors, government had also extracted from them the commitment to go back to their respective sites, using the thousands of recalled workers to complete the projects.

While appreciating the challenges confronting the contractors, the minister noted

that with the budget approval, the ministry would not hesitate to offset existing debts owed contractors as soon as disbursements and releases were made, to enable them re-engage their staff and return fully to site.

He added: “I have been to some roads, especially in the North Central and I will continue to do that across all your sites. I need you to also provide for us information about the number of people you expect to employ in your various sites.

“I need to know the number of people you are likely to put back to work when you are paid because what we are likely to achieve here, as we go on this year, is to complete as many roads as possible as our money can allow."

Gates Foundation commits $80m to women’s devt

By Sola Ogundipe

T

HE Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has announced a three-year $80 million commitment to close the gender data gap and accelerate progress for women and girls around the world.

Making the announcement at the three-day women's conference taking place in Copenhagen, Denmark, Cochair of the Foundation, Melinda Gates, said the funding will help fill critical gender data gaps; improve the accuracy and reliability of data collection; equip decision makers with better evidence; and support civil society ’s efforts to hold leaders accountable for their commitments.

Gates said the money would help gather more reliable data about women’s lives, such as time spent on unpaid work or farming, which was needed to inform policy and programmes and accelerate progress for women and girls.

She said: “It’s great that women and girls are at the heart of the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs. But right, now there is insufficient data to build a baseline for nearly 80 percent of SDG 5 indicators.

“If advocacy for women and girls is about giving voice to the voiceless – gathering and analyzing data is about making the invisible visible.”

Also at the conference, a new discussion paper, entitled: “Delivering the power of parity: Toward a more gender-equal society,” finds that achieving the economic potential of women and making progress toward the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, will require $1.5 trillion-$2 trillion in annual spending on essential services in 2025, while the potential economic gains could be six to eight times this outlay.

She said: “Narrowing the gender gap can unleash massive growth,” noted Vivian Hunt, Managing partner of McKinsey ’s United Kingdom and Ireland offices.

“But in order to realize the $12 trillion opportunity that comes from advancing gender equality in the world of work, we have to tackle gender gaps in society more broadly."

10—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

A voice whispered to me to kill my twin brother —Suspect ....'Weapon used from a pastor'

By Evelyn Usman

T

WENTY-sixyear-old Destiny John, popularly known as Mfon, who allegedly stabbed his twin brother, Israelite John, to death while the latter was sleeping, at their Somolu abode in Lagos, Monday, said that he acted upon the directive of a voice beyond his control.

The suspect, who was suspected of feigning insanity, also disclosed that the knife he used to stab his brother was given to him by a Pastor.

In an interview with Vanguard , Destiny, a First School Certificate holder said “ I and my late twin brother have been living with our elder brother for over five years. While my late twin brother was under apprenticeship as a cobbler, I joined my elder brother in his canteen business and was paid N5,000 per month.

Prior to the day tragedy struck, I bought a small power generating set and some alcoholic drinks . We had a nice time in our apartment before we all went to bed.

As we woke up in the morning, my late twin brother was still sleeping. But as I opened the net of our window, somebody covered my eyes and I could not see. I made for a kitchen knife and stabbed my brother.”

Asked where he got the weapon from, the Akwa Ibom state born suspect said “ The knife I used to stab my twin brother belongs to a pastor, who is also a policeman attached to Pedro police station.”

28-yr-old man murders dad, mum, 2 sisters in Yobe

By Bala Ajiya

A

YOUNG man said to be under the influence of drugs has allegedly killed his father, mother and two

sisters in the TsohonKasuwa Bataiya area of Potiskum town in Yobe State.

The suspect, identified as Adamu Magaji, allegedly hacked his father, Abdullahi; his mother, Hafsat, and his

two sisters Zainab and Aisha, to death, Monday night.

It was gathered that the suspect had since been arrested by the Police and is under-going interrogation before he will be charged to

2 brothers kill 62-yr-old retired vice principal in Ondo

By Dayo Johnson

A

KURE—A 62-year-old retired Vice Principal, Chief Joseph Omosuyi, has been reportedly punched to death in Okitipupa area of

Ondo State by two brothers over argument on family land.

Detectives have subsequently picked up the two brothers, Sunday and Gbenga Akinye .

Vanguard gathered that the incident occurred at Agirifor

area in Ilu-Titun town, Okitipupa council area of the state.

The suspects, who are being detained at the Criminal Investigation Department CID of the state Police Command, reportedly dealt some blows on

31 year- old Glory Bassey, currently in the custody of the Akwa-Ibom State Police for killing her father

I didn't intend to kill my father —DAUGHTER

By Tom Moses

A

LADY, who allegedly killed her father over suspicion that he was responsible for the deaths of her five children, two husbands and mother, said she had no intention of killing him but was provoked into taking the action.

The 31-year- old Glory Bassey, currently in the custody of the Akwa-Ibom State Police command, Vanguard learned overburdened by her wordly challenges she went before her late mother’s grave to seek solutions to her woes.

Glory Bassey in a chat with Vanguard said after crying at the mother ’s grave, she allegedly appeared to her in a dream and revealed that it was the dad who was behind her woes.

The sad 31-year-old woman

confronted the dad with the allegation of witchcraft, which the father refuted, but not without a dispute that led to the death of the 75 yeas old father, Chief Bassey Daniel Udo. But the suspect , who hails from Mbiakpan Atan Village, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa-Ibom State, said “Evening after the dream, I went to my father and confronted him with these revelations and after some arguments, he brought out a stick and beat me with it.

“Provoked by that beating, coupled with how I was already

feeling about him, I seized the stick from him and hit him in return.

People in the neighbourhood rushed to intervene and I went back to my house and there was nothing wrong with my father when I left. I am surprised that the next day, I was told he died.

Speaking on the matter, the Akwa-Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Delia Nwawe, said the case was reported by the Village Head of Mbiakpan Atan, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, Chief Linus Effiong Okon, against the suspect who is also, the daughter of the deceased.

By Evelyn Usman

S

O FAR, autopsy report on late Ronke Shonde, who was allegedly killed by her husband , Lekan , two weeks ago at their Egbeda residence in Lagos was inconclusive as at yesterday.

However, reliable sources told

the community leader when his submission on a piece of land belonging to their family did not go down well with them.

A source said that there had been some disagreement in the community over the piece of land that the family of the suspects have been claiming its ownership.

Vanguard learned that the matter had been pending for over a year because those who intervened could not resolve it amicably to the satisfaction of the feuding families.

The community leader was reportedly approach to help mediate in the unresolved family land matter but his judgement reportedly infuriated the brothers, who descended on him.

He was said to have been punched during the meeting and the deceased reportedly slumped and died before he could get to the hospital for medical attention.

Timely intervention of Policemen in the community saved the situation from becoming bloody as youths and children of the deceased attempted to lynch the suspects.

Contacted the Police spokesman, Femi Joseph, who confirmed the ugly incident said that investigations on the matter was on.

Joseph told Vanguard that the suspects are in their custody “ I don’t know the extent of their involvement but at present, those are the two suspects we have in our custody over the incident, but we are still investigating.”

Hit-and-run driver kills pregnant woman in Onitsha

By Nwabueze Okonkwou

O

NITSHA—TRAGEDY struck yesterday at Okpoko Junction, near Upper Iweka area of Onitsha, Anambra

state, when a hit-and-run driver knocked down a yet to be identified pregnant woman, who died instantly.

The incident, according to an eyewitness, occurred at about 4 p.m. when the pregnant woman was hit by an over-speeding vehicle as

Egbeda murder: Autopsy report inconclusive

The suspect, Destiny

court for prosecution.

All efforts to speak to the Police spokesman, Mr. Toyin Gbademosi, on phone, proved futile as he was not receiving his calls.

Vanguard that pathologists at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital LASUTH had not been able to relate the death of the mother of two to the bruises on her face.

Besides, it was also learnt that the autopsy was inconclusive as the major pathologist was not in town.

Sources disclosed that “ The major pathologist traveled. He will return soon to perfect the autopsy.

Ordinarily, it takes between two to three days to get an autopsy report.

Though, the bruises on the corpse did not establish that it led to her death. That is all we can say for now, until the boss returns any moment from now”.

she tried to cross the busy express way.

The source added that the Federal Road Safety officials attached to Onitsha Unit Command later removed her corpse to a nearby hospital mortuary where it was deposited.

One of the eye-witnesses and National Publicity Secretary of Campaign for Democracy, CD, Dede Uzor A. Uzor, who spoke to newsmen, described the incident as tragic and called on both the federal and Anambra State governments to build a pedestrian fly-over across the ever-busy Okpoko junction to avoid more lost of lives and properties within that axis.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016—11

EFCC arrests ex-Bauchi SSG, Yuguda’s aide, PDP’s scribe over Diezani's N500m cash

By Soni Daniel

A

BUJA—MORE arrests were made by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in connection with the sharing of the N23 billion poll payout by former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison Madueke, with three top officials of Bauchi State government taken into custody.

The three men, including Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, who was Secretary to Bauchi State Government, Alhaji Sanusi Mohammed Isa, a Personal Assistant to the former governor of the state, Isa Yuguda, and Alhaji Salisu Garba, Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state, reportedly received the sum of N500 million sent to the state from the central loot.

Group condemns Orosaye, Fani-Kayode, Adeseun’s arrest, trial ...urges EFCC to follow due process

Niger Delta Militants: Emulate Yar’Adua, Jonathan, dialogue with them, Clark tells Buhari

By Henry Umoru

A

BUJA—FORMER Federal Commissioner for Information and Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, yesterday asked President Muhammadu Buhari to emulate his predecessors, late President Umaru Yar’Adua, and former President Goodluck Jonathan by dialoguing with the Niger Delta militants whose activities were threatening the peace, stability and possible existence of Nigeria.

the group’s activities with maximum military force.

According to him, the President should not repay violence with violence as deployment of the military to Gbaramatu communities is not a solution to the problem.

He also called for Immediate cessation of bombing of pipelines and oil installations in the Niger Delta, adding that there were reports of military deployment to the area, giving rise to rape of women and other human rights violations.

It would be recalled that President Buhari had given the armed forces orders to move into

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki on his arrival at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, in Abuja, yesterday.

Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan

$2.1bn arms probe: Justify Dasuki’s detention, ECOWAS court tells FG

T

HE ECONOMIC and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been urged to maintain its integrity and act within the laws of the land, instead of persecuting those who served in President Goodluck Jonathan's adminis-tration.

Speaking against the backdrop of the arrest of major players in the last administration, a nongovernmental organisation, the Integrity Forum, accused the EFCC of singling out opposition members for arrest, adding that the action was unacceptable.

Citing the arrest of former Head of Service of the Federation, Mr. Steve Oronsaye, the Director of Media of the Goodluck Jonathan/Sambo Campaign Organisation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode and the arrest of Senator Ayo Adeseun, who represented Oyo Central Senatorial district and Chairman of Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance & other financial institutions, the group described the agency’s tactics as a grand plot to cow the opposition.

According to him, both late Yar ’Adua and Jonathan brought ex-militants to the negotiation table which led to positive effect on the nation’s economy.

Addressing journalists yesterday at his Asokoro residence in Abuja, Chief Clark, who is the chairman, Board of Trustees of Ijaw National Council, INC, disowned the Niger Delta Avengers which had recently restarted militancy in the Niger Delta.

He, however, warned President Buhari against carrying out his threat to quell

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

A

B U J A — T H E Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS) Court has ordered the Federal Government to come before

it today to justify the continued detention of the former National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd) In a ruling yesterday, the court which was presided by Justice Friday Chijioke Nwoke, said it would not give FG more than one day to

FG ‘fires’ Immigration boss, as Prisons CG bows out

By Omeiza Ajayi

A

BUJA—THERE were indications in Abuja, yesterday, to the effect that the Federal Government may have sacked the Comptroller-General of Nigerian Immigration Service NIS, Martin Abeshi.

Although reasons for his sack were not immediately known, Vanguard learned that government’s decision may be connected with his handling of the recent replacement in the service.

Staff of the Service were seen jubilating when the news filtered into their headquarters.

The replacement, which was terribly abused by power brokers

in the country, saw the CG allegedly employing his third wife and his eldest son into the service. Both recruits were said to be under-going training in Kano.

At the time he was appointed in September last year, Abeshi had already been slated to proceed on a three-month terminal leave beginning from October 2015.

It was gathered, yesterday, that Abeshi had been having running battle with some of his deputies and assistants,DCGs, and ACGs, who were not happy that the Comptroller General was still in office when he ought to have retired from the service in December 2015.

adduce reasons Dasuki should not be released from custody of the Department of State Services, DSS. Similarly, the ECOWAS court also directed Dasuki’s legal team to be ready to respond to whatever reasons FG would give, on March 19.

Justice Nwoke said the order was in-line with the decision of the court to accelerate hearing on the fundamental right enforcement suit Dasuki lodged before it.

EFCC source said last night that the three men had been arrested and questioned in the zonal office of the agency in Gombe, adding that they all admitted collecting and sharing the money.

“The suspects, in their statements, said the N500 million cash was distributed in the Ramat Hall of Government House, Bauchi.

“The former SSG and the PDP secretary admitted collecting N20 million each, while the former governor’s aide said he took N15 million out of the loot but they have all pledged to refund the money,” the source said.

the region and deal with the new militant group.

Clark absolved former President Goodluck Jonathan of blame on the formation of the group which had blown up oil installations in the region in recent times.

He queried: “Where are Chief Ateke Tom, Asari Dokubo, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias, Tompolo, the Leaders of MEND? Where are Mr. Victor Ben Ebikabowei, alias Boyloaf, Farah Dagogo, Africa, Young Shall Grow, Ogunbor, Ajara Roger Mackiver, Gen. Pastor Reuben, Shoot at Sight, Richard, Bostarise, and all the other exmilitants and youths who wholeheartedly accepted the amnesty and voluntarily surrendered arms and ammunition, and pledged to religiously abide by the terms?”

The elder statesman, who noted that the destruction of the goose that laid the golden egg was not a viable option, said: “In my many years of leadership at various levels in this country, I know that any resort to violence and insecurity only leaves a trail of tension, neglect, pain and wanton violence in the areas concerned.

“Even when security forces move in with intention of restoring law and order, it is innocent villagers, in particular women, children, and the old who suffer most.

“The Niger Delta is yet to recover from the season of violence which we experienced between 2005 and 2009.

“I, again, make the same call and appeal, today, this time in a more shrill voice! Though the perceptions have not changed on the evolving kaleidoscope of national political administration, I still remain firmly convinced that the destruction of our national economic golden goose is not a viable option. ‘’I speak as a father of the Izon Ethnic Nationality, Leader in the South-South, as well as one of the principal Conveners of the Southern Nigerian Peoples Assembly, SNPA, even, I dare say, as a statesman across all the regions and political landscapes since the advent of indigenous political administration in our dear country.

“I, therefore, strongly call on the Niger Delta Avengers and any others of like mind, to desist, forthwith, from their activities, and embrace dialogue as the best means of having their grievances assuaged.

"Only a few days ago, the Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly, SNPA, met in Asaba, Delta State, to deliberate on some of those issues raised by this group, and many more, and issued a communiqué on how they may be tackled in peaceful manners."

12—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

Arrest of pipeline workers: Gbaramatu gives Chevron 72-hr ultimatum

By Emma Amaize, Akpokona Omafuaire & Perez Brisibe

W

ARRI—SEVEN Gbaramatu-Ijaw host communities to Chevron Nigeria Limited, in Delta State, yesterday, gave the oil company a 72hour ultimatum to ensure the release of five pipeline surveillance workers, arrested by the military last Friday, on the allegation that they were members of the militant group, Niger Delta Avengers, NDA,which has resumed attack on oil installations in the region.

Chairman of Kokodiagbene community, Mr Sheriff Mulade, who spoke for the aggrieved oil producing communities, expressed dismay at the purported lukewarm attitude of the management of Chevron to the arrest of the five workers.

Boroh absent from Otuaro's trip to creeks Meanwhile, Coordinator of Presidential Amnesty Programme, Gen. Paul Boroh (retd), failed to accompany the Delta State Advocacy Committee Against Oil Facility Vandalism, headed by the state Deputy Governor, Mr. Kingsley Otuaro, to the creeks, yesterday, after expressing confidence in the ability of the committee to halt further vandalism of oil installations in the state

by Niger Delta Avengers.

It was not clear why Boroh, who held a meeting with the committee in Warri, pulled out of the trip to the creeks, but he had earlier hailed Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for his acumen in constituting the committee.

Boroh’s absence was felt at Oporoza, traditional headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom,

Warri South-West Local Government Area of the state, where the people had converged waiting for him and members of the committee.

The visit to Oporoza was part of the ongoing engagement of the oilbearing communities by the committee to fashion out a way to discontinue the bombing of oil facilities in the state.

“We had audience with HRM, the Olu of Warri and the Agadagba of Egbema.

We also had audience with youth groups and exmilitants to gather intelligence on how to end the menace,” Otuaro explained to the Amnesty boss during their meeting.

He said: “We will be going to Gbaramatu Kingdom shortly and will be spending the night working. We will visit Ogulagha and Ugborodo in the days ahead.”

Meanwhile, National Association of Gbaramatu Students, NAGS, yesterday, urged Governor Okowa and the Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty Ikenwoli I, to call Itsekiri leader and activist, Chief Ayiri Emami, to order over his comments against exmilitant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo.

Ultimatum

Mulade said: “It is pertinent to state that we are no longer safe in the hands of security agents going by the constant harassment of our people. We have handed a 72-hour ultimatum to Chevron to ensure the release of the arrested oil workers and if they fail to do this, we will withdraw all our services from all the oil companies including Shell, Chevron, NPDC and Neconde.

“We are not Niger Delta Avengers, we are law

abiding citizens of Nigeria and those workers were doing their legitimate work when the JTF pounced on them and arrested them, thereafter, proclaiming to the world that they had arrested members of Avengers. They should adopt more of intelligence in doing their work otherwise, they would end up killing innocent people in the communities.

“Contrary to the reports, the five alleged militants are actually contract workers for Chevron, inspecting earlier bombed pipelines ahead of the visit of the Joint Investigation Visit, JIV, team to inspect the extent of damage when the military swooped on them.”

General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Relations, CNL, Deji Haastrup, did not pick his calls when our reporter called his cell phone, yesterday for reaction.

In a related development, National Association of Gbaramatu Students, NAGS, has called on Governor Okowa and His Majesty, Ikenwoli, Olu of Warri, to call one of his subjects, Chief Ayiri Emami, to order over his “inciting and incriminating statements against Tompolo in the renewed pipelines attacks.

President of the group, Seiyefa Ekpemupolo, in a statement, said: “We read with dismay comments by Ayiri inciting the Federal Government against Tompolo. What baffles us is that Ayiri has taken his personal grievances too far.

“Ayiri should know that the new militant group is Niger Delta Avengers and not Gbaramatu Avengers. To link Tompolo, who has a running battle with the EFCC, with the bombing of the pipelines is hate taken too far.”

Rivers CP warns herdsmen against wielding AK47 rifles

By Jimitota Onoyume

P

ORT HARCOURT— RIVERS State Police Commissioner, Mr Musa Kimo, has warned herdsmen in the state against going about with AK47 rifles, saying any one caught will be treated as a criminal.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Kimo, handed down the warning, yesterday, at a

C M Y K

Town Hall meeting he convened at the Police officers mess in Port Harcourt to enhance relationship between hersdmen and communities in the state.

Those at the meeting were members of the various security agencies and some leaders of the herdsmen.

The Police chief said no crisis had been witnessed between herdsmen and communities in the state,

adding that the programme was to improve the relationship between the police and the people.

“I cannot confirm any arrest, but it is possible that there are arrests in some other commands.

Certainly, it is unlawful for herdsmen to carry AK 47 rifles. Anyone seen would be arrested. Let us know that herdsmen and other persons who carry arms are nothing but criminals,” he said.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016—13

Edo APC gov primaries: Condemnation trails call to bar Odubu, Obaseki

By Simon Ebegbulem & Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN—A GROUP, N’Edo Gheria, based in Benin, Edo State, and a palace chief, Dr. Godwin Ekhorutomwen, have condemned media reports credited to a group, Otu Odolevbo – Osioba, calling for a ban on Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu and Mr. Godwin Obaseki, from contesting the All Progressives Congress, APC, party primaries slated for June 18.

Also, founder, Afemai Heritage and Cultural Studies in the state, Alhaji Usman Abuba, has said that the Binis stand the risk of losing the governorship slot to Edo Central senatorial district of the state if they do not check the activities of some of their chiefs, noting that the call for the disqualification of Odubu and Obaseki was laughable.

Otu Odolevbo-Osioba had, in a statement in Benin, called on the national body of the APC to, as a matter of urgency, bar Odubu and Obaseki from contesting the party’s governorship primaries so as to save the interest and image of the party.

Meanwhile, Chief Jolly Ogbeifun, the Enobore Ugboko, who was said to have signed the statement by Otu OdolevboOsioba along with Chief Jackson Igbinovia, the Osagiobariase of Benin, has denied signing the document.

He said: “I wish to state

categorically that there was never a time I issued a statement on the forth- coming governorship primaries of Edo APC. The publication came as a shock to me when my attention was drawn to it on my sick bed.”

On his part, a palace chief, Dr. Ekhoruiomwen, said those who signed the document for the Otu Odolevbo-Osioba were not palace chiefs but enigie and chiefs in Benin villages, alleging

that they were being sponsored by some desperate governorship aspirants who know that they cannot win the APC governorship primaries.

However, N’Edo gheria, in a statement in Benin, yesterday, by its state co-ordinator, Agene Patrick, described the statement credited to Otu OdeolevboOsioba as not only mischievous and myopic, but one capable of causing acrimony within the

rank and file of the party.

Urging the national leadership of APC to disregard the comment by the faceless Bini chiefs, he said that in a democracy, issues such as contestation and lobbying were bound to happen.

Also, Abuda, who described the call as unreasonable, said: “Were those chiefs speaking as representatives of the palace chiefs, certainly no. They were simply making inexplicable political statements seeking recognition."

CONDOLENCE VISIT: Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom and the Edaiken ‘n Uselu, His Royal Highness, Ambassador Eheneden Erediauwa (middle); Chairman, Board of Directors, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Babatunde Savage (2nd right); Corporate Relations Director, Sesan Sobowale (1st right); Community Relations Consultant, Friday Okojie (left) and Site Director, Benin, Kingsley Imade (2nd left), during a condolence visit on the passing on of Oba Erediauwa, in Benin.

Delta NLC backs liberalization of petroleum downstream sector

By Ehi Eweka

D

ELTA State Council of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, yesterday in Asaba, said it fully supports the liberalization of the petroleum downstream sector while demanding the utilization of accrued subsidy claims to offset pension arrears and workers’ bonuses in all the states preparatory to the implementation of the new minimum wage.

The council in a statement by its factional Chairman, Williams Akporeha, at the end of its State Executive Council, SEC, meeting, noted that while Congress was in support of the liberalization of the petroleum downstream sector in Nigeria, it was the responsibility of government to initiate measures to mitigate the impact of the action on ordinary Nigerians.

NBA gives BEDC 7 days to restore power in Udu

By Egufe Yafugborhi

W Olu of Warri, Yoruba community, Guinness, others eulogise Oba Erediauwa

A

By Udo Ibuot

S the nation continues with the final rites of interment for the late Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba Erediauwa, the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Ikenwoli, management of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Yoruba community in Edo State and Committee of Benin Elders, among others, have condoled with the Edaikhen N’Uselu, Amb. Ehenede Erediauwa, over the passing on of the late Oba. A statement by Chief Tesigiweno Pessu, the Ojomo of Warri Kingdom, for the Olu of Warri, asked the royal family and the Benin Kingdom to take solace in the fact that “we had a great king who was much loved and adored by many within Benin Kingdom and the nation at large.

“On behalf of the Olu of Warri, we condole with the Edaiken N’Uselu, HRH, Amb. Erediauwa, the royal family and the Benin Kingdom on the passage of our monarch, Oba Erediauwa, the Oba of great Benin kingdom."

President of Yoruba C M Y K

Community in Edo State, Alhaji Rashid Ishola, said throughout the reign of the departed Oba, he was a father to all the non-indigenes in the kingdom.

He stated that all the different nationalities living in Benin Kingdom would continually cherish the accommodating policy of the late king.

Chairman of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Babatunde Savage, in his condolence message said that pragmatism distinguished Omo N’Oba Erediauwa from his peers and him, out as the most

distinctive African king in the area of governance and accommodation.

While commiserating with the Benin Crown Prince, Savage disclosed that the Guinness family was particularly sad over the transition of the Omo N’Oba, whom he said governed with the mind of a welfarist monarch.

Members of the Committee of Benin Elders said they received the news of the Oba’s passing with shock, stressing that the late Oba was “an embodiment of profound dignity, prestige and respectability which our Obas,

from time immemorial, are known for.”

The statement by Prof.

Emmanuel Emovon and Prof.

Samuel Guobadia, said: “He was specially created by God Almighty as was easily noticed whenever he was seated, standing or moving. His royalty steps were majestic and admired by all.”

West African Examinations Council, WAEC, in a statement by its registrar, Dr. Iyi Uwadiae, said it received the news of the Oba's demise with grief, noting that the late Oba was an advocate of the education at all levels and initiated or actively supported projects in that direction.

FG sets June for Ogoni clean-up

By Caleb Ayansina

A

BUJA—THE Federal G o v e r n m e n t , yesterday, fixed June this year to commence the clean up of environmental pollution in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.

Minister of Enviroment, Mrs. Amina Muhammed, said that the government was

working diligently to review and update its first National Implementation Plan, NIP, developed in 2009 to address the problem of pollution holistically in the region.

Muhammed, who stated this at the National Stakeholders’ Endorsement Workshop for the Reviewed and Updated National Implementation Plan, NIP, for

the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, POPs, held in Abuja, solicited the cooperation of all stakeholders.

The minister represented by her Minister of State, Ibrahim Jibril, said that they would be guided by experts from the United Nations on Environment to ensure productive exercise.

ARRI—THE Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has given Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC, seven days to restore power supply to Udu Local Government Area, Delta State.

The ultimatum is contained in a letter to the Managing Director of BEDC expressing the association’s anger on the blackout which it termed punitive.

The letter by Chairman and Secretary, NBA Udu Branch, Ballantyrne Ugege and O. Imonina, said that the action of BEDC in reaction to the protest by Udu women against erratic power supply and agonising power consumption bills was an affront to the rule of law.

The association described the action by BEDC as, "Unwholesome, uncivilized and an abuse of privilege and power by staff of the firm.

“As a result of the near absence of electricity supply in a particular area in one of the communities in Udu, women from that area carried out a peaceful protest.

“To us, if anything unlawful was done to BEDC, there are appropriate legal channels to follow instead of resorting to throwing the whole of Udu into total darkness."

14—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

AAAN holds AGM

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REPARATIONS are in top gear for the hosting of the 43rd Annual General Meeting of Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, AAAN, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as SO&U hosts delegates.

The AGM, scheduled to hold between May 19 and 21, 2016, is themed “Communication as a tool for National Development.”

According to the organisers, the event promises to be engaging, as series of activities have been lined up to ensure delegates enjoy the rich hospitality the state offers.

To kick off the AAAN 2016 AGM, SO&U Limited will be hosting delegates to an exclusive welcome dinner.

The dinner, which will hold tomorrow, will have the state’s Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo, as special guest of honour.

PDP splits as Gana's group plans parallel convention Total strangers have taken over PDP — Babatope

By Ben Agande, Dapo Akinrefon, Charles Kumolu & Gbenga Oke

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BUJA — THE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was, yesterday, heading towards its worst crisis in 18 years after some of its major founding fathers pulled away from plans by the Senator Ali Modu Sheriffled leadership to hold a convention in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Saturday.

The dissenters, led by the pioneer national secretary, Prof.

Jerry Gana, yesterday, inaugurated a 50-man committee to hold a parallel national convention of the party in Abuja where they said they hoped to give a new face to the party they claimed had been taken over by hoodlums and strangers.

The resolve of the Gana group was despite last minute fencemending efforts at the National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting of the party hosted by Sheriff at the party's secretariat.

Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy President of the Senate, however, assured those at the NEC meeting that the party was

resilient enough to pull through its present challenges.

But the chairman of PDP Governors Forum and Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, cautioned that "a new party would emerge from the ashes of PDP and the All Progressives Congress, APC, if the two parties fail to resolve their internal problems."

The Gana-led PDP Concerned Stakeholders also appointed state coordinators to mobilize members of the party to attend its convention in Abuja scheduled for the same day as the convention in Port-Harcourt.

The names of the coordinators were not immediately made known, but it is believed that they would be picked from the 53member committee it had earlier announced.

Some of the prominent members in attendance at the meeting of the Gana group, which was not open to the media, were Senator Ibrahim Mantu, Tanimu Turaki, Esther Audu, Doyin Okupe, Achike Udenwa and Abubakar Sulaiman.

On P-Harcourt convention

In spite of the developments, the embattled National Chairman, Sheriff, said the party would go to

Port-Harcourt as a united family.

He added that the NEC resolved to go ahead with the convention in Port-Harcourt where he said the zoning of the 2019 presidency to the North would be ratified. He said the chairmanship will revert to the South once the presidential candidate of the party emerged in 2018.

He said the committee also resolved that state congresses in Zamfara, Sokoto, Lagos, Yobe and Anambra would be revisited until all the leaders in the affected states came to an agreement.

Sheriff said: “The NEC also observed that members of the PDP were being arrested by anti-graft agencies. Over 20 of our members are under lock by anti-graft agencies because of the funds the party used for its campaign.

"We believe that PDP is not the only party that went for election, we are urging that the APC and other political parties should also be investigated. We are not against anybody being investigated, but it should be a uniform rule for all parties in Nigeria.”

Governor Mimiko, in his remarks, acknowledged that much was still required to build peace, saying: “We are at crossroads of some sort; issues beckon on us to put all our disagreements behind us and to fashion out our unique perspectives that will differentiate us from the ruling party."

Noting that propaganda was no longer a sellable commodity, the governor urged party leaders to

resolve their differences, otherwise a new party would emerge from the ashes of the PDP and the ruling APC. In his remarks, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, said though the PDP had its challenges, “the good news is that we have the resilience, we have the experience, and we have the desired determination to always resolve our differences. That is what is going for us. We must continue to live by example.”

Total stranger has taken over PDP — Babatope

Throwing his weight behind the Abuja convention, former Minister of Transportation, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, said: “A total stranger has taken over our party, and he is the chairman today. It was him and his friends who also went to court to stop the convention."

Also speaking, Dr. Doyin Okupe said: “I am a leader in that group, and I am part of that leadership. The Port Harcourt convention is derived by the proclamation of the National Executive Council of the party extending the life of the Sheriffled committee. You cannot give what you do not have; NEC does not have authority to do that.

Therefore, everything that is being done up to the PortHarcourt convention is illegal; it cannot stand.”

Liquidity crisis in power sector peaks at N300bn As DISCOs embark on pay or be disconnected

By Clara Nwachukwu

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AGOS — THE ability of Electricity Distribution Companies, DISCOs, to execute their capital expenditures, CAPEX, has been compounded by revenue shortfalls estimated at about N300 billion.

The liquidity crisis is further exacerbated by outstanding N93 billion owed the 11 DISCOs by Ministries, Departments, Agencies, MDAs, across all levels of government and high rate of energy theft by electricity consumers.

The development has caused the DISCOs to embark on a pay-or-bedisconnected programme aimed at shoring up liquidity flow in the sector.

Raising an alarm on the negative impact of the current liquidity crisis, DISCOs at a press conference in Lagos yesterday, said they were now unable “to make capital investments in metering, network expansion, equipment rehabilitation and replacement,” which they insist are critical to improvement in service delivery.

Chairman, Association of Electricity Distributors, ANED, Mr. Sunday Oduntan, who led three other chief executive officers, CEOs, of the DISCOs, including, Ikeja, Abuja and Ibadan, also said the cash liquidity crisis was threatening to completely undermine efficiency of the electricity value chain.

Already, power generation dropped drastically on Sunday to a low of 165 megawatts, MW, from 2633MW on account

of supply gas challenges due to pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta, just as the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, is grappling with as much as 106 issues impeding effective power evacuation from the generating plants in the country.

Furthermore, he revealed that lack of access to foreign exchange was on the ability of the DISCOs to overhaul their machines, noting that most of the components used in the power industry were imported.

Poor power delivery

Oduntan attributed the poor power delivery by the DISCOs nationwide to the shortage of gas supply to power stations, which in turn was responsible for the current low generation and eventual low distribution, resulting in load shedding in some areas.

Absolving the DISCOs of blame in poor service delivery, he said: “Low generation and poor transmission facilities lead to low distribution. Therefore, DISCOs are not blame for the poor power supply.”

He noted that the DISCOs were making frantic efforts to improve on their service delivery, saying of the five million metering gap upon the takeover of the power assets in 2013, the DISCOs have significantly reduced the gap to 2.8 million.

He added that with the new billing system, streamlining of operations, and customer/asset enumeration, the metering gap would soon be closed.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016—15

IWA to FG: Provide relief materials for herdsmen's victims

By Emeka Aginam

I

DUKE IN THE VILLA: From left— Senior Special Adviser (Media) to the President, Mr. Femi Adesina; MD, Phase 3 Telekoms, Mr. Stanley Jegede; Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Mallam Garba Shehu, and former Cross River State Governor, Mr. Donald Duke, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: Abayomi Adeshida.

Senate throws out anti-social media bill

By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

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BUJA—THE Senate, yesterday, bowed to pressure from Nigerians and threw out the controversial Frivolous Petitions Bill, otherwise known as anti-social media bill.

Following the presentation of the report on the bill by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator David Umaru (APC, Niger East), yesterday, the Senate withdrew it from further legislative consideration.

In the report, Senator Umaru said the committee recommended that the controversial bill be withdrawn, stressing that if passed into law, it would affect the anticorruption war of the Federal Government and do more harm than good to President Muhammadu Buhari’s government.

The recommendation, which was in two short paragraphs, read: “The Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters to which was referred a Bill for an Act to Prohibit Frivolous Petition, and other Matters Connected therewith, having considered same, reports negatively thereon and accordingly recommends that the Senate withdraws the bill.”

The chairman also argued that the passage of the bill would conflict with some provisions of extant acts, penal code, criminal code and the cyber crime act which have sufficient provisions to address the issues that the Frivolous Petitions Prohibition Bill sought to address.

Other members of the committee are Senators Godswill Akpabio (PDP, Akwa Ibom North-West), Bala Ibn Na’Allah (APC, Kebbi South), James Manager (PDP, Delta South), Joshua Lidani (PDP, Gombe South), Chukwuka Utazi

(PDP, Enugu East), Babajide Omoworare (APC, Osun East) and Abdullahi Adamu (APC, Nasarawa West).

It would be recalled that the Frivolous Petitions Bill, 2015, (SB. 143) was sponsored by the Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Ibn Na’Allah.

The bill was read the first time on Thursday, November 24, 2015. On Wednesday, December 2, 2015, Senate debated on the general principles of the Bill and after extensive deliberations, it was

read the second time and referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters and vide Order of Reference dated December 3, 2015, the committee was asked to report back with its recommendations.

Ekweremadu reacts

In his contribution, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who hailed the committee for a thorough work, said: “We cannot

continue to duplicate our laws. What we have seen today is the beauty of the legislative process.

“Nigerians must give us the benefit of the doubt to debate bills; not every bill debated would be passed.

We shall never be intimidated by anyone. All we owe our people is consultation before final passage. The public must also know that not every bill that comes here would translate to passage.”

Night cattle grazing banned in Enugu

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RAZING and rearing of cattle at night was, Monday, banned in Enugu State after a meeting between Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and leaders of Fulani/Shuwa Arab herdsmen in the state.

Also banned are carrying of firearms or any form of ammunition by the herdsmen and movement of cattle from one location to another at night.

This decision was arrived at during a peace committee meeting of representatives of the various interest groups from the Fulani/ Shuwa Arab community and security agencies, among other stakeholders in the state.

During the meeting, convened by Ugwuanyi, and attended by leaders of some communities affected by the herdsmen menace in the state, it was also decided that compensation would be paid by herdsmen whose cattle destroyed farm crops, while the communities would pay for any cattle killed by their members.

Ugwanyi had convened the meeting in furtherance of ongoing efforts by the state government to find lasting solutions to the lingering clashes between Fulani herdsmen and their host communities, especially in the wake of the recent Nimbo

killings.

According to the decision, violators of these resolutions would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

Present at the meeting were the Secretary of the Fulani community in the state, Bala Ardo; leader of the Fulani community, Alhaji AdoSaidu Basu, and the leader of the Shuwa Arab community in the state, Alhaji Ahmed Yahaya.

The traditional ruler of Ibute Nze led leaders of three communities of Akpakwume, Ezi Nze and Ibute Nze communities in Udi Local Government Area of the state to the meeting.

GBO World Assembly, IWA, has urged the Federal Government to provide, as a matter of urgency, shelter, food, clothing, drinks, medicine and funds to the victims and families of Fulani herdsmen attacks in the country.

Noting that owners of the cattle should be arrested and questioned, IWA expressed concern on why Fulani herdsmen should be allowed to carry weapons.

The group, in a statement by its Chairman, Dr. N w a c h u k w u Anakwenze, and Secretary General, Oliver Nwankwor, noted that the unity of Nigeria was challenged by the present administration’s attitude to the menace of the herdsmen.

It said: “Who actually own the herds? Why are the herdsmen allowed to carry weapons? Why are the security forces in Nigeria not doing their job? Who are behind this systemic agenda? Who regulates the activities of the herdsmen and their herds?”

The group noted that governments of the affected states and zones should immediately establish rules controlling the movement of animals within their areas and enforce the rules aggressively.

IWA, in the statement, called on southern governors, Senators, members of the House of Representatives and state assemblies to act and defend their citizens.

... as facts emerge on how mercenaries attacked Nimbo

By Emeka Mamah

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NUGU—FRESH facts have emerged that herdsmen did not carry out the attack on the people of Nimbo community in Uzo Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State themselves; they reportedly hired mercenaries to do it for them.

Some security officers, who spoke to newsmen in the area yesterday, said that three of the

mercenaries drowned in River Niger while trying to flee the scene of the crime.

This was even as the Special Investigation Team set up by the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Solomon Arase, have “interviewed” the traditional ruler of Nimbo, Igwe John Akor, for about two hours at the police headquarters in Enugu over the issue.

Akor made this known

while receiving members of the Nsukka Professionals Group, NPG, who visited Nimbo with a truck load of food items, especially beans and rice.

The traditional ruler, who apologised to NPG, led by Charles Nwodo, for coming home late, said that he was invited to Enugu by the team, adding that the meeting which he thought would last for few minutes

lasted for about two hours.

He did not elaborate on the nature of the questions or discussions they had even as it was learned that some people had been picked up by the police team for allegedly aiding the herdsmen attackers.

It was gathered at Nimbo that the attackers did not go for women and girls, unlike the normal attack by the Fulani herdsmen, as youths, who were the “workforce,” were killed.

16—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

Again, Osinbajo defends Buhari on fuel price hike

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

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B U J A — PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari is handicapped over the increase in the price of premium motor spirit, PMS, Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, has said.

Rising in defence of the President, amid angry feelings, among many Nigerians, caused by the increase in the price of petrol, Osinbajo said though the President was opposed to the new price initially, he had no choice than to accept the change.

According to him, the decision is necessary, if the country must source for foreign exchange to import fuel.

The Vice President said that even if the local refineries were resuscitated, the country would still need to import product as they would only run at 40 per cent capacity.

FG pays marketers N48.2bn 2015 subsidy arrears

By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief

T

HE FEDERAL Government has paid oil marketers arrears of 2015

subsidy claims totaling N48.2 billion.

The Ministry of Finance disclosed this, yesterday, in a statement by the Director of Press, Alhaji Salisu

Naina,that the payment was made last week, to enable them import petroleum products and meet up their other financial needs.

He quoted the Minister of

Alleged N400m fraud: Metuh’s enquiry into source of fund was ignored, witness tells court

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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BUJA—TRIAL of embattled National Publicity Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, resumed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, with a defence witness, Mr. Colet Odenigbo, maintaining that the defendant sought to know the source of the N400million he received from the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA. Odenigbo, who testified as the second prosecution witness, DW-2, told the court that Metuh’s enquiry into the source of the fund, which was given to him for the political campaign of the PDP, was never replied by ONSA.

The witness, who was a former US Naval Officer and a consultant to the office of the PDP National Publicity Secretary, said he accompanied Metuh to meet with a panel of the ONSA, where it was agreed that N400m be given to him to fund the party ’s campaign activities for the 2015 general election.

Led in evidence by Metuh’s lawyer, Mr. Emeka Etiaba, SAN, the witness said: “My lord, in the course of the meeting, Chief Olisa Metuh asked the ONSA team the source of the payment for the funding of the PDP’s campaign activities. He was not told, rather, they said they will get back to him, which they never did until he (Metuh) was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.”

He told the court that Metuh initially threatened to refund the money if he found out that the source of the money was not from the campaign fund of the party.

While being cross-examined by EFCC lawyer, Mr. Sylvanus Tahir, the witness said he rendered consultancy services to Metuh, but never had any personal dealing with the ONSA except the day he accompanied the defendant to the meeting where the issue of payment was discussed.

Also being cross-examined by counsel to the 2nd defendant, Chief Tochukwu Onwubufor, SAN, Odenigbo said he was not aware if Metuh eventually refunded the money or not.

He said: “My lord, all I can say is that the defendant all through exhibited qualities of an honest man who was not out to defraud anyone”.

Finance Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, as saying “the Federal Government authorized the Debt Management Office (DMO) to pay the claims less tax liability of N5.171 billion, which was computed by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

“The gross total outstanding subsidy claims accruable to the oil marketers for 2015 stood at N48, 207, 176, 262.44, while deductable tax liabilities payable to the Federal Inland Revenue Service stood at N5, 171, 186, 373.05 only.”

Giving details of the payments, Mrs. Adeosun stated: “Oil Marketers without Tax Liabilities were paid in full, while those with net subsidy claims and FIRS liabilities were paid net claim after deduction of tax liabilities.”

She further stated that all oil marketers that were indebted to the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the seven oil marketers that were indebted to the Asset Management Company, AMCON, were not paid until they settled their debts with the two agencies.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016 —17

O

NE of the side effects of being a population with an acute experience and understanding of injustice has been the sense of entitlement these feelings produce. Successive governments had little impact, so we began to feel we were owed everything, whether we were ready to contribute and work for those advantages or not.

The political class taught Nigerians that one could become a millionaire over night and most were eager to wait their turn for the opportunity to carve something for themselves out of the national cake. Corruption thrives because we are all complicit, from the media, which celebrates those with dubious pasts, to the universities rewarding fraudulence with honorary degrees, to every voter who either abstains or returns inefficient, short-sighted men and women to the National Assembly.

Access to opportunity Life in Nigeria has become a zero-sum game where individual benefits exist at the expense of others’ access to opportunity. Zoning, cabals, ethnic mafias, Niger Delta Avengers, “killer herdsmen”, are evidence of larger unresolved issues in our society: how is wealth to be shared, distributed and what mechanisms exist to guarantee favourable conditions for enterprise, fair chances and prospects for anyone willing to work hard?

Nothing in Nigeria supports initiative or creativity.

Those who dare to be original, those who possess the getup-and-go boldness that built America, are routinely discouraged and ultimately swayed by the realization that the only functioning business in Nigeria is corruption.

Part of the opposition to the anti-corruption war comes from

tprincewill@yahoo.co.uk

Without corruption, who are we as Nigerians? the inability, in so many quarters, from the media to the political establishment, to imagine a Nigeria free from graft. What would it mean for men who need free money to impress girlfriends, for a generation of women that has been raised to see independence as un-African or

Cynicism is a privilege we shouldn’t want; those who don’t want change have enough stolen funds to isolate themselves from the issues their negligence and stupendous greed caused; most of us don’t a White woman’s whim or finally, for everyone in the society propping themselves up with public office funds, knowing full well they cannot compete in a level playing field? So many things have been done to trick

Nigerians into apathy, to feed our cynicism and belief that the status quo is our only option.

Fuel subsidy is an illusion: we believe we benefit yet subsidy was turned into a scam, fuelling millionaires who sometimes didn’t even import the product they were paid for, where crude oil swaps were conducted (in exchange for refined products), yet amounts don’t tally and our coffers remain mysteriously empty.

Rather than make millionaires of a few politically connected people, this government proposes to use subsidy funds for infrastructural necessities with an almost immediate impact on all our lives. Things are tough but this could have been avoided if previous governments had done well by

us.Why don’t our refineries work? If the huge sums earmarked for Federal roads had been properly spent the cost of transportation wouldn’t be skyrocketing. If young people could get a globally competitive education, they would be equipped to deal with a fuel price increase, having the inventiveness to create technologically based industries, provided of course they had electricity.

Why, under the guise of privatisation, have we sold key assets only to politically exposed persons without the ability to manage them effectively? What happened to the River Basin Authorities, RBAs, that were supposed to manage grazing reserves for cattle, as far back as the '70s?

Why do we keep treating our problems as if they were new, as opposed to resurgences of the same old unattended issues? RBAs were supposed to ensure food sufficiency (now virtually everything in Nigeria is imported), instead they sold farmlands to politicians; they didn’t provide water to irrigate and with scarcity of resources comes conflict: by ceasing to combat desertification (the same desertification which

turned Boko Haram into a recourse for destitute Nigerians), they impoverished herdsmen, sending them further down south with their cattle. These same RBAs were meant to stop pollution of the Niger Delta, create fisheries and support rural electrification.

Anyone who still misunderstands the situation and thinks corruption is not the number one issue which deserves an honest, sincere President’s attention must review 16 years of malfeasance, plus another 30 under the military where we ourselves bought into economic slavery under the new social contract promising that one day, we too would be allowed our time to steal. We are indeed fantastically corrupt.

Corrupt institutions The fact that foreign powers have assisted us in laundering money, etc, is another discussion entirely. No one forced us into this mess; even if it is true we inherited corrupt institutions and government processes from colonisation.

Cynicism is a privilege we shouldn’t want. Those who don’t want change have enough stolen funds to isolate themselves from the issues their negligence and stupendous greed caused. Most of us don’t.

Let us not play into their hands or cause them to laugh at us any further. Hope is an act of survival, particularly when the signs of something great to come, are all there. Let’s stop dumbing down public discourse with ethnic slurs and politicised rants defending the indefensible.

Without corruption, who could you aspire to become, in a country that accepts, encourages and rewards your talents? Only the talentless or those allergic to hard work and merit would want to fight such a dream.

NLC

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ABOUR unions’ effective ness over the years is doubtful: brown envelopes allegedly curtail strikes. The NLC should strike to protest the inefficiency of state governors, past and present, who have done little to develop their states. We have focused so much on the Presidency’s policies and forgotten to interrogate our governors. Why is the NLC

HE National Coalition of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators, NCNDE-A, alleged the new Niger Delta Avengers militant group was founded by former President Jonathan to destabilize the country.

In a country where conspiracy theories aren’t implausible, only security agencies would know the truth. I won’t dwell on both group’s names: one seems reminiscent of a cartoon, the other’s existence

itself is just plain ludicrous.

Despite all this, the president of the improved militant’s group made one comment which should draw our attention: “Our common enemies in the Niger Delta region are those governors, ministers, senators and other representatives from the region who participated in government and use their offices to enrich themselves at the detriment of general good.

ciation for the political and economic circumstances which ought to call for a strike or not.

Hopefully the cynics and the morbidly corrupt haven’t gained too much ground. For the first time in a very long time, a leader means well. Let’s tighten our belts (easier said than done, indeed) and finally correct manmade problems we once endorsed. Nigeria, wake up.

Obasanjo

Niger Delta Avengers

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yet to ask state governors not only what they did with the bailout funds meant for salaries but what mechanisms they have put in place to boost states’ economic output and productivity so they can pay workers salaries in future and create an enabling environment for us all.

The NLC seems to have little real understanding of public policy and even less of an appre-

We must redirect our anger to those who cornered the dividends of democracy in the region buying fleet of aeroplanes, building mansions in choice cities of the world while their people live in abject poverty.” Let every militant andseparatist organisation wake up to this fact. He further concluded: “President Buhari isn’t our problem our leaders from the region are”.

Nigerians, demand more.

H

IS comments on Buhari are preposterous, like his self-congratulatory stance on fighting corruption (how was the recovered Abacha loot spent?)

Perhaps there is something to

be said about a jealous impulse.

Why disown those he handpicked for office? Why did he attempt a third term, does that still count as “statesmanesque”?

One might have to blame the media for becoming the platform for remnants of undistinguished times past.

*Tabia Princewill is a strategic communica- tions consultant and public policy analyst. She is also the cohost and executive producer of a talk show, WALK THE TALK which airs on Channels TV.

18 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016 THE decision of 19 Northern governors to commence the registration of religious groups and organisations has been generating controversies among religious leaders and other stakeholders. A communiqué they issued on April 29, 2016, disclosed their intention to enact a law to regulate indoor and outdoor preaching.

The Kaduna State Gover nor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, had earlier proposed an amendment to the religious preaching bill to the state house of assembly. The bill, which followed the December 2015 clash between the Army and Shiite Muslims in Zaria, Kaduna State, is being perceived as the state government’s response to the situation. Besides this, governors in the North were alarmed at the proliferation of religious sects and preachers in the region.

When the bill becomes law, it will close down any religious institution and organisation that refuses to register with the respective state gover nments. According to the

Caution on religious preaching bill governors in their communiqué, “it has become imperative to establish a regulatory mechanism to constituently monitor activities of newly-registered and unregistered religious organisations, ascertain the sources of their funds both locally and internationally, monitor the activities of new Islamic schools established by any of the sects as well as their curriculum”.

Indeed, the perennial religious conflicts in the North topped in recent years by the influx of terrorists and their nihilist campaigns that have cost the nation over 20,000 lives and

unquantifiable material property call for greater vigilance by the gover nment and the citizenry.

Religious groups also contribute a lot in noise pollution.

However, government must not appear to be interfering with the people’s constitutional rights. In Chapter 38(1) of the Constitution, people have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

The provision also permits unhindered but lawful propagation of religious faith both in private and in public.

We frown at any move to create legislation perceived as targeting the

rights of adherents of any faith to hold and propagate their religion, except when they threaten the rights of people of other faiths. There is no alternative than for Nigerians to learn to live together peacefully and happily in a diverse, multi-religious society. Every government has a duty to use the powers and resources at its disposal to harness and encourage peaceful coexistence among the people.

We urge the Kaduna State Government and the states of the North to always allow citizens to enjoy their rights to their faiths without discrimination. They must avoid the temptation of foisting any religion on citizens through covert or overt methods, or undermining the activities and entitlements of religious minorities. Steps must be taken to douse the tension and suspicions trailing the religious preaching bill.

Government must genuinely consult widely and make sure to carry everyone along in handling matters of faith.

OPINION Makpa Malla and the struggle ffor or local go vt aut onom govt autonom onomyy

By Ayodele Adio

I

N a landmark judgement by Justice Abdulfatai of the Lagos state high court, the erudite judged unequivocally declared that no governor was empowered by the constitution to take over the administration of local governments through sole administrators or caretaker committees. The question, why governors recklessly interfere with grassroots democracy, is one that lies at the very core of governance and a key determinant of socio economic development.

The manner in which state governors have truncated governance at local governments have been nothing short of ignominious and a flagrant disregard of the process that brought them into office.

It was Wale Oshun, a former chief whip in the Federal House of Representatives who argued in his timeless master piece, clapping with one hand, that “however imperfect the practice of democracy may seem, the heart of it should be the freedom for the people to choose who governs them.

That freedom cannot and must not be restricted under and means or excuse. It is when the people have exercised that freedom that they have in turn affirmed the national will or sovereignty as the case may be”. Where this freedom is denied, seized or trampled upon, there is neither liberty nor freedom.

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For me the greatest tragedy is the culpability of the state legislative arm that seem to have form a formidable partnership with the executive to continuously game the system at the expense of the rule of law. A nation headed for the cliff can simply be defined as that which its legislators no longer

The struggle for the independence of local government is one we must all support as this is the closest tier of government to the people and its impact is directly felt by the citizenry

have respect for the rule of law. I strongly believe that the quickest route to national prosperity is to accelerate local productivity which is the exclusive purview of the local government chairmen.

Just recently, the Nassarawa state governor decided to borrow a leaf from his

Enugu colleague’s book- governance as jamboree, by swearing in sole administrators to run the local governments in the state. The governor’s apologists have been quick to defend such odium by arguing he invoked the doctrine of necessity. I think it is imperative one clears the air on this highly abused doctrine of necessity upon which such illegality have be perpetuated.

The doctrine of necessity is used to define or validate extra constitutional issues that fall outside the purview of the constitution but are necessary to preserve political stability. In a nut shell, the doctrine of necessity is usually adopted as a contingency to escape a political quagmire.

The spirit of this provision is quite clear in that it is introduced to deal with issues not clearly defined by the constitution, one capable of creating social or political unrest. The autonomy of local government chairmen, its roles and responsibilities and of course its boundaries are highly conspicuous in the constitution. As such there is absolutely no need to invoke any doctrine on a matter clearly back by the constitution.

We should ask former governor Peter Obi, why local government elections were never held for eight years in Anambra and more importantly give account for the funds accrued to aforementioned tier of government during the period. We should ask governor Mimiko where he stumbled

on the wisdom to run local government elections after six years of caretaker committees.

This highhandedness and total disregard for the rule of law by governors in connivance with state legislators must be resisted by all well meaning Nigerians.

We cannot allow our rights to vote leaders in our councils be abused by men we elect into office. The words sole administrators and caretaker committee insults the spirit of democracy that confers on the people the right to vote their local government chairmen.

The struggle for the independence of local government is one we must all support as this is the closest tier of government to the people and its impact is directly felt by the citizenry. The bold and courageous display in defence of the rule of law by Mapka Malla, a member of the state House of Representatives representing Wamba constituency, must be commended and encouraged. He might have been suspended from his legislatives duties, but truth shall prevail and those who have rigged the people of their constitutional right shall soon find themselves cuffed by their own illegality.

Without any hesitation we must work together to expel the words, caretaker committee and sole administrator from our political lexicon. That way we can demand improved efficiency at the various municipal point of service across the 774 local governments across the nation.

*Mr. Adio , a social critic , wrote from Lagos.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016—19 —19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

A decade after (2) O

UTSIDE the circle of immediate family members one ‘guardian angel’ whose intervention was crucial to the birth of this column is the one generally called ‘Baba’ within the fraternity of Nigerian writers, especially the ‘younger’ ones. He is a former president of the Association of Nigerian Authors, a poet, politician and lately aspiring governor of Edo State, Odia Ofeimun. Odia, as he is otherwise simply known, as far as I know was the one who suggested my name as the reviewer of Mr. Uwaifo’s book when it became clear somebody other than Reuben Abati would have to review that book. It was through him I would meet Mr. Uwaifo and he played a major role in assuring the author that he had nothing to fear about me being able to fit the bill of reviewer even within the severely limited time left before the public presentation of the book, That Nigeria May Survive.

People who believed in him had taken risks on him at a time many would have been content to ignore him. He in turn is ever prepared to take such risks with others in whose ability he believes. His words to Mr. Uwaifo were no mere attempt to allay the author’s

fears. But his conviction in my ability to deliver and his confident declaration of this which was in character no doubt went a long way to clear off any niggling doubt. Odia had no time to quibble when it comes to writing. In his typically forthright way, he can be depended upon to give a honest account of his assessment of a writer’s competence. Here, he could be brutally honest, often coming off as too harsh to people either unfamiliar with this trait or used to the more sympathetic mentoring of other older writers. With him the matter is very simple. There are no young or old writers. You either know your art or you don’t. So in the birth of this column Odia was a midwife of sorts. He even took time to read a draft of my review and offered suggestions to improve it.

I’ve never forgotten any of this and I knew or hoped there would be space to mention it before the conclusion of this piece even though I was also subconsciously reluctant to say anything that could be considered unduly revelatory about me or others. But Odia probably thought I had forgotten a lot when he sent me his congratulatory message

last week on reading the first part of this piece. Of course, I remember all. What I didn’t know was the bit about the publisher who he didn’t name, a fan of sorts, who had read another work of mine, and who also had rooted for me to be the reviewer of Mr. Uwaifo’s book.

I have dwelt this long on Odia’s role because sometimes, I believe, his contribution in the development of Nigerian literature and writing in general, by way of mentoring younger writers, is sometimes too quickly glossed over and insufficiently acknowledged.

More than any other writer or intellectual teaching/writing anywhere such art is taught in Nigeria, Odia Ofeimun has arguably mentored/trained new writers by the keen

The great challenge of the vast democratisation and massification of the media in the last decade is the remarkable absence of sobriety interest with which he follows development in that sector.

There would be very few Nigerian writers of note below the age of sixty (without mentioning older individuals) who began writing after 1990 that didn’t come under the direct or indirect impact of his mentoring. That is a major contribution to the human capital development of a country, especially one as Nigeria that is increasingly

noted for its severe deficit of such credible mentors in any sphere of our cultural, political or intellectual practice.

Long before I would even know that I would write for Vanguard, Odia had celebrated my writing in other domains. He has suggested my name as possible replacement to writing events he was invited but couldn’t honour. I believe that is what he does for others. Thus by the time I was to start writing for Vanguard, before Sad Sam’s head-hunting skills came my way, he thinks I was already ripe for the public space. As he put it in his message, ‘You were already on your way to becoming a public intellectual.

You just needed to be collared.’

So in marking the tenth anniversary of this column I gratefully acknowledge his contribution and unstinting fellowship over these many years.

A decade since this column made its debut a lot has happened in the wider practice of Nigerian journalism. Much of the developments in this regard are the outgrowth of what might be called the revolution in the spread of social media. This has enabled the involvement and participation of far many more Nigerians in the business of shaping public discourse, thereby democratising Nigerian journalism in particular and media practice in general.

Where public discourse is concerned, there are no longer ‘average Nigerians’. Everyone has an opinion and everyone is an expert of sorts, and people are generally more mediasavvy even when there is lot to question about the depth of the ‘insight’ they proffer or when such insight belong more in the domain of gossip and urban legends masquerading as profound wisdom.

Stemming political violence in Edo

By Dan Owegie

I

N the past few days, Edo State has been in the political news for very obvious reasons. As the September 10 governorship election draws nearer, the political firmament of the State is charged. It is, however, not unexpected as the main contest for who becomes the next Governor after Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is certainly happening within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The ongoing skirmishes notwithstanding, it is instructive that whosoever wins the party’s nomination will automatically become the next governor of Edo State because the people have pitched their tent with the APC for good.

There have been some unpalatable occurrences these past days which must be stemmed. First , was the disclosure that the State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu’s coordinator, Barr.Humphrey Uanseoje, signed a letter with other governorship aspirants of the party such as Engr. Chris Ogienwonyi, Barr. Ken Imasuagbon and Barr. Omo Irabor, which they sent to the National Secretariat of the APC alleging plans by the state Chairman of the party, Anslem Ojezua, to doctor the delegates list for the gubernatorial primary with the backing of the Governor. The publication undoubtedly did not go down well with the governor and several other party faithfuls. It was also about the first time, many political observers in the party would find the deputy governor openly accusing his principal of alleged plot to manipulate the forthcoming party primaries. But the Governor had hinted of his desire to back one of the many candidates vying for the party’s ticket.

But from the letter to the party national secretariat, it was obvious that Dr. Odubu was not the aspirant who enjoys the support of the governor. But, sadly to observers, both men have worked together harmoniously over the past ten years for the common good of the State.

Again, another allegation from the

It is, therefore important to emphasise that the major negative factors that have prevented development and stability in our Political dispensation is politics of bitterness Governor, published in Vanguard Newspaper that his Deputy, Pius Odubu allegedly contracted native doctors to eliminate him so that Odubu will take over as governor. The Governor said he was informed of the alleged plan by a leader of the party and that he had met with the native doctors whom his deputy allegedly contracted to do the damage, adding that the native doctors admitted and gave him details of how the rituals were executed.

The governor’s disclosure came as a surprise to many APC leaders and members of the public just as it was

refuted by the deputy governor who attributed what he described as the spurious allegation to the handiwork of his political enemies bent on causing disaffection between him and the governor. To prove his innocence, Odubu offered to contact a strong traditional doctor in Benin, so that those who accused him will take an oath before the gods. He vehemently denied the allegation and reiterated his loyalty to the governor. He said, as a Catholic faithful, he could not contemplate anything as the plot to poison his boss with juju.

Then came the formal declaration of Odubu of his intention to seek the party's ticket for September, 2016, election.

Following week, he was at Auchi for political activities and he alleged that he was attacked by assassins who were after his life but that the said assassins shot six of his followers. The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Kasim Afegbua, however, dismissed the assassination claim stating that what happened at Auchi was a shootout between rival political groups for which the Inspector General of Police , Solomon Arase has raised a high powered team of detectives to investigate.

The political tension in the state later in the week moved to the State House of Assembly with the impeachment of two principal officers- Speaker, Victor Edoror and his deputy, Mr. Bright Osayande. Again, there were sporadic gun shots at the Edo Assembly and tear gas canisters were fired to disperse hordes of political thugs brought into the House by the lawmakers who appeared prepared for a show down. Although, the reasons given by the new leadership for their impeachment are high-

But the widespread availability of access to information means that more Nigerians are aware of what goes on in this country and around the world. This in the long run will be salutary for democratic practice.

Theoretically people would be less easy to deceive as they are more aware even when such awareness is many times the product of gossips and hearsay.

While the media field is more diffuse in terms of sources and practitioners there are certainly more readers today, actual or potential, than at any time predating the advent of social media.

Citizen journalism seems the in-thing and while the number of competent writers without mentioning opinion moulders and/or thinkers may not have increased thereby, there are more people with ability to access what passes for news and make their contribution to creating news than before now.

The feedbacks from these diverse sources provide important guide into and means for the calibration of the collective mindset. This can prove crucial in shaping the kind of opinion and how such opinion is purveyed by the more professional practitioners who, in spite of the explosion in the population of practitioners, are nevertheless still actively sought and engaged for their reading or measurement of societal tempo. The great challenge of the vast democratisation and massification of the media in the last decade is the remarkable absence of sobriety, the verbal anarchy and intolerance of differing opinions and views by the new entrants into the media space. At this present pace the journey ahead promises to be one hell of a ride.

Concluded

handedness, dictatorial tendencies and financial recklessness, their actions have also sent tongues wagging- even from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the State. The PDP must know that they can not profit from the current misunderstanding in the APC as all the issues would be amicably resolved.

It is, therefore important to emphasise that the major negative factors that have prevented development and stability in our Political dispensation is politics of bitterness. Often times I see politicians killing each other, betraying one another because of political positions or appointments and I wonder: Does politics teach us to destroy one another?

Is polities meant to eradicate integrity and love for one another?

Politicians need to understand and appreciate the ethics and true meaning of politics. The fact that you lost your presidential, governorship or senatorial position should not be reason for hatred and bitterness towards opponents. A true politician should constantly allow ethics in politics to guide his words and actions. It must not be a do or die affair.

The essence of politics is to promote one another, enhance development in our society, promote peace and unity and advance the common good of society. We fail in our political ambitions and positions because of wrong motives in politics.

Our party, the APC is blessed with abundant leaders who can mediate in the current impasse and bring about an amicable solution to all sides. I implore our party elders and leaders to move swiftly to resolve all issues before our party primaries. It is clear that Edo people are waiting for us to get it right and continue to govern the state the way we have done since 2008.

*Mr. Owegie is a chieftain of the APC,

Edo State.

20 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

By Elizabeth Uwandu

R

Lagos community cries foul over alleged illegal demolition

ESIDENTS of Okun-Mopo in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State have cried out over the demolition of their houses and other structures by two estate agents, CMB Estate and Diamond Estate . The demolition was allegedly carried out on the order of Ajayi Apata Property Limited which claimed that the Lagos State government allocated the land in the area to them.

Residents of the community who spoke through their solicitors, Bolanle Olugbani of Bolanle Olugbani & Co. told Vanguard Metro that the demolition started on April 14, 2016. The dem*Demolished structures at Okun Mopo community olition team which came with caterpillars and bullFear of reprisal by host comdozers was made up of agents of as well as his actions being threat munity the property firm led by one Isaac to life.

The community,through a release Okeke a retired superintendent of The petition read in part: “Our Police attached to the Special Anti- clients informed us that Okeke disclosed to VM that the Lagos Robbery Squad, SARS Ikeja Police (rtd) and his boys viciously as- State and the Federal governments Command. saulted our clients and members should urgently intervene on the Narrating the plight of the affect- of the community through posses- land issue so that the situation may ed residents, Olugbani had said: sion of illegal firearms to threaten not degenerate to fracas where “The residents now live in anguish and kill them. The said retired lives might be lost.

Reacting to the allegations, solicand pain over the loss of their Police Officer impersonated a properties. They also move about serving police officer to order his itors to CMB Building Maintetheir duties in fear of being at- gangs to forcefully and illegally nance and Investment Company Limited, Rotimi Aladesanmi, tacked by thugs.” take away our clients land”. through a release titled: “False and Tracing the genesis of the tusmalicious claims by Okun Mopo sle, Olugbani said the land which Illegal Community against CMB Buildbelongs to his clients – the Tradi- demolition ing Maintenance and Investment tional Rulers of the Okin- Mopo Company Limited and AIG Zone community, in the name of IsiaThe second petition requested ka, Oladehind and Balogun fami- for transfer of the case filed against 2, LAGOS”, said their client had lies, was allegedly allocated to the AIG Zone 2 Police Command denied the various false and malicious allegations pertaining to its Ajayi Apata , the Deputy Commissioner of conducts.

Property Ltd police, Zonal CID, and Zonal In their words:” It must be statby the Lagos SARS, Zone 2 Command for aled that this same Okun Mopo State governleged “biased and prejudiced pocommunity had previously made ment without lice action, improper investigathis kind of allegation of demolidue consultation, illegal demolition of private tion against the Lagos State govtion and any property and disobedience to court ernment. form of comorder.” The petition read thus: “It appears that the Baale of Okun pensation to The resi- “Our clients have reliably in- Mopo considers our clients to be a the land ownformed us that the aforementioned ers. It was on dents now security officers acting through soft target, hence the false allegations against our client with a view account of this live in the Deputy Commissioner of to intimidating our client into subthat his clients Police,ordered the demolition of mission.” sought re- anguish their properties in Sangotego LeThe solicitors also averred that: dress in the and pain kki, area of Lagos on 14th April, “Our client is not a party to any suit court via suit 2016, without a court order or eninvolving the Okun Mopo communo LD/135/ over the abling law,. nity and had many years ago law2013. And on loss of “Nigeria as a country of law placfully acquired the land from Ajayi June 30, 2014, es no one above the law. Since, their propApata Property and Investment Hon. Justice we have no confidence in the Company Limited, whose certifiE.A Adebajo of erties afore mentioned security operacate of occupancy was issued over the High Court tives, we request that the case twenty years ago”. of Lagos gave should be removed from Zone 2 The solicitors also exonerated the an interlocutoPolice Command forthwith to prePolice of blame, saying Zone 2 Pory injunction vent a continuation of improper to his clients against the defend- and illegal police action and ulti- lice Command only acted in response to a petition sent to it ants, namely the Lagos State Gov- mately miscarriage of justice. against the harassment of agents ernment, New Towns Development “Going by the way the CID, Authority and Ajayi Apata Proper- Zone 2, DP Zone and CID, and of their client by thugs in the community. ty and Investment Company. the O/C of the Zonal SARS have He added that: “The refusal of the Police involvement: He said fol- shown a clear unmistakable bias lowing the demolition two petitions and prejudice, we are convinced Nigeria Police to do the bidding of were promptly sent to the Inspec- that despite court order in our fa- the Baale of Okun Mopo... appears tor General of Police, IGP, Solomon vour in the land matter, we can- to have precipitated the smear on Arase. According to him, the first not get a fair, balanced police in- the persons of the Assistant Inspecletter to the IG accused retired vestigation at Zone 2 Police Com- tor General of Police and his officers of Zone 2 Command, Onikan Supol Okeke of assault, imperson- mand, Onikan Lagos.”

Lagos.” ation, illegal possession of firearms

...Wants FG, Lagos govt intervention

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Farmers, herdsmen and Niger-Delta militants

By Ebele Orakpo

S

EEMS we are fully back to the military era,” said Iyke in the CMS-bound commuter bus.

“Why do you say that? This is pure democracy,” said Tony. “Democracy ko, democracy ni. This is militocracy, period! Is this headline ‘Buhari orders Military to crush new Niger-Delta militant group, the language of democracy?” asked Iyke, referring to a statement credited to President Buhari. How can a democratically elected president use such harsh words? What are you crushing, inanimate objects or animals?”

Replied Mike: “He can use whatever language he deems fit, after all, he is first and foremost a soldier.

My grouse with him is that he has not used that tone of voice or such harsh words against the murderous Fulani herdsmen. Left to me, it is better to blow up pipelines and public institutions than attack poor innocent citizens, kill them, burn down their homes and take over the place.”

“This menace of the Fulani militia seems to me like an agenda being carried out. From what I am seeing and their mode of operation, if the indigenes steal their cows, why not report to the authorities and make the culprits pay? Why kill the people, burn down their villages and take over? Can anyone explain that? I am aware that in one of the states, herdsmen are made to pay farmers whenever their animals destroy farmlands,” said Susan.

“It’s so sad. Nigeria is going through turbulent times.

Trouble everywhere! I pray that God gives this government the wisdom to handle the situation,” said Tony.

Human rights activists Said Susan: “Unfortunately, government is employing force to tackle the issue but that is not the answer because instead of solving the problem, it will escalate it. They should look into the complaints of the people. A hungry man is an angry man. So many people are hungry today and therefore angry so government should tread cautiously.”

“But where are all those human rights activists in So many Nigeria who were so vocal during the campaigns? It people are seems the cat has got hold hungry today of their tongues! No one is talking again,” said and therefore Tony. “Ah, you want the angry; so Department of State Security to go after them? government I think they are afraid for should tread their lives,” said Mike.

“What is wrong with the cautiously militants anyway? They are further destroying their already polluted land.

There are other ways of drawing attention to their plight,” said Sussan. “Government only takes action when it affects them directly. So the Fulani militia menace does not affect them but the pipeline bombing does, hence the quick reaction. Remember the National Assembly passed a law that hands down death sentence on kidnappers just because one of them was kidnapped. She even said she suffered so much as they carried her on okada because she had never ridden on an okada in her life!” said Iyke.

“Yes, PMB spoke up immediately because that one touches his pocket. He needs the money from the oil to carry out the business of governance so anything or anyone that tampers with that will see the tiger in the guy,” said Mike.

“You are right. But shouldn’t the innocent souls lost in Agatu, Enugu, Taraba and other places touch him more than the pipelines? Where is our humanity? After all, the rural people are not benefitting anything from the state, so why shouldn’t the state let them be? “ asked Susan.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

— 21

FG, CBN to create N750bn agric intervention fund To tackle smuggling of poultry products

By Peter Egwuatu

T

HE Federal Government, yesterday, said it will collaborate with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN to create N750 billion agriculture fund as part of its commitment to making agriculture the mainstay of the Nigerian economy, just as it is committed to tackling the smuggling of poultry products into the country.

The Minister of State for Agriculture, Mr. Heineken Lokpobiri, who disclosed this at the 2016 National Summit of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, PAN, with the theme : “The Role of Poultry Industry in the Economic Revival of Nigeria” stated that the Federal Government is committed to diversifying the economy away from oil and revive the agricultural sector to boost the economy.”

ness can survive with high interest rate charged by commercial banks. Already, there exist some funding from CBN that even the poultry farmers can access at an affordable interest rate of nine per cent but the contention is that nine percent is too high. We are trying to make cred-

We are aware that smuggling is a major challenge and this is beyond the ministry of agriculture

Agricultural programme According to him “Access to credit is one of the biggest challenges farmers are facing, this government is trying to create N750 billion agriculture fund as this will go a long way to boost agricultural sector in the country.

In addition the federal government is also talking with Islamic Bank which has approach us to provide about $ 2.5 million. This will be rooted through Bank of Agriculture and Commerce Bank and at a single digit rate to finance different agric programme.

We are also talking with Africa Development Bank that will also provide funding to the sector.

“The present administration is committed to make agriculture attractive by making funds accessible and affordable as no busi-

it not only accessible but available and affordable,” Lokpobiri emphasised.

Speaking further, he said: “Also, the immediate challenge now is raw materials. In the poultry industry getting raw materials is very difficult because of lacck of foreign exchange. The president has directed that we release about 7,500 tonnes of grains to the poultryfarmers,thoughthisisnotenough butwehavetostartfromsomewhere.

“We are aware that smuggling is amajorchallengeandthisisbeyond theministryofagriculture,wedo not

police the border, we are talking with customs to bring about the desired change and we create the enabling environment within Nigeria to produce enough chickens and eggs.

As at today we are producing 300,000 while we need 2 million metric tonnes, what we are producingisfarbelowandthatiswhysmuggling is a big business but by the timeweareproducingenoughhere, smuggling will stop. This is one sector that will create the desired numbers of jobs.

In his address at the summit, Na-

tional President of PAN, Dr. Ayoola Oduntan said “We are particularly elated to hear and understand that the focus of the Government is Agriculture - though we have not seen a clearly spelt out road map and Action Plan to a rejuvenated Agricultural revolution. We say this with all sense of humility, since we have not been contacted or involved in any strategicroadmaptoasustainedand robust poultry development plan.

“However,thegoodnewstofarmers is that the Minister of Agriculture at our meeting with him in

March this year assured the Association that the Economic Partnership Agreement will not be signed and that all efforts will be made by the government despite current challenges, that farmers affected by Avian Influenza are paid their compensations. He also promised to use all channels of dialogue and communication with his colleagues in the cabinet to ensure that no neighboring countries’ land or sea borders is used to threaten the economy of Nigeria by means of dumping of products through smuggling.”

Fear over MPC outcome fuels naira appreciation

By Babajide Komolafe

T

HE naira maintained its upward trend in the parallel market yesterday, appreciating $ 131.95 3.15 to N345 per dollar in response to decline $2,925.00 -2.00 in demand for dollars occasioned by anxie$ 16.60 -0.29 ty over the possible outcome of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting $48.75 -0.22 coming up next week. $47.66 -0.06 Vanguard investigation revealed that the CURRENCY BUYING SELLING parallel market exUS DOLLAR 196 196.5 197 change rate fell to 281.7892 282.5081 283.2269 POUNDS N345 per dollar yes222.0288 222.5952 223.1616 EURO terday from N350 per 200.6963 201.2083 201.7203 FRANC dollar on Monday, 1.8 1.8046 1.8092 YEN 0.3212 0.3312 0.3412 CFA implying apprecia276.2372 276.9419 277.6466 WAUA tion of N5 for the na30.0383 30.1154 30.1925 RENMINBI tion’s currency. The 52.2583 52.3916 52.5249 RIYAL naira has appreciat29.8448 29.921 29.9971 KRONA 276.2424 276.9471 277.6518 SDR ed by N25 against the dollar since FriCBN Exchange rate as at 17/05/2016 day when the paral-

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FORUM: From left, Ogun State Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Adeleke Adewole; former President of Colombia, Mr. Cesar Augusto Gaviria Trugillo and Business Executive, South West, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Rasaq Aboyeji, at the Ogun State Investors’ forum, in Abeokuta.

lel market exchange rate stood at N370 per dollar in response to anticipated increase in demand due to deregulation of petroleum products importation and rumours about imminent official devaluation of the naira by the

Nigerians are extremely nervous about the possible outcomes of the next MPC meeting

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Bureaux De Change operators attributed the increased appreciation of the naira to anxiety over

the possible outcome of the MPC meeting scheduled to hold from Monday to Tuesday next week.

“Demand for dollars is weak today because market participants, especially, buyers are anxious about the outcome of the MPC meeting”, said Aminu Gwadabe, President Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON).

Confirming this development, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, said “Nigerians are extremely nervous about the possible outcomes of the next MPC meeting. This is because of a confluence of negative developments ranging from a sharp fall in the production of oil, deepening external reserves, spiralling inflation and sharply lower Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth. There has hardly been a time in the history of Nigeria that the Central Bank has been faced with such stark and hard choices. Unfortunately, there is no silver bullet.

Reviewing the impact of the sharp

increase in inflation rate to 13.6 percent in April on the financial markets and the outcome of the MPC meeting, “The Company stated, “The MPC is expected to seriously consider the consequence of high inflation on investor returns. A tighter monetary environment (hiking interest rates) could result in investors shifting to the fixed income market due to attractive interest rates. In addition, NIBOR and T-bill rates would be expected to increase.

“Given the underperformance of the stock market with a negative YTD return of (6.35%), we expect capital outflow from the Nigerian bourse, as investors become attracted to high interest fixed income instruments.

“We expect a cocktail of measures or a sequence of steps aimed at controlling inflation, maintaining currency stability and stimulating growth. The order in which these decisions will be taken is a subject of great uncertainty and anticipation.”

22 — VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18 , 2016

Many African insurance executives are concerned about this continued fight of premiums and perceive it as a threat to the viability of the domestic insurance industry

,

Insurance market to achieve N6trn premium income T

HE insurance industry could achieve a premium income of N6 trillion and asset base of N16 trillion by the year 2020 if only operators could do away with unhealthy competition.

This was disclosed by the Director General of Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), Mr Sunday Thomas at Access Bank’s Insurance Forum in Lagos.

Thomas, however, said for this to be achieved, the industry operators must shun the current trend of unhealthy competition, which has seen many of them charging premium rates as low as one percent while others charge a rate as low as 0.85 percent instead of standard rate.

Retail insurance market segment He said if the industry operators were playing according to rules, in terms of premium charges, the industry would have hit the N6 trillion mark three years ago.

Currently, insurance industry’s premium income hovers around N312 billion while the industry total asset base stands around N715billion, according to industry sources.

The NIA DG, said to meet the set target, the industry operators, must show vested interest in promoting retail insurance market segment, place interest of their customers at the centre of their business plan and strategy, as well as review and tailor their products to suit today's customers.

He condemned the current trend in which the industry operators focus much attention on corporate business while neglecting retail business adding that cost of purchasing the corporate businesses impoverishes the industry.

He argued that among the operators that chase the corporate businesses, none of them retains the corporate accounts for up to five years without losing such account to competitors despite how jealously he guards it.

He said on the contrary, the retail businesses are less expensive and could be

retained for many years at little or no cost.

Thomas also enjoined the insuring public to see insurance in a positive light, a shift from their already held opinion that Insurers do not pay claims. He said this negative perception of the industry by the public, inhibits the growth of the industry in addition to the activities of fake insurance operators.

The need to grow the industry ’s premium income through the deepening of insurance penetration among Nigerians compelled the immediate past commissioner for Insurance, Mr Fola Daniel, to launch the industry’s Market Development and Restructuring Initiative (MDRI) in 2009.

This is a medium term plan with the objective of transforming the industry from the premium income margin of below N300billion to a trillion market in its first phase which lasted between 2009 to 2012.

This the industry failed to achieve, though a lot of windows of opportunities have been created by the ex-commissioner who set 2017 as ripe time to achieve the goal.

Reconstruction projects But Thomas is saying that given the existing huge untapped opportunities in the country especially with the huge population and renovation and reconstruction projects going on in the north eastern part of the country, occasioned by wanton destruction of lives and properties in the region by the dreaded Boko Haram insurgence,insurance would by 2020 generate premium in excess of N6 trillion if the operators will be alive to the responsibilities in the next four years.

Send comments & enquiries to insuranceandyou@yahoo.com C M Y K

INSURANC

,

African insurers seek to curb premium flights to foreign countries As participants at the just concluded African Insurance Organisation, AIO, rounded up the 43rd conference and general assembly in Morocco, the consensus is that African insurers must come together to check premium flight to foreign countries which is perceived as a major market threat.

By Rosemary Onuoha

T

HE African continent is estimated to have a population of 1.13 billion.

Africa’s share of the global insurance market is 1.1 per cent for non-life and 1.8 per cent for life while insurance penetration in 2014 was 2.7 per cent.

Secretary General of the African Insurance Organisation, AIO, Mrs. Prisca Soares said, “These factors point to the fact that the insurance market is vastly untapped.”

Given their need for specialist risk management capabilities and high quality security, large and complex risks are still ceded to foreign insurance markets. Many African insurance executives are concerned about this continued flight of premiums and perceive it as a threat to the viability of the domestic insurance industry.

According to the first Africa Insurance Barometer published by the AIO, which is based on in-depth interviews with 28 executives from regional and international insurers, reinsurers and brokers, competition from foreign markets, and the corresponding premium flight, were the most frequently mentioned threats to the development of a robust and sustainable African

insurance market. The lack of capacity to retain more risk within Africa is due to the shortage of skills but also a result of the often weak capitalisation of African insurance companies. The shortage of skills and excessive price competition are the

We still suffer from shortage of skilled and experienced insurance professionals; as a result, large and complex risks are not retained within Africa, but are ceded to foreign insurance markets

second and third most cited threats. Excessive price competition may only be of temporary nature, but shortage of skills is of greater strategic relevance and has the potential to seriously obstruct further market developments in the

long run.

Natalie van de Coolwijk, Chief Executive Officer, Willis Re South Africa said, “a shortage of skills continues to undermine the potential of the insurance sector in SubSaharan Africa. Programs providing practical training related to underwriting, finance and claims are urgently needed to address this challenge.”

According to Soares, one of the major challenges in most African insurance markets is that insurance premium is not growing as it should which is due largely to cut throat competition.

Risk management capabilities She said, “We still suffer from a shortage of skilled and experienced insurance professionals; as a result, large and complex risks are not retained within Africa, but are ceded to foreign insurance markets because specialist risk management capabilities and high quality security are not sufficiently available leading to a consequent premium flight which threatens the viability of the domestic insurance industry.

Moreover, there is still wide spread ignorance on the benefits of insurance. Added to this list is an acute insufficiency of product differentiation.

According to the Barometer, Africa’s insurance markets remain diverse and fragmented. Regulation is thought inadequate because undercapitalised companies compete on price rather than

From left, Chief Risk Officer, Union Bank, Kandolo Kasongo; President General,Uvwie Development Union, Chief Austin Ikuvwere; Chief Executive Officer, GP International, Chief Gbegbaje Das 1, Chief Executive Officer, Union Bank Plc, Emeka Emuwa and Director, Transformation Union Bank Plc, Mr, Joe Mbulu, at the branch unveil of Union Bank, Sapele Road, Effurun, Delta State.

NB commissions three projects in communities Page 25 VOL. 1 NO 68 Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JANUARYWEDNESDAY, 20, 2016 Vanguard, MAY 18, 2016

How Igweship tussle is ravaging Igbo communities M

ost communities in the five south east states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo are currently experiencing crises over selection or election of their traditional rulers known severally as Eze, Obi, Onyishi or Igwe, investigations by the South East Voice have revealed.

It was learned that although the roles of traditional rulers were not properly defined in most of the over 1000 communities in the zone, the selection of monarchs had become so contentious that it was the number one divisive problem in the five Igbo states. Like the popular Oluwale Market in Lagos State, where all types of fake certificates are printed and sold to would be buyers, traditional ruler-ship in Igbo land has been so bastardized that known criminals now bear the certificates. The various governments treat traditional rulers or Igwes like civil servants. Most of them are made to stay on the roads for hours with school children, waiting for visiting government functionaries under the sun. The traditional stool is not given on merit but the party you belong to or the people you know in government, hence the acrimony in most of the communities in the South East over the issue. In all, over 40 percent of the cases in various courts in the five states are related to chieftaincy disputes.

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA, NWABUEZE OKONKWO, CHIMAOBI NWAIWU, PETER OKUTU, CHINENYEH OZOR AND UGOCHUKWU ALARIBE IN THE BEGINING Apart from warrant chiefs appointed by the British colonialists mainly for the defunct Eastern House of Chiefs, only very few communities had traditional rulers in Igbo land before the late seventies as the people had various ways of governing themselves. Among such communities included Onitsha, Aro-Chukwu, Nri, Igbo Ukwu, Awka, Awka Etiti and Aguleri. In Enugu Ezike which has a distinctive tradition in Igbo land, the oldest man in the area was the Onyishi or traditional ruler as the people practiced gerontocracy. It is only in Enugu Ezike that people do not kill themselves to become the Onyishi as people in the same age are aware of each other's ages. In cases where ages of men were disputed, they had traditional ways of settling same instead of resorting to the courts or self-help.

The eldest woman in any community also becomes the Ede Umuada.

PROLIFERATION OF KINGSHIP However, in the late seventies when the then Federal Military Government introduced the revenue sharing formula which made provisions for the traditional institution, most elites in the zone reasoned that the only way the east could benefit from such largesse was to appoint Igwes or Ezes for the various communities, hence the contrived C M Y K

balkanisation of most towns into autonomous communities for appointment of traditional rulers. The appointment of several panels including that of Justice Agbakoba to recommend deserving communities and their traditional rulers in the zone opened the floodgates for such cases.

South East Voice gathered that the struggle for appointment of monarchs and creation of chiefdoms had become so contentious since the seventies that several prominent persons were killed in questionable circumstances while very many others died mysteriously over their alleged involvement in chieftaincy disputes. A lot of these disputes took the form of brothers quarrelling among themselves and fathers and sons belonging to various factions ass result of agitations over Igweship.

ANAMBRA: It was revealed that several important personalities had been brutally killed in the old Anambra State, the sensational assassinations of late Chief Godwin Chikeluba, popularly known as GMO and Justice Lawrence Anoliefo, both of Awka Etiti as well as the traditional ruler of Obosi in Idemili Local Government Area, Anambra State, Dr Walter Nnamdi Amobi marked the beginning of killings over Igweship or Ezeship stools.

Igwe Amobi IV of Ogidi was murdered in his Enugu home in 1998, while late Sir Lawrence Anoliefo; then Judge of the High Court of Nigeria, was murdered on December 23, 1986. The report is presented according to states: There are 177 communities in the new Anambra State and each of them is expected to have a traditional ruler known as Igwe Obi or Eze, overseeing

•Prof. Augustine Obiekezie, Deputy Vice Chancellor of University of Calabar who emerged as the new Adama of Adazi-Nnukwu and his wife Lolo Eucharia Obiekezie their respective traditions and cultures, as enshrined in the constitution that Ndi Igwe or Ndi Eze were the custodians of their tradition and culture.

The first missionary workers, led by Mrs. Mary Bennett made their appearance in Awka-Etiti in 1904. The first C.M.S mission church was built in Iruowelle village. In 1913 the Roman Catholic mission was also introduced to the town, which built a church and a school. These two churches rapidly led to a conversion of the majority of AwkaEtiti natives to Christianity.

In 1944, the Awka-Etiti Improvement Union, A.I.U, was formed, as the governing body of the area, taking over the mantle of leadership from the traditional Council of Elders meeting (Okwu Azu-Oji). The name of the town was officially changed to Awka-Etiti by the A.I.U in 1946. In 1957 the AIU decided to elect the first Obi (King) of Awka-Etiti. The desire to have a king was based on the creation of the Eastern house of Chiefs by the then colonial Eastern Regional Government in 1956 and the intention of Awka-Etiti to secure a seat on the legislative body.

Awka-Etiti from ancient days did not traditionally have a king, although two warrant chiefs had been appointed by the British after 1900. The first was Chief Ezenwosu on whose death Chief Oyiatuigbo was appointed in 1915 until his death in 1954. The elections for the Igwe‘s stool were held on July 29, 1957 with His Royal Highness, Igwe Silas Ezenwa emerging as the first Obi of Awka-Etiti. Business men and women

from the town had successfully specialised in the importation of bicycles and bicycle parts by the early 1940s.

However, after the Nigerian- Biafran Civil War in 1970, Awka-Etiti entrepreneurs established a number of renowned manufacturing industries notably the G.M.O Group of Companies and the Roadmaster Industries Ltd. More recently established industries are the IKB cosmetics product line and the Interbau Construction Company Ltd. Thousands of job opportunities in Nigeria and beyond were provided directly and indirectly by these and other industries and business ventures rooted in Awka-Etiti. All the roads in the area were tarred, mainly by private individuals. Beyond that, several important link roads were tarred by the single handed efforts of philanthropic natives.

Awka-Etiti is representative of the situation in the neighbouring towns and Igbo land, where little or no government induced infrastructural development had been felt. The Iruowelle Youths Association and the Umunocha Development Association have been most prominent in tarring the roads in their villages. But, the struggle for the Igwe ship stool in Awka-Etiti (formerly Awka Dielo), noted as one of the driving forces behind the development of industrialisation in Igbo land led to serious disputes and the untimely death of some prominent natives.

However, while certain communities

Continues on Page 24

24 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

How Igweship tussle is ravaging Igbo communities Continues from Page 23 in the state including Atani in Ogbaru Local Government Area, Alor in Idemili South Local Government Area, Uga in Aguata Local Government Area and most recently Oraukwu in Idemili North Local Government Area have just settled down with their new traditional rulers in the persons of Igwe Augustine Ngoddy (Atani), Igwe MacAnthony Okonkwo (Alor), Igwe Chidi Ezenwugo (Uga) and Igwe Emeka Onuora (Oraukwu), though with protests from some quarters, some other communities like Adazi-Nnukwu in Anaocha Local Government Area and Uke in Idemili North Local Government Area are still engrossed in tussles arising from the method of the selection of their own.

In the case of Adazi-Nnukwu, the community has never known peace since the alleged disqualification of Chief Emmanuel Chukwuma, one of the three Igweship candidates selected by Nnukwu clan alongside Prof. Augustine Obiekezie, a deputy vicechancellor at University of Calabar, UNICAL and Dr. Chike Ezeude, a hotel proprietor based in Abuja and presented to the entire community for election among the three.

The President-General of the town union, Chief Benedict Enemuo had in a general meeting of Adazi-Nnukwu Town Development Union, ATDU, announced the disqualification of Chukwuma, saying that he was not academically or educationally qualified to be their Igwe because he did not possess a minimum of a Diploma certificate.

This development, obviously, split the community into two with the majority insisting that once the Nnukwu clan whose turn it was to select and present candidates to the general assembly for election had included him among the three most qualified candidates and presented him for election, it was improper to have disqualified him, more so, when Chukwuma himself presented a diploma certificate he claimed to have obtained in Cote Di’voire where is he is currently based.

Chukwuma’s supporters insisted that the ATDU should have also, sent an investigative team to Cote D’ivoire to verify if actually Chukwuma read and obtained the certificate there or not, before disqualifying him.

The supporters also claimed that he was disqualified because they knew he would defeat the other candidates if allowed to contest as a result of his popularity occasioned by his philanthropic activities

which involved annual scholarship awards and empowerment programmes.

At the moment, the suit filed

by Chukwuma against Enemuo and ATDU is still pending before an Awka High court presided over by the state Chief Judge, Justice Peter Umeadi.

Chukwuma is praying the court to include him as one of the three candidates that would contest the Igweship election, as well as an order injunction barring Governor Willie Obiano from giving Obiekezie or any other person staff of office, pending the determination of the suit.

Brothers at war for same stool In the case of Uke community, the Igweship tussle is currently going on between two brothers of same biological parentage as the elder one, Dr Boniface Bartholomew Chukwudi Agbala (plaintiff), a medical practitioner, has already dragged his younger sibling, Charles Chukwuma Agbala, a Quantity Surveyor who is contesting the Igweship with him and six others (defendants) to an Idemili High court sitting in Ogidi, over the matter.

The plaintiff is seeking among other reliefs, a declaration that under the Uke Development Union, UDU Constitution of 2007, two candidates can not emerge from the same ward (Uruezeani/Uruabor) to contest for the throne of the community, not to talk of two brothers from same parentage.

He therefore prayed the court to declare also that going by the UDU constitution of 2007 that his younger brother was not qualified to contest the throne with him when he (elder) had already declared interest to contest and was duly nominated by the ward winning the selection exercise.

Agbala also pleaded that the selection committee acted in breach of the UDU constitution 2007 by submitting the name of his younger brother to the Uruezeani/Uruabor Patriotic Union and Central Executive Committee of UDU when he (plaintiff) was already in the race before him.

He also asked for N20 million damages against all the defendants as well as for an order of perpetual injunction restraining his younger brother, agents, privies, servants and all the defendants or successors from parading him or other defendants or any other person other than himself as the Igweelect of Uke. Blame govt —Ex-commissioner A former Commissioner for Youth Development in Abia State, Mr Ekele Nwaohanmuo, who bemoaned the divisive tendencies in the Igbo land as

•The new Adama of Adazi-Nnukwu being presented with certificate of recognition

by Gov Willie Obiano of Anambra state. a result of Ezeship crises placed inclined to stand against ENUGU: During the military the problems at the doorsteps injustices such as imposition. administration of Col. Robert “As a lawyer, I have a party I Akonobi in the old Anambra of the various state am representing in court. The State, some communities governments.

Nwaohanmuo told South East community lost their Eze. After including Enugu Ezike were Voice in Aba, that the traditional the mourning period, a wealthy split into various autonomous stool was now used to settle man living overseas just communities. Enugu Ezike political loyalists and appeared on the scene and which used to be one large sympathizers, leading to crises declared interest on the vacant autonomous community was with opposing parties. stool. But the people already split into four before they were According to him, granting of had their choice, but the man further increased to over 36 certificate of recognition to with the support of a cabal in following agitations for more. traditional rulers has become a the community started using Today, there are more money spinner as well as toll security agents to harass those autonomous communities than for political loyalty for those in opposing him, leading to crisis. secondary schools in the area Some of them were arrested following the balkanisation of power.

To become a traditional ruler, and remanded in prisons. This the state by the former it is now a matter of who you caused serious crisis, and as I administration of Dr know? Which political party? am talking with you; over five Chimaroke Nnamani and his This should not be so, because persons have died as a result successor, Sullivan Chime. The the traditional stool is meant to of the crisis,” he said.

Imufu Community, is currently He then asked the state in court with the government be apolitical. Today, you see many traditional rulers governments to refrain from appointed traditional ruler, campaigning for their choice imposing traditional rulers and Remigius Attah as the people candidates during elections. It let the people choose their claimed that Attah forged the is as bad as that. This is the kings themselves. constitution with which he EBONYI: There have been used in getting recognition major cause of crisis.”

According to him, in Abia pockets of disputes and over nine years ago. surrounding state, the issue of Ezeship intrigues However, it is remarkable that disputes became more chieftaincy matters in some although, there are currently pronounced since the return of local government areas like two parallel levels of traditional democracy in 1999. What Ivo, Ishielu, Ohaozara which governance in Enugu Ezike caused it? It is the attempt to sharply divided the natives of the Onyishis are still more impose traditional rulers on the the affected communities. respected and superior to the In the state, chieftaincy government appointed Igwes. people. A traditional ruler must be a fit and proper person matters are not only divisive Igwes are usually summoned to preside over the people. He but rancorous, hence the to attend meetings at the must be somebody who can current administration of Onyishi’s palace whenever command respect from his Governor Dave Umahi has set needed. It is an abomination for people. But today, all kinds of up the Ebonyi State Traditional the oldest man to attend village shady characters have been Rulers Council to settle such meetings in a younger person’s made traditional rulers in many disputes. Umahi had in house, hence there are parallel communities. So, with such a September 2015, resolved the lines of authorities. The situation why won’t there be contentious issue of who was Onyishi is the de facto leader crisis? I remind you that people the authentic traditional ruler while the Igwe is de jure leader in this part of the world are of Ishiagu autonomous in each of the new communities community, in Ivo Local in the area.

Government Area of the state.

In Nkanu area, several On the occasion which took communities are experiencing place at the International serious disputes arising from Conference Centre, Abakaliki, selection of their traditional the traditional ruler, Agu III of rulers. There was heightened Ishiagu kingdom, His Royal tension in Mgbanaoha Nkerefi Majesty, Eze Moses Okafor and Umuode communities Ngele was issued a Certificate following the brutal murder of of Recognition and Staff of the traditional rulers of the Office by Umahi. communities, Igwe P.A. The kingship tussle that Onuoha and Moses Ugwu rocked Ishiagu community respectively, by yet to be lasted over seven years identified gunmen. following the demise of the Agu It was gathered that the II of Ishiagu kingdom, HRM hoodlums killed the traditional Basil Onu died in 2008. ruler of Nkerefi alongside Ejike Also, the emergence and Udeme Uzor, Evelyn Udeme coronation of Eze Laz Nweze Uzor, and Daniel Ogbu.

Umahi as the king of Uburu Meanwhile, despite a Autonomous Community in pending court case in Ihe / Ohaozara Local Government Owerre autonomous Area after 10 years of dispute, community in Nsukka Local was reflective of Governor Government Area, over the Umahi’s agenda for peace to reign in the state.

Continues on Page 25

Events have shown that some individuals exploit their wealth, connections to officials of a sitting government and sometimes, use brute force, to acquire traditional stools

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016 — 25

Abia Gov’s wife saves NYSC national embarrassment

By Anayo Okoli

Continues from Page 24 occupation of the vacant traditional stool of the community, following the death of Igwe John Attama, the community has declared and installed Ozioko George Asadu as the traditional ruler of the community. Three candidates including Chief Mike Omeje, Ozioko George Asadu and Chief Sylanus Ezea applied for the position before Sylvanus withdrew from the race.

Asadu was reportedly foisted on the people by the former Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters in the state, Pastor Emeka Abugu. The battle for the throne had been raging since 2011.

IMO: Like other parts of Igbo land, there is unbridled quest for autonomous communities which had been generating friction and indeed, bloodletting over the years.

Virtually, every hamlet in the state wants to be granted autonomous status. Successive governments have not helped in this situation, as they kept on dethroning, appointing and recognizing new monarchs, even against the communities’ preferred candidates.

Events have shown that some individuals exploit their wealth, connections to officials of a sitting government and sometimes, use brute force, to acquire traditional stools.

In one of the communities in Ngor Okpala Local Council Area of the state, the struggle became so intense that one of the contenders, whose family was believed to be a settler in the land, was eventually recognised by the government.

One of the stories weaved around this particular incident was that government, at the promptings of a powerful and well-positioned official of the administration, silenced the legitimate choice of the people and went ahead to appoint and recognize a fellow, based on other considerations alien to

THE TEAM Supervising Editor: Chioma Gabriel, Lagos (08052201257) Editor: Emeka Mamah, Enugu email: emekemamah@yahoo.com) Anayo Okoli, Umuahia Vincent Ujumadu, Awka Austin Ogwuda, Awka Chidi Nkwopara, Owerri Peter Okutu, Abakaliki Chimaobi Nwaiwu, Nnewi

Francis Igata, Enugu Nwabueze Okonkwo, Onitsha

Ugochukwu Alaribe, Aba Enyim Enyim, Onitsha Chinoso Alozie, Owerri Chinenye Ozor, Nsukka Eric Ugbor, Aba

the community’s customs and traditions.

South East Voice was told that with this government action, the development took the back seat in the Ngor Okpala Community, as the people’s resentment grew in leaps and bounds. While government kept dealing with the man of their choice, the people remained resolute in their supplication to God for intervention.

South East Voice also gathered that some governments, past and present, balkanized existing autonomous communities, in a bid to allegedly get even with a perceived royal foe. In one such instance in Owerri Senatorial Zone, four new autonomous communities were carved out of an existing autonomous community that dated back to pre-colonial times.

Currently, the royal father of Obinugwu Community, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya is in court to reclaim his stool from Stanley Nwangwu who was foisted on the community by Governor Rochas Okorocha in 2014.

Justice P. C. Ikpeama, while dismissing the preliminary objections filed by Okorocha and Nwangwu in opposition to the N10 billion suit, HOW/609/ 2014, brought against them, and directed the defendants to file their defence.

During the military era, Izombe Community in Oguta Local Government Area of the state, was torn apart over the bitter struggle for the royal stool. Houses were burnt.

Young girls and mothers were raped. Life and property were also destroyed with ease, as vicious cult groups emerged in the town, with each of the groups trying to out-class the other. The situation was so bad at the time that people fled from the town and took refuge in adjoining communities. The security agencies were eventually drafted to the area.

An indigene of the community who spoke on grounds of anonymity, told South East Voice that “Those reading your piece now, may not fully appreciate what the community passed through.

The community was in turmoil.

Nobody was safe in the place and we had to scamper into Owerri and other communities, to escape from the onslaught of the rampaging cult groups.”

The octogenarian traditional ruler of Ofeahia Eziudo in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of the state, Eze Desmond Oguguo, once lamented that the traditional institution in Igbo land was gradually but steadily being bastardized.

“At the rate new autonomous communities are being created, every hamlet and family may end up getting a traditional ruler. What is more disturbing is that anybody and everybody is now being made a royal father,” Eze Oguguo once said.

U

MUAHIA-THE wife of Abia State governor, Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu recently came to the rescue of the state wing of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, when she donated food items to enable them receive the corps members currently undergoing orientation in the camp.

Mrs. Ikpeazu’s intervention was in response to a Save Our Souls, SOS, message from the Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs. Franca Ifon, who lamented that there were no food items to feed the 2016 Batch A members, few days to the official opening of

the camp for their orientation exercise. powever, the quick intervention of the governor’s wife enabled the NYSC officials to throw the gates to the camp open corps members who arrived to state on April 26, to begin their orientation programme.

Responding to the distress call, Mrs. Ikpeazu quickly provided food items such as bags of rice, tubers of yam, cartons of indomie noddles and toiletries, among others to ensure that the orientation exercise was not disrupted.

According to Mrs. Ikpeazu, she was moved by the SOS from the NYSC to lend her

support because as leaders of tomorrow, the youth should be given adequate attention.

She commended the efforts of the NYSC to ensure adequate provision of essential items for young graduates in the country, and urged them not to relent as the programme had done a lot for the nation’s unity.

In her response, the state Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs. Ifon, thanked the governor’s wife for her kind gesture. She also expressed gratitude to the state Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, for approving the rehabilitation of the NYSC camp, at Umunna, in Bende Local Government Area of the state.

NB commissions three projects in communities

By Emeka Mamah

E

NUGU — The Nigerian Breweries Plc, NB Plc, last week, commissioned three community relations project in two communities and the customs barracks in Enugu State, as part of its social responsibilities to its host communities.

The projects included a water borehole and a toilet for the Community Primary School at Oma-Eke in Udi Local Government Area; a six classroom block with a library and toilets at Ogwofia Imezi Owa Community Secondary School as well as an Officers’ Mess at the Nigerian Customs Service, Enugu barracks.

Managing Director and Chief Executive of Nigerian Breweries, Nicolaas Vervelde, represented by the Corporate Affairs Manager, Kufre Ekanem said while

commissioning the six classroom blocks that the company regarded education as the greatest legacy to be bequeathed to children, as it remained “very paramount to our existence and sustainable development,” adding that the NB Plc would continue to identify and respond positively to the cause of the people through “our various corporate social investments in education, environment, water, youth development,” among others.

His words, “In 1994, we established the NB Plc Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund to take a more active role in educational and research activities towards the development of education in Nigeria. Our investments and initiatives have continued to contribute immensely to improve various aspects of education all over Nigeria in line with our philosophy of

Representative of commissioner of education, Mike Ugwu cutting the tape for the borehole.

NB Plc Corporate Affairs manager, Kufre Ekanem commissioning the 6 room class room block.

'Winning with Nigeria.'

“What you see here today is an outcome of this investment.

Within Udi LGA alone, we have commissioned similar school blocks like this in the past few years including Nsude, Ngwo Uno, Ahwum and Eke communities.”

Turning to both the teachers and students, Verlvelde said, “My dear children as you learn in this complex, and acquire the desired knowledge for growth, you should always think of the right ideals for you to be better Nigerians. You must shun violence and other vices militating against our economic development and nation building.

“I hope this motivates you (teachers) and encourage you to double your dedication for the development of our children who are leaders of tomorrow. If they lack the capacity today, tomorrow will be bleak for us all and our children unborn.”

Verlverde then commended members of the community for their support towards the commercial success of the company, even as he looked forward for sustained and improved relationship between both parties.

At the commissioning of the Customs Officers’ Mess, Verlvelde said that the NB Plc was aware of key role of the Customs as money spinner for the nation’s economy adding that it was in recognition of this “that we acceded to the request by the Enugu command to support a rebuilding of this mess which was in dilapidated and pathetic shape.

“We have constructed and furnished this mess to a comfortable level and do hope it will serve its purpose for a long time in the future with your care and maintenance.”

The Comptroller Enugu command, Emmanuel Amaka expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Breweries for the gesture and assured that only products of the company would be on sale in the mess even as NB Plc provided its brands of beer for quaffing by the officers and their visitors during the event.

26 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

The former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi(middle), with members of Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON), shortly after their meeting at Regina Pacis Model Secondary School, Onitsha.

The former Gov. of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi( 2nd right), with the Senior Prefect, Eneh Euphemia Chidera( 2nd left), Edwin Chinecherem Blessing( 1st left), and Fr. Jerome Ezenwetu(1st right), all of Regina Pacis Model Secondary School, Onitsha, shortly after the former Gov. presented them with a cheque of N500,000 for the upgrade of their library and offered scholarships to some of their exceptional students yesterday at the school compound.

The former Gov. of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi (left), being welcome to the Year 2016 pre-synod Breakfast Fellowship by the Anglican Archbishop of Province of Lagos, Most Rev. Prof Adebayo Akinde (right), at St. Jude Cathedral, Yaba.

L-R: Prince Engr. Lawrence Eze, his wife Lina Onyekachi, Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (centre), Secretary to the State Government, Elder G.O. C Ajah, and State Commissioner for Gender Affairs, Princess Peace Nnaji during the commissioning of Ojorowo bridge, Ugbawka/Nara, Nkanu East Local Government Area reconstructed by Prince Engr. Lawrence Eze for his community.

Stakeholders in education sector call for collaboration between universities

By Emeka Mamah

E

NUGU——Stakeholders in the educational sector have called for collaboration between universities and the Armed Forces in a bid to update the country’s military capabilities locally.

They spoke during the maiden edition of the “Town and Gown Assembly” at the Geoffrey University, in Enugu.

The theme of the assembly was “Business Matters and Areas of Research.”

Vice Chancellor of the Catholic university, Rev. Father (Professor) Christian Anieke

who explained that the Town and Gown Assembly was “a dialogue gathering involving the academia and the entrepreneurs, policy makers, owners of businesses and the media.”

His words, “Historically, institutions of learning came into existence as a matter of necessity; that human existence and problems need a methodological research in order to discover useful solutions. This was the origin of the town and gown metaphor that we are talking about today. It can therefore be said that town and gown is as old as the university system

itself.”

Anieke, further explained that the assembly was aimed at encouraging entrepreneurs to always share their ideas and thoughts which were research worthy, promising that “the university would dish out solutions to the problems.”

In his contribution, the Enugu State Commissioner for Environment, Ambassador Fidel Ayogu, said that universities could carry out researches on the problems associated with climate with a view to turning adversities to good fortunes.

Ayogu who was represented on the occasion by an official

of his ministry, Nnamdi Arum, said that wastes like water bottles could be turned to block chips for building houses, adding that universities “which exist to solve problems of society and advance knowledge should carry out researches on areas where climate change could bring to fruition, the integration of technology that will enable the environment harness the opportunities therein."

Also, other contributors spoke on security challenges facing the country in the North East and improvements in the agricultural sector and called for collaboration between universities and the military to improve on armaments that

would reduce the nation’s over dependence on importation of boots for soldiers, uniforms, data management, vehicles, mobile communication masts, mobile kitchens, intelligence gatherings, artillery guns and rocket launchers among others.

Alex Ani of Alo Aluminium asked universities to invest money in prototype machines for investors as well as develop local technology, just as Ifeanyi Okoye of Juhel Pharmacy called for the allocation of 20 percent of marks to Nigerian local content as a way of solving problems around them.

They, however, lamented that most university graduates were unable to write business proposals among other business letters, pointing out that, students should be taught courses that would give them self-employment.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

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CE & YOU

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A shortage of skills continues to undermine the potential of the insurance sector in SubSaharan Africa. Programmes providing practical training related to underwriting, finance and claims are urgently needed to address this challenge

,

RIMSON decries misconceptions on risks

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TOUR - From left : Michael Nwoseh, Specialist, Youth Segment, Etisalat Nigeria; Chiamaka Obiefuna , winner of Cliqfest star prize, Hyundai i10 and; Olayiwola Onafowokan, Head, Youth Segment, Etisalat Nigeria; presenting the car keys to the winner during Cliqfest campus tour of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State. servuce, while cross-border business suffers from a lack of regulatory harmonisation.

As also published in the Barometer, the shortage of skills, partly related to the emigration of the educated young generation, is perceived as the most relevant weakness for many African markets.

Many respondents mentioned a lack of quality training courses as well as a particular shortage of experienced insurance actuaries as specific challenges.

However, this weakness does not apply to all of Africa’s insurance markets. In particular, in West Africa access to skilled labour has been emphasised as a clear asset.

Steven Ouloch, Chief Executive Offcer, ICEA Lion General Insurance Company said, “Talent shortages continue to undermine the potential of the insurance sector in many African countries. The government as well as the insurance industry have a joint interest to ensure that relevant skills, capabilities

and knowledge are developed and acquired.”

The way forward: On the way forward, insurance executives agree that strong risk retention capabilities of insurance companies are a prerequisite for the development of a healthy and sustainable insurance market.

Julius Magabe, Chief Executive Offcer, Sanlam Insurance said, “African insurance regulators need to focus more on adequate capital requirements, as very low capital not only discourages insurance companies from retaining more risk but also leads to weak consumer protection.”

Capital requirements Overall, the majority of executives expect markets to become more, rather than less, concentrated in the future.

Soares said, “Some markets are considered overcrowded, with too many players competing

on price and not differentiating themselves sufficiently from their competitors. Often, barriers to entry – such as capital requirements - are regarded as too low. Consolidation in the market place is necessary to build confidence among consumers. The presence of financially weak carriers erodes trust, especially if they prove to be unable to pay valid claims.

“Every company should continue to act to promote expertise. We emphasise in this area on the need to strengthen the diversification of training in scientific and technical issues by leveraging new tools and instruments imposed by the development of technology to ensure greater communication of their knowledge and knowhow.”

Executives demand closer cooperation and often cite CIMA, the Inter African Conference of Insurance Markets, as an example of successful regional collaboration.

FUG Pensions gets ISO certification

By Faith Agbi

A

FTER months of undergoing auditing and other processes to achieve internationally acceptable standards in Quality Management System, FUG Pensions has been awarded International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2008. The certification is aimed at repositioning the Company for excellent service delivery and customer satisfaction.

In a ceremony at the Company’s Head Office, FUG Pensions was formally presented with the Certificate of Compliance with the internationally acceptable minimum standard.

The Head of Information Technology, Mr. Chidi Egbujor, while briefing members of the Board and Management on the development said the certification of FUG Pensions by International Organization for Standardization (ISO) with

ISO 9001:2008 in Quality Management System covers all processes, including data integrity and its relationship with customers.

The International Organization for Standardization, (ISO) is an independent, nongovernmental organization, the members of which are the standards organizations of 164 member countries. It is the world’s largest developer of voluntary international standards and facilitates world trade by providing common standards between nations. The use of these standards aids the creation of products and services that are safe, reliable and of good quality.

The standards help businesses increase productivity while minimizing errors and waste.

By enabling products from different markets to be directly compared, they facilitate the companies’ entry into new markets and assist in the development of global trade on a fair basis.

HE Risk Management Society of Nigeria, RIMSON, has decried the misconceptions by entities on risks which have resulted in lopsided approaches to their management.

President of RIMSON Engr.

Jacob Adeosun lamented that as a result, people leave several other critical risks unattended until they lead to big losses.

Adeosun who made the assertion at the national conference of RIMSON in Lagos said, “There are lots of misconception by entities on risks which have resulted in lopsided approaches to their management. For instance, some people believe that risk is only concerned with insurance; several others feel that health, safety and environment treatment resolves risk problems. The truth is that these treatments are partial leaving several other critical risks unattended until they manifest into catastrophic losses.”

Knowledge about risk management Adeosun said that the conference is a significant leap in the Society’s resolve to continually empower its membership, as well as propagate knowledge about risk management in Nigeria.

“It is no longer news that many Nigerians, including government and corporate institutions are yet to properly understand Risk Management and maximize its value. The fact is that the need to grow and excel and meet normal aspirations and objectives are quite fundamental to individuals or a corporate entities existence. There is apparently the need to sustain this objective at all times, otherwise the person or institution would fall. Since no stakeholder accepts excuses for non-performance; herein lies

the crucial need for Risk Management.

Just as shareholders would not condone excuses of a declining profit or return on investment, so also will the citizens not brook any excuse for non-performance by those they elect to lead them at any point in time.

“Government is expected to build infrastructures, develop human resource and provide an enabling environment for growth, irrespective of the economic circumstances and emerging internal and external challenges.

The inability to meet these expectations often triggers discontent and series of crises.

Risk management mechanism is the strategic control and prevention antidote to effectively overcome the above undesirable outcomes, and nip it in the bud.

“It has remained regret that successive governments in Nigeria have not paid enough attention to Risk Management, a situation that had affected our development aspirations. The onus is on the present administration to break away from this culture, in line with its change mantra. Our advice is that governments should establish structures and frameworks to embed Risk Management into everything they do at all levels, as it would help to eliminate unanticipated crisis before their escalation.

“To entrench the culture of Risk Management in Government, RIMSON is prepared to collaborate with the appropriate agencies to provide professional risk management training of public officers on how to effectively apply risk management in their various duties in government,” Adeosun stated. RIMSON was established in 1985 as an association of corporate bodies dedicated to the advancement of risk awareness and risk management culture in Nigeria.

It is a self-financing Society with membership cutting across all facets of the Economy: Banking and Finance, Insurance, Oil and Gas, Manufacturing etc.

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28 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

Heartland want ‘oriental derby’ against Rangers moved

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he management of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, Heartland has said categorical no to the ‘Friday Night Football’ oriental derby at E n u g u Rangers.

The Naze Millionaires •Heartland team are billed to be the guests of neighbours, Enugu Rangers in Friday’s NPFL matchday 19 clash at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.

An official of the Owerri outfit, Solomon Onuh said though the management of Heartland welcomes wholeheartedly the new practices by the League Management Company (LMC) to shore up the domestic league those innovations should consider the precious life of the prime actors in the change.

MFM’S coach worried ahead of Ifeanyi Ubah tie

Amuneke sure of F/Eagles chances against Burundi F lying Eagles coach, Emmanuel Amuneke is upbeat of his side’s chances of qualifying for the 2017 African Cup of Nations U-20 championship billed for

Zambia.

The Flying Eagles face Burundi in the first leg, second qualifying round. And the former Nigeria international believes his youngsters would be ready for the arduous task that awaits them in Bujumbura.

“We are preparing and have been working pretty hard for the match against Burundi,” Amuneke told CAF website.

“They (players) know what is expected of them and collectively as a team, we are looking forward to the match with optimism.

“Individually and collectively, we are doing everything in order to be on the same page and when we get to Burundi, we are going to give a

•Illechukwu

Iheanacho braces up for Guardiola’s arrival

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FM FC coach Fidelis Illechukwu has admitted that he is worried ahead of their mid week clash with FC Ifeanyi Ubah.

The MFM squad has been hit with a slew of injuries as both Stanley Okorom and Erhun Obanor, who were scheduled to play against Niger Tornadoes, had to leave for Abuja on Monday to join up with the national U-23 team.

“There’s a lot of lapses in our team due to injury and we’ve got to find a solution to this set back.

As I’m talking to you, I’m very worried even though we got a win over Niger Tornadoes,” Illechukwu said.

“Though a couple of players have complained of not getting enough playing time, but we the coaches are taking a closer look at the players.

“Some of them really want to show what they’ve got but they’ve still not shown the quality we want. But we just have to encourage them to do more.

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very good account of ourselves as a team.”

He is aware of Nigeria’s status as defending champions plus a record seven titles, saying he has set both short and long term goals for the Flying Eagles.

“I’m not under any pressure but our business now is qualification for the U20 AFCON in Zambia,” he continued.

“I’m not going to discuss what I know about Burundi here but what I know is that we are going to face a formidable team and I’m confident we would be ready to play them in their home and when they come here for the return match.

“Though there are factors like high altitude as well as the timing of the match to deal with, we are preparing our players psychologically to be ready for these challenges,” he concluded.

•Says he won’t forget Pellegrini

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•Iheanacho

elechi Iheanacho believes the imminent arrival of Pep Guardiola to Manchester City will make him a better footballer.

The Nigerian U-17 world champion proved to be a revelation in the just-concluded season, scoring in the first half as the Citizens drew 1-1 with Swansea City in their final game of the 2015/ 16 Barclays English Premier League season on Sunday.

His goal proved vital as it sealed City’s place in the qualifiers for next season’s Uefa Champions League and Pellegrini was quick to salute the accomplishments of the youngster.

Iheanacho has now voiced his sentiments about the arrival of Guardiola, who has previously managed FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich with distinction.

“There is a great manager coming in and you have to be happy about that.

“We (Manchester City stars) will work with him and he will be choosing the players he wants to work with next season so it’s a case of working hard and seeing what happens.

“Pep is a great manager who has coached some

big teams in Europe and won a lot of trophies.

I think he will do the same for us as well.

“I hope he can improve my game to help take me to the next level and we can all win many trophies,” Iheancho told reporters.

Meanwhile, former Manchester City manager, Pellegrini believes Iheanacho has a brilliant future in the game.

“I think he demonstrated how important he [Iheanacho] is,” Pellegrini said. “He is a very good player but he also must improve a lot.

“But a player of 19 years old who scores so many goals and not playing all the games, I think has a brilliant future. I think all the fans of City will be delighted with him in the next years.”

The respect between both individuals appears to be mutual as Iheanacho was quick to salute the exploits of the Chilean manager.

“He is a special manager for me and has done great things in my life - he brought me into the first team, introducing me to work with the squad right from pre-season last year.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016 — 29

Europa Cup Final: Klopp plays down Sevilla ‘advantage’ J

ant that Sevilla’s urgen Klopp is adam Europa League two successive UEFAlittle tonight. sses will count for an ish sid e in cce su Sp Li ve rp oo l fac e th e se l, Sw itz erl an d, Ba tod ay ’s de cid er in riv als ha ve th e kn ow in g th at th eir games. experience in such t is just one part of But Klopp insists thathe fact that Sevilla the game, pointing toout the Copa del Rey also have to worry ab a this weekend.

Final against Barcelon uld stop scouting “To be honest, we co they changed the e us ca be o two weeks ag tel ls Liv er po ol’ s he tea m co mp let ely,” official website. t they have another “What we know is tha ey have a big final Th game after this game. finals … that’s a big again. They have two difference. rienced and will be “They are quite expe out this. When you ab t ub do ready too, no esn’t mean you have are experienced, it doly one part of all the an advantage, it’s on , and in the game parts around the gameve. you have to rule or sol

•Klopp

•Halilovic

‘Toure’s to decide future ‘within 10 days’

•Yaya Toure

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anchester City midfielder Yaya Toure’s future should be decided “ within 10 days,” according to the player ’s agent, who once again confirmed an interest from Serie A club Inter Milan.

Toure, 33, has been targeted

by Inter coach Roberto Mancini, who worked with the Ivorian during his time in charge of City.

Toure has one year left to run on his contract with City, and he is expected to part company with the club this summer.

“As soon as the club give us the OK, we cannot talk with anybody,” Toure’s agent, Dmitri Seluk, told fcinternews.it. “Everybody wants Toure, but first we must wait for permission from his club before discussing a possible transfer.

“We’ve got plenty of options and opportunities, but as I have said, it depends on City.

Everybody wants Yaya. When I meet Italian fans, they all ask me to bring him to Serie A, and this is not just Inter fans but also Juventus fans.

“But it’s the same with Barcelona fans. We’ll see.

There’s not much time to wait now. As I’ve said, we will have news within 10 days more or less.”

Sevilla eye a third straight Europa League title Middlesbrough in Real Madrid won the first five European Cups, while Ajax and Bayern Munich won it three times in a row in the 1970s. No team has managed to retain the most important trophy in club football since Milan in 1990. In the Uefa Cup/Europa League, the only team to retain the trophy was Real Madrid in 1985 and 1986.

That is, apart from Sevilla.

The Andalusians have twice retained the competition, first after winning it for the first time in 2006 with a convincing 4-0 victory over

Eindhoven.

They beat compatriots Espanyol a year later on penalties in Glasgow.

Sevilla returned to the final for a third time in 2014, defeating Benfica on penalties in Turin.

They retained the trophy with a 3-2 win last season against Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk.

Four finals, four wins, two of them after penalties. Only Barcelona can match Sevilla’s four wins in one competition in the last decade with their four European Cups, but Sevilla can make it five tonight when they play Liverpool in Basle.

Halilovic near season loan to Valencia B

arcelona starlet Alen Halilovic is close to joining Valencia on loan for the 2016-17 season, the young Croatian’s agent has told Spanish radio.

Halilovic joined the Camp Nou outfit from Dinamo Zagreb in the summer of 2014 for an initial fee of •2.2 million, and played one season at Barca B before impressing on loan at Sporting Gijon during the 2015-16 campaign.

Zoran Stojadinovic, the agent of the full Croatia international who turns 20 in June, told Esports COPE that recent conversations between Barca sporting director Robert Fernandez and his Los Che

counterpart Jesus “Suso” Pitarch had been productive.

“Suso Pitarch got in contact with Barca to speak about a possible transfer,” Stojadinovic said. “My understanding is that it was a long conversation and they are close to signing a preagreement.”

•Van der Wiel

PSG confirm Van der Wiel exit

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aris Saint-Germain have confirmed that Gregory van der Wiel will leave the club after Saturday ’s Coupe de France final.

The Netherlands international was expected to call time on his four-year spell in the French capital at the end of the season, when his contract is due to expire.

And PSG announced on Tuesday that the 28-year-old will depart the club after their clash with Marseille at the Stade de France.

“After four seasons with the

club, Netherlands international defender Gregory van der Wiel will leave Paris Saint-Germain,” the club said on their official website as part of a lengthy tribute to his performances for the club.

Van der Wiel, who joined from Ajax in 2012, has won four Ligue 1 titles, three Coupe de la Ligue trophies and the Coupe de France during his time in France.

He has been linked with Serie A champions Juventus, as well as AC Milan and Inter.

etico Madrid tl A s e s s u c is d i n Cava move – Godinnder Diego Godin says his Urug”uatoy

fe tletico Madrid deson Cavani would be “delighted team-mate Edin side. gg le d fo r move to the Liga m ai n st riker Ca va ni ha s st ru, although er Pa ris Sa in t-G time as the side’s main striker rts in the g consistent playin when Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s depa that could change , who joined the summer. ked with Cavanie in the region of lin en be ve ha o r a fe Atletic Napoli in 2013 fo Ligue 1 club from show whether 60 million. de las 12 radio to join him at do rti Pa El e th m uade hi Aske d on d Cavani to pers ility more he had ever calle id they had discussed the possib sa n di Go o, Atletic than once.

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Managing Director/CEO, Zenith Bank Nigeria Plc, Mr. Peter Amangbo in handshake with players of First Bank(Elephant Girls) just before the final match of the 12 Zenith Bank Women Basketball League between First Bank and Dolphins Basketball of Lagos. First Bank won 75-60 to dethrone to emerge as new champions.

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30 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

CYBERCRIME Lessons to learn from America •As Nigeria lost N40bn to scourge in 2015

By Emmanuel Elebeke F Nigeria is prepared to plug the cyber loopholes that cost it about N40 billion in 2015 alone, it must take a few lessons from the United States of America. This was part of the revelations that emerged at the Cybersecurity summit which began in Abuja yesterday.

The country is being advised to be a bit more proactive in strengthening its fight against Cybercrime and other internet related crimes.

At a pre event briefing to herald the conference, one of the sponsors of the summit, Andreas Linde, said Nigeria has no alternative to adopting a more proactive Cybersecurity measures to combat Cyber criminality due to the negative impacts on the economy and society.

“In America the FDA is in charge of giving information.

It recently gave order to hospitals to remove all devices that aid cybercrime and also ordered the removal of all wireless connection that is not secured in the country as part of measures to tackle Cybercrime.

I

Available technologies We have seen many examples where energy facilities were attacked without protection in Europe. So to combat attacks, Nigeria should deploy available technologies in the market”.

He added that some researches carried out on critical infrastructure recently showed that about 50 per cent of power stations worldwide do not have protection whatsoever.

As a country, the society needs power and other critical infrastructure to function. “ The hackers are not just bad guys only, some of them are also activists. They might be government agents that might steal information to earn some benefits. That is why the fight has to be holistic.

With the new Cybersecurity law in place, Linde said the country only needs to broaden its approach in partnering with the private sector operators and building the capacity of its personnel if the war against Cyber criminals will ever succeed.

“We are facing a situation, C M Y K

where governments need to exchange information with each other. That will bring a lot of challenges, not only in Nigeria but other nations because they require to provide better information devoid of threat. This is not easy, but we are standing in the middle of it.

“But we are here to assist Nigerian government tackle cybercrime. Following the bold step taken by the country in signing the 2015 Cyber security bill into law, it is imperative to do it now to save that bold step already taken.

“Cyber attacks need to be

•Cybercrime

combated because the impact affects banks, oil facilities, government, causing a lot of damages. The most worrying signal is the we noticed that the likelihood of the criminals

getting caught is minimal. This is not helpful” he added.

Meanwhile, the President/ CEO, Integrated Cyber security Solutions Limited, Michael Oseji also partners to the

conference, disclosed that Nigeria lost about N40 billion to Cybercrminals only in 2015, a situation he said cannot be allowed to continue if the economy must survive.

Cloud computing’ll become 2016 biggest IT trends

By Emeka Aginam

forecasts that cloud computing will be one of 2016’s IT mega trends.

It was also IDC that noted that Information technology will shift from being a support service to a core production platform, as operators revitalize their closed, low-efficiency networks and shorten time-tomarket (TTM).

Open, agile, cloud-based networks will give them the power to seize fast-moving market opportunities like digital and cloud services. Huawei says

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NFORMATION and Communications Technology stakeholders in Africa, recently , in Lagos, admitted that cloud computing would be one of the mega trends in •Cloud Information computing Technology field in 2016.

The forecast was made at the just concluded Huawei Cloud Congress West Africa, HCC Nigeria 2016.

The event which was in its second edition had the theme “transforming with Cloud, setting new benchmark’. The event however provided an opportunity for Huawei to share its vision and ideas about the future and strategies on how to work together with various industries in order to advance ICT, and showcase its experiences in IT.

Information technology The over 200 industry stakeholders that participated at the event however, noted that to adapt effectively, telecoms carriers and big businesses must change their business models, build ecosystems, add new infrastructure, develop organizations and processes, and learn new skills.

They argued that information technology has shifted from being a support system to a business and production system even as the emergence of technologies represented by cloud computing are driving the need to change and reshape IT. For instance, IDC, at the summit

it business concentrates on IT infrastructure, and continues to openly invest in and work with partners to provide innovative, differentiated, and leading IT solutions for customers worldwide.

It believes that cloud computing is an important opportunity within the IT sector that should be seized because the emergence of cloud computing is a key factor behind its massive investment in IT.

New York mobile satellite to launch devices in Nigeria

By Richard Udofia

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EW York Mobile Satellite has announced that it is introducing into Nigeria market its state of the art mobile and security products. The products include the SeSty Torch Camera, the GSatMicro Iridium tracker and the Iridium Extreme satellite phone.

The Mobile satellite company, which presently has millions of users globally will further extend its reach in emerging markets like Nigeria CFO of the company, Mr Leonard Sloane, expressed his excitement at offering their services in Africa and Nigeria in particular.

According to him the products can help in Public safety, Disaster recovery and also in tackling security challenges in virtually every sector of the economy.

Unveiling plans to introduce the

products, Executive Director, TSE the company representing New York Mobile Satellite in West Africa, Adetoro Badejo said,” New York Mobile Satellite offers a wide range of information communication Technology products and services We are acknowledging the potential of Africa especially Nigeria which is unarguably the largest mobile markets in Africa by bringing in these devices and products to satisfy the yearnings of Nigerians “ According to her “The SeSty Torch Camera is a self-contained rapid deployment camera that can be hand carried or pole mounted within minutes. With its 6MP high resolution image capabilities (30 times more than traditional analogue systems), ability to send video data over encrypted mobile networks and integrated secure Wi-Fi, the torch camera is ideally suited to incident management .

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016 — 31

IoT: LG smartThinQ technology charts Internet of Things future A

By Prince Osuagwu

S far as technology is concerned, the future is an explorative and predictive exercise particularly, when paying attention to the areas that are likely to impact people and environments.

In that wise, there is a tremendous need for innovations and products that will help consumers experience elevated standard of living.

However, leading electronics manufacturing companies are now devoting a large aspect of their Research and Development to churning out products that make for intelligent urbanism.

Intelligent urbanism So it was not so surprising when Electronic, home appliances and mobile device maker, LG electronics recently unveiled a revolutionary product line tagged SmartThinQ. LG says it’s x-raying the likely areas with a city-centric lens. The city of the future, according to the company, should focuses on particular areas that will likely affect how people experience and move

throughout cities for years to come.

According to Head of Corporate Marketing, LG Electronics West Africa operations, Mr. Rajesh Agnihotri, “Technology is leading cities to more dynamic transportation systems where people shift seamlessly between multiple modes depending on their needs. As technology evolves to include products, a key challenge that must be addressed will be the implementation of an IoT ecosystem where user convenience is not compromised by the homes complexity”.

He added that his company envisages a situation where the quality of life will improve remarkably, when more of solutions like the SmartThinQ hub flood the market; devices that could play the role of gateway to the home’s smart appliances.

More in addressing today and tomorrow’s biggest environmental challenges, the LG also unveiled Therma V line devices, innovative technology of extracting heat from the surrounding air to minimize consumption of power. The ecofriendly technology powering the Therma V line up, according to Agnihotri, is affordable and can be

installed with ease, aiding home owners to switch easily from obsolete home appliances to more advanced innovative climate control devices.

“We care about our consumers and their wellbeing that is why we are committed to producing cutting-edge technologies that will not only shape their lifestyles but also solve their problems”.

Etisalat upgrades EasyMobile App, floats telecoms engineering internship

By Etop Ekanem

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TISALAT has extended its ownership of the innovation sphere with the launch of the revamped and easy-to-use EasyMobile App. Among its several unique features, the new EasyMobile App enables customers on the Etisalat network to get things done in a simpler, easier and faster way by eliminating the trouble of having to remember, text or dial certain codes before they can access services from their devices on the etisalat network.

Commenting on the App, the Director, Brands & Experience, Etisalat Nigeria, Elvis Ogiemwanye, explained that with the new EasyMobile App customers can further optimise the innovative value offerings that are available to them on

Airtel partners facebook on basic internet for Nigerians

By Prince Osuagwu

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IRTEL Africa, in conjunction with Facebook has launched what they described as Free Basics in Nigeria in partnership with Facebook.

Airtel subscribers will be able to access all the services that are available through Free Basics without paying extra for data charges or rental.

Free Basics provides basic mobile websites and services for free to people around the world and

demonstrating the value the internet can provide.

Free Basics will launch in Nigeria with more than 85 free services dedicated to health, education, jobs, and finance.

To date, Facebook estimates that its connectivity efforts, which include Free Basics, have brought more than 25 million people online who would not be otherwise.

Airtel Africa will also be offering Facebook Flex in Nigeria, which allows people to access a version of

From left, CEO Airtel, Segun Ogunsanya; Head of Policy for Facebook in Africa, Ebele Okobi; Global Director, Product Partnerships, Facebook, Ime Archibong and Global Director, Operator Partnerships, Markku Makelainen, also of Facebook, at the launch of Free Basic Services in Lagos.

LG Therma V, 16/5/16

Facebook without data charges. This initiative is part of Facebook’s commitment to bringing people online and reducing affordability barriers.

Christian de Faria, MD and CEO of Airtel Africa said, “We’re pleased to take this big step forward in our partnership with Facebook, bringing more people online in Africa’s most populous country and helping to further narrow the digital divide.

This builds on our vision of using our widespread 3G network to help improve lives and communities by empowering them with access to digital content and services that are tailored to their needs.”

Segun Ogunsanya, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria commented: “Today marks a significant milestone in our nation’s drive towards deepening digital connectivity and enhancing mobile broadband access for millions of Nigerians in line with the key objective of Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan (NBBP).

It is our belief that this partnership, the first of its kind in Nigeria, will create a plethora of opportunities for millions of Nigerians, empowering them to connect to their dreams, realize their full potentials, and succeed in their professional and personal endeavours.”

the Etisalat network.

Internship programme

Meanwhile, in furtherance of its aim to develop indigenous manpower in the Nigerian telecommunication industry, the company has rolled out another set of postgraduate students of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria as part of its 2015/16 Etisalat Telecommunication Engineering Postgraduate Programme (ETEPP).

The course intakes were unveiled during the closing ceremony of the 2016 edition of the internship programme in Abuja recently.

The internship is a Master ’s degree course in Telecommunication Engineering at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria which is a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of Etisalat. This programme provides students with the opportunity to gain practical knowledge through a month-long internship stint with various departments of the technical division of Etisalat Nigeria.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice President, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, Etisalat Nigeria, Ibrahim Dikko, explained that the internship programme, which commenced in 2013 is a flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of Etisalat Nigeria designed for students to gain practical experience in the field of telecommunication.

Spectranet wins BoICT awards

A

FTER one year of rebranding the Spectranet 4GLTE service offering as a premium house hold and business enterprise internet service provider in the country, the organisers of the Beacon of Information and Communication Technology (BoICT) recognised the efforts of the management of Spectranet 4GLTE as the broadband company of the year.

Presenting the award to the representative of Spectranet, Dr. Earnest Ndukwe, the pioneer executive Vice Chairman of Nigeria Communications Commission said he watched with keen interest the transformation of Spectranet in the last one year as a modest business with operation in Lagos, but today is in Port Harcourt, Abuja and Ibadan.

Responding to the award, David Venn, Chief Executive Officer, Spectranet 4gLTE said, “We are humbled by the vote of confidence from our customers and this encourages us to continue our quest to provide the best internet experience at affordable prices”.

32 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 LIBRA; It is good to express yourself gracefully , but it is equally good to watch what you tell others so that you don’t promise what you can not deliver.

SCORPIO; The best for you today is to give priority attention to practical way to improve on your working pattern and encourage better understanding at work.

SAGITTARIUS; It is nice to rely on yourself but nobody can be an Island on his own; meaning that you will need to be as co-operative as necessary to be successful today.

CAPRICORN; Good advice from the veterans within your base of operation will go long way to get things done the proper way to the betterment of your cause.

AQUARIUS; If you take good advice from your tried and trusted friends you will not have cause to regret but if you become reckless it would back-fire. Be loving..

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

H

ISTORY is defined as the study of past events.In order words, history is simply the study of actions and

About History inactions of some individuals.It is the study of what some men and women do in other to shape the world.It is the

TERROR MUDA

story of men and women who dared.History is the narrative of the exploit and conquest of men

in “Never say goodbye”

and women who are led by their convic-tions.Some people make history, some write it and some read it.If the history of the world is to be w r i t t e n today,where will you be placed?

By Kola Fayemi

PISCES; You like it or not, domestic related issues will become prominent on your mind. Career and financial affairs can bring you unexpected success today..

ARIES; Those of you who are more firmed are in for a rewarding day. In whatever you do today it is important you don’t forget both immediate and far future.

TAURUS; You will have more to gain keeping both your personal and financial secrets. Take good advantage of your sex appeal to enhance your love life positively GEMINI; You are becoming more determined to the betterment of your cause. However this is not the right time to re-arrange (and/or) re-plan your finances.

CANCER; Giving priority attention to either day-to-day working activities or long term career related issue is not bad at all but you must be as practical as possible.

LEO; It will be wrong to drop ambitious plans along your career line because of minor disappointment. Take your good friends more seriously.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

VIRGO; Time is fast approaching for an important actions concerning you career and/or business lines. Don’t allow friends to mislead you. Be very practical.

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’s exactly my future?

Dear Joshua, I want you to tell me how the planets lined up when I was born and what both immediate and far future have for me. When was I born; I mean the day of the week.

Salami, Benin.

Dear Salami, You were born on a Monday as indicated by your horoscope data given here under. You have future. I hope you will take what you will find seriously and utilise them.

THE HOROSCOPE DATA DAY OF BIRTH=MONDAY SUN SIGN = CANCER ;SUN IN 6TH DEGREE OF CANCER. MOON SIGN = ARIES ;MOON IN 24TH DEGREE OF ARIES STELLIUM SIGN = LEO MERCURY IN 1ST DEGREE OF LEO* VENUS IN 22ND DEGREE OF LEO* MARS IN 17TH DEGREE OF LEO* JUPITER IN 22ND DEGREE OF SCORPIO SATURN IN 3RD DEGREE OF CAPRICORN URANUS IN 14TH DEGREE OF LEO* NEPTUNE IN 4TH DEGREE OF SCORPIO PLUTO IN 2ND DEGREE OF VIRGO NORTH NODE IN 8TH DEGREE OF LIBRA SOUTH NODE IN 8TH DEGREE OF ARIES NUMBERS OF PLANET HOSTED BY GROUP OF STAR SIGNS (ACCORDING TO QUALITY & ELEMENT) ARE; CARDINAL = 3 FIXED =6 MUTABLE = I FIRE = 5 EARTH = 2 AIR = NONE WATER = 3 PUSHFUL INFLUENCE = 50% NON-PUSHFUL INFLUENCE = 50% FINAL DISPOSITOR (PL ANET AT HOME)= AMBITIOUS SATURN THE FUTURE TRENDS For the past few years you have entered an endless cycle th of material success. And your 46 year on earth is meant to be a powerful turning point with major emphasis placed on MONEY and LOVE. Talking of money, it will come through your work . However the great challenge here is how to hold on to your profits as there are indications of you expending too much of your funds on either women or woman. It is not clear if it is on business or your normal responsibilities. But mind you if it is on business you will need to tarry a while because such may not yield the desired result. Actually th if you go thinto joint venture with a woman during your 46 & 47 years on earth you are more than likely to be cheated; to be fore warned is to be fore armed.

Romantic aspect of it is if you don’t want another wife you will need to be very careful; as romantic escapade can result to avoidable trouble and/or sorrow (God forbid). Please take me very seriously here, Please! Please!!

Please!!!

What is more important about next Month is that you will need to be more careful with money between now, the whole of June and July.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016—33

Emerhor seeks support for economy

Edo 2016: Iduoriyekemwen cautions Edo PDP delegates

B

E N I N — A GOVERNORSHIP aspirant of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State, Mr Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, has warned party delegates that there may be no more PDP in the state after the September 10 governorship election unless they set aside sentiments, money politics and pick a candidate suitable to fly the flag of the party.

“Therefore, the party must put its best man forward. Otherwise if we field the wrong candidate, there will be no PDP after September,” he stated.

Iduoriyekemwen who stated this when he addressed party members and leaders from Edo South senatorial district in Benin City, yesterday, urged them not to make the mistake of the past, adding that delegates must choose a candidate based on his character.

“The PDP needs a candidate that can stand tall at all times, a candidate who, if they want to do juju, he also can do juju with them. I am the only candidate that can dominate other candidates, including those of the opposition,” he said.

He said he was more anxious to develop Edo State than any of the other PDP aspirants, explaining that he was the one who mobilised for the creation of Edo State Oil Producing

By Innocent Onoja

A

A r e a s Development Commission, EDSOPADEC, adding that as E d o Commissioner on the Board of NDDC, Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade (2nd right), senator repreh e senting Cross River central, Senator John Owan-enoh, (2nd left), senator repbrought resenting Cross River south, Senator Gershom Bassey (left) and member repm a n y resenting Abi-Yakurr federal constituency, Hon. Bassey Ewa while on a tour of developmental the Cross River State garment factory. projects to the state.

He said: “You need a candidate that will be the companies and individuals to restorer of PDP. I am that

By Emma Una raise the needed investment person that does not take state A L A B A R — and leverage to execute the funds and concentrate it on GOVERNOR Ben projects. personal development. I am Ayade of Cross River State has The construction of the 250 more hungry to develop Edo than any of the other PDP said that his administration had kilometre super highway initiated projects he called linking the new sea port at aspirants.

“In 2012, five of us ran in the “Signature Projects” meant to Akpabuyo in the southern part governorship primaries. The fast track the development of of the state to the Obudu Ranch Resort in the northern others have left the party the state.

The projects, according to his part of the state has since because they were visitors. If the PDP needs to win the score card, include 250 started.

Though, the Federal election with N10,000, with me kilometre Superhighway, as the candidate, the party Deep Sea Port, Rice City and Ministry of Environment has Garment Factory for which he temporarily suspended will need N1,000 to win.

“I am the only person who had visited countries such as construction work on the road can write the history of Edo Sweden, Germany, Ireland, to await for the completion of PDP when I become governor. United Kingdom, China, India Environmental Impact This is the time to decide who and United States to seek for Assessment, EIA, report, will make the election easier investors and has in the process construction work would have for the PDP to win,” signed Memorandum of reached advanced stage by Understanding, MOU, with now, he noted.

Iduoriyekemwen said.

Construction and equipping of the Garment Factory expected to employ about 1000 women, particularly widows has been completed.

Meanwhile,President describing Ogboru’s Labour to stop associating with an Muhammadu Buhari is Party and Delta APC merger as illegal state APC executive until expected to commission the dead on arrival because a state the national executive of the factory on a date soon to be High Court sitting in Asaba, has party deems it fit to comply with announced. stopped the Prophet Erhue-led the order of the court which has The Garment Factory will be Delta APC executive from restrained the Prophet Erhue commissioned along with the acting, so they no longer exist led Delta APC from parading Monorail started by Senator and it will be a process in futility itself as state executive of the Liyel Imoke and completed by if they continue with the merger. party.”

Senator Ayade.

“We are also advising Ogboru

Ayade unveils score card

C

Ogboru’s Labour/Delta APC merger: An effort in futility —Okotie-Eboh

By Onozure Dania

A

FACTION of Delta State All Progressives Congress, APC, led by Chief Adolor OkotieEboh, has described Chief Great Ogboru’s Labour Party and Prophet Jones Erhue-led Delta APC faction merger plan as effort in futility.

The Okotie-Eboh faction advised Chief Ogboru to discontinue with the process of merging with the APC in the state if he must succeed in his cause.

State APC Publicity Secretary of the Okotie-Eboh faction, Mr Alex Eyengho, in a statement while reacting to reports credited to Ogboru over a committee set up to merge Delta Labour Party and APC said, neither Okotie-Eboh nor his faction of the Delta APC has personal quarrel with Delta Labour Party or Ogboru on his decision to defect to APC, but advised that if he was doing so, he should join at the national level of the party in Abuja and not the state executive that is facing litigation.

Oyengho said, “We are C M Y K

Gov aspirant aligns with Oshiomhole on crisis in APC

By Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN—A GOVERNORSHIP aspirant for the 2016 election in Edo State under the ticket of All Progressives Congress, APC, Engr. Chris Osa Ogiemwonyi, has said that he agreed with Governor Adams Oshiomhole that there was no crisis in the party as was reported in the media.

Oshiomhole had during his submission to the national fact findings and reconciliation committee set up to address the

perceived in-fighting within the state chapter of the party told the Prince Olagunsoye Oyinola committee that the party was peaceful and that whatever little crisis was in the party was blown out of proportion.

“I support the governor’s statement. All the Edo State APC stakeholders and governorship aspirants are all clamouring for a level playing field so that we can have a formidable candidate emerging during the governorship primaries to fight the opposition

party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. “So far, so good. We are praying for a crisis free primaries in a few weeks time,” he said.

On developmental strides, he scored the Oshiomhole led administration in the state 80 percent.

“If you read the interview I granted an international journal recently while in London, I scored the governor eight out of 10 in terms of performance.

LL Progressives Congress, APC, governorship election in Delta State in the 2015, Olorogun Otega Emerhor has appealed to Nigerians to join hands with the Federal Government to rebuild the nation’s economy, saying that review of pump price of fuel and total removal of subsidy was the right and only positive choice for the government to move the economy forward.

Emerhor in a statement by his Director of Media and Political Communication, Dr Fred Oghenesivbe, said that with the current low oil price and the poor state of the economy, government cannot afford to be the sole importer of fuel or continue to subsidize same.

“Despite the short term hardship on Nigerians, this move has already eliminated fuel queues nationwide which will now speed up industrial and commercial activities for rapid economic growth.

“Long term competition will bring reduced prices. Moreover, aside from eliminating the corruption associated with the fuel subsidy regime, the savings from the non payment of subsidy will go a long way to provide social welfare to those at the lower rung of the economy.

“I request Nigerians to show understanding and not to be lured or deceived by those who perpetually want the status quo of corruption and crisis to remain."

Lions Club plans eye care hospital

By Festus Ahon

A

SABA—AS part of its efforts towards alleviating the sufferings of the less privileged in the society, Lions Club International, Multiple District Nigeria, is building a multi- million naira eye care hospital in Abuja.

The hospital when completed will carter for the eye challenges of the people, while a water plant factory meant to empower vulnerable teenage girls is 85 percent completed by the club.

Chairperson of Multiple District Council the of Lions Club International, Multiple District 404 Nigeria, Mrs. Stella Agbogun, who made the disclosure in Asaba, Delta State, said that one of the key focus of the club was preventable blindness all over the world.

On the 32nd Multiple District convention of the club, which held in Asaba, she explained that the Lion Eye Care Hospital will offer all kind of services related to sight both primary and secondary health services, including cornea transplant and other serious eye defects.

34—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

Firm enhances energy sector through renewables

By Bartholomew Maduekwe

A

STEVEN SOLAR Nigeria has concluded plans to build a sustainable power generating source that will bridge the energy gap in the country.

In tandem with the global shift to a clean energy economy, solar experts plan to bolster renewable energy industry which will decarbonise and enhance economic growth and create jobs for Nigerians.

Speaking to newsmen during the just concluded Nigeria Energy Forum in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer of Asteven Solar Nigeria, Dr. Sunny Akpoyibo said: “Nigeria can bridge the energy gap, a major challenge in the country by strategically leveraging on renewable energy sources, especially solar that is in abundant supply.”

According him, “The global shift to a clean energy economy keeps accelerating, creating millions of green jobs for workers around the world, showing once again that decarbonisation and economic growth can go hand in hand. Nigeria with a high unemployment rate and an embarrassing national grid capacity of between 1,500 – 6,000 megawatts needs to critically rework its strategy as a nation and tap into the huge potentials renewable energy offers.”

Speaking further, Akpoyibo said: “By adopting smart models with coordinated deployment, we can generate and add 5000 megawatts using solar and other clean energy sources by 2020 into the national energy mix.

Asteven Solar Nigeria will commence the phased implementation of the company’s model to generate 50 megawatts over the next 24 months with a potential to generate 500,000 jobs using developed solar solutions.”

Imo judiciary shut down over non-payment of salaries

By Chidi Nkwopara

O

WERRI—JUDICIAL workers in Imo State have again shut down all courts in the state indefinitely, following what they termed “non-payment of arrears of salaries and allowances owed us by the state government”.

The workers, who are acting under the umbrella body of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, distanced themselves from the 70:30 agreement Labour recently entered into with the state government.

Similarly, Imo State University, IMSU, Owerri, have remained under lock and key in the past two months, for non-payment of their emoluments by government.

While the judiciary workers are acting under the umbrella body of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, all the labour unions in IMSU, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, and the Non-Academic Staff Union of the institution, equally instructed their members to remain at home until further notice.

Some of the aggrieved workers, who spoke to Vanguard yesterday on strict grounds of anonymity, said they are strongly opposed to

the 30 percent cut on their January 2016 salary.

The premises of both IMSU and the courts have remained shut, while lawyers and their clients were seen in groups, discussing the development.

According to a statement pasted

at the two entrances into the court premises in Owerri and signed

by Comrade Nlemadim Kelechi, the workers held a meeting Wednesday, May 11, 2016, where the issue of non-payment of their salaries was discussed and the decision to shut down courts was

AWARD: The 51st President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, Otunba Olufemi Deru (3rd left); Assistant Director, Human Resources, ICAN, Mrs. Ifeoma Okwuosa (left); former Deputy Registrar, Corporate Services, ICAN, Mr. Olusoji Odukoya; Ag. Deputy Registrar, Corporate Services, Mrs. Claudia Binitie, recipient of 20 years Long Service Award; former Deputy Registrar, Technical Services, Mr. Abel Asein, and Registrar/Chief Executive of ICAN, Mr. Rotimi Omotoso, during ICAN Long Service Award ceremony, in Lagos.

Kanu’s brother accuses Uwazuruike of enriching himself with Biafra

By Ugochukwu Alaribe

A

BA—YOUNGEr brother to the detained leader of Indigenous People of Biafra

Pa Jeremiah Athe for Burial Papa Jeremiah Athe, who died May 6, 2016, aged 84, will be buried, Saturday, May 21, 2016.

Funeral takes place at Ideze Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Ideze South Local Government Area, Delta State.

He is survived by nine children, grand children, in-laws, brothers/sisters, nephews, among others, with Edward Ofuyaekpone of Vanguard Media Limited.

,IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu; Kanunta Kanu, has accused the factional leader of the Movement of the Sovereign State of Biafra ,MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike of betraying Ndigbo by using the Biafran struggle to amass wealth.

Kanunta advised Uwazuruike to come out and tell the people the truth about how he allegedly betrayed the struggle, admit his mistakes and apologize to Ndigbo instead of continuing to deceive them that he was fighting for Biafra.

He insisted that as far as the Biafra struggle was concerned, Uwazuruike has come to the end of the road due to the fact that he allegedly soiled his hands

H

ERDSMEN IN OnichaUgbo community, Aniocha –North local government area of Delta-State have been advised not to engage in any act capable of breaching the peace and security of the area.

The traditional ruler of Onicha-

through the collection of what he described as 'brown' envelope from the establishment.

The younger Kanu added that Uwazuruike is only pretending to be fighting for Biafra as he has continued to oppose genuine agitators for the actualization of an independent state of Biafra.

“Uwazuruike succeeded in enriching himself with Biafra, he was making money for himself, and he was not talking about our people. The direction we (IPOB) are going is quite different from the direction he is going.

“Ralph Uwazuruike cannot do more because he has betrayed Biafra. How do you think he can still function? "

Cloud services could limit software piracy—Microsoft International

By Emeka Aginam

The President, Microsoft International, Jean-Philippe Courtois, has expressed optimism that cloud services could help curb the problem of piracy across the Africa continent.

Courtois who stated this yesterday in a press conference in Lagos after he had several meetings with their local partners including the Lagos State Government, also told newsmen

that access, innovation, skills development, connectivity remained their major focus in Nigeria and the rest of the African countries.

With the shift to cloud-based services, he said that people are going to be using much more secured systems in doing their businesses.

Noting that cloud undermines the very notion of software piracy, he said that Microsoft was building secured infrastructure for

their customers around the world.

Although he did not disclose the economic loss to software piracy globally, he said that, “Piracy is still high around the world. There is no need to deny the fact. But with the paradigm shift to cloud services, your business activities are secured”, he said.

With the new world of cloud computing, he acknowledged that "piracy is a big threat to the consumer. It is the biggest threat that you have,” he said,

Herdsmen in Onicha-Ugbo advised to maintain peace

By Victor Otigbu

taken.

A litigant, who simply identified himself as Chinedu described the scenario as “most disappointing and unfortunate”, even as he urged government to dialogue with the workers with a view to resolving the problem amicably”.

Ugbo, HRM Obi Victor Chukwumalieze I (J.P) gave the advise while addressing Fulani herdsmen and his subjects at a town hall meeting organized by the members of the national body of Onicha-Ugbo Patriotic Union (OPU NEC) held in his palace to explore ways of promoting the continued peace, development and harmonious co-existence

among indigenes and non indigenes of the community.

The royal father flanked by his council of chiefs, drew the attention of the people to threats of peace occasioned by unwholesome attitude of Fulani herdsmen in parts of the country, stating that the community was determined to avert any act likely to breach security and peace in

the town.

Obi Chukwumalieze enjoined the herdsmen to operate within the confines of the law, insisting they should resist any tendency that might provoke the sensibility of the people.

He pleaded with the herdsmen to ensure that as Nigerians, farms are not dedtroyed by their cows.

explaining that pirated software do not have security patches and upgrades associated with a legal copy.

In another development, Philippe Courtois disclosed that access, skill development and innovation remained Microsoft key focus regarding 4Africa initiative.

It would be recalled that Courtois had in his visit to Nigeria in 2014 disclosed that Microsoft has invested $75 million in Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya and other African countries in the areas of access, innovation, skills development, youth empowerment; software development; digital curriculum, skills among others.

The Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative, according to him focuses on three critical areas of development for the continent including worldclass skills, access and innovation.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016 — 35

FG releases funds for mobilization of 2016 Batch A, stream 11 corps members

By Caleb Ayansina

A

BUJA—THE Federal Government, yesterday, ordered the immediate release of funds for the mobilization exercise of the 2016 Batch A, stream 11 service year.

This followed the outcry by the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brigadier General Sule Kazaure that lack of funds might stall the exercise if nothing was urgently done.

On Monday, Kazaure, while appearing before the Senate Committee on Youth and Sports, said all the affected corps members were to remain in their various homes due to nonavailability of fund arising from N13 billion shortfall in the agency’s 2016 budget.

Consequently, the government intervened, approved and released funds to accommodate the 2016 Batch A stream 11 orientation course.

Reacting to the development, the NYSC in a statement by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Abosede Aderibigbe, commended the Federal Government for its

prompt intervention to accommodate the corps members.

The statement reads: “Management also wishes to use this medium to inform and assure prospective corps members, parents, guardians

and the general public that the 2016 Batch A stream 11 orientation course holds as scheduled from Saturday 21st May to Monday, 6th June, 2016 while the swearing in ceremony of the 2016 Batch A stream 11

corps members holds on Monday, 23rd May, 2016.

“Prospective corps members are by this notice directed to print their call up letters online and collect from their various institutions of graduation.”

VISIT: Mr. Jean-Philippe Courtois, President, Microsoft International with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, during his courtesy visit to the Governor yesterday in Lagos.

Benue'll hand over missionary schools to original owners soon — ORTOM

By Peter Duru

M

A K U R D I — GOVERNOR Samuel Ortom of Benue State,

yesterday indicated that government would soon hand over all missionary schools in the state to their original owners.

The governor said this became

S' East, S'South Professionals back FG on fuel price hike

S

OUTH East, South South Professionals of Nigeria, SESSPN, has thrown its support to the Federal Government over the removal of fuel subsidy President of SESSPN, Emeka Ugwu-Oju, in a statement, yesterday in Enugu, admonished the leaders of organised labour that rather than embark on protest, they should cooperate with the government to ensure that the ordinary Nigerians eventually became the beneficiaries of the removal of subsidy and deregulation of the market, and not the victims of the price regime.

According to him, the Labour leaders should “support the government in the interest of the same people they are leading, and learn to trust that the government of the day will, in this instance take the decisions that will benefit everyone eventually.”

Enjoining labour to consider the benefits that would come from a deregulated market and the removal of subsidy, he said, “labour should rather insist and ensure that the government deploys the money

that would have been used as petrol subsidy equitably to the development of various sectors for the benefit of those who need it most and not the minority that benefits from the subsidy. ''If they insist on going on strike, at the end of day, they will discover that those who will suffer will be those they set out to protect.”

necessary in view of inability of government to properly manage such schools.

Ortom spoke at a special prayer session for the people and government of the state and launch of the pilot scheme of the Win A Trip To Isreal, WATTI, organized by the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission in Makurdi.

While noting that modalities for a hitch free transfer had been put in place to ensure smooth handover of the schools, Ortom said, “We have discussed and reached a conclusion on the matter. There is no going back on that decision because we are compelled and convinced that it would serve the sector better if such schools were returned to

their original owners. ''Our decision was propelled by our conviction that when you do a comparison of the schools being managed by government and those under the care of the missionaries you will discover the glaring differences. ''In the coming days we will set up a committee to ensure that the new policy is implemented so that we can have a breath of fresh air in schools management for greater productivity.”

The Governor also commended the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission for the innovations, he introduced in the commission to ensure that most people made the pilgrimage to Israel without government sponsorship.

Come back to work, JUTH mgt appeals to striking workers

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

J

OS—THE Management of Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH, has appealed to striking workers of the hospital to call off their over two months action in the interest of the general public.

In a statement issued in Jos yesterday by the Chief Medical Director, CMD of the hospital, Professor. Edmund Banwat, said the management had shown enough commitment to addressing the local demands raised by the workers.

According to him, “Management of the Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH has advised JUTH staff currently on strike to return to work in the collective interest of the public. We share in the pains the public is going through as a result of the JOHESU strike.

Management is doing everything possible to ensure access to healthcare in the hospital, we have shown enough commitment by addressing all local issues raised by JOHESU while the national issues are already being addressed by their national body.

“Management had sufficiently brought to the notice of JOHESU members and all JUTH staff the federal government circular on no-work-no-pay as directed by the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewale which was disregarded by the Union. ''The Federal Ministry of Health has reiterated its stance that the Chief Executives of Federal Hospitals should not unilaterally commit the federal government by signing any agreement with Unions, it is expedient to advice the staff currently on strike to return to work.''

FUEL PRICE HIKE:

PAC faults Labour on planned strike

A

BUJA—THE Police Assistance Committee, PAC, the umbrella body for association of tradesmen/women and artisans has faulted the planned strike by organized labour and civil society allies over the hike in the price of petrol.

Arising from an emergency meeting of its executive council members in Abuja yesterday, PAC implored the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, to support government action rather than opposed it because it was necessitated by scarcity of foreign exchange to facilitate importation of fuel by oil marketers.

Meantime, the DirectorGeneral of PAC, Dr. Martin John Oni, has called on the Federal Government to address the continuous increase in the exchange rate which was affecting businesses, including businesses of tradesmen and artisans among who were importers depending on foreign exchange for their businesses.

Transition

M

OST Senior Apostle Olusoji Ebenezer Kusoro, 80, is dead.

Kusoro died on February 21, 2016.

According to burial arrangements, the deceased would be buried on Friday, May 20, after a funeral service at his residence on William Bademosi Street, Emmanuel Bus Stop, Governor’s Road, Ikotun, Lagos.

He is survived by his wife, children and grand children, including Pastor Oluwatoyin Kusoro of the Kingdom Zone of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Ijegun – Ikotun, Lagos, Mrs Taiwo Makinde and Mrs Kehinde Akinlonu.

Late Apostle Kusoro.

36—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

ANTI-TRAFFICKING TRAINING: From left— Director, Research and Programme Development, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, Mr. Godwin Morka; Project Coordinator, TiP and Som, Unitied Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Mr. Mikael Jensen, and NAPTIP Lagos Zonal Commander, Mr. Joseph Famakin, at an anti-trafficking training organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes for the agency's investigators and prosecutors in Lagos.

DIGITAL BROADCAST: Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe (left) and Executive Director, Programmes, NTA, Eugenia Abu, during the Digital Broadcasting Africa Forum 2016 in Lagos.

SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND: From left— Member, Executive Council, Chief Olu Falomo; Chairman, Asiwaju Fola Osibo, and Coordinator, Mr. Sola Ogunsiji, all of Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind, FNSB, during a briefing on the forthcoming FNSB Masked May Ball, in Lagos. PHOTO: Lamidi Bamidele.

CLIQFEST: From left— Specialist, Youth Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Michael Nwoseh; winner of Hyundai i10, Cliqfest star prize, Chiamaka Obiefuna, and Head, Youth Segment, Etisalat, Olayiwola Onafowokan, at the presentattion of car keys to Obiefuna at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State.

LOGISTICS REPORT: From left— Representative of Managing Director, MDS Logistics, Mr. Taiwo Ajibola; Director General, Dr. Obiora Madu; President, Mr. Abdul-Ganiyu Sumaila, both of African Centre for Supply Chain, ACSC, and Director General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, Mr. Muda Yusuf, during the unveiling of the just-concluded 2016 industry report of Nigerian Logistics and Supply Chain at the National Logistics Strategy Summit in Lagos. PHOTO: Akinwunmi Ibrahim.

LBS' AFRICA SUMMIT: From left— CEO, Amari Limited, Eloho Omame; Chairperson, Executive Council, Women in Management, Business and Public Service, WIMBIZ, Aishah Ahmad; HR Executive, ROA at Old Mutual, Sipho Gumbi; Mia Kimani of the Boston Consulting Group, and Director at CDC, Imoni Akpofure, all panelists at the 2016 Africa summit at the London Business School.

BABCOCK ’06 ALUMNI: From left— Director, Alumni Affairs, Mr. Adeboye Makinde; guest speaker, Profesor Johnson Egwakhe; Deputy Vice Chancellor, Management Services, Professor Sunday Owolabi, and Director, Marketing and Communication, Mr. Joshua Suleiman, all of Babcock University, during the 10th anniversary of Babcock University Alumni '06 in Lagos.

STARTIMES/COPPA AMERICA: From left— Marketing Director, Startimes, Mr. Dare Kafar; Vice President, Marketing/General Manager, Lagos, Justin Zhang; Startimes Ambassador, Mr. Jonathan Akpoborie; Manager, Public Relations, Bolaji Israel, and Qasim Elegbede, during the announcement of Startimes’ exclusive broadcast right to Coppa America 2916 tournament in Lagos.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016—37

Umahi, Fulani herdsmen and the Igbo

Design to take over Nigeria by the Fulanis

By B. I. C. Ijomah IRST, let me say that the plan of the Fulanis to subtly take over Nigeria has been an old plan. Let me also say that, the cattle Fulanis are one ethnic group in Nigeria. Not all the Fulanis are cattle rearers. Only the cattle Fulani are. There are other Fulanis in the Fulani ethnic group who are not cattle rearers.

They are called the Town Fulanis. They are not the ones who are asking for the grazing rights. It is unfortunate that Mrs. Kure used her dignified position to take a lead in writing a law that could enable the cattle Fulanis take over Nigeria.

We also remember that the Federal Government set up the Nomadic Commission to assist the cattle Fulani on how to go about their business. I served on this Nomadic Commission for more than 3 years in Kaduna.

It is equally strange that Mrs. Kure was writing a law on cattle rearing and grazing in the country without reference to the existence of the Nomadic Commission set up by the Federal Government.

This Nomadic Commission is in Kaduna. Let me caution, that cattle rearing is an occupation of one ethnic group. Any attempt to legislate, so that the cattle Fulani be given a legal authority to move into every town in Nigeria and acquire land against the wishes of the people will back

F

PROF. B.I.C. IJOMAH fire. This legal backing might bring Nigeria to an end. It is an attempt to give the Fulani grazing rights in every part of Nigeria, in spite of their condemnable atrocities in different parts of the country. As a member of the Nomadic Commission for sometime, we did everything to domesticate the cattle Fulanis.

We even wrote books in Fulfude language which we used to teach this nomadic Fulanis in schools set up by the Nomadic Commission. The school is a success so far but the nomadic Fulanis do not want to settle down in one place, so that they can go to school and be domesticated.

The attempt to have grazing field in every part of Nigeria, shows that the Federal Government is sponsoring one occupation as a national occupation. Federal Government should know that it is wrong to throw its weight behind one profession. The cattle Fulanis by their nature cannot settle in one place, and therefore cannot be

Fulani herdsmen...now armed domesticated. And Federal Government has no right to back one profession among many professions in the country. We have the migrant fishermen in the South and also in the North. The government has not considered it necessary to acquire strategic waters in the country so that fishermen could carry on their job.

Dangers to Nigeria: I see the move to acquire land compulsorily for only one profession (cattle rearing) as dangerous. Will the Federal Government also acquire rivers and streams wherever necessary so that fishermen in the North and in the South can have fishing rights?

No. l think this is another step by the Fulanis to expand to other parts of Nigeria. I recall the struggles of the Fulanis with the Birom people in the North, in Plateau State; they struggled with the indigenous population in Nasarawa, now by their current record they have occupied Bukuru and driven away the indigenous settlers.

What happened in Agatu is planned to drive away the indigenous settlers and take the whole place in the name of cattle rearing.

Their horrible behaviour: Let

What happened in Agatu is planned to drive away the indigenous settlers and take the whole place in the name of cattle rearing

me draw attention to their method of operations. They have come as far as to Ndokwa, Balyesa, Enugu, and their method of operation is to kill the indigenous settlers and take over

the land. It is a tragedy that the president of Nigeria has not opened his mouth to make a statement condemning the massacre of innocent citizens by the Fulanis. We know that the President is a Fulani man but that is not the reason for him to condemn the Boko Haram and not condemn the massacre of innocent citizens by his own ethnic group, the Fulanis. Many people have been massacred.

The President was belatedly forced by the public outcry to make a feeble condemnation.

Nigerians are watching to see the next move to acquire land compulsorily. This cannot happen. We are in a Federation and you cannot force cattle rearing on communities by force.

Sense of nationalism In Enugu they massacred more than 46 persons in Nsukka, this shows that the Fulanis want to move into locations by force. Let us warn the Fulanis that no ethnic group has a monopoly of violence. Their method of operation is an insult to Nigeria, and all Nigerians must open their eyes and watch the activities of the Fulanis. The President must show a sense of nationalism.

He cannot keep silent and pretend that he does not know what is going on. Other ethnic groups in the North, in the Yoruba communities, in the Igbo territories, in the Ijaw territories are watching and will react accordingly very soon.

“This nation called Nigeria shall be an estate to us from our great grandfather Othman Dan Fodio. We shall resist any change. We shall manipulate the minorities of the North and declare the South as a conquered territory” Let me draw Mr. President’s attention to a reality. He has his hands on many things in Nigeria.

Adding the Fulani problems is not in his interest. The Fulanis want to acquire Nigeria by force.

It is the first step towards destroying this nation because neither the Yorubas nor, the Igbos nor, the Ijaws nor the Biroms will close their eyes and watch the cattle Fulanis take over Nigeria.

To be concluded

T

By Peter Okutu

HE trending episodes of the gruesome activities of Fulani herdsmen in some parts of the country have become disturbing and terrifying. They have no doubt reawakened the need for Nigerians to be security conscious at all times.

People now sleep with their eyes opened, especially in rural areas because of the some killer- herdsmen in their lands.

Their activities have equally led to the calls by groups and some prominent individuals for herdsmen to leave the South East without further delay.

In Ebonyi State, Governor David Umahi has decided to be conscientious and diplomatic in his decision but also critical in order not to plunge the state into disaster. In his last enlarged Security Council Meeting, he harped on the crucial need for Ebonyi people to avoid tension between them and herdsmen as many of them had lived in the state for over 40 years. Governor Umahi, a wise democrat and crisis manager, harped on peace, instead of making provocative comments that could endanger the lives of innocent residents of the state.

Security advisers The governor, through the instrumentality of a well coordinated security advisers consequently put modalities in place for the setting up a community-based security committee that includes Fulanis to check the activities of killerherdsmen in the board. No wise and right thinking Chief executive of a state would declare war without firstly, differentiating between the enemies of the state and those willing to live in peace with his people.

There is a popular dictum which states that ‘it is the rat in the house that tells the one outside where the food is’, but if you are able to manage the one inside very well, it will not accept any other visitor programmed to destroy its future.Ebonyi State is widely regarded as a peaceful state and its government’s strategy for peace will not come by way of declaring war but through the declaration of peace. This, the Umahi administration believes, would enable it identify her true enemies and then strike whenever the need arose. The governor on different platforms has reached out to the Fulani herdsmen in the state as they have decided to follow the path of peace and equity. This record is indeed unbeatable.

Being a master strategist, Governor Umahi has set up measures on how to identify any foreign fulani herdsman.

He has directed the State Commissioner of Police Command to disarm any herdsman seen carrying guns in on Ebonyi soil. Immediately the gruesome incident in

Enugu State broke, Engr.

Umahi placed the police and other security agencies on the red alert. They are now systematically and synergistically working round the clock to checkmate incidence of crimes and criminality across the state.

Most Igbo had expected Governor Umahi to declare war on the herdsmen in the state and consequently drive them a way but facts emanating from the corridors of most advance security strategists in the world over, states that at the beginning of any insurgency, you first of all separate your friends from your true enemy before declaring total war. Umahi as a true Igbo leader and nationalist has always believed in the oneness and peaceful coexistence of Nigeria but not to the extent of allowing non-believers take laws into their hands.

Many had faulted his peace move and had expected a warlike disposition; but if he had openly declared war and the Igbo are attacked in other parts of the country, Nigerians and indeed the Igbo would not only pour vernom on him, they would call for his head.

What we need now is for the killer herdsmen to sheathe their swords. They must know that no Igbo man would fold his arms and watch them kill or maim their loved ones.

Governor Umahi remains the first Governor within the South East to openly address issues

What we need now is for the killer herdsmen to sheathe their swords revolving around the herdsmen and should be commended and not criticized simply because he did not openly call for a reprisal attack on the Fulani herdsmen.

What apparently causes acrimony between the herdsmen and the South easterners border mainly on the encroachment of the herdsmen into their farmlands. So, Governor Umahi decided that the state would create grazing routes so that farmlands belonging to Ebonyians would not be encroached upon by herdsmen. These routes would serve as a guide for the herdsmen while moving along with their cattle as any violation of this measure could bring far reaching sanctions on any defaulter. What the Governor of Ebonyi state is simply doing is to put measures in place that would encourage the reign of peace in the state and for him to know how and when to act, if eventually there is crack on the wall.

38—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

•Yakubu: INEC chairman

•Wike: Rivers State governor

When will the wait end?

RIVERS POLL:

STAKEHOLDERS are still waiting for the electoral regulatory body to conclude its assignment in Rivers State.

By Jimitota Onoyume

T

HE March 19 federal and state legislative rerun election in Rivers State were arguably the most violent in the history of the country. The election saw political stakeholders from both sides of the polity take desperate measures to triumph over the

THE EIGHT LGAs Khana Bonny Gokhana Andoni

Tai Eleme Etche Asari Toru

other leading to violence that led to the death of a yet unstated number of persons.

The Department of State Services, DSS was reported to have even engaged in a shoot-

out with some of the political thugs.

It was as such not surprising that in the midst of the elections that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC suspended the elections in eight local government areas where the violence was more severe.

The Rivers state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Aniedi Ikoiwak gave violence among the reasons for the suspension.

The local government areas were Khana, Bonny, Gokhana, Andoni , Tai, Eleme, Etche and Asari Toru. “Following disturbance and violence that impeded the electoral process in those parts of the state it has become necessary to suspend the elections .

Please note this suspension of the rerun elections by INEC is to forestall breakdown of law and order or loss of lives and property,” INEC had said.

Legislative elections The electoral body said it will come up with a date for the election when it was sure the atmosphere would be conducive for the exercise.

At the moment Rivers State is not represented in the Senate because the suspension affected the senatorial elections in some areas given that all three Senate seats were being contested in the rerun following the nullification of the 2015 federal and state legislative elections.

There have been cries in

several quarters that the delay in conducting the rerun elections is robbing the state’s citizens of their representation in the National Assembly.

Indeed, the perspective of the citizens is missing when important issues pertaining to the state come up for mention.

The suspension has also robbed eight local government areas of adequate representation in the proceedings of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

While some stakeholders believe that the violence that was given as the reason for the suspension of the elections was not strong enough, some others think the commission was right to have suspended the exercise on account of the violence.

Some persons blamed the commission for the violence recorded in most parts of the state.

Secretary to the Rivers state government, Mr Kenneth Kobani had accused the commission of shoddy preparations for the elections in his Gokhana local government area, alleging that it came for the elections with some fake materials. Kobani said some of the actions of INEC and security agents deployed to his local government led to the resistance witnessed in his area.

On his part Senator Magnus Abe who is contesting the rerun elections on the platform of his All Progressive Congress, APC accused leadership of the rival Peoples Democratic Party of promoting violence in several parts of Ogoni.

Cult related issues

My plan to de-market APC — Lere Olayinka LERE Olayinka, Special Assistant to Governor Ayodele Fayose on Public Communication and New Media, is one of the serious contenders for the post of the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. In an interview, he affirmed that his mission as National Publicity Secretary of the PDP would be to de-market the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC. He speaks on his plans and strategies. Excerpts:

By Rotimi Ojomoyela

W

HY do you want to be the Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party?

I’m a committed member of the PDP. I have never belonged to any other party since I joined party politics.

Again, I will say that I have paid my dues in terms of projecting the PDP, in Ekiti State, Southwest and Nigeria as a whole.

Most importantly, the leader of the party in this state, Dr. Ayodele Fayose is interested in me becoming the National

C M Y K

Publicity Secretary of the party.

How would you assess the present Publicity Secretary of your party, Chief Olisa Metuh's performance?

I’m a forward looking person, I don’t dwell on the past, I don’t go about condemning and castigating people, the environment in which Mr. A operated last week, may be different from which Mr. B is operating now and the environment in which Mr. C will operate tomorrow might be different.

So the strategy that worked yesterday would obviously be

•Olayinka: I will expose APC different from the one that might be applied tomorrow.

I’m not saying those who have handled the media in the past have not done their best, in the political environment they operated, they did their best, I’m willing to pick up from where they stopped.

Do you think you have what it takes to be Publicity Secretary of a Political Party?

I’m a journalist and have been in this job for 19 years. I started active journalism since my days in the Nigeria Institute of Journalism, I have Continues on page 39

The state has witnessed killings which some blamed on cult related issues while others linked them to politics. The Police and other security agencies are yet to come up with concrete statements on reason behind the assassinations recorded so far.

The APC from accounts of the party seemed to have lost more of its members.

According to the Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase who spoke in Port Harcourt there had been conflicting opinions on why the people were assasinated so he had deployed a team of officers from the homicide department at the force headquaters to assist the state Police command unravel mysteries around the deaths and fish out those behind them for prosecution.

Meantime, most residents who spoke to Vanguard said, probably early conduct of the rerun elections could reduce or stop the murderous acts witnessed in the state if they had anything to do with politics.

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016—39

We're yet to see change in Abuja — ABDULSALAM, LP CHAIRMAN THE National Chairman of Labour Party, LP, Alhaji Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, in this interview with Vanguard in Abuja, took a swipe at the All Progressives Congress, ACP administration which he said has failed to provide purposeful and desired change Nigerians yearned for.

By Chris Ochayi

Y

OU had claimed that the country is under siege.

Can you shed more light in this direction?

Siege defined is the encirclement of a fortified place with persistent attempt to gain control and overcome opposition. The system entails the isolation of a territory and people from help and supplies, for the purpose of lessening the resistance of the defenders and thereby making dominion possible.

In a simple context, a nation under siege is bombarded by series of troubles, annoyances, illnesses and general dissatisfaction with great inability to widen the scope of understanding of neither travails nor simple solutions needed to forestall gargantuan depreciation.

Siege mentality APC’s “CHANGE” has only been successful in the furtherance of the siege mentality, a shared feeling of victimisation, defensiveness and defencelessness-a collective state of mind whereby Nigerians are being oppressed, isolated, manipulated, disoriented, dejected and disjointed in the face of the negative manoeuvring of the ruling party.

What is your assessment of

the APC administration so far?

The last 10 months of the Buhari administration in retrospect has not brought “joy” to the land but instead dramatic element of fear and trait of political and economic siege that has created a nation without a coherent practice of ethics, values, processes but excessive action, taxes and laws that prevent growth with the appropriate amount of government intervention in the economy remaining highly controversial.

The APC government despite purposeful intervention by well meaning Nigerians, Labour

Perhaps the president does not know that poverty in the country has reached unprecedented levels with the number of Nigerians living in deep poverty almost doubled Party, civil societies, the NBA has created a corridor of consistent flouting of the ethics of good governance,

•Abdulsalam: The country is polarised participatory democracy along sacred laws of the land in the pursuit of perceived and contrived idealism, thereby making effective opposition low and multi-lateral thinking deficient, consequences being a siege mentality with a black and white pattern of thinking, social non-conformity and lack of trust within the populace.

This inadvertently, has polarized the country, created social disconnect and broken the necessary cohesion needed at this time of our history to enable derived greatness and catalysed economic growth with greater dimension of public welfare What we see is the efficacy of the government’s propaganda bakery which has consistently manufactured and produced excuses and lies to defraud the

people’s mentality, cover up economic misfortune and give reasons for the appointment of misfits into government in a bid to satisfy local and regional pressure of party block-heads at the expense of the greater interest of the country.

Social disorder Thus generating a social disorder of ideological isolation arguably and purposely encouraged by the leadership to help justify their continuance in power despite poor showing in managing the economy and the peoples several unquantifiable need.

But the administration has many times pleaded with Nigerians to be patient. Are you saying government is not

aware of the situation?

Perhaps the president does not know that poverty in the country has reached “unprecedented levels” with the number of Nigerians living in “deep poverty ” almost doubled.

As at today, more than 46 percent of public sector employees do not have enough money to meet their basic needs, with 53 percent of households reporting decline in their incomes.

Equally, you would not know how difficult it has become for peasants and the majority of the populace to send their wards to school particularly when his acolytes have succeeded in destroying the quality of education in their desperate and wicked desires to make their private schools thrive.

My plan to de-market APC — Lere Olayinka Continues from page 38 practiced as a publisher, as a reporter, I have been involved in broadcast journalism, print journalism and even social media journalism.

The Peoples Democratic Party as at now appeared to be riddled with crisis and internal strife, what image do you intend to give a party of this nature?

Politics is about conflict and conflict resolution when you have an organisation with varieties of interest there will

always be conflicts.

Unfortunately, we allowed minor crises to balloon into a major issue. Like every other political party, we have our share of crises in the PDP, and it is normal in politics, because of the divergent interests.

Divergent interests The APC that is the ruling party today has its share of crises because of the divergent interests in that

party. You must be aware of what is going on within the APC, and it has not been consumed by the crisis, PDP too will not be consumed by its crisis.

Some say that the consensus arrangement used in the last congresses in Ekiti State is akin to imposition?

I can tell you that there was no imposition of anyone.

Don’t get it wrong.

Consensus is never an imposition; they are not the same thing.

Consensus is a mechanism

put in place to discourage acrimony and rancour among contenders for a particular position.

It’s an arrangement put in place to encourage contestants to step down for each other and allow the best candidate who is properly fit for a position to emerge, but in a situation where nobody wants to step down, we can call for the outright election to settle the matter.

What are your other plans for the projection of the image of your party?

Political communication is simple, you tell the people what your party is capable of doing, you tell the people what your party would have done differently, by making the people see that if our party is the party in government, we would have done things differently.

It is about marketing your party and de-marketing your competitors; my job is to market the PDP and demarket APC.

C M Y K

40 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

Pricing imbalance He also identified price imbalance in the electricity tariff structure as the biggest challenge confronting power supply in the country. It was a sentiment shared by a top management staff of one of the Discos who pleaded anonymity.

He attributed the challenges hindering development in the power sector to inadequate pricing.

He said: “The government has been in this business for over 50 years and did nothing, and the pricing has not been right all along. From day one, we have lamented the imbalance in price in the electricity chain. Nigerians should be ready to pay more. If the price is right, it is easier for us to work with because that would enable investors have the resources to meet the transformation for the system.

“Very recently, the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria, MAN, took us to court over our billing system. How is it that we will be told what to do?”

Financial situation Olorunsogo power station

7,000mw in 2017: The dream, drama and reality

By Ediri Ejoh

R

ELEVANT stakeholders have described as mere political statement the assurance by the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, that electricity generation in the country would be increased to 7,000 megawatts in 2017.

This is against the background that despite the huge funds that have been expended on the sector since the inception of the current democracy, power generation has failed to show any sign of improvement.

It will be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari had declared at the opening of the National Economic Council’s economic retreat that in the next three years, the nation would generate 10,000mw of distributable power, adding that 2,000mw of it would be added to the national grid this year.

Similarly, Fashola had on Thursday, March 31, while speaking during the signing of an agreement in Abuja between Geometric Power, Aba and Enugu Electricity Generation Company, reassured Nigerians that the 10,000 megawatts of electricity generation target set by the present administration would be attained by the end of 2019.

C M Y K

However, various stakeholders in the industry have expressed misgivings about the set target considering the multitude of problems facing the sector.

Operators perception Meantime, the Executive Director, Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors, ANED, Sunday Oduntan, who spoke with Vanguard Features on the situation, noted that the major problem currently facing the sector was liquidity. According to him, the challenge emanated from when the electricity distribution companies, or Discos, took over as principle owners of the assets.

Removal of collection losses He explained that at the point of takeover, about N92.2 billion was not cost reflective, thereby creating a gap which is associated with the said amount.

“Most of it was supposed to be addressed by the intervention fund which is N215 billion. That fund was suspended after, I believe, about N64 billion was paid out; so the balance of N151 billion should be paid out also,” he averred.

He said that additional issues arose in 2015 which included the removal of collection losses and

the freezing of R2. According to him, this action led to a shortfall of N164 billion, which he noted remains unaddressed, stressing that with the creation of MY2 2015, the first two years were assigned to the Discos as recovery period.

In other words, there is a huge revenue shortfall which has created liquidity crisis in the industry. “It is this short fall that the discos are hoping would be addressed in terms of liquidity bond that NBET is working on, as well as the second intervention fund that CBN is also working on. And so, that is really what the challenges are and there are financial obligations that should be addressed on the value chain,” he said.

Painting a bleak picture of the situation, Oduntan, said: “The Discos cannot access funds from the banks as they are currently operating on a negative without a prospect of improved revenue generation.”

The Discos, he stated, need the money not only to pay for their obligations upstream, but also to commit for their capital investment that is critical for meeting their performance agreement with the Bureau of Public Enterprise, BPE. Speaking on the possibility of achieving the target set by the

President and the Minister, Oduntan said although there was a major demand for power in the country today, the Discos could not access power to distribute.

He identified two important issues that must be tackled which include: “First, the supply of gas to the Gencos(power generating companies)”, stressing that the issue of vandalisation of pipelines should stop while the development of gas infrastructure for the movement of the molecules was completed

When you ask about the Discos capacity, it is tied to TCN capacity. Right now, the generation assumption that has been made under the Discos tariff is approximately 5000megawatts appropriately.

“I can assure you that the Discos are interested in more power to satisfy consumers and also to make sure that they recover their revenues. When you ask about the Discos capacity, it is tied to TCN capacity. Right now, the generation assumption that has been made under the Discos tariff is approximately 5000megawatts.”

With regards to Nigeria’s biggest generating plant, Egbin, he said the management was still studying the financial situation in order to determine what projects to take on to improve capacity, while noting thus: “Without funding, there can’t be equipment, and without equipment there can’t be power.

Right now, we can rightly say that there is nothing happening in the industry except we are paid because services rendered must be paid for as we do not run a charitable organisation.”

He also noted that due to the debt owed the company, it is unable to meet output demand.

“Now they are saying we must first provide services, but how do we do all of this from the bank without the funds. The government owes us for services rendered, and we are saying they should pay us so we can render quality services to Nigerians.”

He also argued that the lack of political will to enforce tariff increment has hindered the development of the power sector, adding that “the fight against tariff increment is baseless.”

Billing deficiency On his part, the Director General of the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, Muda Yussuf, identified the greatest challenge confronting the sector as insufficiency in the system from billing. He noted that the Minister disclosed recently that public agencies owe over N200 billion, adding that the agencies were not paying the Discos such money because the service was Continues on page 41

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016 — 41

Heatwaves

as an important factor towards coping with the situation.

Fasamade who is also the Chairman, M e d i c a l Advisory Committee, CMAC, of LUTH, said the environmental temperature does not have to hit 100°F for persons to be at risk.

He explained that an individual’s general health and lifestyle may increase his or her chances of suffering a heat-

•More discomfort, health risks Intense heat consequences of unabated global climate change — experts THE warning by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMeT, that Nigerians should brace up for more hot days, warm nights and heatwave across the country did not come as a surprise.

Indeed over the past few months, Nigerians have been on the receiving end of intense waves of hot and humid air currents blowing across the nation, a development which has become a topic of popular discussion and a source of concern among medical and scientific experts.

By Chioma Obinna

P

ARTICULARLY worrisome is the fact that a number of individuals and at times, entire families, have succumbed to the negative effects of the heat. Public and private hospitals have been witnessing increased admissions of patients complaining of heatrelated health problems, including heat stroke and fainting spells.

However, researchers have explained that the current hot days, hot nights and intense heat waves are consequences of unabated global climate change. They are of the view that when sustained heat waves hit a region, the attendant health ramifications can be serious, including sunstroke and even major organ damage due to heat.

Warmest year: It is already on record that 2016 may become the warmest year on record if findings by scientists are anything to go by. Annual global temperature forecast suggests 2016 will be between 0.72°C and 0.95°C above the long-term average of 14°C. In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Matthew Huber, a Professor of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Purdue University, and Steven Sherwood, of the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, analysed the highest tolerable heat-wave conditions.

They found that the earth is getting hotter and people’s health may suffer. They said that earth’s future temperatures could exceed livable limits in

some regions and half of the world’s population would be put in an uninhabitable environment.

The study looked well beyond the year 2100 and found that a rise of 12 degrees Fahrenheit in the global average surface temperature would cause some areas to be so hot and humid that conditions would make it impossible for those without air conditioning to cool off through their skin.

In their view, the world may be experiencing a heat index of 170 degrees Fahrenheit and heat waves won’t affect just the elderly or young children but everyone.

Public health physician The experts also expressed worry that as the temperatures linger above normal, the systems in the human body that enable it to adapt to heat may become overwhelmed.

Medical and scientific experts also cautioned that extreme heat often has deleterious effects on quality of health and urged Nigerians to take the warning serious, stressing that they should take adequate measures to ensure they do not suffer health wise as a result of the situation.

Dehydration: Reacting to the NiMeT alert, a public health physician and former Chief Medical Director, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Prof. Akin Osibogun, explained that the risks arising from hot days and warm nights would be dehydration due to

7,000 MW: The dream, drama and reality Continues from page 40 not right. “So it would be unfair to say because of that you want to increase tariff. It is only 50 percent that are paying their bills, and they would continue to pay. So, consumers would be bearing responsible losses for the others who do not pay. And that is not fair. Some of those equipment are also old; there are issues of technical losses. We get power from the Gencos.

“Some of the investors are highly indebted to the banks. You know what the cost of funding

is, and you are supposed to come to this kind of business with reasonable entity. I’m not sure most of them have a good percentage of STPs. The financing structure of the acquisition is also an issue.

“The fact is these Gencos are different from the government; they are private. If the government owes them, it is a different thing; if the government is the one owing they can decline gas supply to the government.

The Gencos are different from the government.”

excessive sweating.

“Skin rashes may also be on the increase. Excessive loss of body fluids remained the most potent risk,” Osibogun said, warning that excessive heat can result in heat stroke which is a consequence of dehydration. “If dehydration is persistent, renal function becomes impaired and the kidneys may eventually shut down if the dehydration remains uncorrected,” he added.

When sustained heat waves hit a region, the attendant health ramifications can be serious, including sunstroke and even major organ damage due to heat He said the best coping mechanism is for people to endeavour to replace lost fluids by drinking adequate volumes of water, avoid direct exposure under the sun during the days and wearing of light clothing to keep the body ventilated.

In his reaction to the current weather situation, an Internal Medicine and Endocrinology expert, also at the LUTH, Prof.

Femi Fasanmade , said the rise in heat-related diseases required proper and appropriate dressing

COPING TIPS

related illness.

Lifestyle connection: On lifestyle factors that can increase heat stroke risk, Fasanmade advised that people who live in homes without fans or air conditioners to open their windows at night; create crossventilation by opening windows on two sides of the building; cover windows exposed to direct sunlight; and keep curtains, shades, or blinds drawn during the hottest part of the day.

The medic also advised that people who prefer to sleep outside at night should sleep in treated nets or apply insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites that can cause malaria.

Natural fabrics Further, he said cultivation of a good dress sense at this time is preferable and warned that overdressing may be a problem.

“Select proper clothing.

Natural fabrics such as cotton are best. People should know how to dress appropriately for the weather we are in. If your house is hot open your windows. If you don’t have nets, fix nets.

“Some people out of fashion will go and put on a hood and wear sweaters because they see it as the vogue, but that is inappropriate dressing because a person can even develop heat stroke by not drinking enough water. Sweating profusely when the temperature is high will only worsen the situation.

“In developed countries, when the temperature goes very high, there are water points provided around the town for people to drink from to avoid the heat stroke

•Avoid spending time under the sun •Take more fluids but avoid alcohol and caffeine.

•Water and fruit and vegetable juices are best.

•Bathe, or sponge off with cool water.

•Always lie down and rest, preferably in a cool place.

•Babies and young children should be watched carefully during hot weather. They can quickly lose body fluids through perspiring, which can lead to dehydration. They need to drink regularly, wear light clothing and be kept cool.

risk.”

Fasanmade who stated that there are usually climatic changes around January – February up till March due to the Harmattan, said when temperatures are very high, it is very easy for conditions such as upper respiratory tract to thrive.

Extreme heat, according to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, is linked to an average of 688 deaths each year in the US. The CDC notes that when sustained heat waves hit a region, other health ramifications can be serious, including sunstroke and even major organ damage due to heat.

Findings by CDC: Director of the CDC’s Environmental Hazards and Health Effects Programme, Mike McGeehin says when a person is exposed to heat for a very long time, the first thing that shuts down is the ability to sweat and once a person stops perspiring, in very short order a person can move from heat exhaustion to heat stroke. When that happens, McGeehin said the body becomes very hot and eventually that begins to affect the brain, and the individual would begin to get confused and lose consciousness.

Central nervous system The CDC Director also noted that extreme heat can make the body temperature to increase very rapidly; the central nervous system and circulatory system are also impacted. However, before someone gets full-blow heat stroke, the person will experience heat rash and muscle cramps if they are not dealt with, it can lead to more severe symptoms.

The expert said the most vulnerable to extended high temperatures are mostly urban dwellers who are elderly, isolated and don’t have access to air conditioning. Obese people are at increased risk as are people on certain medications. And people who are exercising or working in the heat, who don’t meet those criteria, can be at risk.

A study from the Chicago heat wave has found that medications such as diuretics for high blood pressure may increase risk of heat strokes. Other studies also showed that certain mental health medications may impact a person’s ability to deal with the heat.

Those at risk: Warm weather and outdoor activity generally go hand in hand. However, it is important for older people to take action to avoid the severe health problems often caused by hot weather. “Hyperthermia” is the general name given to a variety of heat-related illnesses. The two most common forms of hyperthermia are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Of the two, heat stroke is especially dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.

42— VANGU ARD, WEDNESD A Y, MA Y 18, 2016 ANGUARD, WEDNESDA MAY

Would my being his boss matter?

I want more than a platonic relationship Dear Bunmi, I’ve fallen in love with an older undergraduate in my university.

We meet from time to time but

always in the midst of people and he is friendly. He hasn’t really said he loves me or asked me out.

A girlfriend said he’s confided in

Her divorce has left her desperate Dear Bunmi, My best friend is quite a party animal and I enjoy going out with her. But since splitting up with her husband of nine years, she’s been throwing herself at everything in trousers and it’s a bit embarrassing. How can I stop her from being termed a cheap commodity by those men?

Franca, by e-mail Dear Franca, The bottom line is; you can’t

stop your friend from doing anything she really wants to do. But if she’s behaving as badly as you say, it may be she’s unhappy about the break -up of her marriage and sleeping around is her way of dulling the pain. So, rather than nagging her, try offering her emotional support. If she knows you’re there for her, and she can talk about how rotten she’s feeling, she’s much less likely to seek comfort in sex.

her that he fancies me but couldn’t do anything about it as he has a steady girlfriend.

Should I make a play for him and try to steal him from his girl? After all, all is fair in love and war!

Franka, by e-mail Dear Franka, Are you sure you’re not confusing love with infatuation?

You don’t really know this man or the depth of his commitment to his steady. If he really wants you that badly he would have thrown caution to the wind. Stay friendly with him by all means but go out with other men, who knows, he might become available with time. Then and only then can you fmd out if you could be really compatible.

His ex is now free to mingle!

Dear Bunmi, WHEN I first met my boyfriend, he talked all the time about an old friend of his who has now contacted him on facebook. We met four years ago; and they had dated in their under-graduate days - over ten years ago - but I think it was the most serious relationship he’d ever had and when she dumped him, he was devastated. I asked him if he still had feelings for her and he

admitted she was “unfinished business,” but assured me I had nothing to worry about because she was married and have kids.

He recently told me he’s going to a university reunion and there was no mention I could come too.

I asked if his ex would be going and he said she was. When I questioned him further, it turned out she contacted him on face book about the event and she’s no longer married.

For all you know, he could be probably drunk most of the time they were an item.

Even if she hasn’t changed a great deal, he has. Then you have to trust in his commitment to you... It’s also reasonable to ask him to call you for a few minutes chat during the evening, I have a feeling things will play in your favour.

All he wants is a fling Dear Bunmi, I’m currently dating a great guy who I care for very much. When we first got together, we both agreed it wouldn’t be a serious relationship though we agreed to have sex. Now that I’ve got to know him better, I realize he’s the sort of guy I would love to have a meaningful relationship with. Do you think I should ask that we take the relationship further?

Fran, by e-mail Dear Fran, It’s tricky to start off a ‘no strings attached’ relationship, and then fall in love. You need to be honest with yourself as things are now because the more you pretend you don’t care, the greater the problems will be. Be

honest with your boyfriend too it’s unfair to keep him in the dark, give him time. He may start to love you too as mutual passion brings you closer together. After a trial period, say three months, and your love isn’t returned, you need to walk away. Only, don’t blame your partner if he doesn’t feel the same way - he never said he would! Don’t blame yourself either. Sex creates closeness, so it’s not surprising you got involved. Don’t pressure, blackmail or get pregnant to trap him. These things often create bad feelings - they won’t make him love you. If and when you split, don’t rush into another relationship in a desperate attempt to prove someone can love you.

The thought of him seeing her again is freaking me out. He’s told me he loves me and has no intention of running off with her but I’m really freaking out!

Joanne, by e-mail Dear Joanne, As much as I sympathise with you but I’d be freaking out too!

You shouldn’t feel bad for feeling jealous. You’d be a bit odd. There is inherent danger and you’re right to be alert. Forget what you are going through - no one takes one's partner to re-union.

The whole point of going to one is to convince your old mate you have the perfect life and there’s nothing like a partner to ruin it all by portraying you as a nearfailure! Letting him go alone also gives him a chance to confront this fantasy ex, and get a bit of a reality check. And the more time they spend chatting, the better because the chances of her measuring up to his idealized memories are very, very slim. The reality of a divorced mother with kids is very different from the warm and fuzzy recollections of a university student.

For all you know, he could be probably drunk most of the time they were an item. Even if she hasn’t changed a great deal, he has. Then you have to trust in his commitment to you (and keep your eyes opened for any clues something dodgy is going on).

If he wants to make contact, ask to meet her. Not only does this let her know you’re on the scene you can check out their body language. It’s also reasonable to ask him to call you for a few minutes chat during the evening, I have a feeling things will play in your favour. The ghosts of girl-friends’ past are usually harder to compete with than the reality of them in here and now.

Dear Bunmi, I am a general manager in a manufacturing company.

Recently, a very handsome man joined the company from a rival company. He is married and I am separated and have three children. This new bloke works directly under me as a full manager.

We have a fairly good rapport and we even eat lunch together at times. I have met his wife and she is quite respectful to me. Lately, he’s starting to be more bold towards me and it is a matter of time before he makes a pass. I would be more than willing if this eventually happened. But should I get sexually involved with someone under my control?

Latifat, by e-mail

Dear Latifat, Looks as if you’re living a bit on the edge to me! Some companies actually frown at office affairs as co-workers are likely to complain about a negative impact on morale when a relationship is between boss and subordinate. And if the relationship should end, your staff could easily accuse you of sexual harassment when he is given unfavourable assessment because of your perceived hard feelings. Even if the relationship thrives, coworkers might question your orders in a way they never did before. As good as this apple looks, it is absolutely forbidden!

Some companies actually frown at office affairs as co-workers are likely to complain about a negative impact on morale when a relationship is between boss and subordinate. And if the relationship should end, your staff could easily accuse you of sexual harassment when he is given unfavourable assessment because of your perceived hard feelings.

How do I tell him he’s not the dad?

Dear Bunmi, I ‘m in my mid-twenties and have a young son. I’ve been with my boyfriend since our university days, but I don’t love him any more. I only stay in the relationship because of this child. Around the time I became pregnant, I’d been seeing someone else for eight weeks but broke off. the affair because I thought the kid was my boyfriend’s.

Unfortunately, the boy looks nothing like him - he looks like the boy I had a fling with.

I don’t want to continue to lie to my boyfriend about my son, it doesn’t feel right. But how am I going to tell my boyfriend what I’v”e done?

People have told me not to tell him but I can’t. I don’t want to have to lie to my son or to anyone. It’s not fair.

Zainab, by e-mail

Dear Zainab, I agree with you. To mislead your son about the identity of his father would be a gross deception. To defraud your boyfriend by allowing him unknowingly to raise another man’s son is equally unacceptable. Unfortunately, a few people are now aware of your plight and you can’t rely on them to be a part of any conspiracy of silence. You need to tell your boyfriend that you’re unsure who’s the father of your child. The double revelation of your unfaithfulness and that he may not, after all, have a son, will wound him. Yet, he may have sensed that you are going off him. For everyone’s peace of mind, a blood test is needed. After the test, he might even decide to support you if he weren’t the father. I wish you the best of luck.

Share your problems and release your burden. Write now to Dear Bunmi, Vanguard Newspapers, P.M.B 1007, Apapa, Lagos, or bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016 — 43

Police accused of gruesome violence in Kenya

A

•US Secretary of State, John Kerry (m) flanked by participants at a 21-country meeting convened yesterday in Vienna to discuss way forward on the Syrian crisis.

LEADING rights group has accused Kenyan police of using “gruesome violence” to break up an opposition protest in the capital on Monday.

Protesters were beaten up even after being “subdued”, said the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.

Kenya’s police chief said officers intervened to curb “lawlessness”, but an internal inquiry would be

held to look into the allegations against them.

The opposition called the protest to demand electoral reforms.

Church leaders appealed for calm, saying next year ’s general election should not lead to death and destruction.

“We must hold elections in a peaceful and harmonious manner without breaking this country,” said Bishop Alfred Rotich of the Kenya Conference of Catholic

Brawl erupts in South African parliament, lawmakers ejected

SYRIA: World powers vow to set up OUTH African transitional govt in August S opposition lawmakers who tried to disrupt

W

ORLD powers have agreed to try to turn the crumbling partial truce in Syria into a more comprehensive ceasefire.

The International Syria Support Group (ISSG)warned that the unravelling of the 11week cessation of

hostilities could lead to a return to all-out war.

Those persistently breaching the truce could be excluded from it.

The ISSG also said that from June the UN would begin air drops of aid for all areas in need if ground access to besieged areas continued to be denied.

Sept 11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia Texas, and Chuck

T

HE US Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would allow families of Sept. 11 victims to sue the government of Saudi Arabia, rejecting the fierce objections of a U.S. ally and setting Congress on a collision course with the Obama administration.

The Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, approved by voice vote, had triggered a threat from Riyadh to pull billions of dollars from the U.S. economy, if the bill is enacted.

The legislation, sponsored

by Sens. John Cornyn, R-

Schumer, D-N.Y., gives victims’ families the right to sue in U.S. court for any role that elements of the Saudi government may have played in the 2001 attacks that killed thousands in New York, the Washington, D.C. area and Pennsylvania.

The House still must act on the legislation.

Relatives of Sept. 11 victims have urged the Obama administration to declassify and release U.S. intelligence that allegedly discusses possible Saudi involvement in the attacks.

Diplomats want to encourage the opposition to resume indirect negotiations on a political settlement to end the fiveyear conflict, which has killed more than 250,000 people.

O p p o s i t i o n representatives suspended their participation in the last round in April in protest at mounting violence and stalled aid deliveries.

Tuesday ’s meeting in Vienna involved 21 countries and organisations in the ISSG, many of which have intervened directly or indirectly in Syria’s fiveyear civil war.

They include the US, UK, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, which support the opposition, along with Russia and Iran, which back President Bashar alAssad’s government.

The ISSG has set a deadline of 1 August for the formation of a transitional government in Syria, leading to elections within 18 months.

remarks by President Jacob Zuma in parliament brawled with guards who ejected the protesters from the building.

Red-clad members of the Economic Freedom Fighters party were bundled out of parliament in Cape Town on Tuesday after they said Zuma himself should leave because of corruption allegations against him.

The opposition party has previously been thrown out of parliament, but the latest confrontation was among the more aggressive. Window panes in a parliament door were shattered in the chaos.

After the brawl, Zuma called for dialogue among political leaders.

In March, South Africa’s Constitutional Court said Zuma “failed to uphold” the constitution when he didn’t pay back some of the more than $20 million in state funds used to upgrade his rural home.

Bishops.

A group of 15 opposition supporters pleaded guilty in court on Tuesday to taking part in the illegal protest in Nairobi, the capital.

They denied the more serious charge of being armed and breaching the peace.

Police fired tear gas and water cannon, and beat up opposition supporters with clubs in an attempt to break up the protest.

Police said they were forced to act to end rioting and looting.

“I condemn the lawlessness visited on the public by rioters yesterday and an internal inquiry is under way to determine whether any police officer broke any law while quelling the riots,” said police chief Joseph Boinnet.

ZIMBABWE: Five million face food shortage

N

EARLY five million people in Zimbabwe - half of the country’s rural population - will need assistance by next year as a result of the ongoing drought in southern Africa, the United Nations has said.

Zimbabwe is one of the worst affected countries by the driest year in decades facing southern Africa - including Malawi, Zambia and South Africa - which has placed more than 30 million people at risk.

Rainfall is not expected

in the country in the near future and President Robert Mugabe has declared a “state of disaster”.

Residents have reported not having proper food for days.

“A lot of people are hungry,” Ambuya Grace, who lives in one of the affected villages, said.

Another local, Virgilance Tsabora, said she, too, needed assistance.

“No one has come to help us. Some people got food, but many people did not,” said Tsabora.

Canada evacuates oil workers as wildfire spreads provincial index’s most to return to the oil facilities

A

ROUND 12,000 people have been urged to leave Canada’s oil sands camps near the fire-hit town of Fort McMurray as a resurgent wildfire heads towards them.

A regional official told the BBC that 8,000 people were given precautionary evacuation orders late on Monday, in addition to some 4,000 who had already been advised to leave.

More than 80,000 people fled the fire that hit Fort McMurray two weeks ago.

Air pollution in the Alberta city is still at dangerously high levels.

A reading on Monday found the level to be 38 far exceeding the

dangerous level of 10.

The vast fire had moved away from Fort McMurray but in recent days it has started to threaten the area again.

A number of oil workers had begun in recent days

north and south of Fort McMurray to restart production.

But on Monday, they were warned that the wildfire was travelling at 30-40 metres per minute north of Fort McMurray.

Paris attacks suspect Abdeslam posted ISIS flag on Facebook

P

ARIS attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam posted the flag of the so-called Islamic State (IS) group on his Facebook page three weeks before the attacks, Belgian website RTBF reports. Authorities were aware of the flag but did not act upon it, it added.

IS militants staged bomb and gun attacks on several targets in Paris on 13

November, murdering 130 people and seriously wounding many others.

Salah Abdeslam was captured in Brussels and extradited to France last month. He was on the run for four months before he was arrested four days before the Brussels bombings and has been linked to several of the 22 March attackers.

•Protesters running for safety yesterday after being dispersed by the Kenyan police in a manner generally described as gruesome during a protest organised by the opposition.

Smugglers made $5-6 billion off migrants to Europe in 2015 —Interpol

P

EOPLE smugglers made over $5 billion (3.45 billion pound) from the wave of migration into southern Europe last year, a report by international crimefighting agencies Interpol and Europol said on Tuesday.

Nine out of 10 migrants and refugees entering the European Union in

2015 relied on “facilitation services”, mainly loose networks of criminals along the routes, and the proportion was likely to be even higher this year, the report said.

About 1 million migrants entered the EU in 2015. Most paid 3,0006,000 euros ($3,400$6,800), so the average turnover was likely

between $5 billion and $6 billion, the report said.

To launder the money and integrate it into the legitimate economy, couriers carried large amounts of cash over borders, and smugglers ran their proceeds through car dealerships, grocery stores, restaurants or transport companies.

44—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2015

10 ways to end doctors’strikes (forever) in Nigeria A

GOVERNMENT official once told me : " You people (doctors) should do as we say; after all we pay your salaries". And a colleague once said to me: "They (Government) should just give us what we want."

Both are wrong; and herein lies the locus of persistent conflict.

Government's actions impinges on ALL doctors, including those whose salary they don't pay.

And my colleague would be better served in getting what "has been agreed" rather than what he "wants". Subtle differences but key to understanding the nature of negotiation.

It reminds me of advice a Professor gave me many years ago regarding negotiating employment contracts in new jobs.." meet YOUR needs by making the other party happy that you've met THEIR needs".

Everyone wins. Tricky, but it works.

Why do doctors strike?

Contrary to what some might think, doctors do have a right to strike. According to the ILO, every worker does. The impact of such a strike on the community, economy and the profession itself is severe, especially in developing countries like Nigeria.

Stakeholders: All stakeholders and involved groups must take an ethical approach and share a moral obligation to put society first. There are three main reasons why doctors strike: 1. Medical practice, and the doctor-patient relationship continues to change. Patient care decision-making, in both public and private practice, is now shared between, employer requirements, patient demands, insurance companies, other third party payers, and government regulations.

Genuine dissatisfaction The doctor is no more the sole determinant of patient care and there is some frustration from this disempowerment. Doctors have become like any other employee who must sometimes negotiate wages and compensation to meet personal economic needs.

2. Doctors may have a genuine dissatisfaction with inadequate facilities, drugs, and lack of support from employers and elected Government officials. Non physicians often quote the Hippocratic Oath "the health of my patient will be my first consideration" as a reason that doctors should NOT go on strike.

In fact, when doctors feel they are unable to provide safe and effective care for their patients, the Oath may be the exact reason they should strike; the "first, do no harm" principle.

doctor@lagospainclinic.com 3. The failure of Government and employers to honour collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) for improved wages and conditions of service is a major crucial reason in Nigeria. A signed MOU is an agreement; a

and it makes them susceptible to exploitation in negotiations.

How to End Doctor's Strikes (FOREVER) in Nigeria 1. The establishment of a clearly defined, mutually agreed condition of service for doctors, is

must be integrated into the profession, the Government and employers. ALL parties have a moral obligation to society.

Profession: 4. The profession must resist the impulse to make economic demands beyond the capacity of the employer (Government) or which could hinder the provision of other services like education or public utilities. Doctors have a duty of care to patients, while Government has a duty of care to the public. Fortunately, or unfortunately, they are one and the same. Some demands may also require legislation by the National Assembly; this will take time.

5. Government should resist the urge to arbitrarily call certain groups of workers as "essential services" so as to deny them a right

Impact of doctors’ strike is severe in developing countries like Nigeria. pact. Failure, refusal or delay in implementation breeds distrust and a perception of a lack of commitment. This not only presents immediate conflict but prejudices future negotiations.

The problem for Doctors is that

Doctors have become like any other employee who must sometimes negotiate wages and compensation to meet personal economic needs their SCC is lumped together with the rest of the Civil Service as they are considered by Government to be like any other "Public Service employee".“There is an inherent mistake in this philosophy. A doctor is not something you do, it is something you are! This is why it is so much more difficult for doctors to simply discontinue practicing medicine,

the single most dramatic step in halting doctors strikes in Nigeria.

The UK NHS is the biggest Government run health service in the world. There is a distinct code of service for doctors, entirely separate from the Civil Service.

NHS terms: Let's look at the "NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook". There are 7 Parts.

Part 2 deals with PAY: pay structure, maintaining round the clock services, overtime payments, pay in high cost areas,, recruitment and retention premia, career and pay progression.

Part 3 deals with Terms and Conditions of Service: hours of the working week, part time employees and fixed time contracts, contractual continuity of care, annual leave and general public holidays, sickness absence, maternity leave and pay, redundancy pay, travel cost reimbursement, subsistence allowances, mutually agreed (their words) resignation schemes, whistleblowing and injury allowance.

2. Legitimate Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) must be respected and implemented in a timely manner.

The Courts, and mutually agreed Arbitration panels, must be involved.

3. The importance of Ethics

to strike. In fact, if such workers are considered "essential" then they deserve a separate mechanism of pay and service conditions.

6. Both parties must put forward trained and skilled negotiators.

7. Government must avoid threats of unjustifiable disciplinary action.

8. The media, TV, newspapers, radio, and social media is crucial to ALL parties in communicating with the general public. To garner public support and understanding, disagreements and agreements must be transparent.

Membership drive: 9. The NMA should embark on a major membership drive to include ALL registered Nigerian doctors.

These members should be regularly surveyed, balloted and informed on all matters being discussed on their behalf.“ 10. Finally the MDCN, the doctor's regulatory body, has a duty in restoration of respect to the profession. There is a feeling that professional standing may have been diminished by repeated strikes in the past. The MDCN can encourage and accredit more CPD activities in the fields of management and administration.

They can design and monitor a code of standards of good medical practice in Nigeria.

Dr. Femi Ogunyemi MBBS(Ib) FRCA FWACS Diplomate of the American Academy of Pain Management

Deliver For Good campaign berths at Women Deliver 2016

By Sola Ogundipe

T

O W A R D S accelerating progress for girls and women in the world, a new advocacy platform tagged “Deliver For Good” has been launched to promote 12 critical investments in girls and women.

The Deliver for Good campaign which brings together diverse organizations to show how a simple focus on investments in girls and women can be transformative for global development, was launched at the opening of the 4th Women Deliver Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday May 16, 2016, Cheif Executive Director, Women Deliver, Katja Iversen, said, the platform “will drive action toward what we know is true: investing in girls and women unlocks untapped potential, and creates a ripple effect that benefits families, communities and entire nations.

Common conviction “It’s 2016: now is the time to turn the conversation from ‘if and why’ to ‘how and now,” Iversen noted.

“We all share a common conviction – that girls and women are the key to building healthy, prosperous and sustainable societies and communities.

And the evidence is sound – when we invest in girls and women, society as a whole benefits,” said Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, Patron of the Conference.

The Women Deliver 2016 Conference is the first major gathering of girls’ and women’s health and rights advocates since the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals last year, bringing together leaders from UN agencies, civil society, the private sector, academia and more.

Heads of State, global leaders and more than 5,000 advocates, experts and young people from 168 countries, gathered at the conference with the common goal of putting girls and women at the forefront of global development.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016—45

DPO Ijapo Divisional Headquarters, Mr. Ogunfolabi Felix Abayomi, who later declared that he had transferred the matter to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, along Oda Road, Akure.

Police rigmarole “Throughout the painful period of the victim at Trauma Centre, in Ondo, the Police did not make any investigation in respect of the matter. Rather, they were asking the family of the victim to go and get money to treat their son.

SEIZURE OF CORPSE:

Family of 21-yr-old boy killed by VIO in Akure raises alarm •‘VIO official confessed team tried to meet target set by govt' •Threatens to sue Ondo Gov, IGP, Ondo CP, others

By Bashir Adefaka

T

HE continued retention of the corpse of a 21-yearold boy, Olalekan Olatosin, in Akure, the Ondo State capital by a government-owned hospital, over the inability of his grieving parents to pay N450,000, has only served to add to the grief of the family.

How he died Olalekan was killed by three unidentified Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) who, in the course of chasing the driver of a car they wanted to arrest, it hit the boy. He died two days after in a hospital established by the state located in Ondo town.

Olalekan was born to the family of Mr. William Kokumo Olatosin (father) and Sidikatu Olatosin (mother) of Ado-Ekiti Road, Gloryland area in Akure the state capital.

Holding of corpse Most painful to the parents of the deceased is the fact that the state-owned hospital, as at the time of filing this report, have refused to release the corpse of late Olalekan over the non-payment of N450,000 charges for treatment and mortuary services.

Intimidation of the family They were particularly pained that government officials who they alleged, were aware of the incident, could not show concern over the loss of life of their beloved son, especially at a time they couldn’t even foot the bill.

Family lawyer opens up In a detailed account given to Crime Alert, the family lawyer, Barrister Jimoh Saliu, expressed disappointment that the police in the state were intimidating the family by insinuating that the state government has an interest in the case.

The lawyer’s account stated that, “On the 7th of April, 2016, there was an accident along Sango Road, near Shasha Market, Akure, which finally led to C M Y K

Contradictory response

the death of one Olalekan Olatosin. The accident occurred as vehicle Inspection officers were chasing a car when the

Throughout the painful period of the victim at Trauma Centre, in Ondo, the police did not make an atom of investigation in respect of the matter driver failed to stop at their checkpoint. The VIO officials speedily ran after the driver

•The late Olalekan Olatosin which made them to hit and kill the victim.

Confession by VIO officials “The victim was rushed to a private hospital named JoeJane and there he was referred to Trauma Centre, Ondo State, when his condition was very critical. Two days later, he gave up the ghost. At the point where the accident occurred, three VIO officials were arrest-

ed. When the residents were beating the officials, one of them confessed that they were making efforts to beat the targets which had been given to them by the Ondo State government through one of the Commissioners.

“After much chaos, the officials were handed over to the team of policemen headed by

The most pathetic part of the story is that the family members of the deceased who had visited Ijapo Divisional Police Headquarters were informed that the matter had been transferred to SARS while the police at SARS gave contradictory response that the matter was at Ijapo.”

Lawyer petitions CP The lawyer, Jimoh Saliu, who on behalf of the family visited the two Police stations, also heard the same responses from the Police. Based on this, the family lawyer sent a petition to the Ondo State Commissioner of Polic alleging that the DPO and police oifficers at SARS were conspiring to the suspected VIO officials that killed the son of his client. However, according to the lawyer, the susepcts were never detained.

My innocent look deceives people – suspected notorious kidnapper

By Jimitota Onoyume, Port Harcourt

T

HIS dreaded kidnap gang in Port Harcourt led by Mitchel did not know their end was near as they abducted a 14- year -old girl called Charity, penultimate week. A 23- year- old member of the notorious gang, Mr Godwin Phina, who lived on the same street with the victim and the parents arranged the abduction.

He told Crime Alert that he asked his group to strike on the day the little girl was coming back from school.

How we struck His words, : “On April 14th, 2016, my group abducted Charity and took her to an uncompleted building at Eneka area. She was with them for about three days while we mounted pressure on her father to pay us a ransom of N10 million.

I was not there with them because I did not want her to see me since she will recognise me.

On the third day, I got a call that she had escaped from their

custody while they were sleeping. This was after the father had paid N50,000.00 for her upkeep into an account we supplied for the ransom to be paid into.”

Abduction of an uncle’s wife Phina who pleaded for forgiveness said he also •The suspcts arranged for the abduction of his uncle’s wife. blood. We have 4 AK-47s which we use "Because of my innocent looks, nobody to fight our opponents. The 27 years old could ever think I will do such. I was cultist said that in cult killings, we also part of the gang that kidnapped behead victims of rival cult members to another lady, Lizzy, in my neighbourmake them feel the pain of losing their hood. member,” he disclosed.

After I was arrested, I led the Police to Ready to repent the house of the leader of the gang, He said he was also ready to repent Mitchel, they arrested him and recovfrom his old ways. “ I know my actions ered four AK-47 rifles from him,” he have brought disgrace to my family. If said. government give me another chance, I We kill rival cult members only will repent. James is the leader of the Mitchel who was also paraded said he three- man gang that wore army was a cultist, adding that the weapons camouflage anytime they operated. belonged to his cult group. He said he They also specialised in kidnaping for had never shed any innocent blood but ransom,” he said. killed only rival cult members. “I am an The three pleaded that they will not icelander. We only kill those that come to go back to crime if they were released. kill us. I have never shed any innocent

46 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

Amuneke picks Nwakali, Osimhen for Burundi

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OACH Emman uel Amuneke has cast his lot with his FIFA U-17 World Cup winners, with about 15 of them making the list of 18 players of the U-20 squad to this weekend’s 2017 CAF U-20 Cup of Nations qualifying match against Burundi in Bujumbura.

Team Secretary Aliyu Lawal Ibrahim told thenff.com that the Nigeria delegation will fly out of Abuja aboard an Ethiopian Airline plane on Wednesday.

Nwakali, named the Player of the Tournament at the FIFA U-17 World Cup finals in Chile, where Nigeria scooped a fifth title, is joined by tournament best scorer Victor Osimhen and Bronze Boot winner Samuel Chukwueze.

There are also goalkeeper Akpan Udoh, defenders Ejike Ikwu, John Lazarus and Udochukwu Anumudu, midfielders Orji Okonkwo and Kingsley Michael and

forwards Chukwudi Agor and Chinedu Madueke.

Nigeria and Burundi clash in a second round, first leg qualifying tie at the Prince Louis Stadium in Bujumbura on Saturday, starting from 3pm

Burundi time (1pm Nigeria time). The winner of this fixture will confront Sudan in the final qualifying round.

Zambia will host the finals of the 2017 CAF U20 Cup of Nations.

By John Egbokhan

L

AGOS State Gover nor, Akinwunmi Ambode is to flag off the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club 2016 Walk for Life progrmme this Saturday, May 21 in Onikan.

Briefing reporters yesterday on plans for a grand event, Chairman, Planning Committee,

OLYMPICS: African House in Rio woos Nigeria

A

Brazil-based hos pitality project to cater for Nigeria and all the 54 participating African countries at the Olympic Games in Rio in business cooperation through a partnership by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa ANOCA, CASA da Africa has been presented to the Minister for Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung.

CASA da Africa led by its CEO Joao Gilberto Vaz and executives of the Nigeria Olympic Committee made the presentation during a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja.

The proposal, if ap-

•Gumel, President

NOC

proved, will see Nigeria participating with other African countries in business and trade opportunities with Brazil.

During the Presentation, the CEO of CASA da Africa Joao Gilberto Vaz

explained that the project was to create an environment for business and trade for all African countries coming to Rio for the Olympic Games.

In his response, the Minister, Barrister Solomon Dalung described CASA da Africa’s visit as timely and thanked them for opening an opportunity of a relationship where Nigeria will showcase its values, culture and tradition.

“We have our own initiative which is the Nigeria House Project but we are also committed to the idea of possibly working with other African countries since the Olympics is a global event.''

Gov Ambode to flag off LLTC 2016 Walk for Life Bala Yesufu said participation was not restricted to members of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, urging members of the society to turn out en masse to walk for a better life.

“Participation cuts across everybody in the country. Members, nonmembers, friends, wellwishers, youths, members of other recreation clubs in Lagos and the general public are invited to join us in our 2016 Walk for Life . It is open to virtually everybody and our target is to have over 300 persons participating in the event.

“We want people to have a healthy lifestyle and enhance their wellness through their participation in the Walk for Life, which will be flagged-off by the number one sports man o f the State of Aquatic Splendour and Executive Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode”,added Yesufu.

He assured that adequate security would be

provided by the combined team of the Nigeria Police Force, LASTMA and other security groups, who have pledged to deploy their men to maintain law and order on the evet day.

Yesufu noted that the point of convergence and take-off is the LLTC car park directly opposite the Tafawa Balewa Square BRT Bus Terminal, Onikan, The walk will be on a 15km stretch, covering Outer Marina, Bonny Camp, Ozumba Mbadiwe, law School to the Interchange Bridge on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi and then back to LLTC, where an aerobics session on the Centre Court will hold.

Speaking on their involvement in the event, Sterling Bank’s Sina Atilola said “as a bank, we believe strongly in a healthy body and love to identify with any initiative that promotes a sound and healthy body, which the Walk for Life programm does.''

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016 — 47

NFF crisis: Reps summon Dalung A

By Emman Ovuakporie and Johnbosco Agbakwuru

T

HE House of Rep resentatives yesterday, ordered its committee on sports to summon the Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalung and officials of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, in a bid to amicably resolve the crisis rocking the apex football body in Nigeria.

This was sequel to a motion of urgent public importance promoted by Rep, Prestigious Ossy who recalled that trouble started when a high Court nullified the election of Amaju Pinnick and declared Chris Giwa as the winner of the election. “Since the Jos High Court granted Giwa’s motion seeking the relisting of his case against the Amaju Pinnick-led NFF Board, the in-fighting has escalated.

“It took the timely Intervention of officers and men of the Nigerian Police to prevent a total breakdown of law and order at the headquarters of the NFF “Ossy told the House.

He said that the crisis in the NFF would affect the chances of Nigeria qualifying for the next FIFA World Cup and its performances at the forthcoming Olympic Games in Brazil.

The Abia-born lawmaker said that he had it on good authority that the FIFA President, Gianni Infantino would soon visit the country and it will not be good if he visits the football at a time of crisis.

In his submission on the matter, Rep Abdulrazak Namdas, APC, Ad-

Iheanacho

Continues from BP ta in 1996. They also won a silver medal in 2008 in Beijing, China, after losing 1-0 to Argentina in the final. And Manchester City forward Iheanacho has now said the team could repeat the feat of 1996.

Neymar has admitted he is desperate to win the Olympic gold in home country, Brazil this summer when he told Globo Esporte “I am ready to take responsibility. Not only the Brazilians want this medal, but they know nobody wants it more than me.”

But Iheanacho is insisting the strong Nigerian

amawa described the crisis as “going backwards” adding that the problems confronting the NFF needs to be addressed immediately.

Rep Ossai Ossai, PDP, Delta said, “We should support this motion because it creates a good image for us. Football

brings the youths together, “he added.

The House adopted the motion after it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara who presided.

The Committee is to report back to the House within two weeks for further legislative input.

S the countdown to the Rio Olympics Games gathers momentum, the Nigeria Olympic Committee has concluded arrangements to hold an Olympic Solidarity Course for Doctors, Physiotherapists, Nurses, Coaches and Medical Personnel of States Sports Councils/Commissions, Universities and National

Rio Olympics: NOC rolls out solidarity course for Medics Shedding light on the Federations from May 18 to May 20 at the Command Guest House, Apapa.

Team Nigeria will be attempting to have a better outing at the Summer Games than the London Games, with the role of medical personnel that will be attached to the athletes coming under the radar at the threeday capacity building programme to be declared open by the President of the NOC, Engr Habu Gumel.

Olympic Solidarity Course, the Chairman of the NOC Medical Commission, Dr. Akin Amoo said that no fewer than 50 participants from States Sports Councils/ Commissions and National Federations have sent in their intent to participate in the programme.

Dr. Amoo, who is also the Course Director of the programme said that experienced resource persons in the medical field have been invited to deliver papers during

Enyeama, Zlatan make Lique 1 Team of the season

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*Oshonaike

IGERIAN goal keeper, Vincent Enyeama made the French Football Weekly Award (FFWAwards) team of the season in the French Ligue 1 following his performance with his club Lille Metropole.

Enyeama, who was beaten by Steve Mandada of Olympique de Marseille to win the FFWAwards

ITTF Premier Lotto Nigeria Open serves off

T

HE much-antici pated 2016 ITTF Premier Lotto Nigeria Open will serve off on Wednesday May 18 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun in Lagos.

Preliminary matches for unseeded players will kick start the championship as over 55 players will be aiming for the 16 slots in the main draw of the competition in the men’s singles. In the women’s singles, 38 players will jostle for the squad can encore their 1996 feat. “I think we will have a strong team going to Brazil,” said Iheanacho, who is on the provisional squad for the summer Games, which start on August 4. “We have very good players at this level and I believe we can win (the gold) in Brazil.”

The 19-year-old has had a remarkable debut season for Manchester City, scoring 14 goals in all competitions for ‘The Citizens’.

He is expected to make Nigeria’s final 21-man squad to the Rio games along with close pal and Arsenal forward, Alex Iwobi.

eight slots available in the main draw of the competition.

Already, virtually most of the European players have arrived for the championship with some of them slugging it out in the preliminary while all eyes will be on 2014 ITTF Star Player, Aruna Quadri who will be targeting his first World Tour title in front of the Lagos fans.

Over 120 players from 16 countries are taking part in the $46,000 prize money five-day championship, which is the biggest prize money in the ITTF Challenge Series in the world.

Meanwhile, Presi-

dent, Africa Table Tennis Federation (ATTF), Khaled El-Salhy lauded NTTF for their initiative in add glamour to the competition every year.

“I am happy with what I am seeing and I hope we can sustain this tournament as it has become

*Oshodi

ARMONY Secondary School Lokoja, Kogi state have qualified for the semi-finals of the confluence conference at the ongoing 18th edition of Nestle Milo Secondary school Basketball Championship in Lokoja.

Kogi Girls were too strong for students of Government Girls Unity Col-

Spain

Czech Republic, Turkey and Croatia, will be bidding to retain the title they won by beating Italy 4-0 in 2012.

They have a series of friendlies against Bosnia, South Korea and Georgia pencilled in before their trip to France.

The snub will come as a blow to Costa, who has hit 12 goals (16 in total) since the second-coming of Guus Hiddink in De-

cember and has looked something like the presence that arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2014.

Having appeared alarmingly off the pace in the early stages of the season, his form, along with that of the rest of the Chelsea side, culminated in the sacking of Jose Mourinho and the worst title defence of any champions in topflight history.

Continues from BP fielder Juan Mata and Arsenal star Santi Cazorla.

Cesc Fabregas, Pedro, Cesar Azpilicueta, David Silva and goalkeeper David de Gea are among the Premier Leaguebased players included in the list of 25.

Spain, who are in Group D alongside

a pride to the continent with so many players across the world looking forward to be part of the competition,” he said.

Goalkeeper of the season, was named in the team of the season alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Angel DiMaria both of Paris Saint Germain (PSG), Alexandre Lacazette and Samuel Umtiti of Lyon, Hatem Ben Arfa and Vincent Kozhiello of OGC Nice, Lassana Diarra of Olympique Marseille, among others.

The former Enyimba International goalkeeper retired from national team football October last year, following his face-off with former coach Sunday Oliseh, and has since focused on club career with OGC Lille Metropole in the French Ligue 1.

NESTLE MILO BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Kano, Borno in Confluence lege Damaturu, as they Semi-final

By Chinwe Okeke

H

thrashed the Yobe girls 32 points to 03.

After the one sided game, captain of Kogi, Obatoyinbo Bidemi said, “am happy we made it to the semi final, this is our first time in the championship and we lived up to expectation.”

In the second match of the quarter finals, Government Secondary School Numan, Adamawa looked very promising with a convincing 33 points to 03 victory against Girls High School Gindiri, Plateau state, while Government Secondary School Jogona Kano defeated Yagai Academy Jalingo, Taraba state by 11-09 points in the next fixture.

In the last quarter final match fixture, it was a drab game between Bauchi and Jigawa which ended 6-0 in favour of the Bauchi girls.

The semi finals in the girls categories, will now be between Kogi and Kano state, while Adamawa will confront Bauchi.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

Rio 2016:

Iheanacho dares Neymar •Targets Olympic gold D

ESPITE the deter mination of Brazil and Barcelona star, Neymar to win the Olympic soccer gold medal for self and country, Nigeria wonder kid and Manchester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho has said he believes Nigeria can strike gold again at the forthcoming Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil.

Nigeria became the first African country to win an Olympic football gold, when they won in Atlan

*Costa, Mata, Torres and Carzola

Euro 2016: Pain as Spain drop Costa, Mata, Torres, Carzola

C

HELSEA striker Diego Costa has been omitted from Spain’s provisional squad for Euro 2016 as the holders plot to defend their trophy this summer.

Manager Vicente del Bosque has also chosen not to include fellow big names Atletico Madrid forward Fernando Torres, Manchester United mid Continues on Page 47

ITTF Premier Lotto Nigeria Open serves off in Lagos —Page 47

Continues on Page 47

*Ihienacho

NFF crisis: Reps—P.47 summon Dalung *Neymar

TODAY'S PUZZLE

Enyeama, Zlatan make Lique 1 Team of the season —Page 47

QUICK CROSSWORD

YESTERDAY'S ANSWERS

DOWN ACROSS 1 Mob (6) 1 Recover (6) 2 Fondle (6) 5 Engine (6) 3 Employed (4) 9 Rescuer (5) 4 Faded (5) 10 Keg (6) 5 Store-house (5) 11 Teemed (6) 6 Press (4) 12 Fiend (5) 7 Shriek (6) 14 Minus (4) 8 Deposited (6) 17 Spot (3) 13 Check on (7) 18 Tardy (4) 15 Consumed (5) 20 Relax (5) 22 Domesticated (5) 16 Feeling (5) 18 Loaded (5) 23 Observed (7) 19 Principle (5) 24 Stop (5) 21 Female animal (3) 26 Not ever (5) 22 Number (3) 29 Formerly (4) 24 Universal (6) 30 Task (3) 32 Memorandum (4) 25 Real (6) 27 Spoke (6) 33 Troubled (5) 28 Ebb (6) 35 Manhandled (6) 30 Exhausted (5) 36 Clumsy (6) 31 Started (5) 37 Prevent (5) 33 Yield (4) 38 Named (6) 34 Challenge (4) 39 Stylus (6)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 4, Dream 7, Reeked 9, Era 10, Din 12, Actor 13, Trod 15, Verge 17, Visage 19, Draw 20, Obese 22, Lap 24, Capered 27, Lac 28, React 31, Skin 33, Stated 35, After 35, Mode 38, Bogie 39, Dip 41, Van 42, Divest 43, Beret.

DOWN: 1, Grotto 2, Remove 3, Led 4, Drag 5, Raced 6, Aromatic 8, Dive 11, Neglected 14, Dire 16, Rear 18, Seal 21, Backbone 23, Pert 25, Past 26, Deem 29, Adored 30, Treaty 32, Naive 34, Arid 36, Feat 40, Pit.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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