48 killed in Kaduna,Zaria church attacks by Vanguard Media Limited

...towards a better life for the people

** MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

VOL. 25: NO. 61646

N150

CHURCH ATTACK—A victim of the Kaduna explosion. Top right: The Shalom Church Trikaniya, Kaduna after the bomb attack yesterday. Below right: Billows of smoke from explosions at the Christ the King Catholic Cathedral Zaria. Photos: Olu Ajayi/AFP. More pictures on Page 8.

48 killed in Kaduna, Zaria church attacks •Christian youths take to streets in reprisals, kill three •Jonathan, Mark, Tambuwal condemn attacks, call for calm

•Kaduna State govt imposes 24-hr curfew

We bought performing loans from banks to save them from collapsing — AMCON •P. 17

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One dead, 50 vehicles burnt as ex-militants, cultists clash at Igbinedion Varsity •Pg.5

Ogoni residents flay FG over delay in UNEP report implementation •Pg.11

BY LUKA BINNIYAT, HENRY UMORU & EMMAN OVUAKPORIE ADUNA — FOR the second Sunday running, blood flowed again yesterday as 48 persons were killed in three separate coordinated bomb attacks on

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Mr & Mrs

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48 killed in Kaduna, Zaria church attacks Continues from Page 1 churches in Kaduna, Zaria and retaliatory attacks. Meanwhile, a 24-hour curfew had been imposed in the state to prevent further attacks and retaliatory attacks. President Goodluck Jonathan in his response, expressed sadness over the attacks. Senate President, David Mark and House of Representatives Speaker, Mr Aminu Tambuwal, have condemned the attacks and called for calm. Acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, said that only 16 persons were killed in the attacks. Vanguard gathered that the first attack was at a Children Sunday School at ECWA Church, Wusasa, Zaria, which left the sunday school teacher, and 10 children dead. Four children playing outside the church were among the first victims of the blasts at the church.

A witness said that five men ran up to the church and hurled home-made bombs through its open door. They were allegedly chased down and reportedly beaten to death. Police could not confirm this. At Christ the King Catholic Cathedral, Zaria, also attacked by a suicide bomber, 11 worshipers were killed, narrated a member of the church, who escaped through the window. Malachy Achu, a dentist, a member of the church, said those injured in the blast could not be less than 40. In Kaduna, Shalom Church International, Trikania, Kaduna was hit by another suicide bomber, leaving about five worshippers dead and scores injured. Among the dead at the church in Kaduna were three persons securing the Church’s gate, while two others were killed when the suicide bomber crashed his car through the gate of the church. A soldier was among the casualty.

LIFEWORDS BY PASTOR ITUAH

CCORDING to Napoleon Hill: “Poverty and Riches often change places, when riches take the place of poverty, the change is usually brought about through well-conceived and carefully executed plans. Poverty needs no plan. It needs no one to aid it, because it is bold and ruthless. Riches are shy and timid, they have to be attracted.” This underlies the essence of hard work and determination, stating that where there is a will there is always a way. Whatever you determine to pursue with all your might usually come through at the end and to him who ventures abound many gains.

TAKE HEART BY ELLA RANDLE

If you don’t like something, change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it —Mary Engelbreit

HE power to choose your next thought is very profound but it is going beyond to living from the heart that makes it an awesome experience for any individual. When you think about it, this ability is within our reach. The choice to feel beautiful, to express loving thoughts and deeds and to exhale joy and laughter in our lives. Guy Finney, an excellent author, gave some useful advice on how to choose and keep good company. He says, when life places us in a situation where a run-in with someone is inevitable - perhaps at work, with a family member, in a store, etc. we can choose to keep the company of good and true interior friends who can help us focus on uplifting issues. We should remember to keep away from negative people and their influence. We are free to keep the company of compassion instead of anger, generosity instead of greed, patience instead anxiety. Love instead of envy, humility instead of vanity.

Three killed in reprisal attacks The attacks which took place at 9am, provoked Christian youths in Kaduna and its environs. Mosques and property belonging to Hausa/ Fulani Muslims were torched and reports said three Muslims were killed in the retaliatory attacks. The state Police Commissioner, Mr Mohammed Jinjiri, when contacted, said: “Sorry, I cannot say anything to you now. We are still counting the casualties. I will speak to you later. Please bear with me. We are still going round, trying to bring things under control.” In the Christian dominated Sabo area, thick dark smoke filled the air from goods believed to belong to Muslims which were either destroyed or vandalised. No fewer than 500 Muslim traders in Sabo market trapped in the violence ran to a nearby army post for refuge. Some managed to move their herd of about 50 cows to safety at the army post. An Air Force helicopter hovered over Kaduna, as police and military patrol vans sped through major streets of the town, warning trouble makers to stay off the streets. Public Relations Officer of St. Gerald Catholic Hospital, Kaduna, Mr. Sunday Ali, who spoke to Vanguard on phone said on the casualties: “From what we have here, 22 corpses had been deposited. We are presently treating 71 people with various kinds of injuries. And more are being brought in. I don’t know if the dead or wounded are from the bombed church or from reprisal attacks. Our work here is to treat them. I will not be surprised if more victims are brought in later." Time was 7.45pm. A source at the 44 Army Referral Hospital, Kaduna, said no casualty had been brought to the hospital. Reports from Zaria remained sketchy on the situation after the blast, but it was gathered that most of the injured were taken to Shika, Ahmadu

Bello University, ABU Teaching Hospital, and St Luke Hospital, Wusasa, Zaria. At press time, normalcy was being restored to the blasts areas after a 24-hour curfew was declared by state governor Patrick Yakowa. Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr. Reuben Buhari, in a statement said: “Governor Yakowa condemns in its entirety the unfortunate bombing of three churches in Wusasa in Zaria Local Government Area, Sabon Gari Local Government Area and Trikania, Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State. “While regretting the unfortunate incident, I convey my deepest condolence and sympathy to all those affected in the bombing. In view of the incidents and the need to have complete normalcy and to forestall further break down of law and order, the state government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on the whole state. “The curfew hours start with immediate effect until further notice. Government regrets the inconveniences this drastic measure will cause all and sundry. But the state government considers this to be necessary in order to avert fur-

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ther loss of lives and property in the state. The state government had directed the security agencies to enforce compliance,” he said.

Jonathan expresses sadness over Zaria, Kaduna blasts Meanwhile, President Jonathan has expressed sadness over the multiple explosions that rocked churches in Kaduna and Zaria. Jonathan expressed his sadness in Abuja at a special service to commemorate the 2012 Fathers' Day. When called upon to give his remarks, the visibly sad Jonathan said he received the news of the blasts in the course of the service and was

really sad about the development. “Particularly today (yesterday), I was quite thrilled about what was going on in the church and when I got the information that while we were here, there were explosions in Kaduna and since I don’t even know the casualty rate and what is happening; I have been quite sad and I didn’t even want to say something. “But when the priest orders you, you must say something.” He promised the Police will do everything possible to protect the innocent and bring the lawless to book. He solicited the support and prayers of every Nigerian for the peace of the nation and for the success of his ad Continues on Page 8

IGBINEDION UNIVERSITY: THE VICTIMS: One dead, 50 vehicles burnt as ex-militants, cultists clash SIMON EBEGBULEM & GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE ENIN CITY — ONE person was feared dead, while 15 peolpe were injured and over 50 vehicles burnt yesterday, during a clash between exmilitants, who were registered in the Igbinedion University Okada, Edo State and suspected cultists. The burnt vehicles belonged to students and staff of the university.

The tension in the university started penultimate week, when four students in the Department of Medicine were abducted. It was learnt that they were later released after the families paid huge sums of money. However, there was unconfirmed report of two headless bodies sighted at the scene of the incident, while the ex-militants held the entire institution hostage for several hours after they locked up the exit gates, making it impossible for the detachment of

mobile policemen, that were deployed to the university by Edo State Police Commissioner, Mr Olayinka Balogun, to gain access to the scene of the clash. It would be recalled that the university authorities had admitted 208 ex-militants, under the amnesty programme of the Federal Government, into different departments in the university. It was learnt that the crisis started when some cultists in the university stormed the room of one of the ex-militants and Continues on Page 8

6—VANGUARD, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

SEC’s Acting DG resumes today By PETER EGWUATU

AGOS — THE newly appointed Acting Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Mr. Ibrahim Bello, will resume work today. Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, had last week said Bello would take charge of affairs at the apex regulatory body of the Nigerian capital market just as the four-year term of the current board of SEC led by Senator Udoma Udo Udoma expired last Friday. She said: “There would be no tenure elongation. The three commissioners and chairman would be departing on schedule. With Mr. President’s permission, one of the senior directors would be acting. Bello, the Director of Finance and Administration will be starting on Monday. We look forward to the inauguration of the new board and we look forward to the audit report of the commission.” Some stakeholders and operators of the market

President Goodluck Jonathan (2nd right);First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan (right) being presented a special gift by the Chaplain, Aso Villa Chapel, Rev. Obioma Owuzurumba (left); Executive Secretary, Christian Pilgrims Commission, Mr. John Kennedy and Chairman, Celebration Planning Committee, Mr Ndudi Elumelu (2nd left) during the special church service to mark the 2012 Fathers' Day at the Aso Villa Chapel, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

Reps justify suspension of gives EFCC two-week to commence trial Lawan CNPP Blames scandal on PDP, corporate Nigeria BY BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, EMMAN OVUAKPORIE & CHRIS OCHAYI

BUJA — TWO mem bers of the House of Representatives, Mr Adeola Olamilekan and Mr Adeyinka Ajayi, yesterday, justified the suspension of the former chairman of the ad-hoc committee on fuel subsidy monitoring regime, Mr Farouk Lawan. Notwithstanding the $620,000 bribery scandal involving Lawan, Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, CNPP, yesterday, gave Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, a two-week ultimatum to commence prosecution of those indicted by the House of Representatives Committee’s reports on fuel subsidy regime. Similarly, Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, has urged the presidency to emulate the House of Representatives in the urgency, courage and sense of purpose with which the legislative chamber had so far handled the case of alleged bribery involving one of its ranking members. Meantime, Mr Eseme Eyiboh, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Donor Agencies and Civil Societies, has faulted criticism of the House resolution re-enlisting his company, Zenon Petroleum among the indicted firms by Mr. Femi Otedola. “Mr. Otedola must know that his confession of intention to procure the delisting of Zenon Oil & Gas Ltd

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from the list of the ‘Termites’ of our oil subsidy regime and his subsequent act of giving $620,000 to effect same had established an (actus rea & mens rea — Agreement of Act & Intention) criminal cause of action.”

ACN hail Reps ACN in a statement in Lagos by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the decision of the House to suspend Lawan as the chairman of the ad hoc committee on fuel subsidy management, while also standing by the report of the committee, sends a strong signal that the House will not condone corruption under any guise, and that it practices what it preaches. The party added that though it had not been conclusively proven that Lawan indeed took the bribe as alleged, the House went ahead to suspend him, unlike the Presidency, which had been shielding all those indicted in the monumental fraud uncovered by the committee, a tale of two nations in one.

Reps justify suspension Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts, Mr Olamilekan, who justified the suspension of Lawan, said: “The position of the House is clear. There was no favouritism in whatever form. We collectively took the decision despite the fact that investigation into the matter was on-going.

“It had not been proven that our member took one kobo from anybody, yet we suspended him from being chairman of both committees he heads.” On Zenon Oil and Synopsis, Olamilekan said: “The leadership in its wisdom re-listed Zenon Oil and Gas Co and Synopsis Enterprises that were initially delisted from the report.” On why the House downplayed the punishment on Lawan by merely suspending him, he noted: “Nobody is a sacred cow but I disagree that we gave him a soft landing. Remember that the House Resolution had directed security agencies and the Ethics and Privileges Committee to fully investigate the matter. “ Ajayi, House Committee Chairman on Loans and Debts Management, said: “We have so far taken the right step, considering the sensitivity of the issue at hand and we cannot be judgmental until a proper investigation was carried out.”

EFCC has concrete evidence —CNPP National Publicity Secretary of CNPP, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, in a statement, said the EFCC had concrete evidence to commence prosecution forthwith; otherwise the rumour making the round that it had been compromised will be confirmed. CNPP warned that “in the likely event of such sordid scenario of unholy alliance

between the alleged oil thieves and EFCC, CNPP will have no option than head to court to obtain an order of mandamus to force the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, to perform his statutory function.”

had hailed the decision of the Federal Government for dissolving the Board. Speaking to Vanguard, Chairman of Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, PSAN, Mr. Boniface Okezie, said: “We commend the Federal Government for wading in to quell the internal crisis that existed on the board. This is a lesson for them to ensure that a competent person is appointed as director general of the commission. We need people with vast experience in the market to occupy such exalted position in future." Vanguard gathered that Bello is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, CIS, and respected among operators in the Nigerian capital market. Until his appointment, he was the Director of Administration in SEC. He attended Government Secondary School Ilorin, Federal Government College Sokoto and University of Lagos and graduated with B.Sc Business Administration in 1978. He holds an MBA from Ahmadu Bello University ABU Zaria in 1981.

Crisis in PDP over board appointments NWC members accused of cornering juicy positions BY HENRY UMORU

BUJA — COMPOSI TION of members and chairmen of board of federal parastatals is already causing a rift at the Wadata Plaza, National Secretariat of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, where members of the National Working Committee, NWC are being accused of cornering some juicy positions. This crisis came barely a week after the rift between the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and the National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola was "settled" with the sack of the Chief of Staff to the National Chairman, Alhaji Habu Fari. It was gathered that members of the party were aggrieved that members of the NWC had concluded plans to distort the Presidency’s arrangement where some board appointments allotted the party are to be shared among members in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. It was also gathered that

when the National Secretariat received a memo for board appointment allocation, Tukur had asked his former Principal Secretary, Habu Fari, to share the appointments equitably, but problem started when Oyinlola insisted that the duty of sharing the offices was his responsibility as the Chief Administrative and Accounting Officer of the party and, therefore, forcefully seized the process from Habu Fari. On learning of the development, Tukur was said to have ordered Oyinlola to return the file to him, and there were complaints of “short changing of members of the party in the sharing of the federal appointments.” Following the development, it was also gathered that other zones of the federation were not happy with the sharing of the offices against the backdrop that the North-East was said to have got an upper hand in the allocation over other zones. According to a source, the move has angered some of

the members of the party from the North Central and South-East who complained of poor allocation of the boards appointment, especially with what was described as "inconsequential boards given to SouthEast." Also expressing his reservation over the sharing process, a member from the North Central, who spoke with journalists on condition of anonymity, stressed that there was no equity in the sharing and distribution of the board appointments. According to the source, "the NWC members have cornered the juicy boards as chairmen and members, while we were recommended for offices like the National Theatre and other cultural affairs offices. “We want to know the membership of such boards such as National Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA, where the Special Adviser, Political to the National Chairman, Alhaji Ahmed Gusau is part of.”

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8—Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

BOMB ATTACKS IN KADUNA, ZARIA

48 killed in Kaduna, Zaria church attacks Continues from Page 5 ministration.

Bombing of Churches: Threat to National Unity— Mark Senate President, David Mark, yesterday, described the incessant bombings of churches as a threat to the unity of Nigeria. He pleaded with victims of the attacks not to engage in reprisal attacks. He called for measures to put an end to the carnage. In a statement by his Special Adviser Media and Publicity, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, Mark said, “resorting to vengeance will demean your faith as the Lord has said vengeance is His. More so, reprisal attacks can only help the course of your attackers. I believe they want to ignite a religious war and threaten our national unity. “Those who have turned places of worship as targets of bombings should know that they are fighting God and the Lord will surely at an appropriate time give His own judgment.” Senator Mark who urged those perpetrating these attacks to have a rethink and accept the dialogue proposed by the Federal Government,

however, reiterated that “ no matter the amount of anger in a man’s mind, killing another man cannot be a remedy. Such action can only aggravate the situation.”

Tambuwal calls for calm Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Aminu Tambuwal, has called for calm following the exacerbation of tension in Kaduna State occasioned by the bomb blasts in Zaria and Kaduna towns. He said attacking innocent people, who know nothing about the blasts, in the name of reprisals, will worsen an already complicated situation. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal said the increasing number of attacks on places of worship, especially on Sundays, calls for greater caution on the part of the victims and adherents of other faiths. He said despite the current precarious security situation in some areas in the country, Nigerians should not cave in to the whims and caprices of the perpetrators of such attacks. “It is by remaining resolute and prayerful that we can see this difficult

phase of our nationhood together,” he added.

IG confirms 16 dead Acting IG, Mr Abubakar, said “ three separate incidents of explosions carried out by unknown bombers occurred in Kaduna State. The first incident took place at 8:35am at ECWA Church Wusasa, Zaria; the second incident at 8:45am at Christ the King Catholic Church SaboGari, Zaria, while the third incident occurred at Shalom Church Kakuri, Kaduna at 9:30am. “A total of 16 persons have so far been confirmed dead as a result of the explosions within the three churches. A breakdown of this figure shows that nine persons, including the suspected suicide bomber died at Christ the King Catholic Church, three persons at ECWA Church and four persons at Shalom Church. “Some parts of the state recorded a momentary breakdown of law and order as angry youths took to the streets to protest the unfortunate attacks on the churches. The Police and other security agencies had, however, restored normalcy in the affected areas,” he added.

IGBINEDION UNIVERSITY: One dead, 50 vehicles burnt as ex-militants, cultists clash Continues from Page 5 attacked him with matchetes and axe, and destroyed property in his room. Unknown to the cultists, the ex-militant was a "General" during the militancy days. He consequently put a call to his boys both in the school and outside. The ex-militants stormed the university with dangerous weapons and descended on the suspected cultists in the university. One of the students told Vanguard: “As we speak C M Y K

now, the ex-militants have locked up the school gates and are destroying cars and beating up students. We have all taken off from campus but policemen are all over the place. We all fled because the exmilitants said they were coming back again tonight.” Vanguard could not confirm the report, as efforts to get the Police Commissioner were futile, as he was said to have personally led his men to the university town of Okada to quell the crisis. However, Mr

Balogun told one of the journalists, who earlier got him, that “it was a clash with rival cult groups. We are at the Ivory Tower gate now to quell the situation. Every thing is calm. We have asked the students to go back to their hostels while we investigate the incident further.” Five persons were said to have been arrested. Efforts made to reach the Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr Jide Olugbon, proved abortive as his phone was switched off.

ABOVE AND BELOW: Some of the victims of multiple bomb attacks in Kaduna and Zaria all in Kaduna State, that damaged three churches and killed more than 40 persons, receiving attention at Saint-Gerard Hospital, yesterday. PHOTOS: AFP, Olu Ajayi

Rubble of Dullahi Gas Station, Kaduna, burnt by rioting Christian youths in reaction to the bomb attacks.

Shalom Church, Trikaniya,Kaduna, one of the attacked churches. Inset: Wreckage of the car used by the suicide bomber.

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5 die as container fell off truck in Lagos BY EVELYN USMAN AGOS—NO fewer than five persons were, weekend, killed in the Oke-Afa area of Isolo, Lagos, after a 40ft container fell off a truck. Many others sustained injuries in their attempt to avoid the container from landing on them while goods worth several millions of naira were also destroyed. The truck, it was gathered, was coming from the Ikotun end, towards Okota on Saturday at 8pm.

But, as it was ascending Oke-Afa Bridge, it had a break failure and reportedly veered off its lane, fell on some shops at the plank market in the area. A victim, a male passenger on Okada, who was also heading same way, reportedly jumped off the motorbike, but unfortunately was pinned by the truck, while trying to escape. According to eye-witness account, those affected were mostly commercial motorcyclists and their passengers while negotiating the bend leading to Okota Road.

The incident caused gridlock, all through Saturday night and yesterday. Yesterday, commuters coming to the expressway were trapped for hours, while many had to trek. Motorists got stuck while searching for alternative routes. Efforts by the police and officials of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority to contain the traffic situation was to no avail. At 4pm, a crane was seen at the scene making effort to remove the container from the road.

Rewane: Judge's absence stalls accused's N6bn suit for payout BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH AGOS—HEARING in the N6 billion suit against the Lagos State Government and the Police by the three persons acquitted over the murder of elder statesman, Alfred Rewane, in 1995, before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, was, weekend, stalled due to the absence of the judge. The three survivors of the initial eight arrested by the police for the alleged robbery/murder of Rewane in October 1995, Lucky Igbinovia, Effiong

Why prisons 're congested, by Abayomi BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

AGOS—FEDERAL Government's failure to exercise its constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy in the last four years, had been blamed as one of the reasons contributing to prison congestion in the country. Meanwhile, the Federal Government has said it planned to collaborate with state governments to decongested prisons. The Federal Government’s team on the prerogative of mercy, led by Dr. Tunji Abayomi, stated this, when the team visited Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, in Lagos. Ipaye promised that the state government will work with the Federal Government to decongest the prisons, especially those in Lagos. C M Y K

Elemi Edu and Elvis Erenuma, are challenging their detention for over 15 years by the government before they were discharged and acquitted by the court last year. Five other suspects died

in detention following long incarceration. Justice E. Williams of the state high court had discharged and acquitted the three surviving accused persons after trial on January 17, 2011.

Drug: NDLEA boss seeks MoU for jailed Nigerians abroad BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

AGOS—NIGERIA Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has stressed the need for a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with drug source countries, so that Nigerians in their jails on drug-related offences can be brought to Nigeria to complete their jail terms. NDLEA Director of Legal Services, Mr. Femi Oloruntoba, told Vanguard, weekend, that in

the past, such MoU existed with Thailand, where 600 Nigerians, who were in jail for drugrelated offences,500 of them were brought home to complete their jail terms. Oloruntoba said: “During the period of President Olusegun Obasanjo, we entered into an agreement with Thailand, where we are systematically bringing those in Thailand jail for drug-related offences to complete their jail terms in Nigeria.”

Shareholders sue CBN over N191bn assets seized from Ibru BY INNOCENT ANABA

AGOS—PROGRES SIVE Shareholders Association of Nigeria, PSAN, has asked a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, to compel Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to publicise how it managed the about N191 billion worth of assets realised from former managing director of Oceanic Bank, Cecilia Ibru. The assets forfeited by Ibru included 94 landed properties scattered in Nigeria,Dubai and the United States of America, as well as shares in about 100 firms listed and unlisted on

the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE. Ibru was convicted and sentenced after she entered into a plea bargain with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The court, in its judgment had also ruled that the forfeited assets should be managed by Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON. PSAN is asking the court for an order, compelling CBN to avail it with information on the total cash and value of the property recovered from Ibru, as well as the whereabouts of the money and property recovered.

10—Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

Oyo bars NURTW members from drinking paraga, others BY OLA AJAYI BADAN—It is now an offence for members of National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, in Oyo State to take alcoholic drinks while driving. The order was given by the leader of the Caretaker Committee, Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde, aka Fele, put in place by Oyo State Government to uproot violence in the union. He said: “It is now a serious offence for Oyo NURTW members to consume alcoholic drinks popularly called ‘paraga’ or other intoxicants while on the steering wheel.” This came as the new leadership of the union warned politicians in the state who want to use the union for selfish gains to desist as the union would never allow itself to be used as agents of destruction. This warning was handed down, weekend, during a programme at the Olomi state office of the union in Ibadan. To maintain peace which had eluded the union in the past administration in the state, leaders of the party had flagged off a campaign stamping out thuggery at

CONGRATULATIONS, MI LORD: From left, Justice Ayotunde Phillips, new Chief Judge of Lagos State; Right Revd(Dr)Peter Adebiyi, Lord Bishop, Diocese of Lagos and Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, at the thanksgiving service in honour of Justice Phillips, at Bola Memorial Anglican Church, Abule Onigbagbo, Ikeja, and reception at The Haven Events Centre, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

Ondo denies FG supplied shuttle buses for students BY DAYO JOHNSON KURE—ONDO State Government, weekend, chided the opposition parties in the state for blackmailing it over the provision of free shuttle buses for students in the state. The parties had last week claimed that the buses distributed as palliatives to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy by the Ondo

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State Government came from the Federal Government. At a briefing in Akure, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Aderotimi Adelola, denied receiving any vehicle from the Federal Government to cushion the effect of the increase of the pump price of petroleum products. Adelola pointed out that none of the vehicles distributed to members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers,

NURTW, or the one given as free shuttle buses by the state government was given to the state by the Federal Government. The buses were distributed to commemorate the 19th anniversary of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, by Governor Olusegun Mimiko. The Peoples' Democratic Party, PDP, and Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in the state had accused the government of deceit.

all motor parks in the state. The campaign christened “War Against Thuggery at Motor Parks” would be taken to all parts of the state in the next few weeks. The union would work in tandem with a team of corporate management consultants to bring lasting peace to the union. Oyerinde, who was sup-

ported by the 13 other caretaker committee members and elders of the union from the 33 local government areas of the state, said the era of hooliganism had gone for good. He said it was now mandatory under the new regime for commercial drivers in the state to comply with the dress code being worked out to portray them as responsible.

Experts blame air crashes on indiscipline BY DAUD OLATUNJI

BEOKUTA—OCCU PATIONAL Safety and Health Association, OSHA, in Nigeria has said lack of adherence to laid down rules and regulations by regulatory agencies in the nation’s aviation sector had been responsible for the aviation accidents recorded in the past years. It, however, enjoined the Federal Government to overhaul the agencies in the aviation sector to prevent a recurrence of air disasters, urging it to empower the agencies to enable them to enforce safety standards in line with global best practices..

Speaking yesterday in Abeokuta, President of OSHA Nigeria Chapter, Dr. Olugbenga Bejide, stated this during the induction of 150 new members into the fold of the Abeokuta chapter of the association. According to Bejide, the various departments and regulatory agencies of government had failed to ensure that operators observe rules guiding their involvement in the nation’s aviation sector. He, therefore, urged the Federal Government to carry out extensive overhaul of the various regulatory agencies operating in the nation’s aviation sector.

Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012—11

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Group warns against sale of gas plant, oil field in Delta BY FESTUS AHON

From left: Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former Governor of Lagos State, at a fund raising dinner to support Gov. Oshiomhole's second term bid in Lagos.

GHELLI—NIGER Delta Youth Movement, NDYM, has warned against the sale of Utorogu Gas Plant in Otu-Jeremi in Ughelli South Local Government Area and Erhoike Oil Field in Kokori/Orogun in Ethiope East and Ughelli North Local Government areas of Delta State. The youths in a statement, yesterday, by Mr. Godspower Odenema said: “Our attention had been

Ogoni residents flay FG over delay in UNEP report implementation BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

on the issue.

Calls on Jonathan

ORT HARCOURT— OGONI have decried Federal Government’s delay in implementing the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, report on pollution traced to oil exploration in their area.

Prayer session In speeches, yesterday, at a special prayer session at All Saint's Cathedral Church of Anglican Communion, Bori, the Senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District, Senator Magnus Abey and Chairman, Provisional Ruling Council of Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People, MOSOP, Professor Ben Naanen, said they were disappointed that almost a year after UNEP released its report on Ogoni, which called for long and short term remediation in the area, the government was yet to act on it. They said the prayer session was held to call on God to intervene

Magnus said: “It is because of our disappointment that we stand here today, after a series of efforts to prevail on our son, President Goodluck Jonathan. We call on him to keep his word and keep the commitment of the Federal Government that the report will be implemented. The state House of Assembly, Senate and House of Representatives had passed a resolution for the implementation of the report. The person that now

has the power to implement the report is the President.” He expressed worries, that as a Senator, he could not speak authoritatively on when the Federal Government was going to implement the report. While urging the government to act to save the people of the area from pollution brought about by oil exploration, Magnus recalled that the report stressed on the presence ”of benzene in water underneath the ground in Ogali parts of Ogoni."

Tasks FG

Don't lose hope in Nigeria, Oshiomhole tells graduates BY SIMON EBEGBULEM ENIN CITY— GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has admonished graduating students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, not to lose hope in Nigeria but to

continue to have faith in the nation irrespective of the imperfections created by its past leaders. The governor, who made the plea during the 18th convocation of the university, weekend, assured that there was a future for the youths and

Delta Speaker forecloses plan to extend tenure majority to the effect that BY EMMAAMAIZE

ARRI—SPEAKER of Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Victor Ochei, weekend, said he had no plan to rework the House Rules on impeachment in a bid to extend his tenure. He spoke to Vanguard, against the background of allegation that there was an impeachment plot against him because of his underground plot, saying he knew those spreading the unfounded rumour.

“Apart from the state government, that has been trucking water to the community, the Federal Government had not responded to the plight of the people of the area. We are in a democracy and I expected that the Federal Government would be running around to address the issue. If they had done that, we would not have any reason to speak. The Federal Government set up a committee headed by the Minister of Petroleum that said the report had been submitted to the President. But nothing had been done."

He said: “You can speak to members of the House to get the true picture of things. I cannot be part of anything that is unconstitutional.” A source close to the House had alleged that the impeachment plot was thickening against the Speaker because of his secret meeting with nine members of the House after plenary was adjourned to June 27, last week, to amend the impeachment procedure, which stipulated 2/3 simple

members must serve a twoweek notice in writing on the erring officer about his offences for him/her to respond. But the Majority Leader of the House, Mr Monday Igbuya, supported Ochie’s position, saying “I can tell you authoritatively that Mr. Speaker has no plan to change the House Rules to make his removal from office difficult as you have been erroneously told. It is not correct and there is also no plot by members to impeach him."

urged them to contribute their quota to the growth of the nation. He said: “Declare that in your time, Nigeria can make it. Do not allow those bad leaders, who destroyed the country to be your role model. Join forces like us, who are determined to build bridges of unity and let us unite to protect the diversity of the country.” He advised them not to allow the few who acquired the wealth of the nation for their personal interest to undermine the system. Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Cordelia Agbebaku, noted that the ceremony also featured the awards of first degrees and diploma certificates as well as the award of prizes. It also featured the installation of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as a Visitor to the University and His Royal Highness, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu Nupe as Chancellor.

drawn to a clandestine scheme to sell Utorogu Gas Plant in Otu-Jeremi in Ughelli South Local Government Area and Erhoike Oil Field in Kokori/Orogun in Ethiope East and Ughelli North Local Government areas respectively all in Delta State, to private individuals. “These two facilities in the Niger Delta are quite unique. The Utorogu Gas Plant is the largest of its kind in West Africa and the seventh largest

in the world while the Erhioke Oil Field is one of the very few Oil Fields in the world that produces the best crude oil (Brent or Sweet crude). “In 2010, the National Assembly passed the Nigerian Content Act into law. By the provisions of this law, the immediate local communities are to be consulted in any major decision concerning any oil facility located on their land. ."

Tension in Sapele over quit notices counselled those interested BYEMMAAMAIZE

ARRI—THERE is apprehension in Sapele, Delta State, following the quit notices served by Sapele-Okpe Community Land Trust Association, Sapele, on land occupants (tenants) in Sapele, that the association was not interested in renewing leases on community lands. The association in a statement by Senator David Dafinone, Chairman and F. Pemu, Secretary, had

in remaining on the community lands to urgently enter into a new lease with the association. It also asked interested tenants to pay all outstanding rent and penalty for non-payment of rent during the period of occupation before the judgment by a Delta State High Court sitting in Sapele, which held that the Land Use Act did not divest the claimants of their reversion interest in the deed of lease, dated December 3, 1908.

Bayelsans, others praise Dickson over wage bill probe BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA E N A G O A — BAYELSANS and other Niger Deltans, weekend, commended the administration of Governor Seriake Dickson over his decisions to investigate the state bloated wage bill in the civil service and the appointment of nonindigenes from neighbouring states into key positions in the administration in the state. Similarly, a group of activists from Delta State,

under the aegis of Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative, IPDI, led by its President, Mr Ozodo Austin; the Secretary; Mr. Peter Luke and Bayelsa State Coordinator, Mrs. Bobruebi Obi, noted that the decision by the current administration in Bayelsa to investigate, arrest and prosecute those involved in the wage bill rip-off, had reduced the penchant for corruption among the civil service and exposed the past administration's lack of political will.

....Mutu too over scholarship ARRI—HOUSE of Representatives member, Mr. Nicholas Mutu, representing Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency in the House, has been lauded for contributing towards the development of science subjects through his scholarship programme for his constituents in Delta State. Mutu, weekend, disbursed N50,000 cash to 16 beneficiaries for

the 2011/2012 academic session at Bomadi, headquarters of Bomadi Local Government Area of the state. Mr. Christopher Kofa , a parent of a beneficiary, shortly after the ceremony, described Mutu as Godsent to complement the efforts by parents and guardians for the e d u c a t i o n a l advancement of their children.

Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012—13

Student crushed to death by reckless driver in Imo BY CHIDI NKWOPARA WERRI—A THIRD year student of Holy Ghost College, Owerri, HOGOSCO, Master Raphael Bakari Olalekan, has been crushed to death by a reckless driver in front of the school gate. Vanguard investigation revealed that 15-year old Olalekan, a native of Ikirun, Osun State, was killed on Friday by a driver who drove against traffic. An eyewitness said: “The Toyota Hilux driver, who was carrying a lady suspected to be the wife of his boss, hit Olalekan badly and the poor boy died instantly”. Confirming the ugly incident, the school Principal, Rev. Fr. Cyprain Ogu, said the boy was quickly rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, but the doctors confirmed him dead on arrival. He lamented that there had been many of such incidents in the past, even as he thanked God that none

was as deadly as the case of Olalekan. The cleric expressed regret that those who were supposed to show good examples, including secu-

rity personnel, government convoys and officials, flout traffic laws recklessly. “In flouting traffic rules, these class of careless drivers and their bosses cause

confusion, panic and accidents. I call on Governor Okorocha to intervene and save the lives of other road users”. Rev. Fr. Ogu, pleaded.

NUGU—THE Enugu State Police Command said weekend that it recovered 46 firearms and arrested 81 armed robbery suspects within the last three m o n t h s . The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Musa Daura disclosed this while fielding questions from newsmen. He said six cases of cult related activities were reported, and 28 suspects were arrested afterwards. According to him, a total of 19 car snatching cases were reported while 65 suspects were arrested, noting that 18 vehicles were also recovered during the perio d . The CP lamented that most criminal activities that took place in the state recently were carried out by hoodlums riding commercial motorcycles popularly known as okada. He assured members of the public that modalities were being worked out to put an end to the problem. Daura said his command in partnership with traditional rulers in the state had packaged a programme tagged ‘’operation know

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BY ANAYO OKOLI

MUAHIA—GOVER NOR Theodore Orji of Abia has read riot act to the 17 transition committee chairmen in the state to implement the biometric system of paying salaries or face the consequences. The governor’s warning followed reports that some council workers were refusing to imbibe the biometric system and prefer the old method of payment said to be prone to fraud, especially ghost workers’ syndrome. The governor was alleged to have accused the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, of inciting the

workers against the biometric system and warned the leadership of the councils that there was no going back on biometric. Visibly angry Governor Orji who addressed the 17 transition committee chairmen and other senior management staff of the councils said, “this is an emergency meeting. It is not in my habit to be calling everybody to Umuahia because I know that you have serious business to do in your various councils. I brought you here because you are in charge of the local governments. I don’t want to see a negligible few elements to hold the state to ransom".

Ebonyi APGA sacks chairman BY PETER OKUTU BAKALIKI—EB ONYI State chapter of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, weekend, impeached its Chairman, Mr. Jerry Obasi, over alleged gross violation of the party’s constitution and failure to render proper financial account of monies collected and spent on behalf of the party. The impeachment took place at a stakeholders meeting comprising chairmen, secretaries and women leaders of the party at both state and local govern-

AWARD—From left: Mr. Adeyinka Adeyemi, MD, Intermac Consulting Ltd; Mrs Omobola Johnson, Hon. Minister of Communication and Technology and Mrs Caroline Anyanwu, Executive Director, Diamond Bank PLC receiving the best credit card award for the second consecutive time at the e-business awards and dinner in Lagos.

Police recover 41 arms, arrest 81 robbery suspects in Enugu BY TONY EDIKE

Orji warns LG caretaker chairmen

your neighbour in the state’’ with a view to exposing perpetrators of

r i m e s . He expressed optimism that the programme would

surely bring sanity from the grass roots to the state l e v e l .

Dana crash: Imo declares tomorrow special prayer day BY CHINENYEH OZOR WERRI—IMO State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, has declared tomorrow “a special prayer session" for the repose of the souls of the victims of the ill-fated Dana plane crash of Imo origin. Okorocha made this known when he paid a condolence visit to families of late Prof Celestine Onwuliri and Mr. Ike Ibe, who lost his wife and daughter in the crash. He prayed God to give the bereaved families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, while urging relevant authorities to put stringent measures in place to ensure safety in the Nigerian airspace. Governor Okorocha appealed to the citizenry and particularly religious lead-

ers in the state to join in the prayer session in honour of the sons and daughters, who lost their lives in the crash.

It will be recalled that no fewer than 24 Imo citizens lost their lives in the sad incident which occurred on June 3, 2012.

Jonathan to launch back-toschool campaign BY TONY EDIKE

NUGU—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan is expected in Enugu tomorrow to launch the National campaign on back-toschool with emphasis on boy-child education, for the South East zone of the country. Enugu State Commissioner for Education, Dr Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, said the event would take place at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu. He explained that the campaign which is also to be known as “Mmuta Ama-

ka”, was principally aimed at creating opportunities for children especially males, who had abandoned education in pursuit of other endeavours, to return to school. According to the commissioner, those expected at the function include the governors of the five states of the South East, members of the National Assembly from the zone, Minister of Education, Prof Ruqayyatu Rufa’i, Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, royal fathers from the South East, school heads and a host of others.

ment levels. However, the embattled chairman described the brains behind his purported impeachment as dissidents who planned to distabilise the party ahead of 2015 elections in the state. In an indictment letter by both state and local government council executives, the party among other issues alleged that the erstwhile chairman “since last year, has never call a meeting of the party till date, collected N1.1 million, without accounting for it or rendering an account to the exco since the last convention at Awka.

14—Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

PDP to host INEC auditors with N13m

Ewherido makes case for state police

BY HENRY UMORU

BUJA—VICE Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Pius Ewherido, DPP, representing Delta Central, has said if the present security challenges in the country must be addressed, there was the urgent need for the introduction of state police. According to Senator Ewherido, the present centralised structure of the Nigeria Police was no longer fashionable and could not nip in the bud the wave of crime, terrorism and general insecurity across the country. Speaking in Abuja, the Senator stressed that the formation of state police had become imperative against the backdrop that each region, state or zone has its peculiar security challenges which must be handled differently.

Group backs FCT Minister on N300m mosque project BY SUZAN EDEH

AUCHI—CON TRARY to allegation making the rounds that the project for the renovation of the Gwallaga Juma’at Mosque, Bauchi, embarked upon by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Senator Bala Muhammad, was for political purposes, a Bauchibased political group, Democracy and Good Governance Forum, has said that the N300 million project is a pure philanthropic gesture by the minister. It also debunked the speculation in some quarters that the multi-million naira project and the minister’s recent distribution of cars and hajj seats to selected individuals were aimed at canvassing support for his purported governorship ambition in the state come 2015. Speaking to newsmen, weekend, state chairman of the group, Alhaji Suleiman Foster, wondered why people view the minister's humanitarian gestures from political perspective, adding that Muhammad has not yet declared interest in the 2015 governorship election in the state.

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BUJA—THE National leadership of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is set to spend N13,100,000 million in hosting auditors from Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. The auditors, according to a memo from the National Auditor of the party, Chief Bode Mustapha, to the National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, are to audit the account of PDP party for the 2011 financial year. Vanguard gathered that the leadership of PDP has

BY HENRY UMORU

BIRTHDAY: From left— (sitting)Alh. Ahmed Ibeto, Deputy Governor of Niger State; Mr. Aminun Tambuwal, Speaker, House of Representatives; Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State; Mr. Adamu Usman, Speaker, Niger State House of Assembly, and Mr. Mohammed Aliyu, Managing Director of Niger State Development Company, and other Muslim faithful at the 112th posthumous birthday and the 26th Maulud of the late Sheik Ibrahim Inyass, organised by the Tijjaniyya movement in Minna, weekend.

also approved the production of 772 portraits of Tukur and its National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola. PDP’s National Director of Administration, Alhaji Gurama Bawa to Oyinlola, in a memo dated April 27 and entitled Approval for the production of official portraits of National Chairman and the National Secretary, stated the need for the auditing and portraits, following the election and assumption of duties by the newly-elected members of the National Working Committee of the party.

Anenih commends Benin monarch over Igbinedion's pardon BY HENRY UMORU

BUJA—FORMER Chairman, Board of Trustees, BoT, of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Tony Anenih, yesterday, described the lifting of the four-year old suspension on the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion by

the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa, as timely for PDP. Anenih, in a statement, yesterday, commended the Oba of Benin for his gesture. He stressed that the decision of the Benin monarch to lift the suspension was a mark of

his kind-heartedness and magnanimous spirit. The PDP chieftain, in the statement entitled Igbinedion: I Commend Oba of Benin’s Benevolence, read: “I received with utmost joy the news that our esteemed Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Okpolokpolo, Oba

Erediauwa, has lifted the suspension order placed on the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion. “While I rejoice with my brother and friend, the Esama of Benin for this reprieve, I commend the Oba’s kind-heartedness and magnanimous spirit in lifting the suspen-

I saw $3m bribery scandal coming— Rep BY TAYE OBATERU OS—MEMBER rep resenting Jos South/ Jos East constituency of Plateau State in the House of Assembly, Mr. Bitrus Kaze, has said he saw the bribery scandal currently rocking the House over the fuel subsidy probe coming. He spoke, weekend, at an interaction with journalists after a visit to the state police headquarters and that of Special Task Force, STF, in Jos, Plateau State, to commend them on the

successful enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcycles in the state. He noted that the scandal should not be used as an excuse to label every member of the House as corrupt or inept, stressing that such generalisation would be out of place. He said: “It is wrong to generalise that all lawmakers are corrupt merely because one of us is involved in a scandal.” He assured that the House would not allow

the monumental fraud discovered in the subsidy probe to be swept under the carpet despite the scandal involving Hon. Farouk Lawan stressing, “I can assure you that the House is determined to deal with the issue accordingly.” Kaze, who was received at the various places by the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Emmanuel Ayeni, and Commander of the STF, Major-Gen. Henry Ayoola, said as a representative of the people

he was at liberty to speak out on their activities. He said: “The role of these security agencies are critical in the maintenance of law and order in the state. In the process of doing their job, I believe as a representative of the people, I should say it out where they get it right or wrong. “I think that they are doing their best, especially with the successful enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcycle operations.”

sion order. “The timing of the lifting of the suspension order on the Esama, who is a dedicated leader of our party (PDP), is significant to us and we cannot but commend His Royal Majesty for his Royal love. “I pray that Almighty God will continue to imbue the Oba with wisdom and good health to provide progressive leadership to the people, while I urge the Esama to invest all his energies into rebuilding the Oba and the people’s confidence in him. “I call on well-meaning Benin sons and daughters, and indeed all the good people of Edo State, to support the effort of the Oba to preserve the Benin heritage and ensure peace in the kingdom. “To the able leader, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, I say congratulations and to God be the glory.”

Suswam woos foreign investors with tax holidays BY PETER DURU AKURDI—AS part of efforts to create employment in his state, Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State has called on foreign investors to take advantage of the huge agricultural potentials and endowment of the state by establishing agroprocessing plants.

Suswam assured that his administration would give willing investors tax holidays and necessary incentives to facilitate the growth and stability of their investments. Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Andy Uwokwu, quoted the governor as making the promise in Addis

Ababa, Ethiopia, at the 5th Specialised International Exhibition in Agriculture and Food organised by the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce. The governor noted that with its stunning yearly agricultural yields, Benue State remained an investors’ delight and a fertile ground for investments.

Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Eugene Aliegba, who led the Benue delegation to the expo, Governor Suswam said: “We are aware of the huge benefits that awaits any investor in the agricultural sector of our state and Nigerian economy. “That is why we are using this event as plat-

form to showcase our huge agricultural potentials and also seek partnership with investors from other countries, especially in the areas of food processing, packaging and exporting because the benefits will be enormous and far-reaching, not only to the investors but to the people of Benue State.”

Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012—15

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16— Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

ITH more than 6,000 Nigerians in foreign jails, we thought President Goodluck Jonathan would have added their matter to charges he gave Nigeria’s 93 new ambassadors. He did not. How these Nigerians became prisoners is as important as the fact that they, in most cases did not receive consular care. In many countries with Nigerian missions, Nigerians are jailed without getting assistance that could have kept them out of jail. What “national interests” then do these missions serve? The President gave a hint. “You are posted to your designation to represent the President and not your state or your ethnicity, and project Nigeria as a united and indivisible nation. You must encourage Nigerians abroad to have solid unions,” he said. Ambassadors are representatives of the President. Few will debate the position. However, this point can be stretched to a breaking juncture. Missions should serve Nigerians, who elected the President. What is happening in our foreign service is an

6,000 Nigerians jailed abroad aberration. Our missions have been reduced to providing comfortable passage for the President, politicians, and other VIPs on their trips round the world. The same neglect ordinary Nigerians suffer at home is replicated in their relations with their missions. It is to be expected; you cannot neglect your people at home and treat them well abroad. A common complaint from the missions is that Nigerians do not seek their services; they do not even bother to register when they arrive abroad. It is a strong argument that is weakened by the poor services that Nigerians abroad receive when they apply for renewal of their passports. Our missions, with a few exceptions, do not care for

Nigerians; they treat them as distractions to their brief. The standards of concerns for Nigerians fluctuate, depending on the head of the mission. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has no expectation of such care from the missions which operate as they deem fit. Economic diplomacy remains at the core of the nation’s foreign policy, according to the President. He should substitute the welfare of Nigerians for “economic diplomacy” and other fanciful words that mean nothing. More words: “To build and sustain a corps of staff that can excel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must accord priority to recruiting the best and ensuring the regular training of its diplomats.” Nepotism infects the service’s recruitment; excellence is not a consideration. An overhaul of the foreign service is overdue if it is to serve Nigerians. It starts from attitude of the missions to government’s provision of resources for their operations. Our missions do not have the resources to do more than organising state visits and issuing visas — both are even proving too challenging.

OPINION BY SAM EKELEDO

S I watched the usually very beautiful Stella Oduah Ogienwonyi, Minister of Aviation, painfully explain to the nation the issues surrounding the Dana airplane crash, one could tell she would rather be found elsewhere, in more buoyant spirits. This certainly was not her turf, nor was it her routine. But you see, we never know what may prevail when duty calls. And so to announce the beginning of the second half of the year, we must suffer all these multi-dimensional fatalities. Stella could only commiserate with the families of the 153 or more lives lost in the air crash. She couldn’t do more. No one reminded her that our Allied Cargo plane that travelled to Ghana a day or so earlier did not return. It also crashed there and all the 10-man crew and or occupants [ for indeed these planes often travel with certain human cargo, especially of the female sort, that don’t get manifested at all] lost their lives. In the same day, we also learnt of how another 12 or more were despatched quickly to heaven in a church bombing somewhere in Bauchi by people whose notions of worship of God is steeped only in violence and murder. Earlier in the day, Governor Al Makura was on AIT pleading with the two ethnic groups in his Nasarawa State to sheathe their swords after decimating over 100 of each other. Finally, no less a personality as President Goodluck Jonathan would finally lament the tragedies and slam a three-day mourning on the nation. As with most issues preceding this one, the Farouk Usman’s subsidy probe C M Y K

Tell me how long the plane's been gone report, Petroleum industry Bill, the stock exchange mess, etc, etc; this too shall pass, no matter who or how many died. Noting our legendary attention span as a government and as a people, let me suggest that these fatalities and intermittent rude tragedy can be drastically reduced if President Jonathan could just give us modern high speed rail. This is certainly not beyond our capacity to fund. Moreover, we will pay for our train rides the GSM way, so no one comes around to cut off the rail tracks like PHCN would. Just to give us an idea. In the year of our Lord 2010, the Australian government commissioned a $20 million study into high speed rail for her east coast corridor between Newcastle and Sydney covering a distance of about 150 miles. The report was completed the following year 2011, revealing that Australia needed between $61 billion and $108 billion to accomplish the project. I do not see how this, at whatever exchange rate, can surpass the entire N1.3 trillion already salted away as evident from the Hon Farouk Lawan subsidy probe. We, the travelling public, again will pay. In case, we are confused about how to achieve this, let us again, ask the Chinese. In this way the import of President Jonathan’s declared period of mourning and sober reflection will have made

better sense. Apart from the 153 who will never arrive Lagos and possibly President Jonathan, no man can arrive Lagos from Abuja by air in an hour. The average time it takes anyone to do this trip is four hours: travel time to airport, check-in formalities, wait/delays for endless presidential movements plus travel from destination airport to home. In less than three hours a modern day Eurostar normal speed [not high speed or the maglev] train would have arrived Lagos with over 1000 passengers, and possibly headed for Lome to boot. Enough of these callous politicisation of the transportation sector and unsavoury enthronement of motor park arrangements in buying a handful of buses for national union of road transport workers. Transportation is both the engine and the wheel of any economy. It is the only mechanism that drives the economy 24 hours as well as defines the living conditions of any people. That is why the whole of Europe moves by rail. The rich and vast American landscape is revealed by the rail. Most business and pleasurable journeys in the USA today are done by rail. As for India and Pakistan, trains serve to directly and yet subtly mitigate poverty. The poor travel free, in that wealthier passengers in the first class and business class compartments help defray the ticket cost of the passengers in the lower compartments, with everyone arriving at the same time. Else, we might yet be asking again how long the train, nay, plane’s been gone. *Mr. Ekeledo, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Lagos.

Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012—49

Under President Olusegun Obasanjo, he loomed so large that he was briefly considered as one of the ex-president’s successors before ailing Governor Umaru Yar’ Adua was selected. For some curious reasons, el Rufai bolted into exile as soon as Yar ’ Adua assumed power. The Yar’ Adua regime had put the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to work on allegations that el Rufai abused his office and mismanaged public funds and property. But as soon as Yar’ Adua died, the Kaduna Stateborn el Rufai did not just return from self-exile. He stormed back to Nigeria, despite the fact that he is still in court over those allegations. He has since become one of the most irreverent and vocal critics of not only the President Goodluck Jonathan administration but also Dr. Goodluck Jonathan C M Y K

Anambra, el Rufai and poverty”

Mallam Nasir el Rufai himself as a presidential material. El Rufai has also modelled himself as a propagator of “northern interests” and media ambassador of retired Major General Muhammadu Buhari’s Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). It is in this context that many have questioned his motive for being interested in the budget of Anambra State. In particular, why did he seem determined to project Anambra as “poor”? According to him: “the incidence of poverty in (Anambra State) is very high. The South East has a food poor incidence of 41.0 per cent of which 60.9 per cent is absolutely poor while 66.5 per cent is relatively poor and 56.8 per cent live under a dollar a day…” Mark you, I have not accused him of fabricating these figures. He lifted them from the data produced by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Anambra is said to be the third poorest state in the South East Zone. The state is also rated third in the zone in both youth and adult literacy. For el Rufai, Anambra is not viable state. He drew that conclusion by comparing the N16.3billion personnel cost in this year ’s budget to the internally generated revenue estimate of N12 billion. According to him, the state would not be able to pay the salaries of its workers without federal allocation. This to me is a pedestrian way of

determining viability. If each state is allowed to mine its resources and deploy its human capital for economic prosperity, Anambra’s oil and gas alone (which have remained untapped) will more than pay its bills handsomely, before you talk about its commercial, industrial and intellectual endowments. Unless states are allowed to control their resources, only Lagos may remain “viable”, even though viability was never a consideration by the northcontrolled armed forces that ruled this nation and split its geopolitical units inequitably to give the north unjust access to the nation’s oil wealth. “Viability” is a new argument being spruced up to deny the South East its sixth state which the National Assembly in 2006 accepted as a national consensus for constitutional amendment. The figures also painted Anambra as the third in literacy rate in the South East; even though el Rufai admitted that with at least, nine institutions of higher learning (the national record) Anambra is an “educationally advanced state”. What a contradiction! There are two main observations I wish to make. The first is that el Rufai’s conclusions are generally backed with figures that do not necessarily mirror the facts on ground. Number two is a reflection on his real mission in choosing this topic for his discussion.

NBS data and Igbo reality: For instance, the official figures say the population of Anambra State (as quoted by the writer) is 4.2 million people. Considering that Anambra’s landmass is one of the smallest in the country, it is easy to be misled to understate the real population power of the state. Anambra is a state that harbours 177 communities within its tiny 4,416 square kilometres, with most communities having no farm or forest land. You won’t know when you cross from Oko to Ekwulobia, for instance unless you read the signposts. Just like other Igbo states there are more Anambra people living outside than inside the state. The population of the indigenes of the state will likely top 12 million if an honest census is undertaken. The population of Igbos and Anambra people in the Diaspora (outside the South East) are often factored as part of the populations of the other

by the NBS which, in its usual lazy manner, relied mainly on the amount the state gets from the federation account relative to its meagre population. Kpakol declared that Anambra had the highest quota of private entrepreneurs in the country and is actually the state with the most affluential citizens per capita in the whole country. Majority of the Igbodominated markets around the country and the West African sub-region have businessmen of Anambra and northern Imo state origins calling the shots. Each time Nigeria changes currency the largest volume of currency notes is harvested from the South West (especially Lagos where Igbo and Anambra dominate the markets) and the South East (especially the Onitsha/Nnewi/Aba axes). Apart from Lagos, Anambra state has the highest number of bank branches in the federation, and they are not there for Father Christmas purposes. So, what was el Rufai’s motive for painting Anambra in the borrowed robes of poverty? There are those who feel that he saw the NBS figures and decided it offered the opportunity to “retaliate” on former Central Bank Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s assertion that poverty is “a northern phenomenon”, as justified not just by the NBS’s figures alone. He probably used Anambra to “fight back” but unfortunately for him, he failed to make his point stick, as his conclusions flew in the face of real life evidence.

THERE has been a furore on the various social networks over an article credited to Mallam Nasir el Rufai, in which he allegedly said Anambra State was “poor”. Many from that state, their friends, relations and well wishers were incensed with the very notion of ascribing poverty to Anambra State. Some asked the controversial former minister and now columnist with THISDAY Newspapers how many Anambra-born beggars he has come across, compared with the millions of professional mendicants from his cultural area who dot street corners in urban towns all over the country and have always been that way since the dawn of history. Naturally, my curiosity was stoked and I decided to investigate the casus belli, the reason for another round of ethnic hot exchanges for which Nigeria is famous and the social networks a fertile battleground between the Igbo, HausaFulani and Yoruba. If you want to learn how to argue blindly, stupidly and illiterately, go to the internet and choose any topic on socio-political issues of Nigeria. You will come out with summa cum laude in record time! In all likelihood, most of those taking on el Rufai did not even read the original article to know exactly what he was driving at. The article in question published in el Rufai’s column on Friday, June 8th 2012, is entitled: Anambra’s Budget Of Misplaced Priorities. As usual, el Rufai obviously spent a lot of time in the library before he went to the press. That is one thing about this man, who spent eight years in power (1999 to 2007) as a top officer of the Federal government. He reads, and he writes. The same cannot be said for many of his peers who “made good” for themselves while in government and retired into the lazy comforts of their acquisitions.

Poverty is everywhere in Nigeria, Anambra and the South East inclusive. But for el Rufai to go on a binge about poverty in Anambra State when his own part of the country is the dirt poorest amounts to pointing to a speck in someone’s eye while ignoring the log of wood in his

five geopolitical zones. Given the fact that the population in the Diaspora are more vibrant and affluent they form part of the population well above the poverty level, especially in the North and South West. The NBS data does not portray the Igbo reality adequately and their use for purposes of analysis will always mislead as el Rufai’s has done. Anambra poverty laughable and preposterous The very notion of Anambra being associated with poverty is both preposterous and laughable. Dr Magnus Kpakol, the erstwhile DG of the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) cleared the air on the former ranking of Bayelsa State as the least poor of the 36 states

Some even say el Rufai decided to call Anambra dirty names because his party, the CPC, failed woefully not just in Anambra State but also the entire South East, South-South, North Central and most parts of the upper north. Poverty is everywhere in Nigeria, Anambra and the South East inclusive. But for el Rufai to go on a binge about poverty in Anambra State when his own part of the country is the dirt poorest amounts to pointing to a speck in someone’s eye while ignoring the log of wood in his. The altruism of motive was not convincing. And for me, the charge of “misplaced priorities” fell flat. But as purely an academic exercise, el Rufai must have found his own effort most mentally engaging.

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I READERS! I had my head so buried in my work that I forgot all about my cousin and her beau, until Ify called me on my way home to ask if I minded if the couple stayed with her and Joe for the night. “Joe and I thought that since it’s week days and you’ll be at work most of the time, it would be best for them to be here, so that they would have company other than just nanny and malam, and I would be able to take them out. I had proposed that we would set out early tomorrow morning for Epe so that they can have a feel of the rehabilitated Lekki road, and also visit the botanical gardens.” “How nice of you, Ify dear. I’m sure they’ll like that. I’m just leaving the office now, would you want me to come pick them so that they would collect what they would need for tonight and tomorrow?” “All the way from Apapa to Dolphin, to Amuwo, back to Dolphin, and finally to Amuwo! Won’t the wahala kill you?” “Er, well, they’re my guests, so, I have to do the right thing.” “My dear martyr, they are guests of all our family members here in Lagos. Joe says it’s our turn to have them with us, and I agree with him. Actually, they must be on their way back from your place now. My driver left here with them about two hours ago. I thought you should know of the change in plans.” “Oh, thanks Ify dear. Although, I was rather looking forward to spending the evening in their company.” “I’m sure you were, you romantic! Sorry you’re being deprived of that. Still, you’ll be able to have your house to yourself, and have some peace and quiet. You can also read one of those romance novels you have in abundance, and get into the spirit. Or, better still, go get yourself an admirer and stop being an onlooker! Sorry o, madam single!”

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Planting of impure thoughts “I shall report you to your husband, for trying to plant impure thoughts in my mind.” “Me? Impure thoughts? God forbid!” We joked some more and she rang off. The traffic home through Orile was so stressful that I felt asleep. My phone rang. It was Ify. She was worried that Kate and Dean had not returned to Dolphin Estate. She rang her driver who told her that they were still at my place and that it appeared that they had some unexpected visitors. He could hear raised voices, but couldn’t say if they were in excitement or anger. “Treena dear, can you please ring home to find out what the matter is? There’s an important meeting at the church this evening at which I must be present. I need the driver back. Your brother can’t return to pick me because he’ll be at another meeting. There’s another car here, but I can no longer drive at night, so, I don’t. If the couple doesn’t want to return here tonight, that’s alright. The driver can come for them early in the morning, and we’ll still be able to make Epe. Are you near home yet?” “Not yet. We’re stuck in heavy traffic at Orile. Why not ring your driver and ask him to call Kate to the phone so you could speak

LIFE WITH TREENA KWENTA

- the funloving, but hardworking single parent

Dean on fire! with her? Or, you could try my land line.” “I’ve tried your land line many times, so that I could find out from nanny what’s happening. No-one’s picking it up. It would be bad manners to ask to speak with Kate. It would seem as if I was hurrying her up. That wouldn’t do. After all, I made the offer. I think I’ll have to take a taxi to the church.” “Tough luck! Sorry o, Ify dear. I’ll ring nanny on her mobile phone to find out who the visitors in my house are. I’ll speak with you later. Take care.” When I checked my other phones, I discovered that nanny and Michel had been trying to reach me. I rang nanny. She was most incoherent.

Big fight at the back of the house “Madam, come home quick o!” she wailed. “There’s trouble o! Michel wants to go call Police, but I told him to hold on, and that you and oga will not like it. We’ve never called Police to this house before. Never! I’ve never seen this sort of trouble before; not in this house!” “Nanny, calm down. You haven’t told me what the matter is?” “Sorry, madam. Big fight is going on at the back of the house.” “Between who and who?” “They started in the sitting room, but Michel sent all of them to the backyard. Oh God! Neighbours are watching from their upstairs windows. This is disgraceful.” “Nanny! I’m ringing off now. Go and ask Michel to flash me, so that I can ring him and find out what the matter is.” Michel flashed and I rang him. “Madam, madam Kate and her friend were just leaving to return to uncle’s house in Dolphin when Rafiu and two women rushed into the premises.” “Who’s Rafiu, Michel?” “Madam, he used to work in Ikeja for oga. He was the one that brought his brother-inlaw, who I now understand is this Mr. Dean who’s with madam Kate, to buy your car many years ago. I didn’t recognize him when madam Kate brought him here, but oga explained the whole thing to me and told me to stay here. Early this morning, oga rang to say that I can return to Ikeja tonight, and that we’re to treat the man well. Oga also spoke to nanny. Nanny said I should stay until the couple have left completely. I was thinking that over when they returned to tell nanny that they were going to spend the night in Dolphin, and had come to pack some clothes. I was helping to carry their bags out when a car stopped at the gate. I went to find out who was there and I saw Rafiu. He was oga’s staff for a long time. I think it was that car business that make oga ask him to leave. He was shocked to know that you live

here. He said the two women with him were his cousins, and that they wanted to collect money from a Mr. Dean who was their debtor and who lives at this address. I led them to the sitting room, but as soon as the younger woman saw Mr. Dean, she went to hold him by his shirt and they began to fight.” “Fight? Just like that? Why?” “Rafiu explained that the woman was Mr. Dean’s first wife, and the mother of his four daughters who live with his mother in Onitsha. The woman was fighting him because his people have refused her access to her children for more than a year now. When she goes there, they chase her away. Rafiu and I tried to reason with her, but she says Mr. Dean must take her to her children right away. Mr. Dean slapped her for tearing up his shirt. They were going to destroy things in the sitting room, so, I asked them to go to the back of the house. That’s where they are now, and they’re still shouting and fighting. I wanted to go call the Police since they don’t want to stop, but nanny said I shouldn’t.” “I see. Where’s my cousin, Kate?” “She’s gone to lock herself up in nanny’s room. I told her to do so, so that that mad w o m a n wouldn’t attack her.” “Michel, do you know how Rafiu got to know that Dean is in town and at my place?” “Ah, madam, one can’t say o! Someone may have seen him and madam Kate at the airport, and trailed them to this place. Or Mr. Dean himself, may have rung up someone to tell him/her that he’s in town and where. Calling the Police is best, madam. They’ll take them up to the Police station, and that’s that. They will have to phone people who will go bail them out. That will be their problem.” “And you don’t think

that we would be involved, since Kate brought Dean to Lagos, and they’re staying at my place? Won’t we have to go bail him out? I don’t think calling the Police in is wise, Michel. Anyway, we’re at Mile 2 now, and I’ll soon be at home.” Michel met me at the gate. The compound was quiet. Where were the combatants, I asked. In a hushed voice, Michel told me that my neighbour in the other duplex heard the fracas, and knowing that I hadn’t returned from work, came over to ask what was going on. Rafiu explained to him, and he took Dean, Rafiu and the two women to his place. They are there now, Michel added. I went over at once to join them. Dean couldn’t meet my eyes. I don’t know why, but I felt very sorry for him. The ex-wife, whose name I learnt is Bisi, was a petite pretty woman, perhaps in her midforties, while the other woman looked much older. I thanked my neighbour profusely for his help, then I swept the others with a heavy frown for bringing trouble to my premises. They stared back at me silently. My neighbour explained that he had to go over and bring them to his place, to quell the fight. “ I’m trying to offer my advice. No doubt, Michel or nanny must have told you what the matter is. “ “Thank you, neighbour, Michel explained to me, but what I can’t understand is why Rafiu should bring these women to come cause trouble in my house. You know, he worked for Mr. Kwenta for several years. I would have thought that

he would accord me some respect and not come disgrace me like this. Maybe Michel should have called the Police, after all. I wonder what Mr. Kwenta would make of this when he’s told.” “Madam,” said Rafiu, earnestly, “please, I’m very sorry. I don’t know how Bisi got to know in Ibadan where she’s based, that her husband is here. She suddenly arrived at my place this afternoon, and told me to accompany her to Amuwo to retrieve money owed her by a stubborn debtor. It was actually when I saw Nuru that I knew what the game was. I’m furious with her, but the damage has been done. She just wouldn’t listen to reason. If I knew what her mission was, I wouldn’t have accompanied her here. I would have dissuaded her. I’m sorry, ma.” I didn’t say a word to him. I thanked my neighbour again, and left. Back at my place, I rang to explain to Ify. She asked to speak with Kate. I took the phone to nanny’s room. Kate opened the door, looking quite unruffled. Silently I gave her the phone and she spoke with Ify. “Thank you, Ify dear. I’ve been in worse situations. I’m not moved. Remember when Raheem’s dad’s three wives used to come fight with me at my place when they learnt I was expecting a baby for their husband? Exactly! This is child’s play. No, I’m munching on nanny’s delicious snacks. See you tomorrow. Love you! Thank you, Treena dear. How was your day?” Some people do have a thick skin, don’t they? Tara.

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Egypt, France, Greece hold crucial elections LECTIONS dominated the weekend in Africa and Europe where voters in Egypt, Greece and France went out to exercise their franchise. Egyptians were in the second day of their cliff hanger presidential election where they were faced with two extemities of either choosing the Islamic fundamentalist candidate Mr. Mohammed Morsy or the former prime minister in Mubaraks administration, Mr. Ahmed Shafiq Reports from Cairo said the second round of the presidential election was characterised by low turn out as Egyptian mulled over their choices as 82 million Egyptians, foreign investors and allies in the United States and Europe remain unsure of what kind of state the most populous Arab nation will be after the election. Critics denounced the court’s parliament ruling as a “soft coup” and compared it to the start of Algeria’s civil war, when the army cancelled an elec-

Egyptian Security men supervising voting, yesterday tion won by Islamists 20 years ago. But the Brotherhood renounced violence as a means to achieve political change in Egypt decades ago

... As Socialists lead in France N France, the vote in the parliamentary run-off yesterday was expected to hand President Francois Hollande’s Socialist party a majority and strengthen his position in legislative battles over euro zone crisis policy. A clear majority reliant neither on opposition conservatives nor eurosceptic hard leftists, as

Saudi buries crown prince AUDI Arabia’s King Abdullah yesterday buried his former heir, Crown Prince Nayef, yesterday before naming a new successor at a challenging time for the world’s top oil exporter and self-styled steward of Islam. The crown prince’s body arrived in Jeddah yesterday a day after his death, where it was met at King Khaled Airport by a host of Saudi princes. Among them was the most likely candidate to take the position to succeed the 89year-old king is Prince Salman, 76, another son

Obama halts migrants' deportation ITT Romney has accused President Barak Obama of playing politics with the proposed deportation of migrant in irregular situation in America. Romney said yesterday that the President’s decision to halt deportation of 800,000 young illegal migrants He said the decision was politically motivated but refused to say he would repeal the order if elected president.

and an Islamist uprising in the 1990s was crushed by Mubarak and the same security forces which have survived last year’s revolt intact.

of Saudi Arabia’s founder Abdulaziz ibn Saud. The new crown prince will become heir to a king who is aged 89 at a time when Saudi Arabia faces a variety of challenges at home and abroad.

opinion polls suggest, would be a boon as Hollande prepares legislation to raise taxes, adjust budget spending and ratify an EU fiscal discipline pact. Meanwhile, Also in Greeks voters went to polls yesterday in an election that could decide whether their heavily indebted country stays in the euro zone or is forced towards the exit, potentially unleashing shocks that could break up Europe’s single currency. All the main parties say they will keep Greece in the single currency, but SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras believes he can renegotiate the deal.

Rodney King, Police brutality victim, dies at 47 ODNEY King, whose beating by police in 1991 sparked the LA race riots, was found dead in his swimming pool early Sunday, authorities said. He was 47. Rialto Police Captain Randy Deanda said King was found “unresponsive” at the bottom of his pool after a call from his fiancee and was pronounced dead at a local medical center shortly afterward. “Preliminarily, there do not appear to be

•Rodney King any signs of foul play,” Deanda added, noting that police were conducting a drowning investigation and that the coroner’s office would perform an autopsy.

China seeks G8 unity HINESE President Hu Jintao has urged members of the Group of 20 (G20) to stick together and address Europe’s debt crisis in a “constructive and cooperative” way to boost market confidence. In a written interview

with Mexican newspaper Reforma ahead of the G20 summit and elections in Greece, Hu said: “In the current world economic environment, the G20 members should stick together in difficult times and pursue win-win cooperation.”

Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012 — 63

Eagles on break, Keshi recounts A sleepless nights N

IGERIA’s national team; the Super Eagles on Sunday officially took a break from soccer action and are scheduled to return between September and October, with an early call in August, if the NFF accepts an invitational tourney from its Indian counterpart. The team took a break after its 2-0 win over Rwanda in the AFCON qualifier played at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar, the Cross River State capital. Dayo Enebi Achor, the team’s Scribe who spoke on behalf of NFF Scribe, Musa Amadu, said at the moment there is nothing on ground for the team, but a clearer picture will emerge in the coming weeks. The NFF has also meanwhile scheduled a meeting with the technical crew in the coming days in Abuja. The meeting is to streamline preparations for the next round of qualifiers and also ensure that Nigeria is not caught unaware in the qualifiers. Meanwhile, Eagles boss Stephen Keshi, has spoken of how he has had to wake up late at night and early in the mornings to pray with unknown Nigerians in the bid to ensure that the country does not miss out consecutively from the Nations Cup.

•Ike Uche in action against Rwanda

Okagbare, First Bank inspire Nigerian youths 008 Beijing Olympics medalist, Blessing Okagbare and one of Africa’s foremost banks, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, believe Nigeria youths have what it takes to excel in life. Okagbare, who is First Bank’s ambassador to the

Keshi

Continues from BP football book on tactics, he showed this reporter the tactical approach he has adopted and pointed out why the team had not perfected it. But he hoped that they would later get it right even if it means adjusting not only on positional play of the players but also bringing fresh legs. ”It will not be wise to make many changes at a time. W are going on break now but we will continue the search for good players and more players at home and abroad will be given chances. The boys we have now will also get better with time. I know what I see in training and what they do in match situations and I know that pressure affects them. If we had a C M Y K

RSENAL are in danger of losing Theo Walcott on a free transfer. The winger went to Euro 2012 with just a year left on his Gunners deal. England’s goal hero against Sweden is waiting to see if Robin van Persie can be persuaded to stay before committing himself. Juventus are ready to make a huge pre-contract offer in January if Walcott does not sign. Dutch hero Van Persie also has just a year to run. If he decides against a new deal, then Walcott is prepared to sit tight and let Europe’s elite come to him in the winter transfer window. A source said: “It seems unbelievable the club has left it until well into the last year of the contracts and still not managed to get either player sorted.” Italian giants Juve are desperate to land Van Persie and Walcott could be tempted to join him. Real Madrid are another option for Van Persie, with Manchester City and Chelsea also willing to break the bank for him.

tough and big league with thousands of fans watching games this problem will not be there. They would get used to big occasions and play their normal game in match situations. I have been talking to them to take matches as if they are the same game they play in training and note that the only difference is the jerseys that they are wearing. The moment they get that feeling right and forget about the crowd you will see a much improved side. There will be a time good crowd will inspire rather than overwhelm them.” Keshi commended the boys for the victory against Rwanda but warned that tougher tasks lie ahead

London 2012 Olympic Games, was the special guest during an interactive session with a group of students at the National Institute for Sports (NIS) charged the students to remain focus in life. She said: “In life, you have to set goals for yourself and work towards achieving them. At the same time, you have to surround yourself with positivethinking people and stay focus, even if things are rough. At the beginning of my athletics career, one man told me not to

bother myself, saying I was too fragile to run and that I cannot achieve anything from the track but look at where I am today. Whenever I see the man today, I just laugh. “What I am telling you is that if you set goals for yourself that you will become a banker, you have to work towards making it a reality. As an athlete, you have to be mindful of the type of food you eat to avoid running into the danger of taking substances that contains steroids.

Athletes flood Calabar Continues from BP night disclosed that all was now set for a very competitive trials that will put to test the preparedness of Nigerian athletes for the London 2012 Olympics and the African Championships billed for next week in Benin Republic. “We have done all the necessary preparations for the trials. It remains for the athletes to come and prove that they deserve a place in the Nigerian team to the

Olympics and African championships,” Ogba stated. Apart from the trials the Nigerian men’s 4x100 and 4x400m relay teams will attempt to launch themselves into the world top 16 qualifiers after they failed to achieve the feat at the Warri Relays and grand prix last week. The women have already qualified, but they still need to run a faster time to guarantee their stay in the top 16.

Walcott's quit fear

PAIR OF ACES ... but could both Robin Van Persie and Theo Walcott leave Arsenal?

Ahead London 2012: We are home in Germany — Bassey HEERING news! That is what is coming out of Team Nigeria’s camp in Germany with head coach of weightlifting Patrick Bassey declaring that they are at home and shaping up well ahead of the Olympics. The coach who was full of praise for the National Sports Commission (NSC) for making the camping possible noted that his athletes are training under excellent sporting facilities that would put them in the right frame of mind before the London games. “We are at home here in Germany and our preparations are moving on smoothly. The facilities we have in camp are excellent

and the athletes are concentrating on the task ahead. The National Sports Commission (NSC) has done well by getting us to a place where we can fully concentrate and perfect our strategies before going to London,” he said.

Afcon Results Mozambique 1 Tanzania 1 (Mozambique won 8-7 on penalties) Zimbabwe 1 Burundi 0 (Zimbabwe qualify on away goals rule) Ethiopia 1 Benin 1 (Ethiopia qualify) Togo 1 Kenya 0 (Togo qualify 2-2 on away goals rule) D.R Congo 3 Seychelles 0 (Congo through 7-0).

Gullit Continues from BP during their marriage, according to reports Estelle, 33, has split from the former Dutch football star and fallen in love with a world champion kickboxer – 21 years younger than Gullit. She told Dutch paper De Telegraaf that she blamed her husband’s infidelity for the end of their 12-year marriage. E s t e l l e s a i d : “O f course Ruud had affairs. He always did during our marriage. And of course I knew about them. “A n d o f c o u r s e h e would deny them all the time. My trust in him decreased over the years. In the end I didn’t trust him one bit. “That was the moment

I started to ask myself, what is this whole marriage actually based on?” “I put on a brave smile for a long time when I was with friends.” Estelle claims Ruud, 49, was stunned when she said she wanted a divorce. She said: “Ruud is angry and confused. He can’t believe what is happening. He was really angry when I told him I was leaving him.” Ruud told Dutch media this week that he was getting divorced “because of recent -developments in his marriage”. The couple married in 2000 after four years together. Their relationship started when Estelle was just 17.

VANGUARD, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012 MVP.......Acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed D. Abubakar (R) presents the MVP award to Gabriel Ruben of Super Eagles during the Nations cup qualifier against Rwanda in Calabar. Photo by Sylva Eleanya.

Why Eagles are not yet perfect — Keshi BY ONOCHIE ANIBEZE WENTY four hours after Nigeria’s 2-0 victory in a Nations Cup qualifier against Rwanda coach Stephen Keshi was in a relaxed mood in his hotel room in Calabar. He reviewed the match and said “the building process continues and we will invite few more players and see how we will continue to blend.” On Saturday he blamed some lapses on pressure and hoped that, with time, the players would get used to big occasions. He still harped on it yesterday and added that with more matches the players will display better organisation and discipline in match execution. Armed with a CContinues on Page 63

HOTSHOT•••Super Eagles’ Moses Victor (left)drives a shot beyond Rwanda’s Salomon Nirisarike, during the weekend’s Nations Cup qualifier in Calabar. Nigeria won 2-0. PHOTO BY SYLVA ELEANYA.

Pacquiao cries for revenge

TODAY'S

Top stories P63 •Eagles on break •Walcott's quit fear Gullit’s wife gives him red card

OCCER

legend Ruud Gullit’s w i f e h a s given him the r e d c a r d because s h e claims

he had a series of affairs CContinues on Page 63

Athletes flood Calabar for Olympic trials BY BEN EFE IGERIAN foreign and local based athletes have arrived in

PUZZLES

Calabar preparing for the All Nigeria/Cross River Championships, which begin Tuesday at YESTERDAY'S

the U.J Esuene Stadium. meeting with Cross Athletics Federation of River State Governor, Nigeria president, Senator Liyel Imoke last Solomon Ogba after CContinues on Page 63

Split ... Ruud Gullit and wife Estelle at their weddding

Today’s Fixtures Croatia v Spain 7:45pm Italy v Republic of Ireland 7:45pm

QUICK CROSSWORD

ANSWERS ACROSS 4 Test (5) 7 Non-moral (6) 9 Serpent (3) 10 Immerse (3) 12 Material (5) 13 Ballet-skirt (4) 15 Weird (5) 17 Promise (6) 19 Notch (4) 20 Revel (5) 22 Faucet (3) 24 Lived (7) 27 Fellow (3) 28 Delete (5) 31 Roster (4) 33 Antenna (6) 35 Imposing (5) 37 Need (4) 38 Sword (5) 39 Brown (3) 41 Consume (3) 42 Hammer (6) 43 Sheet (5)

DOWN 1 Succulent (6) 2 Bomb-thrower (6) 3 Lump (3) 4 Wine (4) 5 Rate (5) 6 Lightness (8) 8 Place (4) 11 Relevant (9) 14 Employer (4) 16 Peruse (4) 18 Pip (4) 21 View (8) 23 Rind (4) 25 Settee (4) 26 Sketched (4) 29 Tillable (6) 30 Property (6) 32 Tally (5) 34 Cheese (4) 36 Genuine (4) 40 Horse (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Pail 4, Ink 6, Stay 9, Air 10, Boastful 11, Beer 14, Has 16, Cedar 19, Epidemic 21, Metal 23, Stop 33, Initiate 34, Ewe 35, Bred 36, Try 37, Lump

How to Play Sudoku

THE VIGILANTE

DOWN: 2, Anon 3, Last 4, Inflamed 5, Kill 6, Sabre 7, Tie 8, Arena 12, Beast 13, Miner 14, Hem 15, Sited 17, Death 18, Ready 20, Capacity 22, Lay 25, Outer 26, Coped 28, Wilt 29, Bill 30, Stem 32, Owe.

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Place a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number). Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row. No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination. Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-8944295. Advert Dept: 01-7924470; Hotline: 01-8737028; Abuja: 09-2341102, 09-2342704. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Editor: MIDENO BAYAGBON. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.

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