JONATHAN AT PDP's NEC - Insecurity changed my agenda

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 61668

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N150

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012

JONATHAN AT PDP's NEC

Insecurity changed my agenda •Drops job creation plans because of insecurity •Says ‘you must be alive before you eat' •Opposition ganging up to drown us MAKOKO RESIDENTS, LAGOS GOVT IN SHOWDOWN

By HENRY UMORU

•Pgs. 8 & 9

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BUJA— PRESI DENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, cried out over what he described as the lynch-mob mentality of the political opposition, who he claimed, was determined to drown him and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, out of political relevance.

He also said that the security situation in the country changed his preelection agenda.

In his opening remarks at the 60th National Executive Committee, NEC meeting of the PDP in Abuja, President Jonathan

Continues on page 5

Wali, SAN, is new NBA president •P.51 Mr & Mrs MAKOKO SHANTIES —Residents of Makoko shanties in Lagos, yesterday, moved out their belongings as the Lagos State Story & photos on pages 8 &9.

Photos: Monsur Olowoopejo government enforcement agents continued the demolition exercise.

JOS ATTACK Seven year old, widow and three children killed in fresh attacks •P.6 C M Y

Reps indict CBN; seek review of 3 nationalised banks•P.5

Fashola ‘arrests' Col, Sergeant on BRT lane •P.10

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Vanguard, WEDNESD AY, JUL Y 18, 2012—5 WEDNESDA JULY

POCKET CARTOON

Insecurity changed my agenda —Jonathan Continues from Page 1 who absolved the insurgent Islamic group, Boko Haram of blame in the recent spate of killings on the Plateau said the government had decided to refocus its pre-election agenda of job creation in favour of boosting security.

Yesterday’s NEC meeting attended by 14 PDP governors was the first after the recent Edo State governorship election where the party was soundly defeated by the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN. The erstwhile chairman of the Board of Trustees of the party, Chief Tony Anenih, who was a normal sight at the party’s NEC’s was unusually absent at the meeting during which the party repledged a vote of confidence on President Jonathan and the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

Noting what he described as the increasing gang-up by the opposition against the PDP, President Jonathan noted that the opposition was now more determined than ever to paint the PDP bad whether it was a contest for a council seat or the presidency.

Giving reasons for the administration’s decision to refocus its pre-election agenda of job creation towards security, President Jonathan said that ensuring food security as well as create job for the people would not be feasible as a man must be first alive for him to “talk about job or food.”

He disclosed that from the next NEC meeting government functionaries would be brought to brief members of NEC on government’s plans and policies. He said that the briefing would start with the National Security Adviser,

NSA, retd. Col. Sambo Dasuki, and would be followed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and other Ministers.

He said: "I assure you that we will continue to do our best, we will continue to represent the government and the party. People want to drown us and PDP and you see most of the statements being made by people, they know PDP is a very robust party and for you to now make sure people don’t vote for PDP irrespective of the election whether it is councillorship, chairmanship, House of Representatives, Senate, Governorship or President they will say PDP is b a d .

"PDP is bad because of the philosophy of people like Adolf Hitler which says if you say a wrong thing a thousand times, it becomes the right thing. We believe that if we do not have a party as robust as the PDP, probably, the republic would have collapsed. This is because we witnessed what happened in the first republic. Because we witnessed what happened in the first republic and we know the circumstances that led to the collapse of the first and second republics.

PDP stabilising democracy in the country—Jonathan “We know what is happening in other African countries. If the ruling party over intimidates and over imposes, using the weight of the federal government and the citizens revolt, it weakens the political system and creates confusion and instability.

But the PDP, though we control the federal government, we operate a system

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

"When you need to be loved, you take love wherever you can find it. When you are desperate to be loved, you seek out what you think love should look like. When you find love, or what you think love is, you will do anything to keep it. But learning about real love comes from within. It cannot be given. It cannot be taken away.

It grows from your ability to re-create within yourself, the essence of loving experiences you have had in your life."

— Iyanla Vanzant.

Vanzant writings on the act of faith also reflect a deeper understanding of some human frailties, and the message here is a clarion call to us to revaluate our actions where there is a need to, for the road of life is strewn with the acts of promising people. People, who show promise, yet lack the confidence to act. People who make promises they are unable to keep. People who promise to do tomorrow what they could do today. Turn your promise into a plan. Make no promise for tomorrow if you are able to keep it today. And if someone calls you promising, know that you are not doing enough today.

that the opposition even flies higher than us. They abuse us more, but we allow it. And it is the PDP that is handling the affairs of the country that is stabilizing the democracy in the country.”

Noting the government’s change of agenda from the pre-election pledge to create jobs to boosting security , he said: “During our campaign, our emphasis was on job creation, power, but now what worries us more is security because you must even be alive before you eat food. So, if you are not safe, you can’t even think about hunger because a dead person does not eat food. With the situation of things now in the country, the most serious issue in the country is security. I will not give a comprehensive report here, but we will do that some other time. We have talked about food security but we you can't have food without personal security.”

President Jonathan also reiterated the need for members of the party to work together by reducing friction in the party, adding that most of the states the PDP lost followed some irreconcilable differences among members hence it has become imperative for overhauling of arms of the party like the Caucus and Board of Trustees, BoT.

Tukur cautions against struggles for succession Earlier, the PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur had warned members of the party against struggle for succession, adding, "power acquisitions and struggles for succession within the

PDP have become a source of worry as a result of deliberate strangulation of the party’s constitution to suit some personal agenda.”

Also yesterday, the Secretary, Board of Trustees, BoT, Senator Walid Jibrin, told journalists that members of the Board at its meeting, approved the resignation of former fhairman and ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, just as he stressed that his replacement will not emerge until members of the board looked at the new constitution of the party.

Addressing journalists at the end of the meeting, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said the NEC passed a vote of confidence on President Jonathan because of his leadership style especially as it concerns the accommodation of alternative views.

He said: "NEC received draft copies of the 2012 amended Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party. The meeting resolved to allow members study the document carefully and make notes on typographical errors and omissions for final adoption at the next NEC meeting. The meeting clarified that this is not another constitution review exercise but an effort to perfect the document in line with the amendments approved at the March 24 national convention.

"NEC condoled the Government and people of Rivers State over the tragic loss of lives in the recent fire disaster in Ahoada. NEC also condoled the Government and people of Plateau State over the death of Senator Gyang Dantong and Hon. Gyang Fulani as well as many others in recent

disturbances in the state.

"NEC passed an emphatic vote of confidence on the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. The NEC put on record, Mr. President’s perfect understanding of the unabridged rights of the people to free electoral choice as the basis of democracy and good governance. Despite challenges, it is the unanimous view of NEC members that the President is right on course in the transformation of Nigeria.

Endorses Chairman's agenda "NEC also unanimously endorsed the National Chairman’s new agenda of Reconciliation, Reformation and Rebuilding of the party. NEC further passed a vote of confidence on the National Working Committee led by Alhaji Dr. Bamanga Tukur.

"Finally, NEC appealed to all aggrieved groups in the country to give peace a chance and embrace dialogue for the sake of our dear country. NEC condemned the wanton destruction of lives and property in recent incidents and appealed to law enforcement agencies to redouble their efforts in stemming

this ugly trend.”

In attendance at the meeting yesterday were: President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark, Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, former Deputy Senate President Ibrahim Mantu, former PDP National Chairmen, Senator Barnabas Gemade, Ahmadi Ali, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, Bello Haliru Mohammed.

Former deputy national chairman, Shauibu Oyedokun; Senate leader Victor Ndoma-Egba; Deputy leader, Abdul Ningi; Secretary, BoT, Senator Walid Jibrin; Hassan Adamu; Senator Mohammed Magoro; Ebenezer Babatope; Josephine Anenih; Professor Stella Ato; Governors of Rivers, Cross River; Ebonyi; Plateau; Benue: Enugu: Kebbi: Bauchi; Bayelsa; Abia; Gombe, Benue, Akwa Ibom and Kano. Also present were deputy-governors of Kwara; Taraba; Kaduna; Niger and Jigawa.

Reps indict CBN; seek review of 3 nationalised banks •Want CBN gov, Soludo, others investigated •Ask for Oteh’s sack, prosecution of CAC boss

BY OKEY NDIRIBE & EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

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HE House of Rep resentatives Ad Hoc Committee which investigated the near collapse of the Nigerian capital market has indicted the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, for the nationalisation of three banks and called for a review of the transactions.

The committee further recommended the prosecution of former CBN

Governor, Professor Charles Soludo for his involvement in the previous banks’ audit.

Other recommendation was that the suspended Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Ms Arunma Oteh be sacked.

Chairman of the committee, Hon. Ibrahim Tukur El-Sudi submitted the report at the close of plenary, yesterday, almost seven months after it con-

cluded its investigative inquiry into the near collapse of the Capital Market.

It was expressly stated in the report that the nationalisation of these banks and their subsequent change of names to Mainstreet Bank, Keystone Bank and Enterprise Bank respectively was a violation of the AMCON Act, NDIC Act and Section 44 of the 1999 Constitution. He said:

“The process of transfer (of ownership) were fraught with potential forgery, unethical practices, abuse of office and various unacceptable bad corporate governance precedents.”

The report of the House of Representatives' investigations into the capital market was tabled before the House, yesterday, with a recommendation that the three national

Continues on Page 47

6—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012

Edo guber poll has re-enacted one man, one vote doctrine —IBB zCongratulates Oshiomhole, Edo voters

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

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AGOS — FORMER Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, has said Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Edo State where Comrade Adams Oshiomhole was re-elected as governor of the state, has

re-enacted the doctrine of one man, one vote being canvassed by most Nigerians.

In a statement entitled “The Power of the People,” Babangida said the election had further reassured the polity that under a well coordinated electoral engagement, the people’s power as expressed

through votes, would usually prevail over any other manifestations.

The former Military President congratulated the voters of Edo State for doing justice to their consciences and diligence to their decision by reelecting Oshiomhole to continue to stir the ship in the nation’s heartbeat state.

According to the statement, “as a keen observer of the politics of the nation, with particular interest in Edo State, I watched all the televised campaigns of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, where the Comrade Governor presented to the people of the state his scorecard in the last three

and a half years. I was particularly enthralled by his show of energy and rhythmic dance steps which helped to add colour and relief to the entire campaign exercise.

"The way and manner he read out scores of his achievements as a governor for such a short period of time, presented him as one who understands the demand of leadership and the challenges of governance in the state. Comrade Oshiomhole has indeed impressed me in several ways. He thinks for the future of Edo State and his economic vision captured in his campaign manifesto will help the state to regain its lost glory.

Congratulations

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo (left); Education Minister, Prof. Ruquayyatu Rufai (right); Executive Director, African Leadership Forum, Mr. Ayodele Aderinwale (2nd left) moments after Obasanjo led a delegation from Gems Education to a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

Reps move to create new constituencies

BY OKEY NDIRIBE & EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

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BUJA — THE House of Representatives, yesterday, mandated its Committee on Electoral Matters to liaise with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the purpose of reviewing federal constituencies and senatorial districts in the country.

The House which was presided over by Speaker Aminu Tambuwal took the decision after a motion, presented by Mr Mohammed AngoAbdullahi, was endorsed by a majority of members through a voice vote.

Abdullahi cited Section 73 (1) of the amended 1999 Constituttion which stipulates that: “INEC shall review the division of the states and that of the federation into senatorial districts and federal constituencies at intervals of not less than 10 years and may alter the districts or constituencies in accordance with the provisions of this section to such extent as it may

consider desirable in the light of review.”

To buttress his position, Abdullahi further said the population of the country had been growing at the rate of 3.18 per cent since 2006 when the nation’s population stood at 140,003,542.

He also cited the need to

have more senatorial and federal constituencies to adequately safeguard the interest of the people socially, politically and economically, adding that this will also reduce the burden of National Assembly members who have two, three or four local government areas as

federal constituencies or even 14 local government areas in a senatorial district without consideration to population density.

It would be recalled that INEC had attempted to embark on the exercise since the days of its former Chairman, Prof. Maurice Iwu.

“Let me, therefore, use this opportunity to join millions of other Nigerians to say very big congratulations to the Comrade Governor of Edo State, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, for this unique achievement in a state and against a party that parades hitherto political heavy weight.

"This ennobling and humbling feat is only possible in an atmosphere of well mobilised and conscientised voters, who might have resolved to sustain the mantra of one man, one vote as the fundamental basis of representative democracy.

"This feat deserves double celebration; first on account of the fact that the people did show vigilance throughout the exercise, and secondly on account of the civil nature of the military personnel that were drafted to the state to offer security support to the

exercise.

The lesson "The lesson to take away from the entire Edo election is that Nigeria can truly get it right, if we all are resolved that we will not rig elections and if election outcomes are made to reflect the wishes and aspirations of the people.

Edo State has become a trail blazer in this unique dimension of making votes to count after elections. I congratulate you all."

Advises Oshiomhole “Now, the expectation of the people from the governor will surely multiply because the entire state spoke unanimously that the Comrade Governor is their Governor. The Comrade Governor must redouble his efforts to ensure that those expectations are met and those mouth-watering campaign promises are fulfilled.

During my last visit to Edo State at the burial ceremony of my late friend and brother, Admiral Augustus Aikhomu, I saw quite a number of ongoing projects which are a mark of government intervention in the state. I have also watched a few documentaries about the new thinking in Edo State.

All these are cheering news and it is expected that the Comrade Governor will use the opportunity of his second term of office to open up the state and leverage on the economic infrastructure to make life more meaningful for the people. On this count, I do not envy the Comrade Governor at all.”

Rocket-propelled grenade kills Islamic school pupil in Jos zWidow, her three children also killed by gunmen

BY TAYE OBATERU

J

OS— A SEVENYEAR-OLD boy was, yesterday, killed when an unknown gunman fired a rocket-propelled grenade into a private high school in Bukuru area of the Plateau State capital, creating pandemonium in the city.

Four people, a widow and her three children, were also killed by unknown gunmen at Sabon Gida Kanap in the same area at abut 2 a.m. yesterday. It was unclear if it was an armed robbery attack or another

of the series of killings in the state.

An unknown man was said to have alighted from an Opel Vectra car at about 9.30a.m. and fired the grenade towards the Nure Islamic Private High School, almost opposite the Jos South Local Government Secretariat, but missed his target, shattering the skull of the boy, believed to be a passer-by instantly.

The loud sound of the rocket fuelled rumours that a bomb had gone off at the local government secretariat, forcing

residents to dive for cover.

The explosion was said to have heightened hostilities along ethnoreligious lines as residents of the area trooped out poised for a showdown. Some of the residents came out with guns and started shooting sporadically into the air.

However, security sources said it was members of the Special Task Force (STF) who were drafted to the area who fired warning shots to disperse the surging crowd.

The prompt intervention of security agencies saved the situation from degenerating as calm returned after some hours.

Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Emmanuel Abuh, confirmed the incident and the death of the lad, adding that normalcy had been restored.

Also confirming the incident, Media Officer of the STF, Captain Salisu Mustapha, said the firing of shots into the air “ was to make people go back to their houses

because they turned out en mass and we felt it could turn into something else, so we tried to disperse them.

The gun shots were mostly teargas and now the high way is safe for people to pass.”

The widow was said to have been killed with her children when the gunmen invaded their residence. Mustapha confirmed receiving report of the attack on the residence which he described as an armed robbery incident but said he could not confirm the deaths.

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012—7

MDAs not transparent in contract awards —BPP

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Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadomen (left); Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State (2nd right); Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State (2nd left) and Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State during the meeting of the National Economic Council at the Aso Chambers, State House, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

Budget deficit: FG to cut domestic debts —NEC zGives FG, states ultimatum on Excess Crude Account suit

BY BEN AGANDE

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BUJA — THE Federal Government, yesterday, indicated that it would cut domestic debts in order to ensure that the level of deficit in the nation’s budget is reduced significantly.

Similarly, lawyers for the Federal Government and the 36 states of the federation have been given two weeks to finalise the positions of both parties on the Excess Crude Account to find a solution before the next National Economic Council, NEC, meeting.

These were the highlights of the National Economic Council meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

The meeting which was presided over by Vice President Namadi Sambo had in attendance some governors of the 36 states, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Minister of National Planning and Minister of State, Finance.

Addressing State House correspondents after the meeting, Minister of State for Finance, Yerima Ngama, said: “A review of the present state of indebtedness and facilities by various international financial institutions such as the World Bank through the IDA window, ADB, Islamic Development Bank, ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development and also the China EXIM Bank, was done.

“We also discussed the borrowing plan going forward in the next three years. The Federal Ministry C M Y K

of Finance is going to provide the information of all the facilities that state government can access especially those under the IDA window and the state will now apply for whatever project it wants to finance with the funds and this will be articulated and a meeting will be called with the National Assembly for the defence of these facilities and after approval then, the state will access.

“The Federal Ministry of Finance will also make separate presentation on the borrowing plan in the next NEC and this presentation will actually give a summary of the indebtedness between now and the next NEC with the Federal Ministry of Finance and various state governments on all the facilities that we need to borrow for th-e next three years.

“On a policy level, we want to slow down on the domestic debts. In fact, we want to ensure that going forward, that the level of deficit in our budget is reduced significantly so that we don’t add on to the domestic debts. So, we are actually mindful of our debts level.”

Ultimatum to FG, states' counsel On the decision of the NEC for the Federal and state governments counsel to reach a settlement before the next meeting, CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, said the meeting agreed that the Ministry of Finance and the governors should sit and agree before

the next NEC meeting, though the date was not disclosed.

According to Sanusi, “this solution is important because the Supreme

Court has given us till September 2 for an out-ofcourt settlement to be reached. If it is not reached then, the trial will continue."

No PIB in the Senate —Abaribe zAs Okadigbo, Ewuga take oath of office as Senators

BY INALEGWU SHAIBU

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BUJA— CHAIRMAN, Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Mr Enyinnaya Abaribe, has confirmed that the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, is not in the Senate.

Abaribe who addressed journalists at the end of plenary, yesterday, stated that the Senate was yet to receive the PIB despite promises from President Goodluck Jonathan that the bill would arrive at the National Assembly in June.

He said: “The Senate has been expecting the PIB from the Presidency. I think they said they are bringing it in June, up till this moment we still have not received the bill and of course any time the bill comes, we will treat the bill as due. Whatever version that comes from Mr. President is the version that is the proper PIB.” Meanwhile, the Senate, yesterday, administered oath of office on Senators Margery Okadigbo and Solomon Ewuga.

Senator Ewuga, CPC,

Nasarawa North senatorial district replaced Senator Musa Nagogo, who was earlier issued certificate of return by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. While Senator Okadigbo, PDP, Anambra North was sworn-in to occupy the Anambra North seat which has been vacant since the inception of the 7th Senate following the Supreme Court ruling which declared her as the authentic candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the April 2011 general election in the state.

Abaribe after the swearing-in declared the feat as a milestone for a spouse of a former Senator to occupy the same seat as her husband.

According to him, “today also mark a milestone when we have for the very first time the swearing in of the spouse of a former Senator.

In our constitutional development, we have not seen this yet.

“There has been children but they have not been a spouse in the Senate bearing the same name."

By JOSEPH ERUNKE

BUJA — THE Bureau for Public Procurement has flayed what it called ‘non adherence to Public Procurement Act’ by government ministries, departments and agencies, saying the development was adversely affecting Federal Government’s fight against corruption.

The agency said it observed that most biddings and contract awards carried out by government’s ministries, department and agencies were without regard to due process.

The agency’s Director, Research and Planning, Mr Anthony Ikor, disclosed this, yesterday, in Abuja at the opening of a two-day procurement capacity workshop organised by the National Directorate of Employment, NDE, in collaboration with the Bureau for Public Procurement, BPP. He said despite sensitisation campaigns the BPP had carried out on Ministries, Departments

and Agencies, MDAs, there was still non adherence to Public Procurement Acts, saying unless there was a change of attitude, government’s crusade on fight against corruption would be effort in futility.

Ikor, who was also one of the resource persons at the two-day event, reminded participants that the agency had the right not only to enforce the Act but prosecute offenders, disclosing that archival records were going to be opened for participants.

This, he said, was because “we have observed that most agencies, after training, abandoned what they were taught.”

Declaring the occasion open, Director-General, National Directorate of Employment, Mallam Abubakar Mohammed, said the development informed his leadership to collaborate with the BPP for the workshop to keep his staff abreast with the need to carry out their statutory functions in accordance with the laid-down role.

FG realised over N101bn from NITEL —BPE D-G

BY OKEY NDIRIBE & EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

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BUJA — THE Federal Government has realised over N101 billion from the Nigeria Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n Limited, NITEL, which has been in coma for a long time.

This was disclosed, yesterday, by Bolanle Onagoruwa, Director General of Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, at the opening of a two-day investigative hearing on the activities of Mtel/NITEL’s management board, status of its investment as well as revenue generation from ongoing services rendered to other telecommunication companies in Nigeria held by the House Joint Committee on privatisation, finance, communications, public procurement and information technology.

The BPE boss noted that National Council on Privatisation, NCP, is favourably disposed to adopting "guided liquidation" against the injection of $1 billion for the re-activation of the two telecoms companies as alternatives.

In her presentation, Onagoruwa argued that the debt profile of the public parastatal stood at N354

billion. But IIlyasu-Sa’ab put the total debt profile at N182 billion of which NITEL owed N79 billion while Mtel owed N103 billion.

She disclosed that $3,668,561.70 was generated from Sat-3 submarine cable, $2,855,091.81 remitted in the domiciliary account, $521,990 generated from British Telecoms, $290,230 from cable and wireless services while $1,249.84 was realised from interest.

According to her, the companies liabilities include N65,227,595,681 on equipment vendors; N81,711,196,994 on bank claims; N183,403,439,256 for government agencies and N24,504,836,126 for others.

She added that Federal Government raised N68,248,884,000 through Debt Management Office, DMO, to offset outstanding salaries totalling N54.2 billion, leaving a debt profile at N122,448,884,000 with Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON. While reacting, Khadijat Ibrahim, chairperson of the committee and her colleagues in the joint committee queried BPE over the N172 billion differential in the debt profile compiled by both parties.

8— VANGUARD,

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012

DAY 2: MAKOKO DEMOLITION

Mobile home after demolition of abode.

200 rendered homeless as evacuees vow to remain on water

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI, KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE, BOSE ADELAJA, DAPO AKINREFON & MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

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O fewer than 200 people were rendered homeless, yesterday, when the demolition exercise that commenced at Makoko area of Lagos entered day two. Many of the residents said the exercise took them unawares as there was no prior notice from Lagos State government before it started around 10am, Monday.

Most of the structures were makeshift shanties built on waters, which most of the residents claimed were built to make life easier for them. The residents, who are mainly fishermen who migrated from Badagry, said there was no alternative provision by Lagos State government.

As at 6.30pm, yesterday, many displaced victims were seen hanging around in canoes on water as there was no place to lay their heads.

river due to the nature of our business.

We need a place to park our canoes and nets, hence our reasons to be closer to waters. No life was lost in the exercise, because we have trained our children to swim. In this place, a one-yearold baby can swim very well.”

The Alase of Egun, Baale Francis Agoyon, said their grandfather inherited the land from University of Lagos many years ago and there was no plan for relocation.

Baale of Sogunro Community, Chief Johnson Idunsa, said they were given about nine days notice by the state government.

He said: “The community is mourning because many of our residents have

Evacuees speak

A mother of five, Mrs. Christiana Agbogla, was seen lying down on some of her belongings, saying one of her children, who is two years old was receiving treatment from a nurse when a flying boat arrived the area and some men came out to demolish their structure.

Another victim simply called Zende, who was heavily pregnant, lamented that she could not salvage her belongings as there was no one to assist her when the exercise began in her area.

Some of the victims also said they will remain on the water as long as they were alive.

They chorused: “We are used to the

been rendered homeless.”

Quit order

The quit notice stated that the owners of the shanties occupying and developing shanties and unwholesome structures on the waterfront, thereby constituting environmental nuisance, security risk, impediment to economic and gainful utilisation of the waterfront such as navigation, entertainment, recreation, among others, should vacate the area within 72 hours.

Lagos justifies demolition

As the ongoing clearing of Makoko waterfront in Yaba Local Council Development Area, LCDA, continues,

where thousands of residents have been displaced, Lagos State government, yesterday, explained that it embarked on the exercise to save lives and property of residents and also to aid execution of government’s original plan for the area.

It would be recalled that thousands of Makoko/Iwaya residents of Waterfront community, whose structures were built close to a power line on the lagoon, were Monday displaced following the expiration of a 72-hour quit order. The joint task force comprising policemen, soldiers and officials of Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI, carried out the demolition exercise.

Most of the residents, who lived and make a living from fishing on the water and petty trading have been rendered homeless as a result of the demolition.

Giving the clarification about government’s intention, state Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Prince Adesegun Oniru, said the government took the decisive step to ensure the safety of residents, adding “their continuous stay leaves them at the mercy of being victims of environmental hazards.”

Oniru, who dismissed the insinuation that the exercise was being carried out to prevent occurrence of dreaded activities of the Islamist sect, Boko Haram, added that the forecast of rainfall for the year and its attendant consequences, if they remain on the water ways, was the motivating factor to the clearing exercise.

He said: “It is true that the state government issued them notice to quit.

However, we had met the community leaders about a month ago and government’s plan was conveyed to them.

They knew what the government was planning for the area and beyond that the LCDA leader in the area also met with us and we told them the same thing about government’s plan for the area.

“They got quit notice from the state government before we embarked on what is going on now in Makoko.

Our plan for evacuees

Oniru, in explaining what the state plans to do with the affected area, said: “The question is why we are doing what we are doing now? The reason is not far-fetched. We are doing it for the safety of the areas and dwellers.

“First is to clear the environment and the entire vicinity of the danger that is looming in that area. I’m talking about rise in water level, global warming and the danger looming in that area with regards to thunder storms and heavy rains that we are having in that area and in Lagos generally.

“If you look at that area properly, there are electric cables and other structures that run across the shanties on the water. All you need is one spark and everything will disappear overnight. We all live in Lagos and we know the thunderstorm that we have been

Continued on Page 9

Another mobile home.

Baale of Sogunro-Pedro, Chief Johnson Agbojeti.

VANGUARD,

WEDNESDAY,

JULY

18,

2012—9

DAY 2: MAKOKO DEMOLITION

‘Homeless.'

Demolition in progress.

‘Wherever it is that they came from they can easily go back to the place’ Continued from Page 8 experiencing; the lightening, too. So, what we are doing there is to protect lives of the people on that water.

“Should they be there at all? The answer is no.

“It is not a fixed address for anybody.

If you are to ask me what plans we have for them, where we are relocating them to for example; my answer to that is that these people came from somewhere.

“They didn’t just grow up on that water and wherever it is that they came from they can easily go back to the place. That area is not a safe place for anybody to reside in.”

After demolition

Oniru said: An assessment will be done by Ministry of Physical Planning and the Environment, Environmental Impact Assessment, EIA, will be carried out by Ministry of Environment before government can actually come up with a scheme or proposal for the entire area. That is the plan we have for now.”

Neighbours rejoice

Meantime, residents of neighbouring communities such as Akoka and Bariga, expressed joy over the demolition exercise, noting the operation would eliminate the security problem they encountered from criminals who often attacked them from the waterfront, which had become hideouts for criminals who live within the community.

Some of the residents of Bariga, Makoko, Iwaya and Akoka also stated that the demolition exercise would stop the flood problem they faced, adding that the shanties erected on the water

Mr. Peter Ajape said he fainted thrice when he saw his four structures demolished.

front obstructed free-flow of water into the Lagoon, thereby making the community prone to flooding during the rainy season.

The community

Makoko is a small community in the Yaba Local Government Area of Lagos State. Majority of the people who live there are the Ilajes and the Eguns, from the Western part of Nigeria. Their main occupation is fishing. This is largely because their structures virtually float on water.

One won’t understand the depth of poverty there until one visits the community. Their homes are made of wood and built on water. When it rains, their safety is better imagined than described. The residents move from one part of the community to the other with canoes. Walking long distances is usually not encouraged, except one is a good swimmer because the planks used in construction of bridges are weak and could give way at any time.

However, the single-plank bridges are inevitable for short distance.

Exercise has no human face— PDP

Meanwhile, Lagos State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has condemned the way in which Makoko set-

Demolition in progress.

tlers were displaced by the state government. In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Gani Taofik, the party argued that previous eviction of settlers, just like this one, has never been with a human face.

While it faulted the way the settlers were “dispossessed of their abodes and area of occupation,” the party expressed concern over the ordeal of the traders.

It said: “Lagos PDP views the sudden demolition of the Makoko area as a surprise. This is coming on the heels of the fact that the ACN-led Lagos State government is supposed to be a government of progressives as acclaimed.

“There cannot be any justification for the eviction of people from their abode and area of occupation; people of Makoko are known to be riverinebased and fishermen.”

3 babies drown—Residents The displaced residents, yesterday accused the state government agents of drowning three babies while several others were injured during the exercise, which they said came as a surprise.

When Vanguard visited the scene of the clearing exercise, it was gathered that three babies got drowned in the con-

fusion that ensued when officials from the state government stormed the area for demolition.

It was also learnt that the babies were between the ages of one week and three months.

According to the aggrieved former residents, one of the babies was on his bed and got drowned when his mother went out to buy foodstuff for the family. It was also learnt that the baby was in company of his sibling, who was two years older.

Produce evidence— Lagos

However, Oniru, whose ministry is supervising the exercise, debunked the claim that some babies got drowned in the process of clearing the shanties, yesterday.

He said: “The story can not be true. I am not aware of such reports as I speak to you now. The story is untrue, unfounded and baseless. In a community like that where everyone, including a toddler, is a great swimmer.

“Those spreading such news are mischief makers. I will implore you to ignore them. We challenge them to produce the evidence.”

Confirming the development, the Baale of the Sogunro-Pedro, Chief Johnson Agbojeti, said the incident occurred immediately the exercise commenced.

Agbojeti said: “The baby was in the house when the officials came. The mother was out to buy food stuff for the family.”

He added that the house was among those first demolished by KAI and other security officials.

One of the parents, who said his baby died during the demolition, Mr. Celetine Aginsu, declined commenting on the child’s death, but confirmed that his structure was the first to be demolished.

However, Mr. Peter Ajape, who said his own baby eventually got saved, said that his wife went out when the demolition started.

He said: “Unknown to the officials, they demolished the structure with the baby fast asleep in the house. Immediately they cut off one of the pillars that held the structure, the baby fell into the water.”

Ajape noted that it took the intervention of those around to rescue the baby.

10—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012

WHY NOW, OFFICER?

CAUGHT IN THE ACT...Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, (right) asking Colonel K. I. Yusuf why he drove on the BRT lane illegally, when he was apprehended being driven in an Army Green Peugeot 406 with numberplate BO1-150 NA at Outer Marina in Central Lagos, yesterday.

Fashola ‘arrests' Col, Sergeant on BRT lane ‘Those officers I caught are very bad examples for the military’

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI & MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

L

AGOS—GOVER NOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday, arrested two military officers who drove on the dedicated Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, lane.

The two military officers, who were accosted on the BRT lane at the Outer Marina in Central Lagos, were Colonel K. I. Yusuf, who drove in an Army Green Peugeot 406 with registration Number BO1 – 150 NA and Staff Sergeant Adeomi A.J, who drove in a black Toyota Camry car.

Realising that the game was up, Col. Yusuf came down from his car, saluted several times and kept muttering: “I am sorry, very, very sorry” with the governor enquiring why, a senior military officer, Yusuf, chose to break the law instead of preserving

it.

Speaking after the incident, Fashola described as very unfortunate the fact that those who ought to stand behind in defence of democratic values were the ones violating them.

Fashola, who noted that the highest level of the military command had expressed their commitment to supporting democracy and to subjecting themselves and their officers to the laws of the country, declared: “Those officers that I caught today are very bad examples for the military.”

The governor said he had already made a representation to the superiors of the culprits, expressing optimism that they would be sanctioned appropriately.

He, however, added, “But it signifies my commitment and the commitment of the Lagos State Government that all those who will not comply with

our laws should leave our state. We will not back down”.

“There is a zero-tolerance for lawlessness.

There is zero-tolerance for breach of our regulations and we are going to do more of this. We are going to take control of our traffic. We cannot build our way out of traffic congestion; our responsibility is to manage traffic and manage congestion.”

Insisting that people must behave themselves, Fashola declared, “I don’t use BRT lane, I sit in traffic and I expect everyone who wants to drive his car to do same. The alternative is to use the bus.

“The bus is for those who cannot afford to buy cars.

They have the right also to use the road and we cannot encroach on that lane which we have reserved for them. This is democratisation of the road and I will defend it.”

Adeyinka Adebayo now Asiwaju Yoruba

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

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DO-EKITI— YORUBA Council of Elders, YCE, has conceded the controversial title of Asiwaju (leader) of Yoruba to the former Military governor of defunct Western Region, MajorGeneral Adeyinka Adebayo (rtd).

Since the demise of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who was the

C M Y K

holder of the title, a lot of interests have evolved in the region on who occupies the coveted title.

In a statement by the council’s President- General, Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo; Secretary General, Chief Idowu Sofola, SAN, and National Publicity Secretary, Chief Oluyemi Falade, at the end of its general assembly, in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday, YCE hinged the conferment of the title on

Adebayo due to his contributions to the development of the region in the last five decades.

It said: ‘Igbimo Agba Yoruba and the entire Yoruba nation hereby ratifies the nomination and acceptance of the President of Igbimo Agba Yoruba, Major-General Adeyinka Adebayo (rtd) as the Asiwaju of Yoruba nation in Nigeria and diaspora forthwith.

Vanguard, WEDNDAY, JULY 17, 2012 —11

Congratulate Oshiomhole, Obahiagbon take the contest as a brotherly urges Airhiavbere one.

BY SIMONEBEGBULEM

B

Davidson Ikemefuna, Director, ECOWAS Ministry of Foreign Affairs (right); Rivers State Commissioner of Environment/representative of Rivers State Governor and Nyema Ideli, Bayelsa State Commissioner of Environment, during the Ministry of Foreign Affairs one-day workshop on the effect of climate change in Port Harcourt. yesterday. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke.

ENIN CITY—DI RECTOR of Rallies for Oshiomhole Campaign Organisation and former Member of House of Representatives, Patrick Obahiagbon, has dismissed as "patently ridiculous” reasons given by the defeated governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, General Charles Airhiavbere for not congratulating re-elected Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

It would be recalled that Airhiavbere said he was withholding his congratu-

Tompolo, Boyloaf face-off worries ex-militants

BY WILSON YAFUG-

BORHI

Y

ENAGOA—SOME former militants under the aegis of Ex-Niger Delta Militant Agitators Leadership Forum, ENDMALF, have express concern over the verbal face-off between Chief Government Ekpemukpolo a.k.a Tompolo and Mr. Ebikabowei Victor (ExGeneral Boyloaf).

ENDMALF and another group, Coalition of Niger Deltans for Justice and Development, CONJUD, in a statement, yesterday, said the war of words between the former militant warlords was demeaning their status, the overall image of ex-militants and the ideals for which they took up arms in protest.

The statement by Mr. Pastor Rueben for ENDMALF and Ebiakpo Barle, National President, CONJUD, enjoined feuding parties to ceasefire in the continuing

verbal war and embrace civility in resolving whatever dispute they had.

“This bickering and name- calling to all intents and purposes cannot yield any useful result other than portray us as a group of selffish individuals and leaders pursuing individual gains and agenda.”

They said the Tompolo/

I

BADAN—CONTRARY to the opinion that no life was lost in last Saturday ’s flooding in Ibadan, three bloated corpses of those apparently swept off by the raging flood yesterday floated on Dandaru dam.

They were discovered early in the morning at the dam close to the Department of Fisheries along the road that leads to the Cultural Centre, Ibadan.

One of the bodies was identified as Ojo Ijebo, a policeman from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad.

Others are Sunkanmi

ment Company, as demonstration of disrespect to the Ijaw communities by the multinationals.

They called on Shell and perceived collaborators in the sack of Alabrah to without further delay, recall him in the interest of mutual peace for the Ijaw and the company.

Alleged fund's hijack: Ogbe-Ijoh gets c'ttee to monitor projects

BY EMMAAMAIZE

W

ARRI—THE OgbeIjoh Clan Governing Council, Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, has inaugurated a committee to monitor the execution of government projects in the area, following allegation that funds for projects in the clan had been hijacked by contractors in connivance with some gov-

Ibadan flooding: 2 siblings, policeman's bodies found

BY OLA AJAYI

Boyloaf face-off demonstrates disunity among Ijaw, adding that the development was making oil multinationals in the area to look down on Ijaw host communities.

The statement cited perceived unjustified sack of Mr. Davis Alabrah, an indigene of Sagbama by Shell Petroleum Develop-

Iyiola and Wole Iyiola.

They were said to be from the same mothers.

Meanwhile, different search parties have been dispatched to other parts of the city to look for other possibly missing bodies.

According to one of the relatives of two of the deceased, Mrs. Bunmi Qudus, they were five in the car when they were swept away by the raging flood.

She added that they had been searching for them since Sunday morning.

When they could not find them, they reported at the police station.

ernment officials.

Chairman of the Committee on Abandoned and Ghost Contracts, according to a statement, by Secretary of the council, Mr. Friday Deinghan, is Mr DenboDenbofa Oweikpodor.

The statement said: “It has come to the knowledge of the Ogbe-Ijoh Clan Governing Council that projects meant for the development of the kingdom are not executed by contractors, but hijacked and diverted.

These contractors collect their payment from the relevant government departments without execution of the projects in connivance

with government engineers and monitoring units.

“It was observed that projects of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, allocated to Ogbe-Ijoh are mainly hijacked and money collected without execution of the projects at all.

“In view of the above, the Ogbe-Ijoh Clan Governing Council has set up a committee to monitor the execution of projects sited/ allocated by government at the local, state and federal levels to Ogbe-Ijoh Clan.

The committee is headed

by Denbofa Oweikpodor.”

latory message following what he described as pockets of anomalies during during last Saturday's election and the earlier condemnation of the process by Gov Oshiomhole.

Obahiagbon urged the PDP candidatetoemulatethenational leader of the party, President Goodluck Jonathan, who had congratulated Governor Oshiomhole, adding that as indigenes of the state it will be wise to

Court dismisses dockworkers' N180m suit not part of the agreement

BY GODFREY BIVBERE

C

ALABAR—NA TIONAL Industrial Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River State, has dismissed a N180 million suit against ECM Terminals Limited; Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA and Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, by a group of 17 dockworkers for non-payment of their entitlements.

Justice A. Ibrahim, in his ruling, held that the 17 aggrieved dockworkers were

AGOS—IJAW Monitoring Group, IMG, has commiserated with the people of Rivers State on the tragedy orchestrated by last week's fuel tanker explosion that killed over 100 people.

In a condolence message by the Coordinator of IMG, Comrade Joseph Evah, the group lamented the death of innocent souls because of worsening poverty level in the country.

He said: “This tragedy reminds us of the neglect of

the East-West road by the Federal Government since 1970. This fire incident was tragic and painful to us and one of the worst in the history of the Niger Delta region like Jesse pipeline fire. We mourn with the families affected by this calamity.”

The group urged the political class to fix the East-West road before the 2015 general election, adding that the neglect of the road has contributed to the region’s economic woes

reached between terminal operators and dockworkers union, and as such cannot bring a suit seeking to enforce an agreement they were not part of.

Theaggrieveddockworkershad approached the court, seeking among other things, for an order directing that they should be paid N180 million, being their alleged entitlements based on an agreement entered in 2008 between Association of Private Operators of Seaports Terminals, APOST and Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria,MWUN.

PDP is finished politically in Edo —Ihonvbere

BY GABRIEL ENOGHO-

B

LASE

ENIN—FORMER Special Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Project Monitoring and Implementation, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, yesterday, said Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was finished politically, adding “nothing can revive PDP in Edo State.”

Prof. Ihonvbere, in Benin, yesterday, in-

sisted that the performance of Governor Adams Oshiomhole in the last three and half years was the magic wand that ensured his victory at the poll.

He noted that the results of the election showed that the people rejected PDP, “as a party of wickedness, failure, darkness, led by insensitive people, who do not mean well for the people of Edo State."

Delta to demolish illegal structures on waterways

BY FESTUS AHON

U

G H E L L I — DELTA State Ministry of Environment is to open

....As Ijaw group commiserates with Rivers govt over tragedy zTasks govt on East-West road

L

He, however, noted that the Comrade Governor was not expected to "go to sleep when sensitive electoral materials were yet to arrive local government areas in Edo South Senatorial District by 11am which act itself was synchronising with information already at our disposal and which information the governor had documentarily deposited before ProfessorAttahiru,herein-beforenow."

and underdevelopment.

“The East-West road is a death-trap and this is a shame to all of us from the region. If the road is not given modern highway status before 2015 election, the world will see Niger Delta inhabitants as mad people."

IMG also appealed to the political class to improve the condition of living of the people in the region, especially in the creek where the people still live like those in stone-age generation.

major water channels in Warri and Effurun by demolishing buildings and structures on the water ways.

The exercise starts Saturday. State Commissioner for Environment, Chief Frank Omare, in a statement, yesterday, warned owners of such structures on the water channels “to remove them before or on Saturday, when the ministry’s operation will start.”

He said: “I advise parents and guardians to caution their children and wards to steer clear of the operations of the ministry or face severe consequences.

“TheEnvironmentMinistrywill also demolish illegal structures close to the fence of government primaryandsecondaryschoolsas well as other parts of Warri and Effurun.”

12—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012

Court restrains Dafinone, others from conducting election into Sapele Okpe community c'ttee

BY GODWINOGHRE

S

APELE—A Sapele High Court, Delta State, has granted an order restraining a chartered accountant, Chief David Dafinone and the interim executive committee of the community,fromconductingelection into the executive offices of the community, pending the determinationofasuitfiledby10plaintiffs to uphold their tenure.

The court gave the order followingamotionfiledbytheplaintiffs praying for: “An order of interlocutory in-

junction restraining the defendantsfromconductinganelection into the executive offices of the community as our tenure of office is still running, “An order of interlocutory injunction restraining the defendantsfromdoinganythingthatwill undermine the res of suit numberS/90/2011,whichwefiled againstthelegalityofthedefendants in office as interim executive committee and, “An order of interlocutory injunction restraining the defendants from anointing anybody,

committee to conduct any election into the executive offices of the community, pending the determination of the substantive suit.”

Granting the orders, Justice G.E. Gbemre said: “I grant the prayers as sought in the motion paper and in view of the fact that time is of the essence in this case.

I also order an accelerated hearing in the case.” The judge further awarded N15, 000.00 costs against the defendants.

It will be recalled that the plaintiffs, Sir Vincent Ekariko, Chief

Diamond Abeke, Chief Sunday Temiagin, Chief Fredrick Ebah, ChiefEkamaAyomanor,MrMondayObire,HonBrightJebbah,Mr. Sunday Akoko, Mr. America Ayomanor and Mr Bright Ogodo, whoaddressedthemselvesas“executive committee and members of Sapele Okpe Community excludingthedefendants”,instituted an action challenging the dissolution of the executive committee and the constitution of an interim committee,arguingthattheirterm of office has not expired NamedasdefendantsareChief DavidDafinone,TheSapeleOkpe Community Land Trust Association, Mr Moses Ogodo, Mr Monday Onomor, Mr. Okpako Otarighobe, Mr. Maxwell Opie EbremeandFirstBankofNig.Plc. Further hearing in the case has bee fixed for July 25 and 30, 2012.

Bonga: Uduaghan hails NOSDRA over Shell's $5bn fine

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S A B A — D E LTA State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, has commended the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency,NOSDRA,forimposing a fine of $5 billion on Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company for the Bonga oil spill of December 2011.

Governor Uduaghan, in his reaction to the penalty imposed

by NOSDRA, yesterday, called on Shell to quickly comply with the order, reminding Shell that British Petroluem paid fines and compensationofover$30billion over the Gulf of Mexico oil spill of 2010.

He said: “In December 2011, I lamented the damage to the environment following the Bonga oil spill. Communities in the state and the Niger

Delta were put in serious harm’s way after the spill occurred. At the time, I called on the relevant authorities (NOSDRA and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA) to step in and take immediate action to mitigate the damage of the spill. I demanded that further steps be taken to look into compensation for the communities affected and that a remediation strategy should be activated to recover the water and soil that were being destroyed by the spillage.

“At the time, reports and complaints before me showed that Ogulaha, Beniboye and Okuntu in Delta State and Orobiri, Odiama and Aggeh communities in Bayelsa State had been severely impacted."

Itsekiri youths kick against planned fencing of FG's land at Ode-Itsekiri

BY DANIEL GUMM

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Govenor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State (left) and Col. M.K. Hammanga (rtd), Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, National Commissioner, at the presentation of certificate of return to the governor as the winner of last Saturday's governorship election in Edo State by INEC in Benin, yesterday. Photo: Barnabas Uzosike.

INEC issues Certificate of Return to Electoral Commission, ture has re-united Edo people Oshiomhole tional INEC, and expressed gratitude across the three senatorial disBY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN CITY—Reelected Governor AdamsOshiomholeofEdoState, yesterday,collectedhisCertificate of Return from Independent Na-

to Oba of Benin and Edo people.

The certificate was issued to him at 7pm by INEC National Commissioner,Col.Muhammed Hammanga(rtd).

Addressing newsmen, Oshiomhole said: “My candida-

tricts and this is some thing that had never happened before. For the first time across the 18 local government areas, people spoke withonevoice.Nowthechallenge is to ensure even development gets to the 18 councils.

“Iamparticularlygratefultothe greatpeopleofBeninkingdomfor burying the whole idea of ethnic politics in the life of this state. I am encouraged by this. As you can see, I won more votes here than in my council. That for me is an outstanding statement and I am committed to servicing that trust.

“There is no way that you can go through electioneering campaign without saying some thing thatwillmakeoneuncomfortable, to all those who may have been offended,apologiesfrommyheart.

And if any one also offended me, I have forgiven even when it had not been offered.”

ARRI—ITSEKIRI youths under the aegis of Itsekiri National Youths Council, INYC, have rejected the proposal by Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to fence the land that had earlier beendonatedbyOde-Itsekiricommunity (Big Warri) for the building of housing units during the period of Chief Ufot Ekaette as the minister in charge.

NationalPresidentofINYC,Mr. David Tonwe, told Vanguard after a consultative meeting with the leadership of Ode-Itsekiri branch of the youths body, that the plan by the Ministry to fence the land donated by the Olu of Warri for the building of houses, which for no unjustifiable reason, had been diverted to Ijaw community by the Minister was unacceptable and will be resisted.

He said that, the funds budgeted for the proposed fencing should instead be used to build

whatever number of houses it canaccommodate.

“The ministry should be assured that since the land was donated by the Warri monarch, nobodywilltemperwithaninch of the land, and thus, there should be no need to waist mil-

Olajumoke lauds Oshiomhole's as hasty and unfair. victory He pointed out that the goverBY DAYO JOHNSON

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KURE—A member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,Board of Trustees, Senator Bode Olajumoke has congratulated the Edo State governorAdamsOshiomholefor his re election asking him to see it as a big challenge to continue to give purposeful leadership in the state.

Olajumokehoweverdescribed the governor’s outburst at the commencement of the election that the preparations of the last Saturday's election were shoddy

EFCC arraigns 5 bank staff in Asaba over alleged N55m fraud

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

A

SABA—FIVE staff of an old generation bank, have been arraigned before a Delta State High Court sitting in Asaba by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over alleged conversion of N55 million customers’ fixed deposit into personal use.

They were arraigned on an eight-countchargeunderSection

lions of naira for fencing. Such money should be used to build houses. After all, the minister will not be there forever, and Itsekiri may in future be fortunate that a minister, who will live above ethnicconsiderationinpolicyexecution may come on board.”

390oftheCriminalCodeCap17 Vol 2 Laws of Delta State of Nigeria.

Theaccused,Mrs.Nwakaego Oke, a nursing mother, Mr. WilsonNwajei,CollinsMonday Ehiedu, Habib Momoh and Olakunle Abiodun, all pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The trial judge, Justice C. Ogisi,remandedtheaccused in prison custody and adjourned further hearing in the matter till September26.

In a another development, an Asaba Chief Magistrate's Court, hassentencedacommercialmotorcyclerider,commonlyknown as Okada, Edwin Asoro to six years imprisonment for threatening to kidnap a Sapele-based businessman along with his entire family members unless the businessman paid N1.5 million ransom upfront.

nor ought to have”displayed greatermaturity”insteadofjumping into conclusion just at the beginning of the election.

Accordingtohimleadersshould learn how to always react to situation maturely.

UN lists Djebah among world writers

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AGOS—THE United Nations has carried a recent article by Mr Oma Djebah, former Commissioner for Information and current Senior Special Adviser to the Delta State Governor on Foreign Relations, in its prestigious publication, known as the Daily list.

It is a list of editorials, OP-EDs and featured stories on topical issues selected from newspapers and magazines from all over the world.

Mr.Djebah’sarticle,whichwon him the space and recognition was originally published on the back-page of THISDAY, on July 4, 2012, is entitled: THISHOUSE MUST STAND. The article was featured in the AfricansectionoftheUNDepartment of Public Information, DPI, News Monitoring Unit.

Djebah’s article, which was the only one from Nigeria carried in the Daily list on July 5, focused on the political challenges facing the country and offered prescriptions why all Nigerian citizens should get together to pull the country back from the brink to ensure that Nigeria continues to develop into a rich country.

C M Y

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012 — 13

FUNERAL MASS FOR LATE ANGELA ONYEADOR

Oko community cries to govt over menace of erosion zAs families abandon their homes

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

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From Left: Mrs Funmi Goka; Mrs Abbah Folawiyo, and Chief Opral Benson, During the funeral mass for Late Mrs Angela Onyeador at The Church of the Assumption, Falomo, Ikoyi Lagos, yesterday. Pix: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

From left: Captain Samuel G. Mayson, Husband, Mr Albert Onyeador, Son, Miss Adaora Onyeador, Daughter, Dr Nkem Onyeador, Niece, and Dr Ijoma Onyeador, Sister-in-Law.

Edo: Oshiomhole victory, hard lesson for PDP — Mark zAs Jonathan asks Senate to confirm Ekpo Nta as chairman of ICPC

BY INALEGWU SHAIBU

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BUJA— S E N AT E President, David Mark yesterday reflected on the victory of Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole at last Saturday's elections and declared that the era of imposition of candidates on the people was over.

Mark who made the remark after the confirmation of three new Resident Electoral Commissioners, REC for the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC said the defeat was a hard lesson for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The Senate President also pointed out that the National Assembly was committed to ensuring the conduct of free, fair and credible elections in the country, saying the peoples’ vote must be

allowed to count.

“I think that is a hard lesson that the majority party has learnt from the Edo election. We hope that when these three nominees go there, they will ensure that elections are free, fair and that they are credible and that the PDP government will like to ensure that.”

The three RECs confirmed yesterday were Mr. Habu Zarma Hinna, Mr. Ikoiwak Aniedi Abasi and Mr. Baritor Lenusikpugi Kpagih.

Mr. Hinna represents Gombe State at the commission, while Abasi will be representing Akwa Ibom State at INEC and Kpagih will be representing Rivers at the commission.

Meanwhile President Goodluck Jonathan has asked the Senate to confirm Mr. Ekpo Una Nta as the

Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offenses Commission, ICPC. President Jonathan through the letter also withdrew the nomination of Mr. Francis Elechi who was initially confirmed by the Senate as the Chairman of the commission.

The letter read, “Mr. Francis Elechi has been earlier confirmed by the Senate as the Chairman of board of ICPC, however, emerging circumstances precluded him from assuming the position of Chairman of ICPC. “Consequently, I had to forward the name of Ekpo Una Nta, a serving member and acting chairman of the board for consideration as chairman of ICPC board.

I hereby wish to formally withdraw the earlier nomination of Mr. Francis Elechi as chairman of ICPC.

WKA— ANOTHER l a n d s l i d e yesterday occurred in Oko, Orumba North Local government area of Anambra State, threatening the Federal Polytechnic and the palace of the traditional ruler of the area, Igwe Laz Ekwueme.

Oko is among communities in Anambra State that had suffered landslide which destroyed hundreds of houses over the years.

The situation is usually worse during rainy season and with the heavy rains this year, the effect has been devastating with many families abandoning their houses and relocating to safer villages in the community.

The latest slide took place few metres to the Polytechnic’s art gallery under construction at the institution’s permanent site.

Ekwueme, while interacting with the member representing Orumba North and South in the House of Representatives, Chief Ben Nwankwo who visited the area, pleaded with the state and federal governments to save the people the ordeal of continuously watching gully erosion destroy their houses every year.

Ekwueme said though the slide had been occurring over the years, the latest one took a new dimension following the heavy downpour that took place for

some days.

The royal father said: “Landslide wants to drive me and my subjects out of Oko. We are no longer safe in our land. We thought the problem had abated, but it started again on Sunday and we are now living at the mercy of God. “Please, help us talk to our Governor, Mr. Peter Obi and the Federal Government to come to our rescue by making funds available to the contractors working at the erosion sites to save our lives and property.”

Orji congratulates Oshiomhole, Muktar

BY ANAYO OKOLI

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MUAHIA—ABIA State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji has congratulated Comrade Adams Oshimhole of Edo State for his re-election.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ugochukwu Emezue, Orji

said Oshiomole’s re-election was a manifestation of the confidence his people reposed in him.

Governor Orji also congratulated the new Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Muktar on her appointment, saying that she deserves it, having proved her worth in the judiciary.

14—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012

FG asks Okorocha to reinstate 27 sacked LG chairmen

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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BUJA—THE Federal Government, yesterday asked the Governor of Imo State, Chief Rochas Okorocha, to respect the sanctity of the Nigerian judiciary by re-instating the 27 sacked local government chairmen in the state, inline with an order of the Owerri Division of the Appeal Court.

The FG, in a statement by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, maintained that section 7 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, guarantees the existence of a system of democratically elected Local Government Councils throughout the federation.

According to the AGF, “The attention of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has been drawn to the lingering controversy that has trailed the judgment of the

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Court of Appeal, Owerri Judicial Division in Appeal No. CA/OW/215/2011, Barr Enyinna Onuegbu & 26 Ors v. Attorney General of Imo State & 3 Ors dated July 5, 2012 which declared as illegal and unconstitutional the action of the Governor of Imo State, purporting to dissolve the democratically elected Local Government Councils in the State before the expiration of their constitutionally guaranteed tenure. ”It is apposite to note that section 7 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, guarantees the existence of a system of democratically elected Local Government Councils throughout the federation. The judgment of the Court of Appeal aforementioned has only confirmed this position. ”I therefore call on all concerned to respect the judgment of the Court of Appeal and give due regard to the provisions of the Constitution which all elected officials of government have

sworn to uphold. This will not only inspire confidence in the polity but will also deepen our fledgling democracy.

Imo govt should respect Court of Appeal judgment ”In the light of the foregoing and in consonance with this administration’s avowed commitment to the enthronement of the rule of law in the federation, I hereby call on Imo state government and all relevant agencies of government to abide by the judgment of the Court of Appeal and ensure that the judgment of the Court of Appeal is given its full effect.”

It will be recalled that upon his assumption of office under the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Governor Okorocha, sent the 27 LG chairman and Councillors who were in office whilst his predecessor, Ikedi Ohakim of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, held sway, packing.

However, the Owerri Division of the appellate court, on July 4, voided the action of the governor, directing that he should recall the sacked LG chairmen.

In a unanimous judgment, the court which was presided over by Justice Uwani Abbaji, stressed that the governor lacked the powers to sack elected governments at the third-tier of governance in the state, just as the panel equally nullified the appointment of Transition Committee Chairmen by the governor to replace the sacked council chairmen.

Governor Okorocha had in his maiden broadcast in June 2011, announced the sacking of the elected council chairmen, and later appointed transitional committee chairmen to run the 27 council areas in the state.

His action led the sacked officials to seek redress before an Owerri High Court, contending that the governor acted beyond his constitutional powers.

Consequently, the trial court, presided by the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Benjamin Njemanze, held that the governor had no powers to remove the chairmen from office.

The court, however, noted that the council chairmen failed to prove that they were sacked from office as they claimed, resulting in the filing of the appeal by the council chairmen.

Delivering judgment at the appellate court, Justice Abbaji observed that all the submissions and arguments of the appellants and respondents were reviewed.

She noted that the high court in its earlier judgment confirmed that the governor axiomatically had no power to sack the democratically elected chairmen.

She further held that the local government system was a constitutional matter and any action on the system ought to have followed constitutional provisions.

Therefore, the court overruled the governor, even as he was restrained from interfering in the administration of the Local Government administration system in the state.

Land dispute: Aguleri, Umuleri communities trade accusations

BY ANAYO OKOLI

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MUAHIA —THE fragile peace in the war-torn Aguleri and Umuleri communities in Anambra East Council of Anambra State is being threatened as the warring parties are now trading accusations.

Umuleri community recently through Mr. George Obukwesili accused Aguleri of encroaching on land threatening that “if the State and Federal Governments should close their eyes and allow this gun powder to explode, the 1995-1999 crisis would be a child’s play.”

However, Aguleri com-

munity has dismissed the allegation, saying it was Umuleri that had unceremoniously withdrawn from a peace committee set up by the two communities since 2004 to resolve land disputes between the two communities.

In a statement, Chief Ralph Igwa, Chairman of Aguleri Peace Committee denied that there was “palpable tension between the two communities, this is far from the truth. The impression does not reflect the current situation in the area and it is inconsistent with the facts regarding the present state of the relationship between the two communities.”

UNIZIK seeks NUC's approval to admit more students

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

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WKA—NNAMDI Azikiwe University, Awka has applied to the National Universities Commission, NUC, for approval to admit about 9,000 fresh students in the next academic session .

Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Boniface Egboka, at a briefing described as pitiable, a situation where out of over 80,000 candidates who participated in the post-UTME and were qualified to gain admission, only about 3,700 would be admitted.

According to him, the institution had been following strictly the admission

guidelines of 60:40 for science and arts courses as directed by the Federal Government, as well as the stipulated percentages for merit, catchment and disadvantaged areas, but insisted that there was need to give the youths who desire tertiary education more opportunities.

Using the faculties of medicine and law as examples, Egboka said out of the 2,000 candidates that scored up to 291 in the matriculation examination and were qualified to study medicine and surgery, only 100 would make it, while only 180 students would be admitted for law out of 3000 that scored above 280.

Anambra has highest number of SMEs in Nigeria—Aganga

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

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WKA—MINISTER of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga has said Anambra State has the highest number of Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs in the country, saying it is an indication that the state is playing a fundamental role in the industrial revolution plan of the country.

Aganga, who spoke during a visit to Governor Peter Obi at the Government

House, Awka, said the fact emerged through a recent survey conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics.

He noted that Anambra was leading in four industrial sectors, including the automobile sector.

According to him, the Federal Government would work closely with Governor Obi and industrialists in the state to fast-track industrial growth and development.

The minister extolled the governor for championing the patronage of made -in Nigeria goods, as well as encouraging and empowering industrialists and embarking on massive infrastructural development at the various industrial zones in the state.

Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012—15

Commission decries fight for pilgrimage slots

BY JIMOH BABATUNDE

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XECUTIVE Secretary of Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, Mr. John Opara, has decried the penchant by some people to jostle for pilgrimage slots every year.

He said the position of NCPC was that those who go on pilgrimage should be morally and spiritually transformed and that “pilgrimage was for those who are materially poor, but spiritually rich.”

Speaking with the newlyinaugurated members of Christian Pilgrim Welfare

Board in Benue State as part of the sensitisation drive of the Commission, Opara said such attitude should be discontinued.

He said: “We have decided that our pilgrimage would be a tool for moral and spiritual transformation.”

He added that the Commission would set up a Monitoring Indicator Mechanism to monitor the behaviour of those who go on pilgrimage.

He also stressed the importance of pilgrimage to Christians, especially as it was an injunction.

Wada mourns Igala monarch

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN

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OVERNOR Idris Wada of Kogi State has described the 56-year reign of the deceased Attah Igala, Alh Aliyu Obaje, as a rewarding time during which the culture and traditions of the people were sustained.

Represented by his Deputy, Mr. Yomi Awoniyi,

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at the funeral of the late monarch yesterday, Wada said the death of the monarch was a painful loss to the people of the state.

He said the death came at a time when the monarch was most needed by the state and nation in general.

He further described the late monarch as a bridge builder and peacemaker.

Govs hail Oshiomhole's victory

BY HENRY UMORU

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BUJA—THE 36 governors, under the aegis of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, yesterday, hailed the victory of Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State in last Saturday’s governorship election.

The governors, in a statement by NGF Director-General, Mr. Asishana Okauru, urged Oshiomhole “to put behind him the acrimony and controversies that may have taken place before the election and embrace all.

“We call on the governor to see the election as one in which there is no victor and no vanquished. As the governor is inaugurated for a second term, we urge him to put behind him the acrimony and controversy that characterised electioneering in the state in the past few months and begin earnestly to give quality governance to the people of the state.”

The governors noted that the election exemplifies the confidence of the people of Edo in his leadership, saying “while we congratulate

the governor for his victory, we congratulate the people of Edo State for their conduct during the election.

“The people of the state have made all Nigerians proud by demonstrating,

again, that Nigerians, on their own can choose their leaders on their terms, in an ordered manner.

“The peaceful conduct of the election assures us all that the future of democracy

is bright. We trust that Oshiomhole will demonstrate the requisite largeheartedness to warm up to all Edo people irrespective of their political affiliations.”

Air disasters: Safety is a process regulators and admin- days you will come up with —Oduah tion istrators, eminent aviators strong and practicable recBY LAIDE AKINBOADE

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BUJA—MINISTER of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, yesterday, said the two recent fatal air crashes involving two Nigerian carriers showed that air safety was not a destination but a process that requires systematic improvement.

She spoke while declaring open the African Ministerial Meeting on Aviation Safety, organised by the ministry in collaboration with African Union, AU; African Civil Aviation Commission and International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, in Abuja.

She said yesterday ’s meeting, comprising avia-

and aviation experts, was expected to come up with recommendations for the Ministers’ session that is expected to start tomorrow.

She said: “The two recent air accidents we had involving two Nigerian carriers show that safety is not a destination, but a process which requires continuous enhancement.

“As you are all aware, Africa, based on the number of accidents per million departures, has a rather unimpressive rating on aviation safety, compared to other regions.

“I have no doubt that as aviation experts, this situation is of great concern to us. This is why I am convinced that in the next two

ommendations for the Ministers’ Session starting on July 19.

“I, however, believe that the issue of safety in Africa does not only need the total commitment of member states, but also collaboration amongst member states to build adequate capacity for safety oversight culture in the region.

“I made it clear to the Nigerian airline operators the need for collaboration and development of safety culture, which must make them think safety, and fly safely.

This is the culture that will lead to growth and development of sustainable air transport industry in Africa.”

16—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012

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— 17 Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012— “If we can't be our brother’s keeper, let us at least not be his destroyer.”

- John F. Kennedy N Thursday last week, our nation lost a little bit more of its humanity, after over one hundred people perished in a fire while scooping spilt petroleum from a crashed tanker. Exactly how many people died in those circumstances, in a State literally sitting on oil resources may never be known. Their ashes and partially-burnt limbs will be gawked at by fellow citizens, who will then all walk away. Soon the incident will be forgotten; the same way we walked away from victims of many of such disasters in the past. Vague references and arguments over poverty, greed and indiscipline will be made; but these will not stop another of such disasters occurring soon. And the nation will be reminded then of the disaster of Okogbe which is now a statistic, and it will move on.

A few days before the fire from a crashed tanker took over 100 lives, prominent citizens including a Senator and other legislators gathered around a mass grave with villagers in Maseh, Riyom Local Government of Plateau State to bury men, women and children burnt, shot or hacked to death. Reports say the event was attacked, and in the stampede to escape which followed, the Senator and another legislator collapsed and later died. While the corpses remained begging to be buried, a section of the local community blocked the highway and killed a few more people. It was all just another day in the killing fields that Plateau State has become. The next few days were also followed by routine intensive searches, burnings of villages and homesteads and the shooting of many cattle around Barikin Ladi. The nation duly noted these events, and our humanity died a little bit more.

Mass killings in incidents such as the fuel tanker fire and the events around villages in Plateau State make headlines. Many others do not. Victims of the bombs and bullets of the Jaamatu Ahlil Sunnah Lidda’awati Wal Jihad (JASLIWAJ) (a.k.a Boko Haram) are registered daily. Daring attacks such as those suspected to have been

incompetence or indifference of leaders must be accounted for. The constitution says our governments have two primary functions: to protect our lives and property, and pursue our welfare.

In most parts of our land, development cannot take place without peace; and since neither community nor citizen has peace, none can develop. In other parts, peace will be unattainable unless substantial inroads are made into poverty. So you will have to develop people in order to have peace.

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Living with mass death

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planned to eliminate the Shehu of Borno and the State Deputy Governor in a mosque last Friday, briefly hold public attention. The bomber who prayed with the Shehu and then attempted to blow him up a few minutes later will merely redress the growing perception that the JASLIWAJ insurgency (if indeed it is responsible for the attack) only targets Christian places of worship and villages. There are many other mass killings or deaths, the most widely observed being those that involve the Nigerian elite, such as the recent crash of an aircraft in Lagos. Hundreds die on our highways daily, and the bulk of fellow travellers barely slow down to ask what happened, or how many have died.

Violent crimes take dozens of lives in towns and villages, and communities bury their dead and move on.

he simple yet very difficult irony is that democracy is only as good as ordinary people want it to be. Citizens Our nation has learnt to live with evil, must rise to demand that bad roads and this is taking away our humanity. must be fixed by those with responsibility to do so.

Dangerous drivers who cost lives must be brought to justice. Police must work. The courts must work. Someone must pay for incompetence, indifference or c r i m i n a l Destruction caused by Boko Haram, Islamic sect negligence Every single life taken unjustly, or lost when aircraft crash. Citizens who are through avoidable circumstances aggrieved by actions of other citizens weakens our humanity. The more we must have visible and tangible relief for their grievances. Murderers who hide behind contrived causes to kill fellow citizens and security agents must be stopped and punished by the law.

Leaders who cannot protect us from mass murderers, or from criminals who kill because they can, have no business leading us. It is that simple.

The simple yardstick to apply when next we have opportunities to elect tolerate unjust or avoidable death, the leaders, or participate in appointing less likely we are to ask why they community leaders is their potential to happen, and stand up to ensure that protect us from unjust or avoidable they stop. Mass killings, including death. This is not too much to ask from avoidable disasters and lives lost to a democratic system which cannot criminals, security agents or ethnic promise to do any more than this at and religious conflicts, or through present.

The simple yardstick to apply when next we have opportunities to elect leaders, or participate in appointing community leaders is their potential to protect us from unjust or avoidable death

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Communities fight over land or grazing routes, or over seemingly innocuous reasons. Hundreds who survive become refugees and are left at the mercy of the elements. Those who survive with their lives, limbs and homesteads grieve and move on.

BY IKECHUKWU IGBOANUGO

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Democracy and the peoples wish

HEN Governor Peter Obi gave me his CV, and indicated his interest for the governorship race in Anambra, from that moment, I knew he will get there and he will also perform. At the time, some friends and I were running a political party in Anambra state, he would always come around and donate about a N100, 000.00 worth of refreshment such coke, fanta, pure water etc, with his black Peugeot 504 salon car without a driver.

One day he cornered me when he attended one of our meetings and asked my advise regarding the political party he should join. Our party then the UNPP which was actually fronting for Ibrahim Babangida. I advised him to join APGA because APGA was more or less an Igbo party because of the Late Chief Ikemba Nnewi Odimegwu Ojukwu’s involvement. I reminded him that Jim Nwobodo was voted into office by Igbos because of the Late Chief Nmamdi Azikiwe’s involvement in NPP. Peter Obi was a very rich business man then, he was in the same line of business with me. We were in the same business category. Our category then had fleet of cars with drivers but Peter Obi had only one black Peugeot 504 car.

I admired his way of presentations at public functions, his smart and intelligent speeches were attracted the attention of quite a number of people.

That was why I presumed that this kind of man will deliver, coupled with his way of life as a chronic miser.

His political turbulence initially was as a result of people's grievances because he closed his door on

OPINION Who says Obi is not working

people. As a governor you don’t close your door on people like that, you must help people so that people can pray for you. He eventually opened his door.

Coming to my point that Peter Obi is working, I was going to Ifite Ogwari in Anambra state recently, moving up to almost the boundary between Anambra and Enugu State in the northern side of Anambra.

All the roads there are cleanly tarred, I asked which Governor did this overwhelming development, I was told it was Peter Obi. Anytime I am in Anambra I don’t enter Onitsha, but recently I was compelled to enter Onitsha to see a sick friend. I could not recognise some areas as a result of the development. Again,when I inquired , the answer was Peter Obi. This is why I find it a bit disturbing that some individuals accuse Obi of poor performance. How can El Rufai who is not even from Anambra state and whom no one knows when he visited Anambra state last and moved around the state to determine Peter’s performance.

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efore I embarked on this write up, I have done a thorough investigation and I have observed that Peter Obi has done a lot in Anambra State, he has covered all sectors of development viz: education, roads, water, health etc. even to the extent of settling contractor ’s debts incurred by Mbadinuju’s administration.

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My concern is that I am an Igbo man from Anambra State. We must search for a credible Igbo man whom we can position when it is time for Igbo presidency.

For sure President Jonathan is constitutionally entitled to a second term if he performs well which I believe he will. After him, it should be the turn of the South East.

Since after the first republic, the north has ruled for over 25 years, South West 11 years, South South now 8 years so in 2019 it will definitely be the turn of South East. I don’t personally believe in zoning but rotation. This is the period we should begin to shop for a credible Igbo man that wilt represent us in Aso Rock in 2019 and we should examine the performance of the present and ex- governors from the South East. There is no gain-saying the Obi’s achievement in Anambra is overwhelming; a very busy governor who has acquired so many awards, a governor who visits schools on monthly basis, the presence of a governor in any school boosts the morale of the children and their teachers. He bought 500 vehicles from a local manufacturer in Anambra; some governors will import and steal money in the process. Peter has built over 200 health centres in Anambra. The media is awashed with the various businness of governance Obi is involed and engaged in.

Since the inception of democracy, Akwa-Etiti my town has not benefited from any state government’s key position despite all contributions from AkwaEtiti. Today. Obi has appointed one of the noble sons of Akwa-Etiti as one of state's commissioners. *Mr. Igboanugo, a social critic, wrote from Anambra State.

18 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY JULY 18, 2012 CONTROVERSIES are spicy alternatives to the daily tedium of reports of deaths, scandals, government inactions and the pictures of a future tarred with bleakness.

When the news broke that Dame Patience Jonathan was promoted permanent secretary in the Bayelsa Civil Service, many were shocked.

Dame had toiled in the service of Bayelsa State unknown to all? No matter how hard she worked, the majority of the views points to the impropriety of her being promoted when she was absent from the service. Is there a way this would have been done without controversy?

It is unlikely, where the subject is Dame Jonathan. Was she a civil servant? Nobody seems to dispute that. Did she earn her promotion? The state government says so, pointing out that her juniors attained the position years before her promotion last week. Should she have been promoted?

The uproar drowns any explanations.

Dame Jonathan began her career as a teacher at the Stella Maris College, Port Harcourt and Sports Institute Isake, both

We All Need P atience Patience in Rivers State. She transferred her service to the Bayelsa State Ministry of Education, where she served until 29 May 1999 when her husband became Deputy Governor.

Last Thursday she became a permanent secretary.

She has a National Certificate of Education in Mathematics/Biology, which she obtained in 1989 from the Rivers State College of Education. She also has a degree in Biology and Psychology (Education) from the University of Port Harcourt.

The contentions over her promotion raise more questions about the role of the First Lady, whether at state or federal level. Can a First Lady at the same time be a civil ser-

vant by applying for leave of absence? If Dame Jonathan’s junior had been promoted, did she do any work in the Bayelsa State Civil Service in the past 13 years? How long does a leave of absence last?

It is not enough to think that the controversies arose because it is Dame Jonathan.

It is an untreated issue that would come up again and again.

Example is given with Justice Fati Abdulsalam Abubakar, wife of Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar. It is a wrong example. She was barely away for one year when her husband was in-charge and promptly returned to service. It does not compare with 13 years of absence. She earned no promotion during the period.

Justice Mary Odili’s promotion to the Court of Appeal, while she was First Lady in Rivers State, was controversial, but she was not the President’s wife.

Until we decide what to do with our First Ladies, cases like Dame Jonathan’s will keep disturbing the public. We need patience in these matters, but they must be addressed.

OPINION

BY TONY ODIADI

Continued from yesterday's pg.

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ND so in the light of the absence of a direct express prohibition as well as the laudable purpose of the SWF a court will be too hesitant to take a narrow view that can prove a disservice to the national interest. The court would have to consider the likely inconsistencies, absurdity and inconvenience between a single account (the Federation Account) and the expediencies of subsidiary funds aimed at savings and investments (Excess Crude Account, SWF, etc.) in pursuit of welfare, good governance and national prosperity. The court would then follow a view, which may seem ‘’less proper’’ to ordinary reading of the provisions but which will vindicate the true purpose of the Constitution when read deeply for bold and good governance to secure national prosperity.

It will be of interest to know if the governors are the new praetorian guards of the Nigerian Constitution, faithful to all its precepts and so concerned now about complete legal fidelity to the sacred document; or if on the other hand they are in this high level campaign as a mere pursuit of narrow fiscal selfinterest for increased money allocation and free wheeling spending. Most of the monies shared out of the ECA are in open violations of the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007 wherein section 35(2) mandate savings by all tiers of the government in Nigeria by stating thus: ‘’Where the reference commodity prices rises above the predetermined level, the excess shall be saved’’; while section 35(5) prohibits access to the savings stating: ‘’No government shall have access to the savings….unless the reference commodity price falls below the predetermined level for a period of three consecutive months’’.

The framers of the Nigerian fund drew extensively from the experiences of other nations with similar fund. The several resource rich and high priced commodity nations with such funds are Norway, Kuwait, Russia, Abu Dhabi as well as Korea, C M Y K

Nigeria: Let the sovereign wealth fund begin(2) China, Singapore, Australia, etc. Some had their funds focused on savings majorly, pension security, infrastructure upgrade, investments, etc. Nigeria’s fund however took the chance to be more universal in content with three clear pillars to wit: These needs were well addressed in the three fund-heads created in the Act (section 4), that is, a: The Future Generation Fund; b: Nigeria Infrastructure Fund; c: Stabilization Fund. In addition, each of these sub-funds are ring-fenced, separating each from the other in terms of assets and liabilities as well as against any likely meddlesomeness by any agency or government entity. In addition, to save the fund from other risks of dissipation the Act in section 32(3) stated that ‘’the federal, state, federal capital territory and local government shall not transfer, redeem, assign, dispose of, sell, mortgage, pledge or otherwise encumber any interest of any kind in the Authority’’.This provision precludes the fund from being used for raising capital anywhere.

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he NSIA Act 2011 set its mandate clearly thus – to ‘prepare for an eventual depletion of Nigeria’s carbon resources’’.

The Act further mandates the funds authority to have the responsibility of receiving, managing and investing the fund on behalf of the fund; re-investing portions of the profit or proceeds yielded by primary investment to generate further risk adjusted returns’’ s.4(2)(b); also, develop and foster the skills in asset management by Nigerians, attract further investments and coinvestors in order to enlarge the funds capital base, pursue and encourage best practices along the line of the Santiago Rules/ Principles. Funding of the SWF as stated in Part iii (1) of the NSIA Act shall be by way of the initial one billion dollars set aside for take off; additional and subsequent funding to assure the growth of the fund going forward as stated in section (2) shall be by way of contributions from each tier of government

based on their allocated percentages of revenue sharing; further funding shall, by way of residual funds from the federation account, be transferred to the SWF Authority.

The governance structure of the Nigerian SWF over-patronised the governors by having the 36 members on board rather than the recommended six representatives from each geopolitical zones. This should be very reassuring. What the governors should be concerned with is the efficient management and of the fund to achieve its intended purpose of our collective national welfare and prosperity. We know there is money in the Nigerian system.

Lets look at this: From implementing the Oronsaye report, Nigeria will likely save N862bn between 2012 and 2015 (N124.8bn from agencies to be scrapped, N100.6bn from agencies to be merged, N6.6bn from professional bodies; also, N489.9bn to be saved the report says from universities, N50.9bn from polytechnics, N32.3bn from colleges of education). Subsidy report shows that NNPC would refund N310.4bn to the Federal coffers plus another N285bn equally misapplied apart from the fake importers who collected $337,842,663 for nonauthenticated oil imports.

These kinds of scenarios paint a poor picture of our public finance system as bedevilled with waste, graft and corruption.

An SWF can help curb some of these wastes if, for example, these kind of loose funds are channelled to the ‘’Nigeria Infrastructure Fund’’ rather than leave it for a well-connected few to pillage. In effect, there is much to profit from the fund and let it begin now before we lose our entire windfalls and the earnings from hydro-carbon and other commodities as the NSIA Act 2011 warns that we must prepare for eventual depletion of this resource. Concluded

*Mr. Odiadi wrote from London.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012— —19

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ISTORY was made Thursday last week when Justice Aloma Mukhtar assumed duty as Nigeria’s Chief Justice of the Federation. She is the first woman to reach that height. An earlier contender to that position and wife of Chief Bola Ige, the slain Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Justice Atinuke Ige, suddenly died in the course of fighting to bring the killers of her husband to justice. Given the statutory age of retirement for judges, Justice Ige didn’t seem poised for the position any more before death came calling. There has been a rapid turnover of justices of the Supreme Court in recent years. Many judges get to the Supreme Court in the last few years of their stay on the bench and the very few lucky to make it to the position of Chief Justice function in that capacity for an average of two years before retirement.

Aloysius Katsina-Alu and Dahiru Mustadapher, the last two men to hold that position, moved rather very fast through the office. It’s therefore lucky that the woman

who for long was best placed to make it to the rank wasn’t barred by age. At 68, though, Justice Mukhtar has just about two years to spend in office. This is surely a milestone in Nigeria’s legal history and Nigerian women are naturally happy about it. More so that Justice Mukhtar is from Kano, one of the most conservative states in Nigeria’s conservative North West region.

She had much earlier made history as the first female lawyer from the North. Her appointment should serve as a sign of hope for Nigerian women, especially women from up the Niger River who suffer greater discrimination, for both cultural and religious factors, than their Southern sisters.

Like a typical judge, Justice Mukhtar is reserved; she is hardly heard or seen in the press and enjoys the high regard of her peers.

She has come a long way and it can be hoped that her long but steady rise up the ladder would help in the transformation of the bench, especially in curbing corruption in the country’s courts.

She said this much in her

confirmation appearance at the Senate. Hers is a major task and she deserves all the support that can come her way. This is wishing Justice Mukhtar a splendid time as Nigeria’s number one judicial officer. Perhaps, things are shaping up for women generally for just as Justice Aloma Mukhtar was making history in Nigeria, women in Saudi Arabia were equally doing the same thing as two of them have, for the first time ever, been selected to participate in the London Olympic which begins in a week’s time.

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istory of a different kind was also recorded last week with the appointment of Mrs. Patience Jonathan, wife of the President, as one of 17 Permanent Secretaries by Governor of Bayelsa State, the president’s home state, Seriake Dickson. According to reports from Bayelsa State, Mrs. Jonathan has been so appointed because of her long stay in the civil service of Rivers State from where her services have been transferred to her husband’s state. Well, this must be surely a first in Nigeria’s

Anambra and Gov Obi’s make-believe govt

BY EJIKE NNAJIOFOR

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NE would have thought that Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State had, to the best of his ability, laboriouslyand exhaustively, responded to the contentious issues raised by the diminutive former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, on the Governor ’s budgetary projections and intentions for Anambra State.

The Governor’s defence was anchored in his own logic that the Mallam had not visited Anambra State, hence, is not equipped or entitled to reach some of those conclusions. The Governor had, few days after the publication of el-Rufai’s offensive, hosted an international media briefing to state his position and further took two full pages in ThisDay newspaper to showcase his performance in Anambra State, in addition to a full page in the back of the same paper on the same subject.

Expectedly, some people who have been living in Governor Obi’s Anambra State began to relate their individual experiences.

Unlike el-Rufai who may not have visited Anambra State, one Chudi Offodile, former member of the House of Representatives who represented a constituency in Awka, and who is also an indigene and resident of Awka, the state capital, gave his own account, and ended up shedding more revealing light to the style of Governor Obi’s administration. His ultimate piece did not only amplify el-Rufai’s position but conferred credibility to it. He was not alone.

Many concerned citizens of the state followed afterwards. Their damning verdict: Anambra has a non-performing government of misplaced priorities under Governor Obi. They provided incontrovertible evidences to prove that it is a government that equates

C M Y K

,

its performance with the number of times the handsome face of the Governor pops up on the pages of daily newspapers.

Since these counter-views to the Governor’s, many Anambrarians already knew that Obi does not tolerate negative media remarks and must respond. How would a governor that lives in the pages of newspapers allow himself to be overwhelmed by his traducers!

Then comes the band of sycophants of the Governor whose major syndrome is playingto-the-gallery – a band that has no respect for facts, figures, logic, common sense or even history.

One of Obi’s sycophants, Peter Afuba, who was his Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Town Planning, who while writing in Vanguard of July 4, 2012, disagreed with Offodile for dwelling on the allegations linking the Governor to ownership of 22% of SAB Miller Breweries at Onitsha, rather than commending the Governor for attracting an industry that will create lots of jobs. Mr. Afuba would hardly convince Anambrarians about the limits of the business interests of the Governor, just as he failed to address another Offodile allegation that Governor Obi owns two multi-billion shopping complexes in Abuja instead of Anambra State if he is keen on creating jobs for Anambra citizens. How far has the state government gone to resuscitate comatose breweries like Premier Breweries in Onitsha, Pal Breweries in Oko, another in Abagana if the intention is to create employment, rather than attracting another brewery where Obi is suspected to have interest.

It is also myopic to consider the attraction of a brewery to Anambra State as a priority in addressing the scandalous unemployment levels in the state as held by el-Rufai. It is widely known that a state like Anambra is blessed with huge agricultural centres and

,

History amid a widening circle of doom

As the cloud of doom gathers and widens across the land, nobody knows what tomorrow holds for Nigerians; everybody is expendable fodder

history as I cannot recall a similar situation in which the wife of a serving head of state of the country is given some official civil service appointment in this manner.

Certainly, not in this age when every politician’s wife, from the president down to local government chairmen, is also a First Lady with a separate office and staff have I heard of an appointment of this nature. And Mrs. Jonathan surely doesn’t look ready to give up her First Ladyship- not with the sense of importance she seems to carry herself as wife of the President or the reported ‘swag’ she’s keen on retaining as part of the perk of her position as First Lady.

We may then need to ask if this appointment is not a self-serving act by Mr. Dickson, a fawning gesture of gratitude to a President he no doubt sees as a benefactor.

More importantly, is this a paid appointment for which Mrs. Jonathan is expected to work or a ceremonial one for which she would neither work nor be paid?

Or is the Governor trying to keep ‘something’ for Mrs. Jonathan pending her return from Abuja?

Let’s just hope Nigerians won’t be treated to some future scandal that the President’s wife was on the payroll of Bayelsa State government at a time she was supposed to be serving in Abuja as first lady which is even not a statutory position. Whatever it is, this is surely a dubious first for both Mr. Dickson and Mrs. Jonathan.

There are more important things for this new governor of an oil-rich state of impoverished people to do than making idle announcements like this on a useless appointment.

There is poverty all over the land, people are dying daily from avoidable causes, a lot of which are connected to mass poverty in

The sycophancy syndrome was so manifest in that piece that it dwelt so much on the trivial but ended up confirming all the allegations and misdeeds of the governor as alleged by the likes of Offodile

,

resources spanning the length and breadth of the state that could be triggered to generate massive direct and indirect employment opportunities for the citizens.

What has the Governor done with the Lower Anambra Irrigation project in Amor, Anambra North; rice farms in Ogboji in Aguata LGA, Omogho in Orumba North, and several farm settlements whose produce would have given the state some food resources and employment to tackle its bad shape. Obi may simply need to listen to the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, to understand the agricultural potentials he had left untapped for six years.

Yet, Obi’s master plan as told the world at the inception of his regime - the Anambra Integrated Development Strategy, ANIDS — has only one visible sign — some 14-seater buses by an intra-state transport company, ANIDS, whose ownership is as amorphous as many of such schemes in the state.

A

fuba’s difficulty in defending the award of contract to the losers of the bid, may be as difficult as explaining the circumstances surrounding the impoundment of a Jeep by the police in a location in Lagos, about three years ago, reportedly laden with N250 million cash belonging to Anambra State government with some close aides of the Governor. The

the land but governors of our oilrich states appear bent on frittering away the resources of their people as if they are unending.

After years of fighting for special consideration as oil-producing states, elected and appointed politicians from these states have been stealing from their own people in a manner that seems to compound the poverty of the region. The people have simply fought to replace one set of plunderers believed to be outside the region with their own children whose claims to the collective oil wealth of the region they think nobody should question them about. The worst part of it is that they loot their people’s treasury to spend lavishly in and develop other parts of the world- parts far more developed than the blighted Delta region. It’s the same outsiders that Niger-Deltans thought they had to fight who now have the difficult task of fighting to keep the wealth of the region back there. James Ibori is today in a British jail where he pleaded guilty to a moneylaundering charge, but he had his ardent supporters here in Nigeria.

Many of these believe what he took was his patrimony as a child of the Delta. The ordinary people of the region are now so poor that they are utterly careless of danger. They scoop oil from tankers that fall on terrible roads and get instantly roasted to their death as happened in Rivers State last week. The sense of insecurity in the country is made worse by mass killings that government has no answer to in the North and other parts of the country. Not even senators and reps members are spared. Everybody is expendable fodder. As the cloud of doom gathers and widens across the land nobody knows what tomorrow holds for Nigerians.

whopping sum was later explained away as ‘cash’provided for purchasing some vehicles for the state government. A committee set up by the House of Assembly concurred, but Anambrarians shook their heads in disbelief that such cash could be released to the street by a government that claims to be their money saver!

Pretending that the issues raised by elRufai could be wished away, one Joseph Anarado, who wrote from Awka, in a piece titled "Anambra: The Offodile Syndrome" on the back page of ThisDay of July 2, 2012, led the pack. Unfortunately, Anarado’s syndrome gave him away so easily because he sounded like the Governor himself by quoting information from the Governor’s correspondences that one can only imagine that the author must be writing while Obi was dictating!

The sycophancy syndrome was so manifest in that piece that it dwelt so much on the trivial but ended up confirming all the allegations and misdeeds of the Governor as alleged by the likes of Offodile.

For instance, after dwelling so much on the awards won by the Governor and commendation letters from companies that the Governor attended their events, Anarado justified the cancellation of a winning bid for the construction of the Onitsha Hotel and Convention Centre. His justification for the Governor awarding the contract to a local contractor was for reason of saving the state some N3 billion. According to him, it became necessary after the bidding results was known for the Governor to award the contract to a local contractor (who probably did not bid) at the sum of N2 billion. Reason was that Obi realised after a meeting with Protea Group, that a hotel of that nature and magnitude would not cost up to N5 billion as earlier thought. What Anarado has, by his vicarious defence confirmed to the reading public, is that there is no transparency in government business at Awka.

Continues tomorrow on pg 18 *Mr. Nnajiofor, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Anambra State.

20—Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, , 2012

Patani agog as guanah returns to PDP with 16,000 supporters

By FESTUS AHON

P

ATANI, the headquarters of Pa tani Local Government Area of Delta State was agog, Tuesday, July 3, 2012, when Mr. Raymos Guanah, a grassroot politician and former Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Development in the state returned to the party he helped to build in the area, the Peoples Democratic, PDP with over 16,000 of his ardent followers. Guanah, who was the founding Chairman of the PDP in Patani Local Government Area, left the party for the Chris Okotie’s Fresh Democratic Party, FDP, where he flew the party’s flag in the House of Assembly general elections in protest against the outcome of the PDP’s House of Assembly 2011 primary election.

Perhaps for Guanah, the primary election was manipulated in favour of the incumbent Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Mr Basil Ganagana, who was seeking his fourth term in the House.

Guanah’s campaign thrust then was based on the need for change, arguing that having served in the Patani constituency for 12 years in the State House of Assembly, Ganagana should quit the stage for another person to serve in his stead.

Triumphant return Guanah’s triumphant return, which was heralded by little rain fall that lasted for about 20 minutes, was witnessed by political heavy weights across the State. On the roll call was the State PDP Chairman, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, Senior Political Adviser to the State Governor, Chief Ighoyota Amori, the State PDP youth leader, Chief Arthur Akpowowo and immediate past Vice Chairman of the Patani Local Government Council, Mr Elijah Ologe.Others present were the State PDP Auditor, Mr. Edwin Uzor, one-time members of the State House of Assembly and Commissioners in the State, Mr. Ochor Christopher Ochor, Mr Ejaife Odebala, Mr L. Okonkwo, a former Commissioner and a host of others.

Receiving the team, the monarch described Guanah as a strong politician that could not be wished away and urged the PDP to consider him (Guanah) for an appointment on his return to the party.

Saying that he was gladdened by Guanah’s move to return to his original party, he said Guanah was one politician with dedicated and genuine followership. The monarch, who presented his visitors with a bow of kola nuts and assaulted drinks told the leadership of the party to provide a level playing ground for all aspirants in the forthcoming Local Government election and warned against imposition of candidates.

Addressing a mammoth crowd of his followers, Guanah who lost the said election with 800 votes said their C M Y K

Receiving Guanah and his supporters, the State PDP Chairman, Mr P e t e r Nwaoboshi said the leadership of the party and the Raymos Guanah...back to the PDP fold State Governor, Dr. decision to return “to the House we Emmanuel Uduaghan were happy built” was after wide consultation. with the return of Guanah to the party.

“We have the capacity to do more Pointing out that Guanah left the exploit for the party. We built a party in annoyance; he said the rehouse and there is the need for us turn of Guanah to the party would to go back to the house. We are help to reduce problems of the party happy to come back and collective- in the area. He said the party was ly build our party, our local Gov- committed to the unity of its memernment and our State,” he added. bers.

Issuing him with a fresh memberHe said they could not afford to leave the party he and his follow- ship card of the party, Nwaoboshi ers had helped to build in the area said the two years criterion to conand said the PDP hierarchy was test the forthcoming council election happy with their return to the par- in the party’s constitution was waved t y . for Guanah followers. He ordered According to him, for the first time that all those who returned with Guathe PDP won election with less than nah be issued with the party mem1000 votes in the Local Government bership card in their various wards Area, adding that their return was and insisted that the ward chairmen to further strengthen the PDP in the must comply with the directive of the area and the State in general. State party leadership.

Debate of the masses

Gullible Nigerians

I

By EBELE ORAKPO

T was a Monday morning during the peak traffic period along the Mile Two-Badagry road when out of the blues, a young man dressed in a pair of blue jeans trousers and T-shirt jumped right in front of this commuter bus and barked at the driver to stop. Everybody was confused because they could not pinpoint what the hapless driver had done wrong.

As the driver was trying to drive out of the road to park properly, the man shouted again: “I say park!” At this point, some of the commuters and those standing at the bus-stop witnessing the unfolding drama began to ask one another what offence the driver had committed.

“Ha! Laagooos! Different things happen here everyday,” exclaimed a commuter by name, Joe. Before one could say Jack Robinson, the man put his hand in his hip pocket and brought out a yellow purse with a blue stripe containing business cards and just flashed it in front of the driver before putting it back in his pocket and then continued his ranting and raving.

Said Jude: “Ehen! Even if he is a law enforcement agent, is that how to treat people? What offence exactly did the driver commit?”

“Law enforcement officer my foot! Did you take a good look at the identity card he was flashing? That purse holding the card belongs to one of the major GSM companies and I bet you, the so-called identity card is a used recharge card he must have picked from the ground to use and intimidate commercial bus drivers,” stated Ugo. There was laughter at this statement and Tolu said: “It’s true oo. I saw it clearly though he was very fast about it.”

“Do I call it naivety on the part of the average Nigerian? We fear anything in uniform and that is what these people are taking advantage of,” noted Joe.

Used recharge card as ID

L-r: Alhaji Wasiu Lawan, Chief Bada of Onigbongbo; Chief Waheed Arowojobe, Apagun-Pote of Onigbongbo, celebrant; Chief Kehinde Arowojobe, Baale Arowojobe land and Alhaji Tajudeen Olubayo, Chief Ekerin of Onigbongbo, during the conferment of traditional chieftancy titles of Onigbongbo land on illustrious sons and daughters of Arowojobe to commemorate the fifth coronation anniversary of HRM Oba Munirudeen Olatunji Yusuf, Oba of Onigbongbo land at Maryland in Lagos. Photos: Bunmi Azeez and Folake Odebiyi

L-r: H.R.M. Oba Munirudeen Olatunji Yusuf, Oba of Onigbongbo land; Chief Waheed Arowojobe, Apagun-Pote of Onigbongbo, celebrant and his wife, Adepeju at the ceremony

“But this man is not in uniform,” protested Kemi.

Replied Ugo: “Na you sabi. Some of them come out in mufti sometimes so what he is putting on does not really matter. The ID card should tell us who he is.”

“ID card. Is that not what he flashed before you?” asked Chris. I am absolutely certain that what he flashed is a used recharge card, pure and simple! I saw it,” said Tolu again. But why are we so gullible that anybody can come from anywhere to intimidate us?” asked Joe. “You know why? It’s because many of us have not learnt to be straightforward, to obey rules and do things properly. So people like this man are taking advantage of that to intimidate and extort money from others,” said Ugo. “You are right because if you do the right thing, you will not fear any law enforcement agent – real or fake,” noted Peju.

The bus conductor sensing that the matter may delay them unnecessarily went and called a policeman who was on duty and the policeman quickly came to mediate.

Unfortunately, that worsened the matter because the man felt they had called the policeman to harass him.

Said Kemi: “The man needs money for breakfast. The driver should have just given him some money for food instead of all this long speech. Now, with the policeman in the picture, he feels he may not get anything from the driver again. Instead, it will be given to the policeman.

That is why he is shouting the more.”

“So this is another means of begging?” asked Tolu.

“Begging? This is stealing! They flash fake ID cards, the victim is afraid and offers them money whether he committed any offence or not. Anyway, cunny man die, cunny man buryam,” said Joe. The driver eventually had to part with some naira notes as the policeman was unable to help him.

CONTACT: mykeboh@yahoo.co.uk

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012 — 21

Customs impounds 7 containers of counterfeited books

BY GODFREY BIVBERE & VICTORIA EDEMA

O

FFICIALS of Apapa Area One Command of the Nigeria Customs Service have impounded seven 20 feet containers of 10,000 cartons of pirated text books, dictionaries and novels for Junior and Senior Secondary Schools imported from China.

The Duty Paid Value (DPV) was put at N35 million.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Timi Bomodi, said that the pirated books, were declared as Bibles with the intent of concealing their true identity.

He said that the consignments had been handed over to Mr. Austin Amodu, who represented the DirectorGeneral of the Nigeria Copyrights Commission (NCC) in the exercise.

He said that the Area Controller of Customs, CAC, Alhaji Adamu Garko had reaffirmed the commitment of the service toward checkmating the nefarious activities of pirates and other importers who engaged in illegal imports.

Bomodi said the Customs boss urged all government agencies to work collectively toward achieving a common purpose.

He noted that the area controller had warned unscrupulous importers to desist from their unwholesome actions.

He said that the consequence would be not just forfeiture, but the full prosecution of the defendants in a court of law.

It would be recalled that NCS, in recent months, stepped up its antismuggling activities in line with Sections 47 and 48 of the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA).

From left: Representative of Anambra State governor, Mr. Patrick Obi; Chairman, Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria, Prof.Akin Akindoyemi; Presiident, Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Mr. Chucks Omeife; and representative of Enugu State governor, Mr I.K. Ugwuegede at the national confernce/AGM of NIOB in Enugu.

Forum seeks partnership with AfDB to promote indigenous goods — DG T

HE Nigeria Steering Committee on Pan Africa Competitiveness Forum (PACF) on Monday sought for partnership with the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) to promote Made-in-Nigeria goods. This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja and signed by Mr Chucks Ngaha, the Raw Material Research and Development Council (RMRDC) Public Relations Officer.

The statement said Prof. Peter Onwualu, the chairman of the Committee, made the appeal when he

FG to woo global business leaders in London

By WILLIAM JIMOH

T

HE Federal Government has pledged its support for the High Level Investment and Business Summit on Nigeria taking place in London between July 30 and August 1, 2012.

The summit with the theme “Nigeria- the World’s Most Vibrant Market’’ is to be declared open by President Goodluck Jonathan, And it is organized to ensure that Nigeria seizes the opportunity of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to link Nigerian entrepreneurs to the global economic system and project the country to the international community as one of the world’s best investment destinations.

The event that is being organized by the Bank of Industry, under the supervision of the Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga is expected to feature over 350 delegates comprising businessmen, diplomats, government representatives, representatives of C M Y K

transnational corporations (TNCs), multinational organizations, international financial institutions, multilateral agencies and Nigeria’s leading international development partners from across the world.

Among Nigerian ministers that are expected to attend the business summit is the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Honorable Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Trade and Investment Minister, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, Petroleum Minister, Mrs Deziani Allison Madueke, others are the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina and the Minister of Power, Professor Barth Nnaji, Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke as well as the Central Bank Governor, Mr. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

A number of Governors including those of Anambra, Kogi, Niger, Delta, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo and Ekiti States will be attending the summit with a view to attracting foreign investors to their respective states.

led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Resident Representative of AfDB, Dr Ousman Dore in Abuja. Onwualu, who is the Director-General of RMRDC, explained that the forum was making efforts to promote indigenous goods in the country. To achieve this, he said the forum would hold a conference in November, using the triple helix of government, academia and industry to practicalise research findings, to develop industry clusters in the country.

“This conference wants to promote Made-in-Nigeria goods to compete positively with the world over and inject technology into indigenous practice. We want to integrate with those in the grassroots and give them a boost by having access to technology.’’ The DG said the Ministry of Science and Technology and its trade and investment counterpart were already pursuing processing clusters and that the triple helix remained very vital in achieving the objective. While government provides good polices, the academia provides research and the private sector will engage in the enterprise,’’ he said.

Onwualu said the committee had been working to make research results have impact on Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMES) and had found PACF as a vehicle to achieve the purpose. He said the committee was made up of agencies relevant to SMEs, while the inauguration of the forum had made it possible for the committee to visit every organisation that would benefit from PACF. “AfDB being an African bank, has given us added leverage, so we are here to tap into your vast network

because we believe you have a wider reach and can help to sensitise other African Nations.’’ Responding the Resident Representative of AFDB, Dr Ousman Dore, said Nigeria had all requirements to be great in terms of local raw materials. Dore urged all parties to focus on the problems facing the nation because it had the capacity to be among the top 20 economies in the world.

“Nigeria has the resources and the question remains how they can be used efficiently to improve the country’s economy. The intervention should not be in SMEs and artisanal ventures alone but also in agriculture.”

183.85

-2.25

2,213.00

-3.00

22.91

+0.18

103.49 88.30

+2.07 +1.20

CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL SELLING CFA KRONER EURO POUNDS RIYAL SDR FRANC DOLLAR WAUA YEN RENMINBI

0.2686 0.2786 25.3719 25.4538 188.8175 189.4271 240.7454 241.5227 41.2943 41.4276 232.4599 233.2104 157.2125 157.7201 154.87 155.37 231.6 232.3477 1.9599 1.9662 24.2783 24.3572

0.2886 25.5357 190.0367 242.2999 41.5609 233.9609 158.2276 155.87 233.0954 1.9725 24.436

CBN Exchange rate as at 17/07/2012

22—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012

Most equities on NSE are undervalued — CIS President

By PETER EGWUATU

T

HE President of Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Mr. Muritala Olushekun, has lamented that most of the equities trading on the secondary market are currently undervalued.

He advised that the Federal Government can mop up the huge shares in the market to prevent further downward slide in prices of equities

traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

He stressed further that government can use Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) or Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to mop up excess shares on the secondary market.

The CIS President, while speaking with Vanguard on the state of the stock market, stressed that Pension Fund Administrators

(PFAs) have major role to play in the market.

According to him, “Presently, there is 25 per cent limit bound for the PFA to invest in the equity market. This is being reviewed. They are looking at 50 and 30 per cent for maximum and minimum respectively. In fact, we need the PFAs to invest more in the equities market.

Olushekun, further berated the regulatory

bodies in the capital market for not taking appropriate steps when some operators flawed the rules of the market through various mal practices.

According to him, “Investors lost confidence in the market as a result of some of the malpractices that existed in the market.

So bringing back confidence will require addressing those things that led to the crash. The

CIS, on its part has been in the forefront of disciplining its erring members.”

Continuing, he said, “Let me say in every professional group, you have one or two people who may not play be the rules. We have Lawyers who have had problems, same with Doctors, Accountants. In the past, we have had Accounting Firms that have been found erring in one way or the other. What you find is a general problem not only in Nigeria, but worldwide.

However, that is not to justify any unethical practice by any Stockbroker. The issue is what the professional body does when there is a complaint. As far as the CIS is concerned,

every complaint that we receive we investigate fully.

“Recently to even make it faster investigating complaints, what we have done is that we have enlarged the investigating panel; such they can operate in three different groups as soon as any complaint comes up. One group can take it up and quickly finish the investigation. If there is an indictment, then they declare their report and the matter referred to the Disciplinary Tribunal; and the Tribunal is a very strong one and no Stockbroker wants to appear before it. They know if truly they have done wrong, they won’t get away.”

UACN to acquire majority stake in Portland Paints

By MICHAEL EBOH

U From left: Director (Marketing), Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, Mr. Benson Evbuomwan; first prize winner, Miss Funmi Aluko, past winner, Miss Kate Onuchukwu and Assistant Director, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Lagos State, Mrs. Belinda Faniyi, at the presentation of overall best winner prize to Funmi, during Honeywell Wheat Meal Cooking Competition, at NYSC Camp, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos.

FBN Capital floats fixed income funds

By PETER EGWUATU

I

N a bid to help investors diversify their investments and reduce risk , FBN Capital Limited, an investment and Asset Management subsidiary of the First Bank Group has floated a fixed income and money market instruments.

According to the MD/ CEO of FBN Capital, Mr. Kayode Akinkugbe, ‘the launch of both funds at the same time will offer investors exposure to short term and liquid money market Instruments.

Yields on investments will provide portfolio diversification as well as the ability to gain exposure to different sectors of the economy.”

He stated that the funds are targeted at Retail Investors, High Net worth Investors (HNI), Institutions, C M Y K

Corporates, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s), Governments institutions, Charities, Endowments, Trusts, Sinking Funds, Reserve Funds, Religious bodies anyone who wants to save and invest outside the equity market.

According to him, “The funds are managed by very experienced and well qualified investment professionals with verifiable and excellent performance records. The FBN Money Market fund has a minimum initial subscription of only N5,000 at an offer price of N100 (one hundred naira) per unit, while the FBN Fixed Income Fund has an initial minimum amount of N100, 000 (one hundred thousand naira) per unit.

Additionally, investing in the Funds offers tax advantages as income

accrued and payable to investors is tax free.”.

The Director and Head of Asset Management of the company, Mr. Michael Oyebola stated “both funds will provide steady and attractive returns as are attainable in the market today.

Unit holders will receive value in the form of interest income and investors will be able to purchase and sell the units in the fund on any business day throughout the funds life. They are very good additions to savings portfolios, with better interest earnings”.

The funds offer a number of benefits, including access to current rates in the Bond and Treasury Bill markets. They also provide access to a high level of liquidity meaning investors can easily sell their holdings

and receive their cash back plus accumulated returns.

AC of Nigeria Plc, UACN, has announced plans to acquire majority equity stake in Portland Paints and Products Plc. According to a statement by the company, signed by Mr. Mike Asuquo, Public Relations Manager, the company has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Portland Paints as regards the planned investment, which is also subject to the approval of the relevant regulatory

LIBOR scandal: Investigated banks to lose £27bn

T

HE banks under investigation in the Libor rate-fixing scandal face combined losses of up to $42bn (£27bn), far more than previous estimates, according to one of the City’s leading equity research houses.

I have obtained a confidential note sent to clients by Autonomous Research today which suggests that 16 banks face a financial hit that would potentially alter the economics of investing in the global banking sector.

In its note, Autonomous (which is chaired by the former City minister, Lord Myners) warns that if Libor was under-reported (in other words, that

banks’ submissions were too low) by 2.2 basis points, it could trigger fines and litigation costs of as much as £27bn.

“We estimate $37bn of potential damages for rates derivatives (across all currencies)... We estimate adding bank loan and money market fund lawsuits could add a further 14%, or $5bn to the overall damages, bringing the possible total to $42bn,” its note said.

To be clear, the figures are at this stage pure conjecture, and Autonomous points out that they “must be used with great care and read in conjunction with a very long list of caveats”.

authorities.

He said the transaction will allow Portland Paints to leverage the relative strengths of UACN, yielding considerable benefit to stakeholders of both companies.

Asuquo disclosed that the proposed transaction is driven by potential synergies between the two companies and is in line with UACN’s strategy of building a portfolio of brands and businesses geared to the growth segments of the Nigerian economy, and partnerships that deliver long-term value to the company and its stakeholders.

He said, “UACN and Portland Paints, with their established presence in the Nigerian paint industry, are uniquely positioned to partner on deepening the presence of both companies in existing markets, achieve scope and scale economies in procurement, production and distribution.

“Shareholders are advised to exercise caution when dealing in UACN shares until a final announcement is made.

“The proposed transaction is subject to the approvals of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Further announcements will be made as material events occur.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012 — 23

EDITED by Adekunle Adekoya

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Cisco arms women with ICT solutions *Provides backbone to African women leadership network, girls in ICT

BY PRINCE OSUAGWU

iBrain translates brain activity into words A new device that could allow communication by reading brain activity is on trial. Called iBrain, the new product, is able to record brain activity from a single point on the scalp, with information about the activity extracted by an algorithm. In earlier trials, a subject was asked to imagine moving his hands or feet, and the team was able to identify which movement he was thinking of based on changes in his brain activity. The next step will be to develop the technology to the point that will allow people to use imagined movements to instruct a computer to speak words or write.

I N S I D E C M Y K

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he global village phenomenon is increasingly being actualised thanks to the growing video technology and Cisco’s resolve to ensure that Africa does not take the back seat in the development.

With the power of its Telepresence technology, Cisco has pioneered several innovations aimed at widening Africa’s world view and as well launch the continent powerfully into the world space.

Cisco TelePresence offers a video experience that is life-like and natural, giving a feeling of people in the same room even when they were many kilometers apart.

Meanwhile, what Cisco started out as a way to save travel costs and optimize employee time at large companies has evolved into a way of accelerating time to market, expanding access to experts, and transforming how companies do busi-

Microsoft's Imagine Cup: As it usually is

ness and how education programs can be delivered.

However, its latest move is passionate and has moved several Africans who naturally give all the best to their women folk. So when Cisco recently delivered several networking events designed to help talented young women in Africa to boost their future outlook, it was obvious they would receive rave reviews.

Among the initiatives is the Cisco Africa Women Leadership Network Program which kicked off proceedings in April. The programme targets young talented women at college and universities throughout Africa, aiming to expose them to innovative technologies and to inspiring women role models who have positively impacted society.

An elated Botswana Ambassador to the United States, Tebelelo Mazile Seretse, who moder-

Nokia goes gaga with 41 MP 808 PurView smart phone

ated the seession via Cisco’s telepresence, noted that mentoring and training programs aimed at young talented females in Africa are going to be vital to help Africa’s future young workforce to be able to adapt and secure career opportunities in the global 21st century workforce.

She added that “Africa’s growing youth population needs to be equipped with the right skills to help them thrive in this ever changing world” The session which connected up to 77 African women live to the Washington DC base of the Ambassador was monitored across Cisco offices in Lagos, Johannesburg, Tunis, Nairobi, Cairo, Casablanca, and Algiers.

Seretse shared her background, as well as the decisions she made throughout the different stages of her childhood, adulthood and her professional life to the women.

She also revealed to the

women, how technology has played a role in her day-to-day life.

Another key empowerment Cisco made to women in Africa within the same period, included the provision of telepresence technology to facilitate students from Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon and the UAE, to meet female leaders from Cisco who shared their backgrounds, experiences and discussed how they had developed their own careers for their respective job roles.

The gesture was its contribution to a successful marking of this year’s International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Girl’s in ICT Day. In 2010, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) members, agreed to recognize Girls in ICT, pitching the day of celebration to the 4th Thursday of every April.

So, to mark Girls in ICT Day 2012 Cisco MENA region offices (Morocco,

Egypt, Lebanon and UAE) hosted 42 female students from secondary schools and universities who were invited to spend the day at Cisco offices to gain an understanding of the opportunities the ICT sector holds for their future and a deeper insight into professional fields and courses of study that may be overlooked when choosing a career.

The MENA offices participated with one agenda over TelePresence where female andmale leaders at Cisco shared their backgrounds and experiences, discussing how they developed their careers to reach leadership positions.

The girls had the opportunity to test their skills, ask questions, make important contacts and get to know Cisco employees in person. This is even as they also met other students from different backgrounds and nationalities from different countries in

Continues on Page 27

Agu: The Nigerian software lion has roared

London Olympics: NBC partners Facebook

24 —Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012

Imagine Cup: As it usually is

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Y this day last week the 2012 edition of the Imagine Cup was over. To refresh memories, the Imagine Cup is a global contest in software design that has become the equivalent of the football World Cup. 106 teams from 75 countries participated, including Nigeria’s representatives, a pair of students from Obafemi Awolowo University, IleIfe in the competition powered by software behemoth, Microsoft Corporation which held in Sydney, Australia.

Being an annual event, Nigeria was also represented at th same competition last year

by Team Nerd from the Federal University of Technology, Akure. I wondered what happend to them this year. Also last year, the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON) held a national software competition at the Tinapa Resort in Cross River State, which was helped along with the generosity of the Liyel Imoke-led government..

Apart from the initiatives of some governors, what has other governments done about spurring IT development among our youths, beyond the usual rhetoric on dates like Children’s Day, May 29, October 1 and any other occasion where its is politically expedient to spew forth more rhetoric?

It was disheartening that the Nigerian team at this year’s Imagine Cup crashed out in the first round of the contest. I did not expect much more given the circumstances of their journey from Lagos to Sydney. Information reaching me indicates that Nigerians who travelled to Australia for that software contest missed their flight, and after a gruelling 21-hour flight arrived Sydney Saturday, the day presentations began, after missing the opening ceremony the preceding Friday.

My personal inquest and interest is: to what extent did anybody support Nigeria’s representatives, or is it nobody’s job? I was not at Sydney, but information at my disposal indicates that the boys could have done better with a little more support. National teams from other countries had home support, waving their countries’ flags, with supporters wearing t-shirts branded in their national colours. Our boys didn’t have that kind of support.

The laptops they had were old, and were rescued by the sponsors who gave them laptops to use. In o t h e r words, we have software students who d i d n ’ t have cutting-edge technology computers to use.

They are smart students with poor tools.

Even last year, Team N e r d which represented Nigeria had trouble with their laptops, which was hanging and caused them problems during their presentation.

Even from their school, not much. Ahead of the contest, very few people in their faculty knew these boys were going to faraway Australia to represent not just the school, but the nation.

Put simply, this attitude will not help us as a nation. We can find money for our soccer stars, but we can’t find money, and the time to nurture and culture the nation’s brightest in software design.

Pshaw!!!

This year ’s Imagine Cup has come and gone.

Let’s hope that against next year, and for the other software contests that our youths will participate in, some mandarin in some office in Abuja will write the appropriate memo to the decision makers who will make the necessary funds available so that our representatives can shine.

We can find money for our soccer stars, but we can’t find money, and the time to nurture and culture the nation’s brightest in software design

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Nokia goes gaga with 41 MP 808 PurView smart phone UST how smart do you think that a camera J phone with 41 megapixels can be? That is exactly what the latest Nokia smartphone phone, the Nokia 808 PurView spots. At first it sounds unbelievable, but that is Nokia, always revolutionising and creating devices with stress -saving apps and features that make it difficult to drop a Nokia device no matter how old.

For instance,the new 808 PurView has something in it for everybody no matter the reasons for buying a smartphone.

For photographers, the device spots a Carl Zeiss lens and radical new PureView technology which makes photography just fun. The device allows the user to take photos with extra ordinary details and creativity and interestingly, a tap on the photos, opens a smart door to sharing the files on facebook, twitter, YouTube or even a big screen TV. Besides the excellent camera megapixels and the ground breaking image technology, there are a range of brilliant apps in Nokia 808 PureView that

give the pictures and videos a whole new social life. The photos can get real-time feedback with GetMeRated app, the user can easily get his network updated with pictures using Pikchur or watch and share high-quality videos with Vimeo. There is also the Postcard on the Run app which allows for creation of real postcards from the images. Most of these apps are easily downloaded into the phone through the Nokia Store.

For those who love expedition, the new Nokia device is unique with its fast zoom which enables it to shoot in low light or film full HD video with top quality

Nokia 808 Purview sound.

Traditionally, tdrama of the darkness or a fun night out is always a photographic challenge.

But with the Nokia 808 PureView the powerful Xenon flash and LED video light is handy, ready for spontaneous moments when spirits are high and the lights are low.

For music lovers, the PureView captures crisp, clear audio, including low bass sounds that normal camera phone microphones may not pick up. In fact, it can record up to a thumping 140 decibels without distortion. It’s also the first

smartphone to feature Dolby Headphone, to enable the user plug in any stereo headphones and listen in pure Dolby surround sound.

For a Journalist who craves for accurate and undiluted information of an event, backed up with real live pictures, theNokia PurView is a companion.In fact, he's got a camera and a recorder in one piece as the device allows you to take crisp shots as well as capture activated voice interviews on the spot For Geeks and mobile freaks, the Nokia 808 PureView brings all the clever features expected of a Nokia smartphone. It lets you find your way with Nokia Maps, play games with the latest games and entertainment apps and can easily hook you up to the business world with business and social networking features that spring from the latest version of Nokia Belle.

However, the low side of this device comes from the realisation that it runs on the dated Symbian OS. Another, is the 500 pounds estimated price tag, which suggests that it takes people with deep pockets to afford it

—By Prince Osuagwu

Ukraine wins 2012 Imagine Cup, clinches $25,000 prize money even take their product to

BY EMEKA AGINAM, who was in Sydney, Australia

E

VEN as Ukrainian Team, quadSquad took the top position, taking home US$25,000 price after a keenly contested competition in the software design category which was the top in the series of awards at the just concluded 10th annual Imagine Cup, the world’s premier student technology competition, honoring student technology innovations that address the world’s toughest problems held in Sydney, Australia, organizers of the competition, Microsoft has urged the students to be their own boss after their graduation.

Next generation of software entrepreneurs

One thing which was clear at the end of the contest was that the next generation of technology innovators may have emerged following the innovative solutions developed by the competitors. However, Microsoft Imagine cup is a way for young entrepreneurs, innovators and developers to have an opportunity to develop an idea, create a product, set a clear business plan and

market.

Meanwhile, the winning device, Enable Talk, from the Ukrainian team uses a pair of gloves equipped with 15 flex sensors and a microcontroller that continuously recognize sign language patterns, which are then transmitted via Bluetooth to a Windows Phone device that uses the Microsoft Speech API and Bing API to translate. Their project allows deaf individuals to communicate verbally using customdesigned sensory gloves and a smartphone application to translate sign language gestures into speech.

“We were inspired to help our friends who are hearing- and speech-impaired to have the ability to communicate like everyone else,” Maxim Osika, Team quadSquad, said, adding that , “The Imagine Cup is an amazing experience; we’re thrilled to be here learning from the experts around us.”

It would be recalled that in 2004, more than 275 million people globally had moderate to profound hearing impairment, 80 percent of them in low- and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organization’s most recent data. With health

Okoya Timileyin and Oludayo Alli, the two students from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, during their presentation at the just concluded Microsoft Imagine Cup software competition, in Sydney, Australia. Photo: Emeka Aginam. solutions being the major focus of all projects at the event, Swift Emergency Response (SwiftER) developed by team Nigeria from the the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife to improve the response of medical, security, fire and other services to emergency situations was also among interesting and innovative solutions showcased at the event.

Nigerian team to push further their solution Although team Nigeria did not make it in the sec-

ond round despite good outing, their solution directly affects the general populace who find themselves in critical emergency situations; especially countries with no unified helpline/emergency hotline. It is believed that their solution if fully deployed by the Nigerian government including those in the private sector will definitely address health challenges in emergency situations in the country and the rest of the world.

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012— 25

Cisco arms women with ICT solutions Continues from Page 23 met other students from different backgrounds and nationalities from different countries in the region.

These developments mark significant milestones for technology in Africa and testify to the whirlwind of information and communications technology (ICT) developments in

the region.

But much more than that, they also send strong signals to African men that the fure of African leadership may have started a journey into the hands of the women. Otherwise, Seretse wouldn’t have said that “I was delighted to participate in the inaugural session for Cisco’s Africa

Women Leadership Network Program as I see it as a very worthwhile initiative that will inspire and grow young women who are our future leaders in the continent. As the African proverb goes, if you educate a man you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a nation”

Broadband: NigComSat hooks up iDirect

BY PRINCE OSUAGWU

O TOUR: From left, Basil Akinbinu, Country Manager, Sierra Leone; Isaac Sakey, Area Human Resources Manager, Anglophone Africa; Randy Buday, Managing Director, Anglophone Africa; and Kader Coulibaly, Country Manager, Ghana on a tour of DHL’s Gateway office at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.

C M Y K

N THE HEELS of a successful NigComSat-1R launch last December and In Orbit Delivery (IOD) on March 19, 2012, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) has

decided to boost the growing African broadband market with a deal that would see the deployment of iDirect universal satellite hub evolution platform .

The deal which happened at the weekend, according to the duo of

iDirect Regional Vice President, Europe, Mr. Majdi Atout and NIGCOMSAT Chief Executive Engr. Timasaniyu Ahmed-Rufai would see iDirect deploying an evolution-based service to boost the growing broadband market in Nigeria and the West African sub-region.

According to the duo, “the iDirect Evolution platform will enhance NIGCOMSAT’s existing Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) solutions for military and government customers, while enabling the company to pursue new opportunities in the enterprise and education markets”. iDirect, the Herndon, Virginia-based United States of America (USA) Company is a global leader in satellitebased Internet Protocol (IP) communication technology company. It is a subsidiary of VT Systems of USA. The deployment of the iDirect universal satellite hub will enable NIGCOMSAT, Africa’s Premier Satellite Operator, to offer affordable internet services to the military, government, education, enterprise markets among others.

The statement quoted Ahmed-Rufai as saying that “We believe that high-speed internet has the potential to transform the Nigerian economy, hence our partnership with iDirect to deploy a satellite network that affordably supports increasing broadband penetration in the region”. He added that “iDirect’s solutions enable us to offer a broadband service that meets the diverse requirement of multiple end users, and can grow to meet further connectivity challenges.”

Regional Vice President for iDirect in Europe, Mr. Majdi Atout on his part said “there is tremendous potential for growth in Africa, but much of that potential hinges on developing an infrastructure that can support high-speed data sharing and broadband internet access.”

He explained that “the iDirect platform offers NIGCOMSAT a highperforming and flexible solution that supports the company’s goal of building a more open and connected Africa.”

26—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012

Glo to partner Ekiti govt on job creation

M-health 'll help reduce maternal mortality, says Nwasor

BY EMMA ELEBEKE

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GAINST the backdrop of Nigeria's poor maternal health profile in Nigeria, the Catholic Medical Association of Nigeria, CMAN recently held its international scientific conference in Lagos, with the theme: Marshall Plan for Reducing Maternal Mortality in Nigeria”. One of the resource persons was a USbased Nigerian Scientist and Information Technologist, Charles Asor, who spoke on “Using mHealth to Improve Maternal Health in Nigeria. After the conference, Hi-Tech cornered him to examine the prospects of leveraging Mobile Health technology in transforming the delivery of maternal health services that would lead to elimination the increasing rate of maternal mortality in Nigeria. Excerpts: Tell us what mHealth is all about. mHealth is a self discipline that falls under information technology or eHealth. It concerns the use of mobile and wireless technologies to achieve some objectives. So, mHealth leverages wireless communications and other radio based communication technologies and also other technologies like mobile technology diagnosis devices, all which can be deployed to the backlines of healthcare workers, especially in the rural areas, to midwives and community based workers and have those

systems fixed and send out information to patients and anchor points. It can also be linked to major hospitals in the urban settings. With this system, information can be dispatched to midwives and other health workers from these major hospitals so that they can extend quality health care to those in the rural settings.

What opportunity does this hold for the Nigerian telecom market?

The interesting thing about this technology is that the opportunity in Nigeria is growing by the fact that Nigeria has one of the fastest growing teledensity rate in the world.

Nigeria teledensity was 1.89 percent in 2002 but now 72.20 percent, representing about 4,000 percent increase. So, it creates an opportunity for what I call, disruptive innovation, leveraging local technologies to change power of incumbent. As far as health is concerned, the power of incumbent needs to be disrupted to reduce the current rate of child and maternal mortality rate in Nigeria. It is estimated that about 45,000 Nigerian women die every year in complications related to healthcare. That translates to about 109 Nigerian women and girls dying ever day. We are second to India as the most dangerous place in the world where expectant mothers die like those in war time.

We have the capacity to stop this. Mobile technol-

BY EMMA ELEBEKE

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ogy provides us the platform we can leverage to do this, using the high makes those problem Mrwe Charles penetration z rate have Nwasor more pronounced. So, to in the country. avoid this situation, I sugWhat are the likely gest that we adopt new ways to apply this techmodels that are working nology? within our system like the It is to educate those in midwives training rural community through scheme. For any entity mass mobilization. You considering the adoption can also use it to enhance of this technology, it must health care coordination do a clinical work flow, management, using it as locate the clients, rethink an engagement platform them, know what you and making patients to need before you can deunderstand that they are ploy the technology to participants in their own make it more efficient. So, care. Again, it can be you need to do design used for clinical decision work and establish Key support, where specialists Performance Index, KPI, who are in urban centres which help you monitor, based on reports they get evaluate and anticipate from midwives make speresults. Maintenance culcific decisions that will ture is also required help them prevent unnecwhich is absent in Nigeressary health problems, ia, leaving a stock pile of that may refer them to citprojects all over the counies, especially where try. The bottom line is that there is poor road network. we can no longer watch Where and when has and allow a vast majority this technology tested? of our people die of premHealth pilots have ventable cause of illness. been on in Ghana and It is time to act. I'm happy Senegal, trying to reduce to have this platform to mother and child death work with Catholic docwith the use of mobile tors. I'm confident my intechnology. teraction will be able to This technology can be strike a chord to bring idea great equalizer to the as in terms of what servcurrent issue we have in ices should be provided to our system but if the soprovide quality healthlutions available are care to mothers and evenblindly applied, it will tually turn around the magnify the negative eftrend of high maternal fects in the sense that if mortality in Nigeria. you adopt it wrongly, it

N

BC Olympics, a division of the NBC Sports Group, and Facebook will collaborate during the London 2012 Olympic Games to serve fans of the Olympics like never before.

The NBC Olympics page on Facebook will feature the most up-todate news and information, and will engage fans of the Olympic Games with featured polls, photo galleries, trivia and shareable images. Fans that “LIKE” NBC Olympics on Facebook will have the opportunity to unlock exclusive content made available to NBC Olympics fans. NBC Olympics has also launched a Facebook timeline app on NBCOlympics.com, so users can share the London 2012 Olympic Games content they are consuming with their friends.

As part of the collaboration, NBC Olympics’ coverage of the London Games will include the launch of Talk Meter, a new Facebook data tool.

C M Y K

OP telco, Globacom Limited and the Ekiti State Government have concluded plans to launch a partnership which will create jobs for about 1,000 youths in the state.

As part of the deal, Globacom will provide Public Call Office (PCO) facilities including 1,000 units of parasols, power box, handsets, tables, chairs, T-shirts, caps, hawker jackets and recharge cards worth several millions.

According to the Head of Globacom’s Public Sector Department, Mr. Tunde Amunikoro, the project which is being coordinated for Ekiti State by the State’s Job Creation and Employment Agency,

is designed primarily as a poverty alleviation scheme.

Amunikoro explained that Globacom’s impetus for the project goes beyond profit. “In Globacom we are driven by the need to provide affordable and quality telecoms services and we are also driven by the need to economically empower members of our operating environment”, he said.

The company has so far taken its poverty alleviation efforts to 17 states including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, while plans are in top gear to reach out to more states.

By doing this the company said it intends to get more and more Nigerian youths off the streets into gainful employment.

Aptech unveils new ICT training centre

BY EMMA ELEBEKE

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S part of efforts aimed at boosting ICT education in Nigeria, renowned IT training Institute, Aptech Limited, has unveiled a new package called Multimedia and Animation training Brand Arena in Nigeria.

Aptech's CEO, Mr. Ninad Karpe, said, having a strong foothold in Nigeria with over 12 Aptech Computer Education Centres, Arena Multimedia entered Nigeria with two centres in Lagos and one in Abuja, while 10 new centres are in view in Nigeria in the next few years.

On the benefits of the programme to Nigerian students, he said that the programmes has credit

transfer arrangements with Middlesex University; enabling student’s to pursue a degree programme with significant cost savings.

“We have been consciously developing newer products and markets to cater for students looking at career education in diverse geographies. Arena has an extensive network of centres across five continents and we see Nigeria as a favourable market for Arena’s growth. Arena has already taught more than 350,000 students in the past and is looking forward to offer the same skill-set that sets it apart in teaching animation.We believe this is the right time to launch Arena in Nigeria. ”

Dell boss visits Nigeria, plans new deal

BY EMEKA AGINAM

F London Olympics: NBC partners Facebook The new tool will inform viewers about stories, results, athletes and events that other fans of the Olympic Games are talking about on Facebook.

Representatives from Facebook will work with NBC editorial teams to produce social media segments that will air throughout the Games across the networks of NBCUniversal that are carrying Olympic coverage. In addition, the results of a daily poll that users can vote for on the NBC Olympics Facebook page will air daily on NBC, including in primetime.

“With the Olympic Games being one of those rare cultural moments that everyone talks about, people will watch the games on NBC and engage with their friends and favorite athletes on NBC Olympics’ Facebook page,” Andy Mitchell, Strategic Partner Manager at Facebook, said adding that , .

“NBC’s viewers will get to see what Olympic athletes and others connected with the Games are talking about on Facebook, adding a new element to NBC Olympics’ coverage. By sharing what they choose to watch on NBC Olympics.com,

people will identify the events and highlights that are important to them and discover other Olympic moments through their friends.”

“NBC is committed to engaging fans and consumers on every platform,” Gary Zenkel, President, NBC Olympics” said, adding that, “Social media is an important part of how fans consume and interact during the Olympics. We are thrilled to be collaborating with Facebook to serve fans as they watch and celebrate the London Olympic Games.”

OR further reposition its brand in the the Nigerian market the founder and chief executive officer of Dell Michael Dell recently visited Nigeria even as it traded ideas with its partners by unfolding its agenda for the market.

With this development, Dell was intending to reciprocate the commitment of the partner community by shouldering some of the burden of the Proof of Concepts though direct input or discount structure to maximize the reach and impact.

Other initiatives considered include a local Dell Lab to showcase her range of solutions in a 'touch and feel' manner to offer customers the opportunity of experiencing the solutions in a live environment, the provision of Engineer certification facilities in-Country so that

partners do not have to incur huge travel expenses and visa inconveniences to go overseas for certification, while at the same time giving more partner engineers the opportunity of the required skills acquisition.

The setting up a credible service center to give the customers assurances of after sales support, the consideration of an industry standard Data Center in Nigeria for co-location, and also to push Dell’s cloud offering were also among initiatives by Dell.

Meanwhile, Dell's selected partners who were invited for a closed door meeting during the visit included Austin Okere, Founder and CEO of the Computer Warehouse Group, Mr. Andy Nwani, Founder and CEO of Dataflex, Mr. Gbolahan Olay-

omi, CEO of Equipment Hall and Mr. Emeka Maduibuike, Managing Director of Systemtech Group.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012 — 27

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28 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012

Arsenal give up on Van Persie

Drogba is China’s biggest soccer import W

HEN he arrived at Shanghai’s Pudong airport on Saturday, former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba was greeted as a savior.

Fans of his new team, Shanghai Shenhua, mobbed the 34-year-old Ivory Coast star, chanting his name, shooting photos with their phones and waving Ivory Coast and Shenhua flags before he hopped into a black BMW with the team’s director.

Later in the day, Drogba said at a press conference that his move was about more than his reported $300,000a-week salary, which would make him one of the highestpaid players in the world.

“Money is not the most important,” he said, the Associated Press reported. “I am here for a whole new experience.”

China, the world’s biggest exporter, is now becoming a key importer of 30something-year-old soccer stars, and Shanghai is the leading destination. At the beginning of this year, Shanghai Shenhua signed Nicolas Anelka, Drogba’s former Chelsea teammate, to help propel it to the top of the Chinese Super League.

During his first game, against rivals Beijing Guoan, Anelka scored and then raced to the visitors’ end to celebrate with a small contingent of fans who traveled to the capital. But the team lost 3-2, and Shenhua has been lackluster ever since. It is now ranked 12th in the 16team league, just three places above the relegation zone.

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OBIN VAN PERSIE returned to training with Arsenal yesterday insisting he still wants to quit.

And it seems the Gunners have given up on their skipper staying too, as their latest online catalogue does not even feature him.

Now the £30million-rated Dutch striker is demanding fresh talks with boss Arsene Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis.

Van Persie, 28, wants his future sorted out before the squad leave for a Far East tour on Saturday.

An Arsenal spokesman confirmed: “Robin returned to training on Monday as expected and made it clear he wants to sit down and resolve the matter of his future, either way, as soon as possible.

“No date has yet been agreed for that meeting.”

Van Persie, who has a year left on his Arsenal deal, is wanted by Man City, Man United, Juventus and Real Madrid.

But last season’s top Premier League scorer, with 30 goals, does not feature at all in the latest online club catalogue.

There are even club T-shirts for lesser lights such as Per Mertesacker.

Van Persie helped launch the Gunners’ new home kit in April but he has been airbrushed out of the latest online brochure, which highlights the team’s new purple away kit.

RVP wants to quit the Gunners to chase football’s biggest prizes but if the matter remains unresolved by the weekend, he will still go to the Far East.

•Drogba

Chelsea to cough out £60m for Cavani, Oscar C

•Cavani

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HELSEA will have to pay over £60million to land Napoli hitman Edinson Cavani and Brazilian playmaker Oscar in a sensational double swoop.

The Blues are ready to pay £35m for Uruguayan star Cavani, who tore them apart in last season’s Champions League.

But Napoli could push them higher for the man who is earmarked to replace Didier Drogba.

And with owner Roman Abramovich sparing no expense to defend the club’s Champions League title, he has also sanctioned a £25m deal for Internacional’s Oscar.

Earlier in the summer, Napoli were demanding in excess of £50m for Cavani, who has scored 66 goals in his two seasons in Naples.

But they are now ready to start talks at a more realistic price.

Internacional president Giovanni Luigi last night confirmed he is close to an agreement for Oscar, 20, who is in Brazil’s team for the Olympics.

Luigi said: “I want the transfer of Oscar to be the biggest deal ever in Brazilian football — and the Chelsea offer isn’t far from that.”

Carlos Vela joins Real Sociedad from Arsenal

C

•Oscar

ARLOS Vela has signed a permanent deal with La Liga side Real Sociedad , leaving Arsenal after seven years at the club.

The Mexican striker was on loan with the Spanish team last season, making 35 appearances, and chipping in with 12 goals and seven assists, finishing as top scorer for the side.

Vela has previously played on loan at Salamanca, Osasuna and West Brom as he failed to nail down a place in the Arsenal first team since joining the club in 2005.

Vela is expected to put the finishing touches to the deal on Tuesday, though Sociedad have already announced the agreement with Arsenal, with an official presentation set to take place on Thursday.

Vela has represented Mexico at every youth level, playing at the Under 17 and Under 20 World Cups, and was a part of the senior side for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

•V

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012 — 29

Debuchy insists on move to Newcastle M

A T H I E U DEBUCHY has told Lille: Make my Newcastle dream come true.

The France right-back is a £7million target for Magpies boss Alan Pardew.

And despite interest from Italian giants Inter Milan, Debuchy, 26, insists he has his sights set on a move to the North East. He said: “My priority is to join Newcastle, although Inter also enquired about me.

“I am committed 100 per cent to the fact I want to leave Lille, I want to discover another championship.

“The coach wants to keep me

and I will not change his mind, but I will do everything I can to move elsewhere.”

However, Lille bos Rudi Garcia has no intention of letting the defender leave the club until a replacement has been signed.

He warned: “If we cannot find a new player, then Mathieu is under contract.” But Debuchy added: “Ten, 15 players have been suggested to them and still nothing happens, there has to be some good will, it disappoints me and it bothers me.”

Van Persie •Debuchy

Pardew wants Carroll stay at Toon

A

LAN PARDEW has confirmed his desire to bring Andy Carroll back to Newcastle.

The Geordie striker, 23, left the Toon for Anfield on transfer deadline day in January 2011 for £35million – the record transfer for a British player. Carroll has endured a miserable time during his 18 months on Merseyside and wants to head back to Tyneside after discovering he is not in the plans of new Reds boss Brendan Rodgers.

Newcastle are keen to make the deal happen having seen an opening offer of a season-long loan deal turned down.

Pardew said: “We’ve got a great team here, a great squad, and if Andy Carroll comes it’ll only add to us.

“By that whole process is a little bit more involved with the chairman and the board at Liverpool.” Pardew revealed he is taking a back-seat on negotiations, with Toon’s owner Mike Ashley heavily involved.

He added: “Sometimes transfers are done at corporate level. I’m slightly detached from that. It’ll be what it’ll be.

“It’s been said that he’s available, and if we’re involved, then we’ll be involved because of the figures, not anything else, because we know he’s good enough.”

•Carroll

London 2012 Olympic

•Blake and Bolt

Blake on Bolt: Win or lose, we’re friends B LAKE confirmed he will be the main threat to Bolt’s 100m and 200m crowns when he beat the Olympic champion over both distances at the Jamaican trials.

“Win, lose or draw we are friends, even though it is business and he wants to win and I want to win,” said Blake.

The men’s 100m and 200m finals are on 5 and 9 August respectively.

Blake’s performances in Kingston at the end of June delivered worldleading times in both events and established his credentials as a potential successor rather than just leading bridesmaid to Bolt in London.

Blake is the reigning world champion over 100m after winning in Daegu in 2011 in 9.92 seconds, although that victory was achieved after world record-holder Bolt was disqualified for a false start in the final.

Six days later Bolt stormed to victory in the 200m to underline his status as favourite for both sprint titles in London.

Blake believes that his decision to leave his school coach in October 2008 and join Bolt under coach Glen Mills at the Racers Track Club in Kingston has helped him chip away at that aura of invincibility ever since.

“Every time in training I want to win but he’s always there. So I say ‘OK, how am I going to win on the big day?’” added Blake.

“That’s why some of the

time I tend to be at the front so when I get on the track I can say ‘OK, I beat him in training’.”

Far from resisting Blake’s rise, Bolt has been key in helping to develop the man he dubbed ‘the Beast’ and tipped as a future rival back in 2009.

“He will say to me: ‘Yohan, look, you’re not doing this for the people, you’re not doing this for the fans, you’re not doing

this for your family, you’re doing this for yourself.’

He can motivate me,” added Blake.

When we discussed making a film about whether anyone could beat Usain Bolt in the 100m at the London Olympics, I was sceptical.

The idea of him losing when it mattered seemed far-fetched. But as the last year has shown us, Bolt is certainly beatable.

Olympic organisers take emergency measures at waterlogged venues

L

ONDON 2012 chairman Lord Coe has admitted the recent inclement weather has led to serious challenges, with emergency measures being taken at waterlogged venues including Greenwich park and Eton Dorney.

Organisers have also admitted defeat in their attempt to sell all 8.8m tickets for the Games, removing 500,000 football tickets from sale and cordoning off areas inside grounds outside London for some matches.

The weather has proved most challenging at more rural venues such as Greenwich park and Eton Dorney, where tracks are being laid for vehicles and spectators advised to wear wellies and wet weather gear. “This is proving quite a challenge to us.

We’ve got waterlogged

sites, we’ve got resurfacing taking place, particularly in some of our more sensitive sites, our more rural sites,” said Coe. “At Greenwich park and Eton Dorney we’re laying down a trackway and surfaces for spectators and vehicles, now and through the Games. We’re building additional shelters for our workforce.”

The Guardian revealed last week that contingency plans were being drawn up to deal with the incessant rain, in case it continued throughout the Games. Coe said events could be rescheduled if necessary.

“We have got the contingency of extra days available to us in rowing and equestrian sport as a last resort,” said Coe. “We are overlaying, putting down tracks and temporary surfaces.

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30 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012 — 31

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32 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012—33

Bukky Wright unhurt after auto accident T

OP Yoruba actress cum director, Bukky Wright who was involved in a nasty auto accident in the early

hours of Monday June 16, 2012 is unhurt, hail and hearty.

The actress who spoke on

•Bukky

phone with E-Daily said the accident which occurred along Epe-Ajah road was indeed nasty but she came out of it unhurt safe for slight bruises on her hands, legs and some parts of her body Thank God nothing serious happened to me. After a tire burst open the motor somersaulted twice before running into an electricity pole by the road and ended up in a ditch. Apart from bruises on my hands, legs and body I am totally okay” she explained.

Hajia Bukky Wright, as she is called by close friends was full of praises (in Arabic) to God for keeping her alive and said contrary to reports that she was going to a movie location she was actually going to her shop in Ikeja when the unfortunate incidence ensued.

And also debunking reports that she was rushed to the hospital because of her dire condition, the beautiful actress said “ I wasn't really hurt I only went to the hospital for check up.

You know it is date, all the plans are underway and wise to do it is very exciting.” that. I came Kym, who has a son and daughter back home from a previous relationship and was a l m o s t also married to ex-EastEnders actor immediately Jack Ryder for seven years, added: and I am “In my personal life, I will change only resting my name to Lomas but I’m not sure to put the about my professional name. whole affair “I did it last time and people didn’t take to the name Kym Ryder very behind me” quickly. Then I had to change it back again.”

Kym Marsh to marry fiance amid proof of infidelity K YM Marsh has said fiance Jamie Lomas was "an idiot" to get snapped with a woman in a hotel room - but insists their relationship is solid.

Former Hollyoaks star Jamie made headlines in April after he was pictured lying on a bed with a woman who claimed he told her he was single.

But Corrie actress Kym told Woman's Own her partner had simply been foolish - and revealed the pair are still excited about tying the knot.

Referring to the hotel photographs, she said: "I know Jamie better than that. Yes, he was an idiot - he shouldn't have let anyone in his room and he acknowledges that, because he left himself open for people to set him up, but that's it.

"It will take more than that to split us up."

They had parted and reunited before Jamie proposed on New Year’s Day 2010.

He later spent months in the US working, leaving Kym at home with their baby Polly, before the hotel incident in Leeds. And Kym, who plays Michelle Connor in the Street, told Woman’s Own he was now back in the US. She explained: “There is a project bubbling under that he is involved in.

“People criticise Jamie for going away but he’s going to try to find work. Would people prefer he sat on his backside?”

With him in the States, much of the wedding planning is left to Kym but she confirmed: “We’ve set the

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•Sylvester

Sylvester Stallone speaks on son's death

S

YLVESTER Stallone, star of Rocky and Rambo's fame has been a very sad father after the death of his son, Sage. The actor who turned 66 early this month even refused to pick calls wishing him happy birthday and even shunned calls on his birthday.

Sage, a 36-year-old film producer, Stallone's eldest son from his marriage to Sasha Czack, is thought to have to have died from drug overdose at his Hollywood home.

Sage is thought to have lay dead for four days before he was found on Friday.

A post-mortem examination on Sunday proved inconclusive and family members will now have to wait up to six weeks for the results of toxicology tests.

But Sylvester has called for an end to speculation over the tragedy.

Sly tells TMZ.com: "When a parent loses a child there is no greater pain.

"Therefore I am imploring people to respect my talented son's memory and feel compassion for his loving mother Sasha.

"This agonising loss will be felt for the rest of our lives.

"Sage was our first child and the centre of our universe and I am humbly begging for all to have my son's memory in full left in peace." on Monday Sage's lawyer said he died just days before he was due to get married Lawyer George Braunstein said Sage was to wed his longterm girlfriend later this week in Las Vegas and insisted he had not deliberately taken his own life.

Mr Braunstein stressed there was "no indication that there was anything wrong in his life".

He denied that Sage was a drug addict and said he rarely drank.

Bisi Komolafe not married yet

S

•Kym

EVERAL romance tales have trailed beautiful Odunfa Caucus actress, Bisi Komolafe, who made heads swirled in her 2011 highly sensual movie 'Igboro Ti Daru'.

Bisi who gave her teeming fans a load of her sexy thigh and laps, playing the role of a stripper in the movie was recently reported to have married her Canada-based fiance in a secret wedding.

But the Voluptuous actress has confirmed to E-Daily that while she is truly engaged there is no truth in any report that she married secretly. “ our wedding will be soon and when it comes you will be first to know. As of now, I am single. I wouldn't want to delve into the details because my fiance does not like any publicity. He is a quiet man” she affirmed

•Bisi The story about Bisi and her fiance, Tunde Ijaduola became an altarbound romance when a traditional introduction was said to have held between Bisi's family and Tunde's in Ibadan in December of last year with both families giving their blessings.

34 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY,

JULY 18, 2012

Rtd Naval officer in arms mess ••26 cartons of live cartridges recovered

By EVELYN USMAN & RUTH CHUKWUEMEKA

O

NITSHA market, commonly referred to as the commercial city of Anambra state is usually a beehive of activities, as traders travel from other parts of the country to buy goods for retail purposes. This is because goods are reportedly sold at cheaper rates compared to other big markets across the country. For instance, men’s singlet is one of the fastest moving businesses in the market as traders prefer to buy there than in Cotonue, Benin Republic.

The reason why singlets are sold cheaper in the market was recently unfolded following the startling recovery of ammunition that were neatly concealed inside twenty-eight cartoons packed with singlets.

The goods which were conveyed in a white Volkswagen bus with plate number XT 537 LSD was reportedly loaded from Seme boarder en route Balogun market at Trade fair complex in Lagos, when some policemen from Trade Fair division of Area ‘E’ command, stopped it for a search. Suspecting there could be more to what the driver of the bus gave as contents of the sealed carton, the policemen reportedly took the car to the station where they demanded to know what was inside.

During the search, 26 cartoons of live cartridges concealed

inside cartons of T-shirts and two bags of beans were discovered.

The driver of the vehicle, one James Korinjoh later discovered to be a retired Naval Officer was arrested. Recovered also in the vehicle, according to Lagos State Police Commissioner, Mr Umar Manko, were a Naval Warrant Officer’s ‘WO2’ uniform, ID card, beret cap and shoe belonging to the military. Investigations, according to Manko, extended to Onitsha, Anambra state where one Maduabuchi Udeh ,suspected to be one of the owners of the consignment was arrested. The Police boss alleged that Maduabuchi offered the sum of N61,200 to the police team to influence release of the consignment but was arrested in the process.

In this interview with the 54 year-old driver of the vehicle, James, he denied having knowledge of the contents in the sealed cartons maintaining that his job was simply to convey the goods to the designated point. Without any remorse, James said, “ I am a retired Master Warrant Officer. I retired in September 2010. After retirement, I started transport business. I did not know those things were there on that day, I only looked at it from the surface and asked him what were inside and he told me they were vests.”

52-year-old man, Valentine Duru, has been arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate Court in Lagos, for alleged fraudulent usage of counterfeit seal of medic 55, procold cap, Freecold plus, Mixa grip Caplet, all bearing the semblance of Orange Drug Nigeria Ltd products.

Duru was arraigned on a four-count charge of fraud, breaking and stealing, offense punishable under Section 364 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

However, the accused pleaded not guilty to all the charges preferred against him.

The charge marked as B/26/ 2012 read in part: “That you Valentine Duru ‘m’ and others C M Y K

*Military instruments instruments discovered in the vehicle

Asked why he was still with military uniform after retirement, he replied, “ I was not putting them on . Rather, they were inside the car. You see, on this route, drivers are usually disturbed by policemen and motor park touts. So, what I did was to put the uniform and my ID cards to scare them away.

*Policemen displaying some cartons of cartridges c cealed inside the vests.

They are just there as a source of scarecrow. He explained that he met Ejike in a drinking joint. Asked if he regretted his action, he replied, “ It is unfortunate that I was arrested for what I know nothing about because I served the country well and will not be a tool for corruption. When I was

arrested, I put a call across to Ejike informing him to come down but he refused.

I even lied to him that the policemen demanded for bribe in order to release me and the goods. He asked me to send one of the policemen ‘s account number but I told him that was not going to be possible considering the Inspector-General of Police stand on bribery. In other to convince him

52-yr-old man arraigned, remanded

at large sometimes in the month of July 2011 at Orange Drug Limited, Ilupeju, Lagos in the Lagos Magisterial District stole (1) Delta Medicated and Antiseptic Soap, (2) Beytucean Cream,

,

A

Area E commander, Ach Okoro starring at the recovered goods

Sealed cartons

Fake-drugs

By BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

*SUSPECTS: Madu(r), James(l)

properties of Orange Drug Ltd.” According to the Charge, Duru and others at large sometimes in the month of July 2011 broke into the Warehouse of Orange Drug Ltd, Ilupeju, Lagos and committed felony therein and

Duru was arraigned on a fourcount charge of fraud, breaking and stealing, offense punishable under Section 364 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011

(3) Canex Cream, (4) Temporate Cream, (5) Sudrex, (6) Medik 55, (7) Procold, (8) Boska, (9) Exadon Tablets valued N10 Million,

,

thereby committed an offense punishable under Section 307 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

Duru was also said to have

conspired with others at large to commit felonies namely; House breaking and stealing, sometimes in the month of July 2011 at Orange Drug Limited, Ilupeju, Lagos and thereby committed an offense punishable under Section 409 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

Meanwhile, Magistrate F. Davies-Abegunde granted bail to the accused (Duru) in the sum of N2 million, two sureties who are to be Directors of their own- with certificate of incorporation, statement of account, three years tax clearance and must be residence of Lagos State.

The matter was adjourned to August 16, 2012 for hearing and the accused could not fulfill his bail conditions, which lead to his being remanded in prison custody.

Suspect: Duru

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012 — 35

to come down, I also explained that should they begin investigation if we were caught, the account would indict us. I thought this will make him come down so that I would be exonerated but he never showed up.”

The second suspect arrested alongside James was 27 year-old Maduabuchi, who hails from Enugu state. Madu, as he is popularly called, explained that he was into joint business with Ejike , claiming he never knew who the ammunition were sold to. “ I gave Ejike the sum of N230,000 .

Ammunition in the goods

I am not the only one that gave him. Other traders are also involved in the joint business. I joined them in February, last year.

What Ejike does is to go to Ghana to buy goods and sell same in Onitcha at cheap rates.

The very first time I saw the ammunition in the goods, I asked him what they were and he said it was to make up the gain, that is, to make up for the goods sold at cheap rates. If I had known this is how it will end, I would have put my money into another business. What they do is to trade with the joint money for a year and six months after which we will all share the accrued gain. conWe were to share the gain by August . Now, I do not know how to get out of this mess, let alone getting to start life all over again because as it is, I have lost everything . And to think that I borrowed some of the money is worse for me.”

Efforts, according to Manko, were still on to track the alleged kingpin, Ejike and other suspects. Meanwhile, he informed that the arrested suspects would be charged to court.

d in prison

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Human rights abuse bane of modern policing — CP Manko •As Crime victim foundation graduates 250 police personnel on rights desks

By RUTH CHUKWUEMEKA

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AGOS State Police Commissioner, Umar Manko, has described human rights abuses as major hindrance to modern policing.

The state police boss made this assertion on the occasion of the 14th graduation ceremony of police personnel selected from various formations and trained on how to respect human rights vis-a-vis policing by the Crime Victims Foundation of Nigeria (CRIVIFON). The ceremony which was held at the police officer ’s mess, Ikeja was attended by security experts and stakeholders in the sector..

According to the CP, the era of brutalizing suspects for the purposes of obtaining information was gone adding that a suspect remains as such until proven otherwise by a court of competent jurisdiction.

He, therefore, charged graduating police personnel drawn from the human rights desks to show high regard for the people’s rights while carrying out investigations.

Issues of human rights He said: “Issues of human rights are issues that have been giving the police headache, we have been accused of abusing human rights. It is a good thing that the officers are being tutored, lectured and equipped to be defendants of human rights. Modern policing is all about civility, respect for other people’s rights. So, all of you who are graduating today must show high regard for rights of the civilian populace.”

Corroborating the Police Commissioner ’s assertions, guest speaker of the occasion, Mr. Olasupo Ojo, said the police is only an integral part of the populace maintaining that it was impossible for the members of the force to treat the civil populace with disdain. He, therefore, called for more understanding and cooperation between the police and the local populace. According to him, “whether the police and the people are friends or not depends on how the police treat the people and vice-versa.” He encouraged the police to respect human rights saying that, “once you obey human rights, you are obeying the law.”

The Executive Director, Crime Victims Foundation (CRIVIFON), Mrs Gloria

Egbuji expressed satisfaction with the impact the inculcation of the human rights desk at the various police formations across the country has achieved saying, “The importance attached to the awareness of human rights today is reflected in the number of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) disseminating information on human rights to the citizen. This fight for respect and protection of human rights of the citizen have witnessed the emergence of well over 300 NGOs working actively in various fields of human rights showing the extent of the importance of the subject today in Nigeria.

“The officers have been trained with a view to making Lagos Police Command a model in policing, Community partnership and police officers who respect the rights of the dignity of human persons. The policemen have been trained on Basic Human Rights Law, and Law enforcement, Police powers, Use of Firearms, Dealing with Victims and Suspects and Witnesses of Human Rights Abuses,

Vulnerable groups, Investigative interviewing, Communication Skills, ADR, Case Management. They were also trained in all the rights enshrined in Chapter 4 of 1999 Constitution drawing examples from other International settings and interpersonal skills. Bail is free in this country and therefore, it should not attract any monetary gain. Anybody that is being

*Mrs. Gloria Egbuji, Executive Director CRIVIFON conditioned to pay for bail has the right to speak out and report to the appropriate authorities.”

POLICE GRADUATION: CP Manko presenting an award to woman corporal, Juliana Ethan at the occasion.

Magun scare: Court stops 34 yr-old woman from marrying ‘Ifa’ worshipper

By BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

A

N Oshodi Customary Court in Lagos has dissolved the five-year-old marriage of a 34-year-old nurse, Mrs Taiwo Akinode, with her husband whom she claimed was an ‘Ifa’ worshipper and had planted ‘magun’ on her because he did not trust her.

Expressing satisfaction with the judgment delivered by the court president, Mrs R.I. Adetola, the estranged housewife said: “my husband had planted ‘magun’ on me because he does not trust me, he thinks I am promiscuous. I almost lost my life before my relations came to my rescue and it was discovered that he was the culprit. He does not have respect for my mother, whenever she tries to intervene in our disagreement; he will extend the beating to her.”

She noted that her marriage with the 37-year-old mechanic,

Toyin Akinode (her husband) was as a result of a prophesy she received from her pastor confirmation him as her rightful husband, saying “he did not marry me properly. He is very fetish, he has been threatening me and my mother and I cannot take it anymore, that is why I filed the divorce.”

Denial of allegation The respondent (Akinode), did not deny the allegations and urged the court to proceed with the dissolution of their marriage because he was also fed up with the marriage. He pointed out that his wife was aware that he was an “Ifa” worshipper before he married her five-years. “She was aware that I am an “Ifa” worshipper before I married her five-years ago, now she wants a divorce over my religious background. I prom-

ise the court that I would pay the maintenance fee.”

Akinode said he would prefer to visit his children at school to avoid any trouble with his former wife, noting that his mother in-law would always support Taiwo. The court then pronounced the dissolution of the marriage and ordered that the respondent pay the sum of N4, 000 monthly to the court registrar for his children’s maintenance.

The court said: “I hereby dissolve the marriage between Toyin and Taiwo, since both parties are tired of the marriage and both consented to the dissolution. The two children of the marriage should be in the custody of their mother since they are still very young. Any aggrieved party can appeal against the judgment within the next 30 days.”

36—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012

US Airways plane which crashed into the New York Hudson River

Why our planes crash (6) The summary of the final report of the Presidential Task Force on Aviation Industry submitted by the Task Force team headed by Air Vice Marshal Paul Dike (rtd) on March 2006

,

There are too many domestic operators relative to the size of the existing market.

This has greatly diminished their financial robustness. It has also resulted in over concentration of services on the few developed (lucrative) routes such as Lagos, Abuja, Port-Harcourt, Benin, Kano, Calabar, Enugu and Kaduna

,

Continues from yesterday 3.1.3 What comes out of this analysis of recent global trends in air accidents and, is relevant to the work of the Task Force is that: (i) Recent fatal aircrashes are associated with a mediocre (poor) safety record; (ii) The unsatisfactory safety record of those affected is associated with small carriers in poor countries i.e. small operators with very limited resources. (iii) Globally, the major airlines (with their superior safety records) did not register any fatal crash.

3.1.4. It is widely acknowledged within the aviation industry that the economic status of operators affects, among other things, their level of compliance with aircraft maintenance regimes. With a lean purse, the opportunity cost of aircraft maintenance in relation to other conflicting demands usually results in cut backs.

Areas commonly affected are those that are not easily noticeable such as maintenance and training. Although their effects take longer to manifest, inadequate maintenance and training are critical to industry safety. Very often, the smaller operators, because of their low revenue, try to barely comply with the stipulated requirements. This also leads to what is commonly referred to in the local aviation parlance as “cutting corners”.

3.1.5 The modus operandi of the aviation industry with respect to aircraft maintenance is correct and consistent oversight and application of the appropriate standards by qualified personnel, without fear or hindrance. The regulatory agency is expected to ensure that airlines carry out necessary maintenance tasks on their aircraft as and when due. Compliance with applicable safety and security standards is mandatory.

3.2 Observations 3.2.1 Current Status of the aviation industry 3.2.1.1 The Task Force addressed its mind to the activities of two broad groups within the Nigerian aviation industry namely Airline Operators and the Aviation Agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Aviation.

Airline Operators 3.3.1 There are too many domestic operators relative to the size of the existing market. This has greatly diminished their financial robustness. It has also resulted in over concentration of services on the few developed (lucrative) routes such as Lagos, Abuja, Port-Harcourt, Benin, Kano, Calabar, Enugu and Kaduna. Furthermore, the type of aircraft in use precludes its deployment to alternative routes.

Most of the aircraft in use are in the Boeing 737 category and higher. In view of their relatively

also accused of skipping some scheduled maintenance all together. All these result in inadequate aircraft maintenance despite the serious safety implication of doing so.

3.3.3 Only a few airlines have their own hangar. These facilities are used almost exclusively for maintenance of the aircraft of the respective owners. The Airline operators informed the Task Force that tax is charged by NCAA on third party maintenance. For this reason, airlines without hangar are discouraged from using the facilities available at other airlines and, are more or less forced to maintain their aircraft abroad.

larger capacity in relation to the smaller aircraft, the former cannot be deployed economically on smaller routes which can act as feeders to the major routes. At the same time, the fact that too many such wide-body aircraft is operating on few routes, means that each airline can profitably operate only few services a day. In the final analysis, some of the Airlines do not generate enough revenue to support such operations. In addition, aircraft that should be flying earning revenue is sitting on the tarmac longer since it can only operate few flights a day.

3.3.2 With limited •Air Vice Marshal Paul Dike (rtd), revenue due to fierce chairman, Task Force on Aviation Industry competition, majority of the airlines barely earn suffi- Airlines that have no standard cient funds to keep afloat. This maintenance facilities of their own makes it difficult for them to com- perform in-house routine aircraft ply with the stringent safety re- inspectors and maintenance in quirements and standard of the the open. This has several safety industry particularly with respect hazards including the exposure to scheduled aircraft mainte- of maintenance personnel and nance. The Task Force was told sensitive aircraft systems to health that some of the airlies instead of and environmental hazards, recarrying out the relevant mainte- spectively. The high cost of mainnance checks as and when due, taining aircraft abroad tends to request extensions on flying further erode available resourchours and, that the regulatory es. This in turn, compels the opauthority (NCAA) sometimes erators to see ways of minimising grants extensions beyond the al- operational costs, to allow for lowable limits. The airlines were Continues on page 37

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012—37

Why our planes crash (6) run, though relatively cheaper to purchase, older aircraft have strict maintenance regimes which ultimately, cost the airline more money if operated correctly. To achieve this, the airlines find that they must continue taking short term bank loans since no new equity fund is available to most of the indigenous airlines. The airlines, therefore, have accumulated bank loans of unfavourable tenure and repayment terms.

3.3.6. Shortage of experienced and qualified aviation manpower, occasioned by the rapid expansion in domestic airlines, and the near collapse of NCAT has encouraged high turn-over of the few suitable hands. The large indigenous airline have been accused of poaching some of the best pro-

ticularly has also raised the incidence whereby pilots from one airline jump to "moonshine" for another airline. This “pirates practice" has infact degenerated, it is alleged to the ridiculous extent that pilots have been drafted as "co-pilots by their colleagues to aircraft which they have not been type-rated, to be "ratio operators", thereby contravening all know rules in the industry. This trend constitutes a grave safety risk; should the pilot suffer a heart attack the plane would be left without a co-pilot.

3.3.9 Another dangerous practice reported at the interactive sessions, was the propensity of pilots to fly more than the stipulated hours required of them every month. Furthermore, the ex-

of licensed personnel, certified products and approved organisations; (IV) the provision of air navigation services (inclusive of meteorological services, aeronautical telecommunications, search and rescue servicThe aes charts and the distribution of information); and (v) the conduct of aircraft accident and incident investigation.

These responsibilities are hinged on the need to promote and conduct safe and regular aircraft operations, in accordance with International Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs). The quality (i.e. the health/safety) of aircraft operations within the across borders and indeed throughout the world depends on the effectiveness with which (individual) member states carry out the above oversight functions. (vi) The Federal Ministry of Aviation as the apex organ of the Federal Government for air transport handles the formulation of general policies on all global aviation matters and the general conduct of safe air transport operations; management of airport facilities; domestication and implementation of the regulations of the ICAO; and training of personnel for the aviation industry in Nigeria.

Air traffic control

President Jonathan mourning the dead at the Dana plane crash power the absence of pilots for the duration of standard simulator training may adversely affect flight operations. All these have added to the reasons for shortening simulator training, some of which have been known to last only three days. The Task Force was informed that there were two types of simulators training abroad. The first type is the regular simulator training which is done in conformity to the standards of the host country. The second type of simulator training is tailored to the amount of money the trainees are ready to spend.

In this case, the simulator training lasts according to the funds available and, usually, pays little attention to the required standard. In these ways, currency, which is a standard requirement of pilots is often compromised to the detriment of safety.

3.3.5 With limited revenues and a slim capital base, most of the indigenous airlines are unable to acquire newer generation aircraft.

The prevalence of older aircraft places additional maintenance burden on the airlines. In the long

fessionals because of their relatively better conditions of service.

This threadbare situation encourages a lot of unhealthy practices in addition to the high turnover of personnel between airlines.

Interactive sessions The Task Force was informed during the interactive sessions that high turn-over of personnel has bred indiscipline among pilots who are in high demand and can be easily absorbed. This is inimical to safety since pilots are no longer afraid of sanctions as they move easily to other airlines even the they arae sanctioned by another.

3.3.7 The number of new entrants to the professional groups within the industry has been hampered by absence of regular/reliable ab-initio training for over a decade. Thee are very few new entrants to the sector because NCAT has been unable to graduate students for long.

3.3.8 The shortage of pilots par-

tra hours are not logged to avoid the law catching up with the offending pilots.

3.3.10 The staff of some of the airlines also alleged that some operators instruct their pilots not to log snags but to put them down on pieces of paper which are eventually passed onto the engineers for rectification. The problem here is that there is no way for the pilots or any other person to check whether or not such faults were actually rectified. This is against standard practice and has obvious safety implications especially where he observed faults are eventually not corrected.

3.4 THE FDERAL MINISTRY OF AVIATION (FMA) 3.4.1 Under the Chicago convention on International Civil Aviation of December 7, 1944 (and its Annexes), member states are responsible for; among other things: (I) the licensing of operational personnel; (II) the certification of aircraft, air operators and aerodromes; (III) the control and supervision

Other responsibilities are the provision of air traffic control and services within the Nigerian airspace in line with the established global standards and procedures; the provision of advice and awareness on all aspects of Meteorological Services required for national socio-economic development and general security over the Nigerian airspace.

3.4.3 Nigeria is a signatory to the Chicago Convention. The Ministry of Aviation, which has statutory responsibility for aviation matters has devolved some of the responsibilities arising from Nigeria’s ICAO membership on Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCCA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT).

3.4.4. The Task Force observed that the organisational structure in the ministry is dominated by non-aviation professionals.

3.4.5 Between 1960 and 2006, there have been 29 Ministers of Aviation. With the tenure of a minister averaging one and half years, there is hardly time to settle down, set priorities and goals for the Ministry, devise appropriate strategies for attaining these goals, establish a conducive work environment, and stimulate employees and inspire good performance in the pursuit of the set goals. The high turn-over of leadership of the ministry is further aggravated by the frequent changes in policy.

To be continued

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Continues frompage 36 some profit. Industry analysts informed the Task Force that one of the areas which their operators seek to save cost is cheating on scheduled aircraft maintenance by either skipping or seeking unnecessary extensions.

3.3.4 There is no flight simulator in the country for civil aviation uses. Flight crew and their inspectors, therefore, have to be sponsored by the airlines for recurrent training abroad. The simulator training abroad is generic and not tailored to the particular needs of Nigerian operators.

Moreover, it appears that the cost of full simulator training of between 8-12 days is too high for many of the operators. Furthermore, due to shortage of man-

The shortage of pilots particularly has also raised the incidence whereby pilots from one airline jump to "moonshine" for another airline.

This “pirates practice" has infact degenerated, it is alleged ,to the ridiculous extent that pilots have been drafted as "co-pilots" by their colleagues to aircraft which they have not been type-rated, to be "ratio operators", thereby contravening all know rules in the industry

,

38 — VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012

Can I get pregnant this way?

Dear Bunmi, When my boyfriend and I have sex, he always withdraws at the last moment. But I’ve heard that I can still get pregnant this way.

We don’t use condoms and I’m worried that I might be expecting because of what we’ve been doing.

Anita, by e-mail.

My mother prefers my first wife!

Dear Bunmi, Some years back, I took a second wife. My first wife and I have three children between us, but it was always understood that being a Muslim and coming from a polygamous home, I might take a second wife which I eventually did.

But my first wife took an unhealthy dislike to this poor girl because she’s had a kid for her previous husband. Well, I was a father of three too!

The long and short of it is that I was retrenched and couldn’t afford two homes. I told my wife we would all have to live under the same roof and she hit the roof! She said that would happen over her dead body.

She’s made appreciable progress in her job, and without telling me had bought a middle income flat from the state government. She then moved out before the date I said the second wife was moving in, and my mother, who had all along been living with us, moved in with her!

It was like a betrayal. She said she had always lived with us, was used to my first three children and didn’t want to entrust their welfare to a maid. Moreover, she said she was so used to looking after her own grandchildren such that she wouldn’t know how to look after a stranger ’s child— her way of showing her disapproval for this new wife of mine.

I have threatened her, but she remained adamant. She

has settled into this new flat with my first wife, but this is wrong. She is my mother, and I want her with me. How can I make her see that her loyalty should be to her son?

Kenneth, by e-mail.

Dear Kenneth, Since you haven’t divorced your first wife, she’s still very much your

My son is now talking about their getting engaged and the thought that she could be around permanently is killing me. It is one thing to be bedding a casual girlfriend, but not a secredaughter-in-law! o n d sponsib i l i t y along with her children. I don’t see any reason why your poor mother should be forced to take your

marriage, so does your first wife have a right to enjoy her peace of mind which, thankfully, she can afford.

My son’s wayward girlfriend Dear Bunmi, I am in my 50s and have been married for over 25 years. I recently met one of my only son’s girlfriends and my life has never been the same again. Her body is simply wonderful; well-stacked boobs and glowing skin and she wears all the revealing clothes

She pays me for sex!

Dear Bunmi, I have this ex-girlfriend who is married to a brute who ill-treats her and starves her of sex. I used to be wildly in love with her but she jilted me.

I have just been separated from my wife and live alone.

When she heard about the break-up of my marriage, she came to me. I am not financially buoyant and I told her so.

That was how I found out about the abusive bully she’s married to. He is rich and she doesn’t want me for material things. She then suggested we meet for sex so as to comfort each other and we’ve been doing that fairly regularly.

My problem is that she would disappear for weeks,

side. She might be your mother, but she’s grandmother to three children.

Count your lucky stars as very few wives get along with their mothers-in-law.

Your decision doesn’t have to be abided with by your wife or your mother— this is a new millennium remember? Just as you now have all the time in the world to enjoy your

then suddenly turn up to cook meals for me and leave money after we’ve made love. I feel like a gigolo though I could use the money.

Where do you think all these would lead?

Jack, by e-mail.

Dear Jack, Your guess is as good as mine. Your lover obviously loves the financial gains of her ‘unhappy’ marriage and is not prepared to give it up. She never promised anything more than the good times you can give each other.

Make the most of it but don’t forget to leave room for a more lasting relationship if you intend to remarry.

that are the rage these days.

For months I fantasised about having sex with her.

Then she started making teasing remarks to me and flirting with me behind my son’s back. To cut a long story short, we are now lovers and I give her most of the financial support she needs.

My son is now talking about their getting engaged and the thought that she could be around permanently is killing me. It is one thing to be bedding a casual girlfriend, but not a daughter-in-law! She said she loves my son and is quite keen on marrying him.

What can I do to stop this marriage?

Yakubu, by e-mail.

Dear Yakubu, You can do absolutely nothing if your son decides to marry his girlfriend. You have already made a fool of yourself by not only lusting after her, but taking her to bed. You might be going through a midlife crisis, but what a way to massage your ego!

Wedding bells haven’t started ringing yet.

If and when they eventually do, I would cut my losses if were you and pray that my indiscretion never comes up.

Dear Anita, Interrupting sexual intercourse in this way is one of the oldest and simplest ways of reducing the risk of pregnancy. Yet it’s hugely unreliable. A man expels tens of millions of sperm every time he has sex. Just one escap-

ing before he withdraws is enough to fertilise an egg, and make you pregnant.

The use of condoms protects a woman against not only pregnancy but disease. Please use them and do not rely on any other person to take care of your sexual health. As ejaculation nears, a man surrenders all control. At that critical moment, your well-being is irrelevant to his needs.

Next time he tries this method on, bring out a condom that you have at the ready! In the meantime, get a pregnancy test kit from the chemist to find out if you’re pregnant.

He makes me feel so special Dear Bunmi, I’m divorced with grown-up children and have a decent job.

Two months ago, I received a text message from a work colleague saying how he felt about me and some of the things he told me were really flattering. For once in my life I felt really special. In all the years we were married, my husband never spoke to me that way.

I’ve always liked this man but never thought he’d fancy someone like me. We’ve seen each other a few times since. The only problem is, he’s married. My head is saying that having an affair is wrong but my heart is saying the opposite. I just can’t get him out of my mind.

Anifat, by e-mail.

Dear Anifat, The attention of a man who you believe was unavailable to you could be very flattering, and he’s very eager to massage your ego

with honeyed words. He’s obviously pressing the right buttons but what’s his plan? He may have strong feelings for you but it’s obvious he wants to sleep with you as often as he can. Yet where do you envisage things will go from there?

Becoming a married man’s bit on the side or consenting to some kind of romantic experiment with him in which he tests his love for his wife is an unacceptable proposition. You need a man who is able to offer you love and commitment that any woman deserves. Do not compromise.

Having a secret affair with another woman’s husband will bring you nothing but humiliation. Tell him, ‘thanks but no thanks.’ Make a decision to find a man who’s single and a suitable match— there are so many honest, decent handsome men out there who would give you the love you need.

My daughter-in-law swears at the kids Dear Bunmi, My daughter-in-law uses bad language when she shouts at my three grandchildren— all under eight. She uses horrible swear words then warn them not to mention it to their father. As a result, the kids are frightened of her and withdrawn. When my son asks them what’s wrong, they eventually reveal their secret.

This infuriates her more and they get another mouthful of abuse from their mother. My grandchildren are well loved and cared for otherwise. They mean the world to my son though he can be difficult to live with. I’m so worried.

Nana, by e-mail.

Dear Nana, You’re right to be worried about your daughter-in-law. Because she’s dissatisfied with her lot and your difficult son, she hands her

children pain and anguish.

Don’t tolerate this cruel behaviour. The hurt these kids know now will shape their future lives.

Find a time you can have the undivided attention of both of them and speak candidly to them. Offer them your unconditional support in resolving their problems. But point out that their children’s suffering is unnecessary and horribly unfair. Say bluntly that for them to continue in ways that harm their kids is unacceptable.

To protect everyone’s happiness they need either to live together peacefully or admit that their relationship is utterly rotten and then part. However your son and his sad wife respond to your intervention, continue to give them and your grandchildren infinite love. The sin here would be not to step in. This would give their kids continued pain.

Share your problems and release your burden.

Write now to Dear Bunmi, Vanguard Newspapers, P.M.B 1007, Apapa, Lagos. or bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

Vanguard Vanguard,, YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 LIBRA; Full-Moon across Aries/Libra axis may bring you personality clashes base on envy from the other party.

Slow down and give peace a chance at least for now.

SCORPIO; Full-Moon in Aries points to possible misunderstanding (probably) within your working arena. This is the wrong time to fan the embers of discord.

SAGITTARIUS; Although the full-Moon is generating tension, your wish is to have your good time. It’s wrong to under-rate the havoc jealousy can wreck.

CAPRICORN; Full-Moon across Aries/Libra axis will bring pressure from many fronts, the more noticeable ones are career/business and domestic related types AQUARIUS; Full-Moon in Aries warns you to watch what you sign and verbally agreed to do. If you fail to respect the law, it’ll back-fire very soon.

WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY,, JULY 18, 2012 —39

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

I

S laziness a sin?

If you are still doubting this, let me illustrate: Supposing you have a child and you spent all your resources on him. You trained him from primary school

The sin of laziness to the university level and at the end he got his first degree. Thereafter, you send him back to read for his master and PHD (Doctor of Philosophy) de-

TERROR MUDA

grees.

At the end of it all, you asked him to come and work in your firm. Alternatively, you secured employment for him in the bank or in an

in “Never say goodbye”

oil company. Yet, he refused to work whether in your firm or any other one.

Now has this son of yours not sinned against you? This is how we are to God, our Creator...

By Lanre Kehinde

PISCES; Today’s full-Moon in Aries does not encourage carelessness with money as such can actually lead to avoidable but serious troubles. Avoid jealous approach ARIES; Full-Moon in your Star sign will encourage you to under-rate many to their resentment the way you too’ll be negatively affected. Don’t ignore your spouse TAURUS; Full-Moon in Aries warns you to do away with whatever can not be placed above board. Take your health seriously today more than before GEMINI; Today’s full-Moon in Aries can tempt you to expose your love life unnecessarily. Separate your private/personal affairs and open friendship CANCER; Full-Moon will certainly affect your mood and make you aggressive but, encouragement of tension along your career line and/or within your business circle can not help your cause now. Protection of your image is important however.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Princess Shii’

By Andy Akman

LEO; Full-Moon may bring you what you’re likely to see as an insult but in reality it is not one. You only need to be on the right side of the law so that you’ll have the last laugh to the detriment of your opponents. Discourage of jealousy within you.

VIRGO; Full-Moon across Aries/Libra axis may generate tension around you but, the best way for you not to be the loser is to make sure your finances are well protected.

Then green eyed monster called jealousy may make things a little bit difficult.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

Basic characteristics of Pisces Pisces is 12th of the twelve Zodiac signs ruled by mysterious Neptune. It quality is mutable while it element is water. Mutable aspect of Pisces indicates that people born under it are changeable, by this I mean they change their minds often times. Being a water sign, naives of this Star have very strong intuition and can flow into anybody heart and/or mind.

Neptune as the ruler of Pisces brings compassion and ARTISTIC talent into Pisces born people’s creativity quotient. Neptune rules psychic related thing and many of things that cannot be placed above board; Neptune makes most natives of this star sign secretive, hard to understand and dreaming.

Two opposing fishes as joint symbol of Pisces oftentimes responsible for occasional confusion suffer by all natives of Pisces one time or the other. It is truly important for them to learn how to control both their emotion and mind.

Because it is easy for Pisces people to become pessimistic unnecessarily The reasons are while one of the fishes may head for optimism and day dreaming, the other’s inclination may be of fear, despondency and timidity. Thus, confusion can creep in and that will be to the detriment of their confidence.

Cultivation of practical nature and adoption of realistic method in all you do will be of great importance. It is equally important for Pisces born people like you to take psychic related things more seriously because they can make use of psychic and/or spiritual related things.

C M Y K

VIRGINIA

Commen3

dadadekola@yahoo.com

by Lawrence Akapa

40 —

V anguard AY, JUL Y 18, 2012 Vanguard anguard,, WEDNESD WEDNESDA JULY

MIDWEEK SERMON

with SAM EYOBOKA sameyoboka@yahoo.com

Corruption: Church has a role to play — Cleric PASTOR Emmanuel Oludare Omole is the senior pastor of Covenant Life Christian Church, Ikotun, Lagos. In this interview with OLAYINKA LATONA, preparatory to his annual convention which begins today with a theme “We are more than conqueror”, the cleric spoke on the state of the nation, urging Christian leaders to stop chasing material things and be united to challenge government on terrorism.

T

HE journey into ministry The journey has been very wonderful and challeng-ing. It was a bit rough. People were skeptical see-ing a new church springing up, but God has pro-ved Himself that He is the one that called us. I was a minister of God in the Redeemed Christian Church of God for 15 years before God gave me the direction to start this ministry.

Corruption and the Church of God The Church has a role to play in curbing corruption in Nigeria; but it is unfor-tunate that some of our leaders go to churches only to display their wealth and fail to preach the undiluted gospel for their congregation. The society, families and in-dividuals also have their roles to play in ridding the nation of corruption. It is not enough to point accus-ing fingers at the leaders: every family should en-sure that they impact morality, integrity and ho-nesty into the coming ge-neration.

How can insecurity be tackled in the country?

When the head is sick the whole body is affected. The Federal Government cannot deny the fact that they do know those be-hind all these problems. Some people made serious statements after the last general elections which I think Federal Government should not

*Pastor Emmanuel Omole have taken lightly; but these people are walking the streets freely.

Recent-ly, a political leader said there will be bloodshed if the next election if.... Such people ought to be arrest-ed and prosecuted but they are freely walking about.

Some persons are making the country un-governable for the presid-ent because they think Aso Rock is their birth-right. That is why Nigeria needs a tough president who can take decisions that will benefit the mass-es. We need a no nonsen-se man. I can tell you that Obasanjo is one of the best presidents this country has produced. I love the humble look of

Executive Secretary, NCPC, Mr. John Kennedy Opara (m) in a warm embrace with the special adviser to the Borno State governor on Land Matters, Hon. James Pelachiroma in Maiduguri Airport during a sensitization visit.

*Anglican Bishop of Ika Diocese, Rt. Rev. Peter Onekpe, presenting a certificate of priestly ordination to newly ordained Rev. Ferdinand Iyasere during the ordination of priests and deacons at St. Michael Anglican Church, Ute-Erumu in Ika North East Local Government of Delta State, July 1, 2012

Presid-ent Goodluck Jonathan but he is too gentle con-cerning the issue of Boko Haram.

Do you support the call on Christians to defend themselves when attack-ed?

Our orientation is differ-ent from that of the other religion.

The other relig-ion can fight for themselves but Christians cannot; but Christians are not fools.

Christian lead-ers should speak! Christian leaders are too quiet and I think that is what Boko Haram is taking advantage of. Majority of our Christian leaders are not proactive. Its only a few of them that are de-crying killing of Christ-ians. It is better we let these people know what we stand for.

Word of advice to ministers of God Ministers of God should know that we have the responsibility of preach-ing the undiluted word of God on the pulpit because If the pulpit is sick the people will be affected.

Ministers of God should go beyond miracles, visions and prophecies but train, nurture and fill them with spiritual foods and when there are challenges they will be able to stand on their own.

Time has come for Christians leaders to look beyond materials and physical things and tell the leaders the truth. In the olden days, kings usually went to the priests to seek advice, admonition and prayer but reverse is the case now. It is priests that now run after kings for money and how to fill their belly.

BRIEFLY...BRIEFLY...

Jonathan okays 2 airlines for Christian pilgrimage PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has approved two air carriers for this year’s Christian Pilgrimage operation. Briefing newsmen in Abuja, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, Mr. John Kennedy Opara disclosed that Atlas Jet Air-line and Messrs K S Travel/Empire Aviation services were appointed by the president to airlift Christian pilgrims to the Holy land from October 25 to December 24.

Opara said the president also approved two other Air Carriers namely: Easy Link Aviation Service and TAT Nig. Ltd to be on standby in the event of failure of any of the first approved Air Carriers. In line with due process, he said that Technology Evaluation Committee was set up comprising members of NCPC, Federal Ministry of Aviation and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to see to it that criteria for assessing the proposals were based on the require-ment in the advertisement and also in the Standard Bidding Document given to each bidder.

Anglican church decries insecurity in the country DIOCESE of Benin, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has lamented the high level of corruption in the nation, insisting that the development has hindered the economic growth of the country, reports GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE. A communique at the end of its “Third Session of the 16th Synod” also decried the unabating religious unrest and bombing of churches by the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, the insreasing rate of kidnappings and armed robbery, saying that a situation where citizens were not free to live in any part of the country was unacceptable.

Lara George, Sinach others for Eagles Praise 2012 COME Friday, leading gospel singers will practically bring down the heavens at the 2012 Eagles Praise concert powered by Glorylanders Family Choir of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Yaba Lagos.

Gospel singers including Lara George, Sinach, Cohbams, Emizon and Bayo Adesuyi, among others are expected at the concert scheduled for 8.00 p.m. at the church's national headquarters in Yaba. It will also feature comedians such as Mc Shakara, Elenu, Larry J and Ajibade and comperes are Lolo and Double O. General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Rev. Felix Meduoye is chief host.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012—41

C M Y K

42—V anguard, 42—Vanguard,

Y 18, 2012 WEDNESD AY , JUL JULY WEDNESDA

Russia under pressure as rebels bombard Damascus S

YRIAN security forces yesterday coninued to battle rebel fighters that have closed in on Damascus. and forced many of them to flee, but Information Minister Omran Zoabidenied media reports which he said “do not reflect facts on the ground”.

“What is happening is that some armed elements infiltrated Damascus and tried to make a move in one of the areas.

But the security forces surrounded them and dealt with them - and are still dealing with them,” he told Reuters.Syrian rebels said they shot down an army helicopteryesterday as they battled government forces backed by air power and artillery in the fiercest fighting to hit Damascus since the revolt against President Bashar al-Assad erupted last year.

Rebel officers said thousands of fighters had converged on the capital, a government stronghold during 16 months of turmoil, to bring the battle from Syria’s turbulent provinces into Assad’s power center.

But it was not clear

whether either side could deliver a decisive blow.

Free Syrian Army fighters said they had killed 70 members of the security forces and pro-Assad militiamen known as shabbiha over the past 24 hours.

The encroachment of violence into the capital came as United Nations envoy Kofi Annan said he hoped the U.N. Security Council would be able to reach agreement on a Syria resolution.

The council is due to vote on Wednesday on a Western-backed resolution that threatens Syrian

•President Bashar al-Assad

•President Putin

authorities with sanctions if they do not stop using heavy weapons in towns, but Russia has said it will block the move.

move forward on this critical issue,” Annan said in Moscow after meeting Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.

AU troops plan fresh offensive on Al-Shabaab T

HE African Union and Kenyan government are fresh planning a joint offensive in Somalia, trying to take the last remaining stronghold of al-Shabab in the city of Kismayo.

The Somali armed group has been losing strategic ground in recent months, but it is feared that the fighters are being driven underground, sparking a long drawnout guerilla war.

The al-Shabab armed group has confirmed the fall of the southern town of Afmadow, one of their last remaining bases, to African Union and Somali forces.

“The Kenyan and Somali troops have now entered Afmadow. No fighting took place inside the town,” Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, spokesman for al-Shabab’s military operation, told Reuters on Thursday.

AU Group picks Rwanda for UN Security Council seat

BY UDUMA KALU

R

WANDA has been nominated by the African Group as its candidate for the UN Security non-permanent member Seat. The African Group has three non permanent seats on the Security Council, all nonpermanent. Six other countries were listed for UN Vice Presidency seat.

The countries are: Algeria, Angola, Congo, Ghana, Kenya and Sierra Leone. Nigeria was however nominated into three Commissions. These are the Commission on Population and Development where it will serve along with Chad and Madagascar. The second is the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, which has other member s like Cameroon, Ghana and Namibia. The third Commission is on Science and Technology for Development where other countries like CamC M Y K

“I would hope that we will continue discussions and hopefully find a language that will pull everybody together for us to

Video uploaded by opposition activists showed Damascus buildings and shops that were set ablaze by what they said was rocket and artillery fire. One showed a grocer sweeping out the scorched contents of his shop as smoke still rose from the back.

“I couldn’t sleep at all.

There was shelling with artillery and helicopter gunships from midnight until 6 in the morning.

They didn’t stop firing for a single minute,” said a Damascus resident, contacted from Beirut by telephone.

eroon, Central African Republic, Liberia and Zambia also members.

Rwanda is the only African country nominated for the non-permanent security seat and is already endorsed by the African Group.

The African Group is yet to fill these positions, just as it it is yet to fill up two positions in UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRL) which has seven seats.

They are to be filled by Northern and Southern sub regions.

The African Group has already submitted its list of countries to fill its UN vacancies to the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon.

The African Group has 14 seats on the United Nations Economic and Social Council and 13 seats on the United Nations Human Rights Council. The list obtained

by Vanguard from New York indicated that of the listed 22 UN organs, the

“First we fought fiercely outside the town and then our fighters left the town as part of our tactics. However, we shall not stop fighting,” he

said.

Mohamud Farah, the spokesman for Somali government forces in the Juba region of the Horn of Africa country, painted

a similar picture of how the town fell, seven months after Kenya sent troops into the country to battle al-Shabab.

UN accuses Somalia of shielding pirates

S

OMALIA’S president has shielded a top pirate leader from arrest by issuing him a diplomatic passport, according to a United Nations investigation which criticizes the “climate of impunity” enjoyed by pirate kingpins in Somalia and abroad.

The U.N. Monitoring

Group on Somalia said in a report to the Security Council, seen by Reuters, that senior pirate leaders were benefitting from high level protection from Somali authorities and were not being sufficiently targeted for arrest or sanction by international authorities.

The Group said it had

obtained evidence a diplomatic passport had been provided “with the authorization of Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed” to pirate leader Mohamed Abdi Hassan “Afweyne”, who presented it to authorities in Malaysia on a trip there in April.

Bernanke flaws Libor system

B

•Ban Ki-Moon African Group nominated 75 countries to fill them.

Committee positions already elected by the UN bodies include the Vice Presidency, Economic and Social Council, Commission for Social Development, Commission on Population and Development, Commission on the Status of Women, Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, Executive Board of UN-Women. Advisory Committee on Administration and Budgetary Questions is filled by Benin and Eritrea.

EN Bernanke, the chairman of the US Federal Reserve, has said that revelations a key interbank lending rate had been fixed were “very troubling” and undermined confidence in the financial system.

Speaking to the US Congress on yesterday, Bernanke said the disclosures, which have resulted in a large fine for British bank Barclays, showed the so-called Libor system

was “structurally flawed”.

The London interbank offered rate, or Libor rate, affects the interest on many loans. The process for setting Libor has come under scrutiny since Barclays admitted two weeks ago that it had submitted false information to keep the rate low.

“Libor is a critical benchmark to many financial contracts,” Bernanke said.

“The actions of traders

•Bernanke and banks that have been disclosed are not only very troubling in themselves, but they have the effect of undermining markets,” he said in testimony to the Senate Banking Committee.

Romney narrows search for VP, slams Obama

R

EPUBLICAN presidential candidate Mitt Romney appears to be in the final stages of deciding who to pick as his vice presidential running mate, with speculation growing that he has narrowed his choice down to a short-list of three.

Ohio Senator Rob Portman, former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty

and Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal all offer various strengths to Romney should he decide to pick one of them to join his battle to unseat President Barack Obama and his vice president, Joe Biden, in the November 6 election.

Many Republicans believe Romney will break from tradition and announce his choice well

before the party’s convention in Tampa in late August that will formally nominate Romney as the Republican candidate. Campaign officials were loathe to discuss the selection process or the short list but made clear that Romney, the former Massachusetts governor, had yet to make up his mind.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 201248—43

ANTI-KIDNAPPING BILL:

We'll confront Uduaghan — Ochei, Delta Speaker ENGR. Victor Ochei, businessman turned legislator was enthroned Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly at the commencement of the Fifth legislative session in 2011. On the occasion of the anniversary of the House recently, he spoke to Vanguard on diverse issues including Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s objection to the bill passed by the House stipulating capital punishment for those convicted of kidnapping. Excerpts:

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

O

N the efforts the House is making to get Governor Uduaghan to sign the antiterrorism bill.

The Bill it will scale through by the grace of God because we received memoranda when carried out public hearing. The government, through the chief law officer of the state, the Attorney General, made submission to the committee.

Other organisations, (and) the public have all made their submissions. So we are coming out with a very robust bill. That is one bill signed by 28 members of the House.

There is no way it will not scale through. If the governor, by the time the bill is ready, does not give assent, there is a constitutional provision of what to do and I am sure he cannot discountenance the opinion of 28 members of this House.

T

HE eye-catching picture of a bevy of lovely women flocking around the new Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Aloma Mukhtar published on the cover of this newspaper yesterday was of great concern.

Posing with the new CJN were female members of the Federal Executive Council who apparently brought a cake to celebrate the historic feat of the inauguration of the first female Chief Justice of the Federation.

Remarkably, all of the six female ministers pictured were openmouthed, teeth expressing delight at the event.Justice Mukthar herself was the exception; mouth shut, and though the outlines of a smile seemed in the making, she appeared somewhat aloof from the display of happiness around her.

A development that ordinarily should have been conducted with sobriety in the public and maybe celebrated in private by close associates of the CJN was being turned into the sort of laissez-faire weekly gathering of FEC, where ministers gather to approve contracts that are exceptionally executed.

Beyond the levity that the women ministers brought to the

C M Y K

His comparison of Delta State with other Niger Delta states in terms of development after leading members of the House to Akwa Ibom State, recently.

We rate ourselves very highly.

Now I will tell you that simply we were in Akwa Ibom. Even the governor acknowledged the fact that our effort is fantastic. The only problem we have is we probably don’t blow up the things we do.

How many cities do you have in Akwa Ibom? In Delta State, if you concentrate in Asaba alone you are going to have issues because you have Agbor, Kwale, Sapele, Warri, Ughelli, Oleh, etc.

I have counted seven cities that you must develop at the same pace and time. In Akwa Ibom there is no DESOPADEC. We have DESOPADEC here where 50 percent of the oil revenue goes into a commission to help develop the oil producing areas.

That is not existing in Akwa Ibom.

They have more funds to play

with.The workforce in Akwa Ibom is not up to the workforce in Delta State. If you juxtapose this, side by side, I used Akwa Ibom because that is the place we visited, you will realise that Delta State is doing so much but because of her complex nature people don’t get to see what is happening.

In Akwa Ibom, we saw that the governor has embarked on massive urbanization of Uyo. I cannot tell you that what I saw in Uyo was what I saw at IkotEkpene or in Eket. But I can tell you today there is an airport in Asaba we are about building one in Osubi, there is a new Government House in Asaba, we already have a Government House Annex in Warri.

How he manages divergent interests of members and the governor.

Your position as Speaker, makes you the administrative head, you liaise, take things to the

POLITICAL METABOLISM with

EMMANUEL AZIKEN

MUKHTAR’S CELEBRATORY CAKE:

Victual or hemlock? occasion was the assault on the principle of separation of powers of the three arms of government that we are increasingly being exposed to in this country.It is not unlikely that at least one or more of those female ministers that prepared the cake could have an issue to deal with Justice Mukhtar in the nearest future.

It is for this that the idea of the containment of the social lives of judicial officers evolved.

Exactly a week before the cake affair, a similar assault on the independence of the arms of government was waged when President Goodluck Jonathan hosted what the Presidential Villa celebrated as a historic meeting

of the heads of the three arms of government. resent at the meeting were President Jonathan, VicePresident Namadi Sambo, the heads of the two chambers of the National Assembly and the Majority Leaders of the two chambers, former Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Dahiru Musdapher who led an entourage that included the Acting President of the Court of Appeal, the Chief Judges of the FCT, Lagos, Kaduna and Anambra states.

Also present were the Head of Service, Bello Saleh; Attorney General of the Federation, Bello Adoke; Governor of the Central

P

*Victor Ochei governor, get approvals and all that. When contentious issues arise and if it is too difficult, I seek audience for the whole House with the governor.

So we sit down together with the governor and the 29 members and we discuss our issues where everybody is free; that which you (colleagues) have asked me to go and tell the governor, you have the opportunity to say it to him.

We have had series of meetings like that.

There is no quarter we don’t sit down with the governor to have a meeting where we trash out issues that we feel have been lingering. Maturity has taught us to go to round table and do our discussions. We have a good working relationship with the

Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Lamido Sanusi; and the Chairmen of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Larmode and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Ekpo Nta. The main agenda of the meeting was on how to deal with the mounting scare of corruption in the country.It was a needless meeting on two counts.

First, the assemblage of the heads of the three arms of government was a pointless desecration of the separation of the three arms. By converging together to deliberate on how to fight corruption, the President unnecessarily and maybe, dangerously exposed the other two arms to its own internal mechanisms and frictions.

It is not unlikely that the judiciary could have become corrupted or biased in its consideration of cases that could eventually be brought to the courts. That is regardless of whether specifics were discussed or not.

The principle of separation of powers as enunciated by the legendary French philosopher, Baron de Montesquieu which most developing democracies

have incorporated provides for the independence of all arms of government.

The independence of the judiciary entails that it must be removed from every influence of other arms of government. That includes the kind of cake that the female amazons in the Jonathan government served on Justice Muhktar last Monday.

Some may argue that the concept of the National Council of States rubbishes the argument deposed above. But no. The duty of the National Council of States is to advise the President on some of his duties including the appointment of the National Chairman of the Independence National Electoral Commission, INEC, conferment of national honours, among other sundry issues. The body is merely advisory.

Penultimate Monday’s parley on corruption was simply unnecessary.

All the administration needs to do to address the issue of corruption is to do his job.

Direct the prosecution of all those that have been indicted on several corruption investigations.

That cake was simply poisonous to our democracy.

Continues on page 43

44—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012

APGA CRISIS:

Feuding leaders must sheathe their swords — Ndigwe DR Austin Ndigwe, special adviser to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, on Inter Party Affairs, in this interview, speaks on the crisis in APGA and says that stakeholders must rebuild the party in memory and honour of late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu. Excerpts:

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

W

HAT is really behind the crisis in APGA? There is no serious problem, it is just that Sylvester Nwobu-Alor decided to fuel an artificial crisis because they do not want to conduct Local Government election in the state and because the National Chairman refused to tail towards Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State on who succeeds him come 2014.

Nwobu-Alor announced that he has dissolved the Anambra State and National executives of the party respectively. Thereafter, a peace meeting was called at the home of former Minister of Health, Dr Tim Menakaya. At that meeting were APGA stakeholders including Gov Obi, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu and others.

There, Obi was accused of being behind his uncle’s pronouncements. He, however, denied his involvement and stated that Nwobu-Alor was totally on his own. He even urged the party to set up a disciplinary committee to investigate and tackle NwobuAlor.

The party then went ahead to set up a panel, which consequently invited NwobuAlor to ask him some questions on why he made those utterances. He snubbed them and went about boasting that nothing would happen and that whatever he was doing or saying had the blessings of Governor Obi. And the moment the party suspended Nwobu-Alor, they instigated five members of the party ’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to break into the national secretariat to say they have suspended the National Chairman, Umeh, and secretary, Alhaji Sanni Shinkafi.

Umeh’s offence They claimed he has not organized convention in the last five years, has not rendered the accounts of the party and has been running APGA as a oneman show. If Umeh has committed any indictable offence, you need to follow due process through the party’s NEC to tackle it.

Don’t you think Umeh should account for N20 million he is said to receive monthly to run the party?

It’s not true. Obi agreed to provide a N10 million naira C M Y K

monthly allowance to our late leader, Ojukwu and then to Umeh for the running of the party from the national headquarters down to the wards. He ended up doing that for just about four months and stopped because he said that Umeh refused to dance to his tune.

When did the allowance start and stop coming?

This year. For the past five months he has not given Umeh a kobo with which to run the party.

Don’t you think that APGA needs peace after Ojukwu and that this crisis dishonours Ojukwu?

Despite Gov Obi’s claim to be Ojukwu’s first anointed son, he has not has done anything in honour of the man’s memory. Or how else can you explain a situation where the governor uses his old uncle, Nwobu-Alor to cause disaffection and work for the disintegration of APGA that Ojukwu worked so hard to set up? Till date no single thing or memorial has been done to edify and immortalize Ojukwu in his home state.

But barely weeks after his burial, Governor Rochas Okorocha erected a gigantic monument in Owerri after Ojukwu, to celebrate their hero.

The desired change

BY ODUA OFUANI

T

HE American Presidential system of government which we currently practice in Nigeria is said to be a system of perpetual campaigns. The end of one election is but a beginning for the next. It is just a little over one year now since the 2011 general elections and the drumbeats for the 2015 elections are already beginning to sound.

As one of the first steps, a politician set out recently for a meeting with over one hundred youths in a local government area in his state to share his vision of the future with them and the experience was quite intriguing.

As he looked around the sea of expectant youthful faces, his heart sank and his courage almost failed him. It suddenly occurred to him that the right place to begin was to ask them what their expectations were. He wanted to hear their fears, their hopes and their aspirations to guide him. The youths were quite forthright about how they had been used and abused previously by politicians. He could feel the rising level of suspicion and skepticism that he was just another politician coming to sell them the same jaded tale.

One of the bolder ones spoke about the member representing his constituency in the State House of Assembly who only picks their calls nowadays to inform them that he is either in South Africa or some foreign location and asserted that they

are waiting for him at the next election. He understood their anger and disappointment but he also thought that it would be useful to illuminate the crisis of failed expectations. Another youth spoke about joblessness, lack of empowerment and grinding poverty, and how, all around them were clear evidence of wealth from the oil fields in their land. He therefore stated unequivocally, that the youths require empowerment through provision of ‘okada’ for instance.

Another youth suggested, putting them on a payroll during the electioneering period, however long that lasts. No matter what the complaints were, they were unanimous in affirming their desire to see change in the polity.

It was now his turn to speak.

Warming up to them, he said that if the foundation of the ambitious politician’s generosity was perhaps his wealth, then, he must have an overwhelming belief in the public good that can be done through public office to invest such substantial wealth in the philanthropic gestures that are only designed to earn him electoral accolades.

He asserted that their collective experience seemed to support the latter case and that they should be concerned about the source of the expected returns on investment. Clearly, the legitimate remuneration of a legislator cannot by any stretch be the source of the expected returns on investment as it will

He has set up Ikemba Foundation, for Research and Development, with an internationally acclaimed diplomat, Prof George Obiozor as its Director General.

Why coming up with these allegations now?

We have given them time to realize that APGA is never a family affair and hence doesn’t belong to them alone. This party was founded on very sound principles by men and women of vision, honour, integrity, sacrifice and tenacity long before Obi came in from the then All Peoples Party (APP) along with the incumbent Anambra State chapter Chairman, Mike Kwentor, from his London base and said he wanted to run.

It was this same Chief Victor Umeh with Onwuka Ukwa who took Obi round, seeking and

largely be far less than the electoral expenses. To avoid possible loss on his investment, the legislator will have to engage in activities in office that are at variance with the laws.

Undoubtedly, this is the root cause of the pervasive corrupt practices that politicians are frequently blamed for. He presaged that “It will even be worse, if the source of the philanthropic gestures was borrowed funds that have to be repaid with interest before considering extra returns to the politician for his efforts”.

He then asked them whether it was still right for them to expect that their interests would be served if they ask the aspiring politician to empower them first in return for their support.

“Herein lies the danger” he said, “because the process suggested by them for gaining their support contained within it,

*Ndigwe getting the blessings of the churches, the masses and the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

Gov Obi is a Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, and we don’t have anything against that. Working for Mr. President means working for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

the seeds of future disappointment.” Now, he had their attention fully as he explained that the change that they desired called for sacrifice on all sides. “How much were they willing to sacrifice for the change they desire?” He asked, rather rhetorically.

At this point, he delivered a frank message. “Poverty is a fact of human existence but each of you can do something about it” he said. No government can outlaw poverty. Each of the youth has a responsibility to acquire knowledge and skills that will raise his usefulness to society and productivity.

This is what enhances his earning capacity and therefore his ability to deal with poverty.

*Odua Clement Ofuani, wrote in from Abuja

We'll confront Uduaghan — Ochei Continues from page 42 governor.

On what he miss as an ordinary member of the House now that he is the Speaker.

The major difference is my contribution because I cannot argue. I am now an arbiter so you only sit down and listen to both views and probably guide the stage so that it does not get out of hand.

While on the other side I had the right to argue, most times I used to come from the opposition where I can argue and sway the

argument, now I don’t have that opportunity anymore. I just have to sit up there as Speaker and rule in line with how the argument is being carried.

On the chances of Delta North producing the govern or in 2015 given perceived lack of unity.

You can have a lot of jostling from Delta Northerners; everybody is saying I want to become governor. That does not mean that they are disunited anyway because no one senatorial district can become governor without the support of others.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012—45

Nigeria’s importation of petroleum products from Niger shameful — Senators

By INALEGWU SHAIBU

A

From left: President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice president Namadi Sambo, PDP's deputy national chairman, South South, Sam Sam Jaja, Senate president, David Mark and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal during the NEC meeting of the party in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: State House

Reps indict CBN; seek review of 3 nationalised banks Continues from Page 5 ized banks be returned to their owners and the full termination of the appointment of the suspended chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Ms Arumah Oteh.

Oteh was cited for termination on the basis of not meeting the statutory qualification for appointment and incompetence in the management of the capital market.

The report which recommended the prosecution of the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mallam Laimdo Sanusi and his predecessor, Prof. Charles Soludo also called for sanctions on officials of some other regulatory institutions in the sector.

The report was articulated by the House Ad-Hoc Committee on the Capital Market led by Rep. Ibrahim Tukur El-Sudi. The ad-hoc committee initially led by Rep. Herman Hembe was dissolved following altercations between his ad-hoc committee and the suspended Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Ms. Arumah Oteh.

Details of the report obtained by Vanguard, yesterday, showed that the ad-hoc committee indicted the CBN, the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, and the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, over their roles in the nationalisation of Afribank, BankPHB and Spring Bank.

It was expressly stated in the report that the nationalisation of these banks and their subsequent change of names to Mainstreet Bank, Keystone Bank and Enter-

prise Bank respectively was a violation of the AMCON Act, NDIC Act and Section 44 of the 1999 Constitution. The report noted: “The process of transfer (of ownership) were fraught with potential forgery, unethical practices, abuse of office and various unacceptable bad corporate governance precedents.”

The report recommended that the transaction should be reviewed and investigations be carried out by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on the Managing Director of NDIC, Mr. Umaru Ibrahim; Managing Director of AMCON, Mr Mustafa Chike-Obi as well as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi to establish their levels of complicity in the deal.

Committee seeks prosecution of CAC boss, nationalized banks directors The House of Representatives Committee also called for the prosecution of the Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission, Mr. Bello Mahmud, directors of the three nationalised banks, lawyers and all individuals involved in the registration of the nationalized banks.

According to the report, all those who were used or offered themselves to be used in the various misrepresentations leading to the corporate registration of the nationalised banks should be tracked and made to face the full wrath of the law, on"while all the faceless lawyers and directors of the three nationalised banks should be prosecuted.”

Charges Sanusi for con-

tempt The House Committee also charged Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mallam Sanusi Lamido, for contempt of the House of Representatives having refused to produce on demand, the Special Examination Report upon which the intervention in eight banks in August 2008 was based. It said: “That the CBN action in disbursing N620 billion bailout funds and other intervention funds afterwards did not follow the due process of the law and the Constitution as the source of funds and the appropriate authority did not approve.

Seeks probe of former Soludo, Imala, Lemo The report also recommended that former CBN Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo; former Director Banking Supervision of the apex bank, Mr Ignatius Imala as well as Deputy Governor, Mr. Tunde Lemo who was also in charge of banking supervision be further investigated on account of their role in the banking sector crisis that led to the CBN intervention in eight banks in August 2009.

Committee calls for Oteh Sack The House of Representatives Committee called for the immediate sack of Ms Arunma Oteh as Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

According to the AdHoc Committee, her appointment should be terminated forthwith as it was in violation of Section.

3(2) and Section 38(1) and other sections of the Constitution. It said that she did not have 25 years ex-

perience in the Nigeria Capital Market as required.

The report said: "Oteh has shown incompetence in the management of the human and material resources at her disposal in SEC and displayed lack of transparency on the job."

The Committee also faulted the engagement of Access Bank Staff by SEC on secondment to SEC, saying it was unethical and may erode investor confidence, saying, therefore, that the affected personnel should be disengaged immediately.

The committee also asked that SEC to withdraw its nominees in the Council of the Nigeria Stock Exchange as a way of further boosting investor confidence.

BUJA—SENA TORS, yesterday, expressed indignation that Nigeria was now importing petroleum products from its northern neighbour, Niger.

The lawmakers who described it as the height of national embarrassment said it was the culmination of the systemic failure in the country’s petroleum industry.

Among those who spoke were Senators Ifeanyi Okowa, PDP, Delta North; Domingo Obende, ACN, Edo North; and Ita Enang, PDP, Akwa Ibom North East. The immediate past chairman of the Senate Committee on Upstream Petroleum, Senator Lee Maeba also described it as a national shame.

Noting that too many things have gone wrong for the nation to be importing fuel from Niger Republic, Senator Okowa, said: “If we had developed our refineries, we would have got out of this. If they had developed the sector to allow private investors to come in, there would not have been stagnation in the sector. Too many things have gone wrong in the sector. For me wherever we import fuel is not important for now but we need to have appropriate plan to put things in

order in the sector.”

Senator Obende on his part said: “For me, it shows that if we cannot manage our oil sector, then something is wrong. I do not know when they started because we started first, and oil is our main stay, and that we cannot maintain our local consumption shows that something is wrong.” Obende asked for a total overhaul of the sector.

Lamenting the development, Senator Enang said: “That will be a national shame, humiliation and embarrassment.

The refinery in Niger was built with about $200 million and yet we have spent over $1 billion to do turn around maintenance in our refineries which are still not working. It is a shame and I pray that the fuel will not get into the car of any big man.”

Senator Maeba on his part said: “Nigeria is a market hungry for petroleum products and so the country will go anywhere to get it where it is available. It is shameful that in a region where Nigeria is supposed to dominate in both supplies and in every other criteria that the country is now having to buy from a less endowed nation. It is rather shameful and funny.”

PHCN valuation not N200bn says NERC

By JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

C

ALABAR—NIGE RIAN Electricity Regulatory Commission, has denied allegation by National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, that Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, was valued for N200 billion and that the ongoing privatization process was shrouded in fraud.

General Secretary of NUEE and Deputy President of Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr. Joe Ajaero, had recently alleged that the purported valuation of PHCN lacked transparency and that there was plot

by Federal Government to sell the company to its cronies.

Speaking at the second seminar for Judges on

regulation in the electric power sector organised by NERC in collaboration with National Judicial Institute in Calabar, Cross River State, yesterday, Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Sam Amadi, said nobody had valued PHCN for N200 billion.

He said: “Nobody has valued the power sector to be N200 billion, we are the one who did the asset valuation based on the available asset. Two things are clear, the whole process of selling the asset will be transparent.

The committee are there evaluating them, after which the report will published for Nigerians.

“I can assure you that NERC will not approve any sell of public enterprises that is not transparent

and does not bring value to the Nigeria people. We will not accept or approve any sweet heart deal and back room deal, everything will be transparent and if there are any questionable transaction and the public write to us we will cancel that transaction,” he said.

Dr. Amadi, said that before the privatization, valuation of PHCN’s assets would be done by experts.

“The valuation for PortHarcourt Company is different from that of other distribution companies.

These are actual evaluation by experts. They will go to the field, assess the transformers, give the value and use the depreciation asset valuation method.”

C M Y K

46—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012

Edo: Clark congratules Oshiomhole

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LDER Statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, has congratulated Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State for his victory in the Saturday’s gubernatorial election and lauded the people of the state for the resounding victory.

Chief Clark said in a statement that he was not surprised by the outcome of the results of gubernatorial election of Edo State because of Oshiomhole outstanding performance

since assumption of office as the governor of Edo State.

According to him: “I was not surprise when the results were announced.

Comrade Oshiomhole's outstanding performance in infrastructural development, particularly dualisation of the Benin airport road, resurfacing of ring road and rebuilding of the Benin central hospital etc, which were landmark achievement in Edo State".

....As unionist lauds his victory ANNIVERSARY—From left: Sir Steve Omojafor; Joan Agha, President/Founder; Mr. Billy Agha, Mongr Jerome Oduntan, Vice President and Chief John Edozien, during the first anniversary of the Joan Agha Foundation, JAF, at Sheraton Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

CONHESS 10: FG, health workers meeting deadlocked zDispute referred to National Industrial Court

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

T

HE meeting between the Federal Government and Health sector unions to resolve the lingering dispute between them has ended in deadlock.

The matter was however, referred to the National Industrial Court, NIC, for arbitration and both parties have been asked to maintain the status quo pending the resolution.

The issues in contention are non-skipping of salary CONHESS 10, consultancy and specialist allowance, National Health Bill and call/shift duty and other allowances.

In a statement by leaders of MHWUN, NUPMTPAM, NASU, NANNM and SSAUTHRIAI, on behalf of the health sector unions, stated that the trade dispute shall be referred by the Minister of Labour and Productivity to the National Industrial Court, NIC, for judicial process and subsequent interpretation.

Meanwhile, the status quo ante should be maintained by parties to the trade dispute. No trade union member shall be victimized by the management for any act or omission as a result of this trade dispute. There shall be no lock-out or strike in accordance with the provisions of section 18 of the Trade Disputes Act, CAP T8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to amongst other stat-

utory requirement; provide an enabling environment for the resolution of the tdispute.

The implication of the above was that pending the resolution of the contentious issues, the status quo

ante before the circular that generated the trade dispute would be maintained by both parties.”

LG polls: Ogun PDP flays OGSIEC over list of candidates

O

GUN State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, under the leadership of Engr. Adebayo Dayo has expressed shock at the provisional list of eligible candidates for the July 21, 2012 council elections as published by the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission, OGSIEC, in alleged defiance of the law.

In a statement by its Director of Publicity, Mr Segun Showunmi, the party stated that by its action, OGSIEC had displayed a blatant disregard and contempt for the law by failing to comply with judgments both from the Federal High Court and Ogun State High Court which constantly affirmed our executive as “the only and authentic body to superintend over the affairs of Ogun PDP till 2016”.

It also ordered OGSIEC “to relate only with our exco and accept only the candidates produced by us”. We are therefore scandalized as to what could have made OGSIEC take this irresponsible path. The implication are ominous for us in ogun State because when a state institution like OGSIEC is reduced to this level under

Senator Ibikunle Amosun's administration. We must begin to fear for our dear state.

If OGSIEC that derives its legitimacy from the law and its resources from taxpay-

er’s money can subvert same law and will of the majority, it may have set in motion a precedence that will spell doom for Ogun s t a t e .

PAC backs IG on community policing

P

OLICE Assistance Committee, PAC, has re-emphasized the importance of community policing in confronting the escalating security challenges in the country, in line with the new strategy employed by the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar.

Speaking at a seminar in Lagos for its grassroot members, the Director–General of PAC, Dr. Martins Oni stated that the best approach to address security problems was to ensure that every member of the community was well mobilized to be part of the solution by volunteering information to our security agencies.

Oni explained that the PAC has always been applying community-policing approach since inception of operations by mobilizing its members comprising mainly tradesmen/women and

artisans to gather information and intelligence for onward dissemination to the police and other security agencies.

BY TOMMY ANANDUAKA

A

FRONTLINE union ist and community leader in Ibusa, Delta State, Chief Dominic Ofuokwu, has described the re-election of the Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as a demonstration of the good work and representation of the people of the state by the governor.

In a congratulatory mes-

sage, Chief Ofuokwu enjoined the governor to continue with the development of the state and ensure that those projects he was unable to complete in the last tenure of his administration were embarked upon and completed in record time.

The community leader who retired from the Nigerian Railway Corporation, noted that he was not surprised with the performance of governor Oshiomhole whom he called a good labour leader.

Land dispute: Landlords ask court to stay execution on judgment

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

L

ANDLORDS in old Akute road, Iju, Lagos, have approached the Court of Appeal, Lagos, asking it to stay execution on a judgment ceding ownership of land to Lisboa family.

In a motion on notice filed by their counsel, Mr. Kabir Akingbolu, the landlords represented by four members namely Jonah Ojike, Mrs. Rita Edero, Mrs Yetunde James and Mr. Adeyemi Kolawole are praying the court to stay execution on the judgment

earlier delivered by a Lagos High Court and confirmed by the appellate court on the ground that their interest will be adversely affected if the judgment was implemented.

The landlords claimed they purchased the pieces of land from the defendants’ family, Obawole family years back, are interested parties who supposed to be put on notice while the actions in the trial and appeal court were being heard, but suddenly got wind of the judgment when the winner of the case were about to implement the judgment of the court.

From left: Mainland Deanery Director, Mrs. Theresa Ohumeagbulem; CEO of Moore Enterprises Nig. Ltd, Dame Felicia Okolie, her son, Benjamin and Assistant Secretary of Mainland Deanery, Mrs. Jacqueline Aaron-Etim during the Catholic Women Organisation, CWO (Mainland Deanery) award ceremony at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Catholic Church, Lagos.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012—47

F

OR travellers on Enugu/ Onitsha Expressway and Nkpor Old Road, Limca Roundabout stands out among others in Onitsha, given that it is located in front of the residence of Nigeria’s first President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. Being sited close to the home of the great Azikiwe makes it an irresistible tourist attraction, with many visiting or having to pause to stare at it.

But the historical and tourist signifance of the place was lost to Mrs. Vero Nwoye following her ordeal in the hands of kidnappers at that Junction on April 26, 2012. Mrs. Nwoye and her daughter, Chisom, a Senior Secondary, SS11, student of Mercy Girls Secondary School, Umuoji, left her pharmacy shop located at 6, Obosi Street, Nkpor and were driving home in her Mercedes Benz 190 with number plate BR 439 LSD, when suspected kidnappers blocked their car at the junction and pulled her out of her car. She was dragged into theirs.

Kidnappings resurge in the East

I. N. C. R. E. D. I. B.L.E

Realising that Chisom,16, who was sitting beside her might live to tell the story, one of the hoodlums turned back and shot her on the chest and she died on the spot.

Similarly, Port Harcourt Street in Ogui New Layout within Enugu Metropolis, was on March 28, thrown into confusion following the murder of a printer right inside his shop. The printer, known as Ifeanyi, had sent out wedding invitations for his wedding scheduled for Easter WHEREAS the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the United Nations, Monday before he was UN, General Assembly on December 10,1948, was expected to preserve the sanctity of human life. assasinated.

The reverse is the case in Nigeria, where life has become short and worthless. CHARLES KUMOLU The assailants reportedly forced their way into his shop reports and pulled out their pump action rifles out of the long suits joined the group. travelled to Dubai for a business two men identified as Femi and was debased recently, was the The deceased was said to have trip. His six children and mother Asimiyu in April. they wore. One of the killers shot alleged throwing of a threeat Ifeanyi twice, while the sec- gone to the farm that fateful day, were sleeping in another Asimiyu, it was gathered, was week-old baby into the Lagos Laond person shot him to harvest cassava and building within the compound having an affair with the de- goon by a Navy rating. The once and he fell instructed her two when the assailants arrived. The ceased. After being intimate with suspect identified as Joseph down immediately grandchildren to join assassins had gained entry into her, he allegedly killed Emiola fathered a baby by Glory Yusuf, bleeding profusely her later. In addition, the compound by scaling the by chopping off her head and a lady he was dating. from the head, which a 16-year-old girl was, fence of the building and hands, and used a container to was shattered by the I knew early in March, raped to accessing Yakubu’s bedroom by collect her blood. Asimiyu was Trailing the bullets. death in a cassava breaking the ceiling. He was then said to have cut the head and the infant saga Also, the sleepy about the farm at Odume area of shot at close range in the chest hands of his victim, put them village of Ezi Ewa sanctity of life; Obosi, Idemili North and left in the pool of his blood. inside a sack, while he hired Femi Displeased with the birth, the Enohia in Ebonyi I have always Local Government to assist him in burying Emiola naval rating stormed Miss State had its share of Area of Anambra Pool of in a shallow grave at Oke Aremo Yusuf’s apartment with some bizarre killing in known that it State. The girl, it was his blood cemetary, Yemetu, Ibadan. friends and colleagues, beat up May, when a 26- is only the gathered, was said to As it was in Ibadan, so it was in the lady and her aged mother, year-old man, Clem- government have earlier been sexThe yelling of ‘Mama mi o’ Lagos, as news of the gruesome before forcefully taking possesent Chime, was arually abused by a (My mother) woke other mem- murder of innocent citizens sion of the baby. The baby was that has the rested by the police neighbour . bers of the family, but it was too seems to have become a daily later thrown into the Lagos for allegedly chop- power over life Ritualists on the late. His brother, Ishola, who occurrence. For instance, in Lagoon from the Liverpool Street ping off the head of prowl in the West: In rushed out of his room on hear- January this year, Mr. Niyi Ehin- area in Apapa. apart from a 65-year-old womwhat seemed like a dero, was allegedly shot dead by Trailing the infant saga, was the an, Mrs. Grace God,who owns trend, a wealthy ing the screaming was ordered soldiers attached to Operation killing of a 35-year-old bureau de by the gunmen to go back to his Nwachi. Chime, a life, but the Ibadan-based gold- room. They went to his mother’s MESA Unit on Bada Street in change operator, Ali Sani in May, 200-level student of smith, Yakubu Azeez, room and dragged the old Mushin area of Lagos. who was attacked and fatally a Polytechnic, told situation now aka Ojutalayo, 46, was woman to come and behold his Eyewitnesses said the soldiers wounded by a Lebanese national detectives that he in Nigeria is assassinated in his son’s lifeless body. shot Ehindero at close range in in a hotel in the Apapa area of was ordered by different bedroom in March. his car when they went to the Lagos. Sani was lured into the On the heels of Azeez’s murmembers of his cult The deceased was in der, was the brutal killing of a area to disperse hoodlums who hotel by the Lebanese, Bilal Fahs, group to kill somehis bedroom as his 42-year-old Mrs. Sekinat Emio- were engaged in a fierce battle.

23, and his colleagues in crime, one, as he had not wife, Morufat, had la, who was killed in Ibadan by Another instance where life Continues on page 45 done so since he

In Nigeria, life now so so cheap •Terrorists, ritualists, kidnappers hold sway

48— 48—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012

In Nigeria, life now so so cheap law. The North is finished now and no longer safe, while across other regions people are being killed by armed robbers and kidnappers. With this volatility increasing, it is as good as asking if we have no government," Regional Head, Committee for Good Governance and Accountability, Mr. Aduwo Shabayan, told VF. As far as the Human Rights activist is concerned: "The sanctity of human lives has been thrown to the dogs in Nigeria; we are now living in a banana republic. Let's assume that the people perpetrating the killings are ignorant of the legal guarantees of lives, the government, whose duty it is to protect these lives is deaf and handicapped."

Asked what could be responsible for this loss of respect for human lives, he said: "I can only speak at as a civil society person because from what we have seen over the years, we are reaping the fruits of bad leadership. Past and present leaders failed to plan for the overwhelming good of the citizens. That is why someone would wake up and chop off another person’s head. And nothing would happen.”

Continues from page 44 on the pretext of changing a large sum of foreign currency for them. Rather than exchange currency, they turned round to attack him with dangerous weapons.

Sani, who bled profusely from the gaping wounds inflicted on him by his attackers, could not live after he was rushed to three hospitals by his colleagues for treatment.

Reign of terrorists in the North: While the killings in some parts of the country may have happened unnoticed, VanguardFeatures,VF, can reveal that not a few are in the dark about the ongoing wanton waste of human lives in Northern Nigeria. Apart from activities of the Boko Haram sect, which have reduced the value of life in the region to nothing, VF findings indicated that the North stands out as the most dangerous place to reside in Nigeria, as nearly 1,000 Nigerians have been sent to their untimely graves since the beginning of 2012.

From the relatively calm state of Sokoto, to the volatile cities of Jos, Maidugri, Kano,Yobe, among others, life is short, nasty and brutish-apologies to Thomas Hobbes.

Social problem

Protecting the citizens Lately, the killings in Jos have captured global attention, given that many wondering how such terror could reign unchallenged in the face of a government that swore in the 1999 Constitution to protect its citizens.

Accordingly, since January this year, the cities of Jos, Kaduna and Kano, have been engulfed by ethno-religious killings. Jos, particularly, has remained a theatre of gruesome killing of Christians by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

Life now three for one naira: Recently, a federal lawmaker, Senator Gyang Dantong and a member of Plateau State House of Assembly, Gyang Fulani, met their untimely death. The duo were murdered when gunmen invaded Maseh village in Riyom Local Government Area as they were conducting mass burial for 63 victims, who were killed by Fulani herdsmen in Karkuruk, Barkin Ladi.

With the situation attaining a helpless state, many are asking if perpetrators of these crimes were ignorant of the United Nations, UN, position on the sanctity of human life.

Specifically, Articles 3 and 1 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, notes that: “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and

Life in Nigeria... no longer safe conscience and should act to- who might come after me now. wards one another in a spirit of "I knew early about the sancbrotherhood”. tity of life. I have always known It is for this reason that Execu- that it is only the government tive Director of Joint Action for that has the power over life apart Defence of Rights from God who owns of Persons, JADRP, life, but the situation Ngo Komonibo, now in Nigeria is told VF that: different. Life is now Whether it is “What is happenthree for one naira. ing in Nigeria is death in the This trend must ethno-religious stop, else we end up hands of cleansing; we may like Somalia”. kidnappers, not know the Komonibo’s extent now until it position was also ritualists or consumes everysupported by a 2012 bombers the one. Life no Human Rights longer has worth obvious truth Watch Report on in Nigeria. Life Nigeria, which is that some can be sold and maintained that: bought under the thing is funda- “Boko Haram’s situation we find attacks show a mentally ourselves. Each complete and utter time I open the wrong with disregard for human papers, I am life. The Nigerian the welfare of always confronted authorities need to with stories about the citizenry, call a halt to this lives being campaign of terror hence he is no snuffed out of and bring to justice longer citizens.

The those responsible situation is very for planning and comfortable dangerous carrying out these because as I am reprehensible talking to you I do crimes”. not feel safe beIt also observed cause I don't know that: “The January

20, 2012 attacks in the Northern city of Kano left at least 185 police and residents dead and resulted in the highest death toll in a single day since Boko Haram began its violent campaign in July 2009. More than 935 people have been killed in about 164 suspected attacks by the group during this period.

Human rights violations As in previous years, the indisciplined Nigeria Police Force was implicated in frequent human rights violations, including extra-judicial killings, torture, arbitrary arrests, and extortionrelated abuses”.

What is the government doing?

Besides, further checks discovered the existence of an uneasy feeling across the land and beyond, on the manner the government is handling the issue. The verdict in this regard, remains: Government is not doing enough.

“Do we have a government? it is a shame that people are being killed across the country without suspects being prosecuted by the

But Dr. Obinna Ekweozor, a Sociology lecturer, disagrees with Shabayan as he told VF thus: "The whole thing is a social problem, which is a basic occurrence in every human society. In social relations, conflicts arise. But the dimension the conflict has assumed is worrisome and needs to be arrested before the nation is consumed.”

Ekweozor, further pointed out that: "Whether it is death in the hands of kidnappers, ritualists or bombers, the obvious truth is that some thing is fundamentally wrong with the welfare of the citizenry, hence he is no longer comfortable.

"That is why anger and aggression are transferred to innocent persons in the form of killings.

Those at the top ladder of the society should address this inequality because life has lost its value in this society”.

Ekweozor’s stand on the worth of life, also has the support of the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Hassan Kukah.

Kukah at the National Summit on the Freedom of Information Act in Abuja, said that life is becoming cheap in Nigeria, adding that the citizens were running out of ideas and time.

He said though President Goodluck Jonathan might not be responsible for the problem but the key is with him. “Nigeria is running out of time, those who are pushing us are determined to have war. Many of us who have been voices of restraint no longer know what to say,” he added.

Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012—49

JAMB to introduce e-testing

BY PETER DURU

M

AKURDI—JOINT Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, will from next year, commence e-testing of prospective university admission seekers .

JAMB Registrar, Prof ‘Dibu Ojerinde, made the disclosure, yesterday, in Makurdi, Benue State, while on courtesy call on Governor Gabriel Suswam.

He said the board decided to introduce electronic testing for prospective un-

dergraduates to check the rising cases of examination practices perpetrated by candidates.

He said: “The e-testing, if finally introduced will check the cases of malpractices by JAMB candidates, which have become a source of worry to all stakeholders.

“When introduced, the etesting technology would also ensure that our candidates instantly receive the result of their examination at their centres of the examination.”

Severed private part: Bauchi govt, victim's parents clash over bills

BY SUZAN EDEH

B

AUCHI—FOLLOW ING the directive by Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State that a 12-

year-old boy, whose private part was cut, should be treated at the expense of the state government, there has been a disagreement between the parents

of the boy and the Bauchi State Ministry for Health over his treatment.

Ayuba’s throat was cut and his private part severed by a youth in their

FG embargoes cough syrup sales

BY PETER DURU

M

AKURDI—CONCERNED over the rising cases of abuse of cough syrups, Federal Government has directed a restriction on the sale of codeine syrup to persons without doctor’s prescription, to check the indiscriminate and illicit consumption of the drug by addicts.

Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC, Dr. Paul

Orhii, who fielded questions from newsmen in Otukpo, Benue State, said government was constrained to place the embargo because of the high rate of abuse.

He said: “In recent time, we have been confronted with rising cases of young persons and women abusing some cough syrups, especially codeine, to get high, which is known for it’s efficacy in the treatment of cough.”

Council threatens UNIABUJA, UNILORIN, others with sanction

BY CHRIS OCHAYI

A

BUJA—VETERI NARY Council of Nigeria, VCN, yesterday, threatened to sanction three federal universities running non-accredited veterinary medicine programmes. The affected institutions are the University of Agriculture Umudike; University of Abuja and the University of Ilorin.

President of VCN, Professor Gabriel Ogundipe, gave the warning at the 103rd regular meeting of the council in Abuja. He said the

regulatory body will stop universities, which lacked the required facilities, from running the course.

Ogundipe said: “The three universities do not have the required facilities for training of veterinary tertiary doctors. That is why the council has not given them accreditation.

“We are going to discus the report of our visitation to those universities at this meeting in respect of University of Agriculture Umudike, University of Abuja and the University of Ilorin.”

COMPETITION: From left— Mr. Oreoluwa Ogundipe, Project Head, In’Genius Youth Project; Mr. Goke Adeniyi, Special Adviser to Ondo State Governor on Oil & Gas; Mr. Ibrahim Durosimi, Leader of the Aspire Team, winners of N2.5 million naira first prize, and Mr. Emmanuel Olaiya, Director of Operations for In’Genius, at the gala night event to mark the grand finale of the competition in Lagos.

Reps blast FG over Rivers tanker incident

BY OKEY NDIRIBE & EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

H

OUSE of Repre sentatives, yesterday, blamed the poor state of the East-West Road, which passed through the Niger Delta region for last week’s petrol tanker incident that claimed no fewer than 200 lives.

The House urged the Federal Government to quickly complete the road to avoid further loss of lives.

Moving the motion under matters of urgent public importance, Mr. Asita Honourable (PDP Rivers) lamented the number of lives lost in his local government area, where the acci-

dent occurred.

He said the accident was caused by the deplorable state of roads in his constituency and the Niger Delta generally.

The lawmaker expressed regret that the East-West Road, which had been under construction for some time, had not reached 20 percent completion stage.

He described as untrue claims by the Minister of Niger Delta that the road had reached 50 percent completion.

Supporting the argument, Deputy House Leader, Mr. Leo Ogor accused the executive of playing politics with the road. He observed that huge resources had

been spent on the road construction with nothing to show for it.

Mr. Aminu Shagari (PDP Sokoto), said though the poor state of the road may have caused the tanker to fall, but that the deaths should be blamed on poverty.

He contended that the victims went to scoop fuel from the fallen tanker to help them eke out a living.

Shagari accused the government of doing little to address the high rate of poverty in the country and called for strict oversight of ministries, departments and agencies of government to end what he called high level of public deception by government officials.

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

area recently. The governor had visited the boy and later sent his Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sani Malami, who pledged that government will take full responsibility for the treatment of the boy.

Vanguard gathered that initially, the boy was referred to Gombe referral hospital and when government intervened, he was referred to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, where he spent 27 days.

Parents of the boy accused officials of the Ministry for Health of not taking the treatment of the boy serious, saying the boy deserves better treatment outside the country because of the assurance the state government gave them.

They alleged that they had to borrow money before they could complete the last 27 days at the Teaching Hospital, because the N400,000 given to them by the state had finished in the course of running tests and investigations at the teaching hospital.

They added that the initial N200,000 given to them by the government was used to settle debt on the treatment of the boy at Gombe Federal Medical Centre.

State Commissioner for Health, meanwhile, said: “The parents of the boy were ungrateful to the government because I had to force them to take the boy to the Teaching Hospital in Maiduguri, after they had collected the N400,000 and I knew the consultant there was capable of treating the boy.”

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

What's your take on special banks for women?

M

OST women are taking over 80% of family responsibility. Although women have their personal issues to take care of, they have always been pushed to take the back seat. Why then shouldn’t there be specialised banks for women?—Ms. Chioma Ani, Student.

C M Y K

P

ERSONALLY, I don’t think it is OK because it will mean that the husband will not have access to his wife’s account, since one of the criteria of having access to such will include gender. It will break many homes.— Mr. Isaac Olorunshola, Businessman.

S

EEING how desperate some women are, I don’t think Nigeria is ripe for specialised banks for women. The Bible says the love of money is the root of all evil, so why should a woman love money to the point of calling for a specialised bank?— Mrs. Esupofo Lawrence, Cleric.

T

HOSE calling for specialised banks for women actually need to first give us the purpose of such banks.

Does marriage not make a man and woman one? Why must women have special accounts in special banks run on women ideology?— Mr. Owoeye Oluwasanmi, Businessman.

I

disagree with those calling for special ised banks for women.

The Bible says the man and woman shall live their families, cling unto each other and become one. So, specialised banks will lead to power contest in a home.—Mr. John Uwabunkeonye, Accountant.

S

PECIALISED banks for women is not a bad idea— if not abused. Basically, if a man and his wife have a good understanding and relationship, there is no harm in the woman then having an account that the man won’t be able to access.—Mrs. Shola Owolabi, Nurse.

50—V anguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012 50—Vanguard,

Tur key marriage regulations urk

BY VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU

T

HE high rate of di vorce cases involving Nigerian nationals in different countries abroad, with culture shock as a major contributing factor, is an eloquent indication of the fact that many who are victims of failed marriages are oblivious of the rules and regulations guiding marriage contractual in foreign countries.

Turkey, the country in focus is one of the countries in the world which is strict about its Legislations and regulations on marriage.

It is advisable that all intending couples in Turkey, avail themselves of vital information about the rules and regulation guiding the subject matter, prior to contracting a marriage outside Nigeria, be it with a Nigeria national or with a foreigner in his/ her home Country.

Turkish marriage

regulations: It is allowed under the rules guiding marriage in Turkey, and only before a competent Turkish authority, that a Turkish national and a foreigner, or two foreigners with different nationalities can get married.

There is no law debarring two foreigners from the same nationality to be married, either in the offices of their own Country’s embassy or consulate, or before the Turkish authorities, the only standing law is that all marriages conducted by the Turkish authorities must be regulated.

In other words, Turkish relevant authorities shall not conduct marriages, (whether for Turkish or foreigner), unless the petitioners provide marriage licenses as issued to them by the proper Civil State Registry of their home Country, and as an indication that they hold the nationality of their respec-

tive Countries.

In the light of the above information, the couple should understand that they can never again be married in Turkey under the Turkish law, and because monogamy is one of the essential principles of their marriage law, a second marriage cannot be entered, unless otherwise, the first is terminated. In addition, religiously celebrated marriages cannot be accepted as legal.

Eligibility Only those who have attained the minimum age of 18 are allowed to enter into marriages, with clear indication that they have sufficient mental capacity to make fair judgment as to their choices.

In addition, those with mental illness and certain illness, such as epilepsy, hysteria and so on, would not be allowed to marry as such illnesses constitute hindrance to contracting marriage. In other words,

it is of priority importance that such individuals must first seek medical advice on the person they intend to get married to. This will in no small way help to reduce the level of divorce and perhaps death which may occur as a result of involvement with a part-

ner who has a seasonal mental illness.

It is also mandatory that all involved must get a medical examination certificate from a designated medical center, stating clearly, the certified by the Turkish Bureau of marriages.

Getting a Divorce The law does not accept a divorce decree that is obtained from any local court, as it is not capable of annulling a registered

marriage in Turkey and for this to be done, the petitioner must hire the services of an attorney and is required to provide a form of identification, eg; Identity card, drivers license, two passport sized photographs, detailed information of the attorney as well as fee in cash or money order, as stipulated by their marriage law.

UK effects changes on family migration rules

By PRISCA SAM-DURU

T

HE United Kingdom has announced a number of changes to the Immigration Rules. The changes which took effect from 9 July 2012 affect non-European Economic Area (non-EEA) nationals applying to enter or remain in the UK under the family migration route.

According to Agency report, the changes which are being introduced following wide consultation and expert

advice from the Migration Advisory Committee are expected to define the basis on which a person can be allowed into or remain in the UK on the basis of their family or private life.

Among areas affected by the Change is on the issue of allowing adult and elderly dependants to settle in the UK. This is possible only where they can demonstrate that, as a result of age, illness or disability, they require a level of long-

term personal care that can only be provided by a relative in the UK, which requires them to apply from overseas rather than switch in the UK from another category of migrants, for instance, as a visitor.

The changes to the Immigration Rules which were announced by the Government on 11 June 2012, form part of the Government's programme of reform of the immigration routes.

E-mail: consularadvisory@vanguardngr.com

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012—51

SERVICE OF SONGS FOR CHIEF SEGUN OLUSOLA Thousands of Nigerians, including governors, politicians, diplomats, captains of industry, media professionals, artistes and artists , yesterday, thronged MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos Island, for the Service of Songs in honour of the late former Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia and Cultural Icon, Chief Segun Olusola. Pix: Diran Oshe.

From left, Mrs. Fehintola Olusola (widow); Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State; Mr. Olujimi Olusola (son), Rita Aderonke Ajibulu-Moniya (daughter) and others, at the service.

From left, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Laditi (daughter); Mrs. Bola Olusola, (daughterin-law) and Mrs. Edomi Okorodudu (adopted daughter) and others.

Cop, 3 others killed in bullion van attack

BY IFEANYI OKOLIE

L

AGOS—FOUR per sons including a police sergeant and two middle-aged women were, yesterday, killed by a sixman robbery gang, who attacked a bullion van at Mowo Bus-Stop on Lagos- Badagry Expressway and carted away an unspecified amount of money.

Six persons including three policemen were also said to have sustained various degrees of bullet wounds in the robbery which lasted over 30 minute.

Eyewitness told Vanguard that the robbers, who drove a dark coloured Toyota Avalon and a jeep to the scene around 3:30 p.m, opened fire on the bullion van and its escort that was heading toward Lagos and sent motorists, traders and passersby scampering for safety.

The eye-witness told Vanguard, that ''the robbers shot indiscriminately as they engaged the police in a gunfight. Those who couldn’t escape were either killed or injured.

“It was like a scene in a movie. The armed robbers were all young men in their early 20s. They shot sporadically into several directions the moment the bullion van approached them and killed a police sergeant who was seated in front. ''Two other women who were passengers of a car and a commercial bus were killed on the spot while a little boy was also

killed. ''The robbers, after opening the bullion van carted away all the money in it before escaping through Ado-Odo Road in their get-way jeep.”

Another eyewitness, Sule Afolabi, told Vanguard that several motorist abandoned their vehicles while the robbery ensued while the robbers escaped.

Court orders 18 banks to freeze firm's account

BY INNOCENT ANABA

L

AGOS—A Lagos High Court has granted a garnishee order freezing money in the accounts of an oil servicing firm, Qed International (Oil & Gas) Limited, in 18 commercial banks in the country over its alleged refusal to pay a judgment debt of $406,803 (N65.8 million).

Justice Dotun AdefopeOkojie granted the order sequel to a motion ex-parte

by Orion Engineering Services Ltd. Qed International had dragged three firms, in-

cluding Orion Engineering before the court, seeking some declaratory orders against the defendants. The oil servicing firm has Mr. Femi Omotayo as its principal officer and director.

He is now the Managing Director of AOS Orwell Limited in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The firm had entered into an agency relation with Orion Engineering Services Ltd in November 2008 for the supply of personnel and engineers to provide service for Shell's oil rigs and other assignments particularly on the Sea Eagle Vessel Offshore.

Wali emerges NBA President

BY IKECHUKWU

NNOCHIRI

A

BUJA—After months of intense politicking and horse-trading, legal practitioners across the country, yesterday, elected Chief Okechukwu Wali, SAN, as the 26th President of Nigerian Bar Association, NBA. Wali, who was adopted

by Eastern Bar Forum, EBF, and Arewa Lawyers' Forum, was declared winner having polled 688 votes as against 449 and two votes polled by other contenders for the position, Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN, and Chief Blessing Ukiri, respectively.

Others elected were, 1st Vice-President, Mr. O.J. Erahbor, 372 votes; 2nd Assistant Secretary, Mr U.F.O. Nnaemeka, 507 votes; Publicity Secretary, Afam Obi, 628 votes; Welfare Secretary, Kelvin Ezinna, 600 votes; National Treasurer, Joyce Oduah, 925 votes; 3rd Vice-President, Francis Ekwere, 734 votes; while Mr. Emeka Obegolu, emerged as the new Gen-

eral Secretary after polling 527 votes.

Among those who voted at the delegates' conference, were Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal; Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN; Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Nwike and former Minister of Defence, Chief Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN. The election which started at 10 a.m, was con-

ducted amidst tight security, with armed operatives of the State Security Services, SSS, manning all the entrance and exit points to the venue.

Meantime, before the election results were announced, the legal body had earlier named its newly-constructed National Secretariat after its erstwhile president and governorship candidate of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in Ondo State, Chief Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.

Fasehun tasks FG over terrorism

BY ABDULWAHAB

ABDULAH

L

AGOS—OODUA Peo ples Congress, OPC, has called on the Federal Government to seek outside help in tackling terrorism in the country.

Founder/President of OPC, Dr. Frederick Fasehun, who, said in Lagos, that contrary to

claims that the terrorists were only pursuing an agenda to Islamise the country, noted that intelligence reports indicate that there may be an international conspiracy to bombings and terrorism in the country.

The OPC leader also raised the alarm over gradual spate of insecurity in the South-West.

52 —

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012

Falcons battle Cameroon at African Women’s Championship

EKO 2012: Media Vision bankrolls Masters Chess

D

T

EFENDING cham pions Nigeria will have the chance to gain some revenge over Cameroon at the finals of the African Women’s Championship later this year.

They were drawn in Group B on Tuesday by the Confederation of African Football with Ivory Coast and Ethiopia.

The Indomitable Lionesses beat the Super Falcons to reach the Olympic football tournament.

AWC hosts Equatorial Guinea will face the other Olympic-bound side South Africa as well as Senegal and DR Congo.

Nigeria have won the AWC six times and the only side to break their stranglehold on the event is Equatorial Guinea, who clinched the title on home soil in 2008.

The tournament will kick off on 28th October in Malabo with Equato-

rial Guinea taking on South Africa and that will be followed by Senegal against DR Congo.

Group B will begin the following day in Bata with Nigeria against Cameroon followed by Ivory Coast taking on debutants Ethiopia The top two teams from each group will meet in the semi-finals with the final scheduled for 11 November at the Nouveau Stade in Malabo.

Group A: Equatorial Guinea, South Africa, Senegal, DR Congo Group B: Nigeria, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia

•Perpetua Nkwocha

solved to sponsor the event as part of its contribution to the making of a great Lagos team atthe Festival which the state will be hosting. “MediaVision shares the vision of the Lagos State government in the area of sports development through human capital elevation and infrastructural development. We are therefore partnering with the state through Chess to engage our youths primarily and to also raise a formidable Team Lagos Chess for the National Sports Festival”, Bank-Oemoh explained.

o brok er s par tner ship Idoko broker ers partner tnership Married Olympic couple can’t room Idok deal between Sunshine, FC together Cape TTo own

Marriage has its ups and its downs, but the downs don’t usually in-

clude being unable to sleep together.

Sunday, Nick Green,

Asumnu is Clean, Says AFN The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), yesterday refuted claims in a section of the sporting press that sprinter, Gloria Asumnu, was one of the three top Nigeria athletes that tested positive to banned substances.

President of the AFN, Chief Solomon Ogba, said yesterday that the clarification became necessary because of wild speculations about the three Nigerian athletes that failed the dope tests carried out at the Nigerian Olympic trials in Calabar last month.

“This clarification has become necessary because of the wrong impression it was creating in track & field circles.

Despite our federation’s appeal to journalists to exercise caution in handling the matter, because of the procedures involved, a section of the sporting press has gone to town to speculate those they believed are involved. For the record, we want to say here that Gloria Asumnu is not one of the three athletes,” observed the AFN chief yesterday in a statement.

Ogba insisted that once the final result of the dope carried out on Nigerian athletes is ready, “we are going to address

HE Lagos State Chess Association (LSCA) has announced dates for the monthly ‘Training with the Masters Series’ even as MediaVision Limited is unveiled as the sponsor of the second edition of the tournament described as an integral part of the preparations for the Team Lagos Chess ahead the National Sports Festival in November. MediaVision Limited is a Sports Event and Marketing company based in the state.

Managing Director and CEO of MediaVision, Fela Bank-Olemoh said the company re-

the media on it and athletes found to have run foul of the law on dope would be made to face the consequences of their actions. This present board has zero tolerance for dope and will do everything possible to ensure that we compete fair and square at the London Games without bringing any embarrassment to Nigeria.”

•Gloria

chef de mission of the Australian Olympic Committee, told Australian Olympic shooters Russell and Lauryn Mark via email that they would not be able to room together in the Olympic Village during this month’s London Games.

The husband and wife Olympians are calling the mandate stupid and believe it was set off by Russell’s pro-sleeping pill stance and Lauryn’s provocative photo shoot in the latest issue of The Zoo, an Australian magazine geared towards the fellows.

S

UNSHINE Stars of Akure and South African clubside, FC Cape Town have entered into agreement to stimulate football investment from the commercial perspectives.

The deal was brokered by the Executive Director of the Ondo State Football Agency (OSFA), Mike Idoko after a fourday visit to the club’s office in Sacony Road, Parow, Cape Town.

According to the owner and chairman of FC Cape Town, Errol Dicks, the visit of Idoko was part of their three-year “Stimulus Plan, READ the game & win the

game,” a strategic blueprint intended to stimulate FC Cape Town to the elite league.

“This plan represents an enhanced platform designed to transform FC Cape Town into a winning and successful football club in pursuit of excellence in South Africa and beyond”, Dicks said on phone.

According to him, “Idoko is rated high in South Africa like Ivan Xhosa because he has been successful in all the clubs he has handled. That is why we invited him over to help bring players from Nigeria and elsewhere in line with our drive.

DS T V B/League Super 8 final Shearer endorses Carroll DST dunks off Monday for Newcastle return Organising Committee,

BY JACOB AJOM

A

FTER a long wait, the DSTV Basketball League Super 8 finals will dunk off Monday July 23 at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National stadium, Lagos.

In an elaborate preevent media briefing in Lagos, John Ugbe representing the sponsors of the league, MultiChoice Nigeria said the organisation was committed to the competition and believed it will create the necessary platform for players and coaches to showcase their talents to the entire world.

Still relishing in the

qualification for the Olympics by the national male basketball team, Ugbe who is the managing director of the company said, “this is the time to show the world that Nigerian basketball has arrived.”

Chairman of the Local

Babs Ogunmade disclosed that teams will start arriving Lagos July 21st while play begins on Monday, 23.

The competition which will feature three matches each day will be beamed live to the rest of the world.

We’ll beat Pillar s — Kw ara Utd Pillars Kwara Coach

BY IME BASSEY

K

WARA United gaffer, Tunde Sanni expressed regret after his highly fancied side slumped to a slim 1-0 loss to newly promoted Nigerian Premier League side, El Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri in the opening group match of the ongoing Federation Cup round of 16 at the Agege Stadium.

Coach Sanni blamed the unavailability of some of his key players for the loss, stressing that his strikers were unlucky in front of goal.

N

EWCASTLE legend Alan Shearer said Andy Carroll should return to the Sports Direct Arena after Liverpool expressed their desire to sell.

Brendan Rodgers does not see the 23-year-old, who Liverpool signed for 35m pounds just 18 months ago, as part of his plans for the upcoming Premier League season.

Newcastle made an unsuccessful offer of a season-long loan deal with a view to a permanent move while paying half the player’s wages but the Anfield club rejected the approach and insist they want to do a deal on

a permanent basis.

Former Tyneside favourite and all-time Premier League top goalscorer, Shearer believes Carroll can get his career back on track at his home club.

•Carroll

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012—53

Much ado about David Mark's statement on insecurity Dear Sir,

T

ORRENTS of verbal attacks by some Northern leaders and groups have trailed Senate President, David Mark statement which accused Northern leaders of being behind the current security challenge in the region. I think that instead of being the object of unnecessary verbal attacks and taunts, Senator David Mark should rather be commended for his courage and bravery in coming out to speak the truth.

He took the path most Northern leaders have dreaded to take. He came out boldly to state what he and most Nigerians believe is the incontrovertible truth.

No discerning mind needs to be toldthattheactivitiesofBokoHaram have continued to blossom and flourish as a result of the failure of leaders in the North to come together and find a way to address the issue. The indifference of the North is a clear indication that a

good number of them are happy about the current security situation in the region which has been attributed to President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to run for the presidency in 2011, which to the NorthisprincipallyagainstthePDP zoning arrangement. The fact remains that no matter how the Northernleaders try hard to remain evasiveontheissueofBokoHaram, the truth remains that, the North will be worse off at the end of the day.

There are indications already that the activities of Boko Haram are already taking its toll on the economy of the North, and if the sect continues at it’s present pace, it won’t take long before the economy of the entire region grinds to a halt. What are leaders when they cannot call their wards to order. And like the Senate President said, there is a limit to what Christian leaders will do to restrain members of the Christian

community from responding to these needless attacks against them. God help us it doesn’t get to this point, because if it does, the Northern leaders who presently feign ignorance, will not be free from the inferno.

Christians and their places of worship must not be constant targets of any sect or group in trying to drive home their point or rather ideology. Everyone, irrespective of religion, creed and ideological belief, has a right to life. The idea of Christians being used as sacrificial lambs for ideological, political or whatever ends must cease.

OHWEVWO UFUOMA EUGENE, ohwevwoufuoma@ymail.com 08127029122

Renaming of UNILAG to MAULAG AFTERmany days of criti cal thinking, I have fi nally arrived at a conclusion that Mr. President’s decision to rename the University of Lagos after the late democracy icon, Chief MKO. Abiola was indeed a good decision. For those who oppose the decision simply because Unilag has lasted for 50 years and also because its location will reduce Abiola to an ethnic champion, what about Uni-Ife that metamorphosed into OAU of today?

Nigerians should thank Mr . President for doing what his predecessors refused to do. Renaming one university after Abiola is not even enough. Mr. President should also rename Aso villa after MKO. Abiola because had he not died perhaps the democracy we enjoy today wouldn’t have come.

WAEC should release my results Dear Sir, ERMIT me to use your mediumtoappealtotheWest African Examinations Council, WAEC to release my results. I sat for the May/June, 2011 WASSCE .

WhentheCouncilreleasedthe2011 May/JuneGeneralWASSCEresults, myentireresult(amongothers)was withheldforonefullyearwithoutany reasons offered by the Council.

Following this development, the School management took up te matterthroughseveralofficialletters and visits to the Ilorin WAEC office, all to no avail.

By this act of the Council

P

B. Ezenwadiugwu 08182266401 Ban on tinted glasses, siren and SPY number plates The Inspector General of Police has banned tinted glasses, sirens and SPY number plates.

The directive by the IGP is very overreaching to innocent citizens whose vehicles have factoryfitted tinted glasses. There is no ban on the importation of such vehicles. The IGP should kindly exclude such vehicles from the ban. We appreciate his good intentions but if this is not done urgently, he will have yet opened another painful regime of police harrassment of innocent citizens on our highways and streets in the name of checking abuse of or illegal use of tinted glasses.

Anonymous 08036662923 On new electricity tariff In a civilised society, the government would have provided meters to all. they should also generate and distribute adequate electricity before raising tariff. Good decision, but in Nigeria, our leaders are always on the reverse gear. They apply cream all over before a bath.

Ugonwanne 08064091428

(withholding my results for a whole academic session 2011/2012), I was deniedtheopportunityofadmission into the university for my desired course of study (Law) in the 2011/ 2012academicsession.

ImakeboldtosaythattheCouncil should take note that my school, International Arts and Science Academy,Agbabiaka,IlorininKwara statewasnotindictedforanyformof examinationmalpracticeswhatsoever in respect of the May/June, 2011 examinations that could lead to withholding my results.

Ihumblyappealtostronglyrequest from the Council, through your medium, to release my May/June 2011 examinations full result, including the result of the cancelled LiteratureinEnglishofthesameyear, as this is the core and key subject required to enable me study Law in anyNigerianuniversity,andtoenable me use the result for the 2012/2013 universityacademicexercise. Ihope and expect the release of the said examinationresultsoonest.

AbolajiV.Oluwaseye International Arts & Science Academy, Agabbiaka,Ilorin,Kwara State 08037131868

The phobia of third world countries is our travail or scary of the world powers. The political maneuvering was the strength the western powers or developed nations utilised against developing the third world countries. Let me cease this opportunity to congratulated the gallant and brilliant charisma displayed by all those that stood by the best and most qualified candidate Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala. She lost with her ego intact.

The lesson or litmus test to the developed world is that power to control the world is gradually slipping off their hands, as other empires of old crumbled.

Therefore, the economic growth being parceled together by these developing nations like Nigeria is for these countries to go back to the drawing board to ensure power is wrestled off the hands of the world zealotry.

The developed world economy is gliding to an ebb of collapse, so lets ensure quality leadership with much vigor as a world power as championed by the ebullient woman- Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala whose gender, fitness and experience encourage d the entire universe to support her candidature.

Keep faith alive!

Otugo.B 08067557715

World Bank‘s Presidency

SAYINGS OF OUR ELDERS 1.Do not make jest of those who have fallen when slippery ground still lies ahead.

2. When your wife refuses to talk to you, she is trying to tell you something.

Oladele Akinrinmade(08058154895), Abiye Maternity Hospital ,Ganmo, P.O.Box4906,Ilorin, Kwara Delta Send us your Sayings of Our Elders. They must be African sayings or proverbs. Biblical or English proverbs are unacceptable. You will be paid N100.00 for every saying published. Address your sayings to: The Co-ordinator, Sayings of Our Elders,Vanguard Media Ltd., PMB 1007, Apapa, C M Y K

54—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2012 — 55

Vanguard gets Olympic ticket N

IGERIAN Olym pic committee spokes man Tony Ubani yesterday handed vanguard newspapers their London Olympics media accreditation .

Ubani, also vanguard’s sports Editor, here hand’s over the accreditation to Group Sports Editor Onochie Anibeze who will be in London with him for the Games. Onochie and Tony for the Olympics?

Deadly duo!

The readers will be the winners. Stay with us for a vintage coverage that you cant get elsewhere.

•Anibeze, Ubani ready to roar for readers

Continues from B/P

READY TO THRILL — Group Sports Editor, Onochie Anibeze (L) receives London Olympic accreditation from NOC's PRO, Tony Ubani. Photo: BIODUN AZEEZ.

Fergie: We’ll beat City to the title A

LEX FERGUSON has tipped his Manchester United side to reclaim the Premier League title from neighbours City.

Roberto Mancini’s men won the championship thanks to Sergio Aguero’s 94th minute winner against QPR on the final day of the season.

That ended City’s 44year wait for the title — but United boss Fergie insists his side are at their most dangerous after experiencing failure.

The Scot said: “If you look back over different periods, you see we recover.

“When Arsenal won the title from us in 1998 we went and won the Treble the next year. We accepted the challenge and did something about it.

•Ferguson

NFF commits to Soccerex

S

OCCEREX is proud to announce that the President of the Nigerian Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari has confirmed he will be attending the Soccerex Seminar Lagos, 27 – 28, September. He will be delivering a keynote speech as part of the opening session entitled Football in West Africa.

The session already includes the Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, Seyi Akinwunmi and President of the Ghana Football Association Kwesi Nyantakyi.

The Nigerian Football Federation was formed in 1945 and became affiliatC M Y K

London 2012 Olympics: BBC to send 765 staff

ed with CAF in 1959 and FIFA in 1960. As of 2008 it organises three leagues and five cup competitions.

Alhaji Aminu Maigari stated: “This is a landmark achievement that should be celebrated considering what Soccerex has been doing in the area of business for the past one and a half decades. The NFF is encouraging all efforts and endeavours geared towards promoting the game and making Nigerian football a bigger brand than it ever was.”

The Soccerex Seminar Lagos will deliver a conference agenda exploring current football business topics in West Africa

“Then Chelsea came along and got off to a flyer in the league for the first two years.

“We changed our preseason a little to make sure we got off to quick starts. That allowed us to get the title back.

“That’s happened three times in the last 14 or 15 years. Recovery is so important and the same applies this season. There’s not any difference.

“It will be special, but not more special than in previous years.

“We want to recover the title. That’s our priority No1 — to win the title back.”

And United veteran Ryan Giggs, 38, backed his manager’s claims that United will be even more determined to win their 20th league crown next term.

Middle East offer tempts Osaze Continues from B/P

The Nigeria international has previously made no secret of his ambition to play for a club ready to compete for silverware.

The Baggies have moved quickly to play down the speculation with a club spokesman describing the reports as ‘utter nonsense with no basis whatsoever.’

Odemwingie has also been included in a 25man travelling party selected by the recently appointed Albion head coach for the team’s two game tour of Scandinavia.

Al-Gharrafa are said to

be preparing a lucrative deal for the Nigerian international in an attempt to try and tempt him away from the Hawthorns.

Clarke is in no rush though to offload the forward and he would certainly want a ready made replacement lined-up before he would even consider sanctioning his exit to the Middle-East or anywhere else.

The 30-year-old has scored 25 goals for the club in 60 appearances since his moving to the Midlands from Lokomotiv Moscow in August 2010.

don, with celebrity pundits such as Gary Lineker among hundreds involved in producing 2,500 hours of live coverage for the corporation.

The 765 BBC staff is an increase on the 493 people the broadcaster sent to the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

However, the corporation’s staff numbers are dwarfed by the 2,700 journalists flown to London by the US TV net-

work NBC. The BBC has aimed to position itself as the official broadcaster of the Olympics and has lined up presenters including Lineker, Sue Barker and Clare Balding to front its wall-towall coverage of the summer games.

Dave Gordon, BBC Sport’s head of major events, defended the staff numbers in an interview with Radio Times.

NBC crew dwarfs BBC contingent

W

HILE the BBC will have a total of 765 staff covering the Olympic games in London, which bow July 27, it’s less than half the 2,700 personnel NBC is sending to Blighty for the event.

The BBC crew will be responsible for 2,500 hours of live coverage being prepared by the U.K. pubcaster. At the Beijing Olympics in

2008, the BBC fielded 493 people.

In an interview with U.K. listings magazine Radio Times, Dave Gordon, BBC Sport’s head of major events, said the number of BBC staff involved in covering the games was not excessive.

He said: ‘’Don’t forget, NBC is flying 2,700 over from the U.S.A. So we’re pretty lean and mean.

Libya’s Olympic chief kidnapped

T

HE president of the Libyan Olympic Committee has been kidnapped, the committee said Monday.

Ahmad Nabil al-Alam was taken in central Tripoli on Sunday, the organization said.

He was followed by two vehicles and then seized by unidentified gunmen around 4 p.m., the committee said.

The identity and motive of the kidnappers were not immediately known.

Al-Alam is supposed to head the Libyan delegation in London for the Olympic games, which begin next week.

The committee issued a statement saying the “Libyan sports family” condemns “this heinous crime.”

The First Kiss Continues from B/P

an 80-69 win.The President and Joe Biden took their seats to chants of ‘U-S-A’ as the loudspeakers blared Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the USA. ‘Obviously the talent that we’ve got at this point is unbelievable,’ Mr Obama said during a halftime interview on ESPN2. ‘So there’s no reason that we shouldn’t bring home the gold. We just have to stay focused.’

Mr Obama clearly relished the opportunity to

wrap himself in the Olympic spirit four months before Election Day. His Republican rival, Mitt Romney, is expected to use the Olympics to highlight his leadership role during the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City.

Mr Romney, who helped turn around the Salt Lake City Games after they became caught up in a bribery scandal, plans to be in London for the opening ceremonies next week. Mrs Obama will lead the U.S. delegation to the opening ceremonies.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012

The First Kiss

Middle East offer tempts Osaze Q ATAR based outfit Al-Gharrafa have reportedly made a bid for West Bromwich Albion hitman Peter Odemwingie.

This comes following talk of a bust-up with Steve Clarke.

The Baggies are considering the offer on the table but are understood to want to line-up a replacement before sanctioning any departures.

Continues on Page 55 •MAN OF THE MOMENT — Osaze

London 2012 Olympics: BBC to send 765 staff T

HE BBC will send 765 staff to cover the Olympic games in Lon

Continues on Page 55

TODAY'S

•28,000 members of the media to cover Games

PUZZLES

YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

Caught on camera: The crowd at the Verizon Center cheered when the First Couple were on the Kiss Cam

B

ARACK Obama took a break from his campaign on Monday night - but still managed to stir up a crowd at an exhibition game for the U.S. basketball team.

The President raised a cheer when he kissed his wife Michelle while the couple was being filmed on the Kiss Cam during an interval in the matchup between the American Olympic team and Brazil’s players.

But for Mr Obama, a keen basketball fan, the highlight of the night was presumably to get a close look at superstars of the sport, such as LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, working together for Continues on Page 55

AFFECTION: Barack Obama hugs his wife as their daughter Malia averts her gaze during a basketball game

Vanguard gets Olympic ticket •Anibeze, Ubani ready to roar for readers — Pg 55

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Deception (6) 5 Orb (6) 9 The same (5) 10 Haphazard (6) 11 Pass (6) 12 Slander (5) 14 Sleigh (4) 17 Immerse (3) 18 Snare (4) 20 Dense (5) 22 Trunk (5) 23 Cylindrical (7) 24 Calm (5) 26 Soar (5) 29 Roguish (4) 30 Allow (3) 32 Decrease (4) 33 Madness (5) 35 Believe (6) 36 Sieve (6) 37 Measured (5) 38 Epistle (6) 39 Edict (6)

DOWN 1 Compulsion (6) 2 Annul (6) 3 Image (4) 4 Shy (5) 5 Precipitous (5) 6 Referendum (4) 7 Die (6) 8 Excused (6) 13 Tar (7) 15 Admirer (5) 16 Trench (5) 18 Toss (5) 19 Pale (5) 21 Owing (3) 22 Feline (3) 24 Package (6) 25 Stress (6) 27 Roam (6) 28 Venerate (6) 30 After (5) 31 Weary (5) 33 Mimic (4) 34 Assistant (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 4, Spite 7, Trench 9, Lie 10, Eat 12, Dally 13, Plod 15, Lower 17, Raffle 19, Land 20, Demur 22, Elm 24, Bearded 27, Era 28, Seedy 31, Chic 33, Itched 35, Under 37, Dial 38, Snare 39, Dad 41, Saw 42, Grille 43, Lever.

How to Play Sudoku

THE VIGILANTE

DOWN: 1, Stupid 2, Deform 3, Ace 4, Side 5, Pearl 6, Talented 8, Half, 11, Tolerated 14, Daub 16, Weld 18, Free 21, Exchange 23, Mesh 25, Arid 26, Deed 29, Edible 30, Yelled 32, Curse 34, Crag 36, Near 40, Dry.

e-mail: rowolove@yahoo.co.uk

Place a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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